Discover the best Lake District Wild Camping Spots in this 2025 guide! Find remote tarns, stunning valleys, and essential camping tips for your next adventure.

Introduction to Wild Camping in the Lake District

Wild camping in the Lake District offers a rare and raw connection with nature. Picture yourself waking up beside a serene tarn, with mist rolling off the fells and nothing but silence around you. It’s the kind of freedom and adventure that keeps people coming back.

Although wild camping isn't officially permitted in most of the Lake District, it's widely tolerated if you're respectful, discreet, and leave no trace. That means staying off private land, pitching late, packing up early, and avoiding busy tourist areas. Follow these principles, and you’ll find some of England’s most breathtaking wild campsites.

Essential Tips Before You Go

Before setting out to explore wild camping Lake District locations, it’s important to be well-prepared:

• Pack light but smart: A lightweight tent, sleeping bag, mat, and stove are essentials.
• Weather-wise: Conditions can change rapidly. Always check forecasts.
• Navigation is key: Don’t rely on your phone alone. Carry a map and compass.
• Stay safe: Tell someone your route and estimated return time.
• Leave No Trace: Carry out all litter, avoid damaging the ground, and respect wildlife.

Top 13 Lake District Wild Camping Spots

Here’s a curated list of the top wild camping spots across the Lake District—ranging from tarns and valleys to lofty ridge-lines.

1. Sprinkling Tarn

2. Buttermere Valley

3. Styhead Tarn

4. Angle Tarn (Far Eastern Fells)

5. Grisedale Tarn

6. Ennerdale Valley

7. Blea Tarn (Langdale Area)

8. High Street Range (Mardale Ill Bell)

9. Hayeswater Tarn

10. Easedale Tarn (Grasmere)

11. Red Tarn (Below Helvellyn)

12. Great Langdale Valley

13. Kentmere Horseshoe

What to Pack for Wild Camping in the Lakes

Essential Item	Why It Matters
Lightweight tent	Easy to carry and pitch quickly
Waterproof clothing	Sudden rain is common
Sleeping bag & mat	For warmth and comfort
Portable stove & food	Fires are not allowed, so bring a gas stove
Water filter	Drink safely from streams and tarns
Map & compass	Don’t rely on mobile signal alone

Best Time to Wild Camp in the Lake District

• Spring (April–June): Crisp air, fewer midges, lush landscapes.
• Summer (July–August): Warmer but busier—start hikes early.
• Autumn (September–October): Stunning foliage, cooler nights.
• Winter (November–March): For experts only—cold, wet, and snowy.

Safety Tips and Emergency Advice

• Know your limits: Don’t push for high altitudes in bad weather.
• Download GPS apps: Consider OS Maps or Komoot.
• Emergency contact: Lake District Mountain Rescue is volunteer-run but crucial—dial 999 in emergencies.

Leave No Trace Principles in Practice

• Camp above 450m if possible
• Avoid pitching near paths or lakeshores
• Pack out all rubbish, even organic waste
• Don’t light fires—use a portable gas stove
• Respect wildlife and nesting areas

Local Wildlife and What to Watch Out For

• Red squirrels: Rare but seen in wooded areas.
• Midges: Use repellent in summer.
• Foxes and badgers: Avoid leaving food out.
• Birds of prey: Spot buzzards, kestrels, and even ospreys.

Map and Route Planning Tools

• Ordnance Survey Maps: Reliable paper maps and app.
• All Trails: User-friendly route planner
• Gaia GPS: Ideal for elevation profiles and offline maps.

Legalities of Wild Camping in the Lake District

While wild camping is technically not legal without landowner permission, it’s tolerated in remote areas if campers:

• Stay out of sight
• Don’t camp in groups
• Move on quickly if asked
• Don’t damage land or disturb wildlife

Nearby Pubs and Supplies in Each Region

• Grasmere: Tweedies Bar & Dale Lodge Hotel
• Langdale: Sticklebarn Pub (National Trust)
• Buttermere: The Bridge Hotel
• Keswick: Multiple outdoor stores and pubs

FAQs About Wild Camping in the Lake District

1. Is wild camping legal in the Lake District?
It’s not strictly legal, but it's often tolerated if you follow guidelines and camp responsibly.

2. Can I wild camp by a lake?
Avoid busy lakeshores. Tarn areas and high ground are better choices.

3. Are fires allowed?
No. Always use a stove for cooking—fires can cause lasting damage.

4. What's the best season for wild camping?
Spring and early autumn offer the best mix of scenery, weather, and low midge levels.

5. Do I need permission to wild camp?
Technically, yes. But most landowners will not object if you're discreet and respectful.

6. Can I bring a dog wild camping?
Yes, but keep it under control, especially around sheep or nesting birds.

Conclusion: Finding Your Own Secret Spot

Wild camping in the Lake District is more than a weekend getaway—it’s a soul-refreshing adventure. From hidden tarns to high ridges, the fells offer countless opportunities to disconnect from the modern world. Just remember to tread lightly, respect the landscape, and savour every moment.