The Lake District is a dream destination for dog owners. From scenic lakeside walks to mountain trails and cosy pubs that welcome muddy paws, it’s one of the best places in the UK to enjoy an outdoor break with your four-legged friend. We’ve rounded up 8 of the most dog-friendly campsites across the region, each offering something special for you and your pup.
Park Cliffe Camping & Caravan Estate (Windermere)
Why it’s great for dog owners: Set on a stunning 25 acres overlooking Windermere, Park Cliffe has a strong reputation for being one of the Lake District’s most dog-friendly sites. Dogs are welcome on camping and touring pitches, and there’s a dedicated dog-friendly section in the on-site bar and restaurant — fittingly called Canine Corner. You’ll also find water bowls dotted around the park and plenty of space for short on-lead strolls.
Nearby: A short drive takes you into Bowness, where you’ll find lakeside walks and plenty of pubs and restaurants that welcome dogs.
Best for: Lake views, comfort, and sociable evenings with your dog by your side.
Waterside House Campsite (Pooley Bridge, Ullswater)
Why it’s great for dog owners: A family-run site, Waterside House Campsite offers a private shoreline for swimming and paddleboarding with your dog. It’s large but peaceful, with plenty of green space and a friendly atmosphere. Waterside is also a farm and notes that the friendly working dogs on site can often be seen playing in the lake with visiting dogs and children on site.
Nearby highlights: Pooley Bridge has excellent dog-friendly pubs including The Sun Inn and The Crown Inn. The Ullswater Way walking route passes close to the site.
Best for: Lakeside activities and scenic trails.
Syke Farm Campsite (Buttermere)
Why it’s great for dog owners:
A small, traditional site surrounded by mountains and streams, Syke Farm is ideal for those who prefer peace and proximity to nature. Dogs can join you on scenic trails like the Buttermere Circuit (listed in our article on dog friendly hikes in the Lake District) or Haystacks.
Nearby highlights:
Don’t miss Syke Farm Tearoom next door (which serves ice cream and welcomes dogs) and The Bridge Hotel, both within walking distance.
Best for: Quiet stays and lakeside walks.
Baysbrown Farm Campsite (Chapel Stile)
Why it’s great for dog owners:
Baysbrown is a spacious working farm in Great Langdale is surrounded by excellent walks and open countryside. Dogs are welcome, and there’s plenty of room to roam safely on leads. A fantastic option for those who like to take a casual approach to camping, simply turn up and pick your spot, first come, first served. The perfect base for any type of adventure with your four-legged best friend.
Nearby highlights:
Close to Chapel Stile and Elterwater, where you’ll find The Britannia Inn and Wainwrights Inn – both dog-friendly. Great for easy access to Langdale and Ambleside.
Best for: Countryside views and relaxed rural stays.
Sykeside Camping Park (Hartsop, near Brothers Water)
Why it’s great for dog owners:
Sykeside is a walker’s paradise with trails leading straight up into the fells, a perfect base for exploring the area and it’s abundant trails with your canine companion. Dogs are welcome throughout the campsite at Sykeside, including the shop, bar and restaurant (The Brotherswater Inn), which is the perfect way to end a day on the trails with a delicious meal and a cold pint.
Nearby highlights:
Explore walks to Dove Crag, High Hartsop Dodd and Dovedale. The Brothers Water loop is also an easy stroll for a quick morning walk.
Best for: Hike-in/hike-out adventures.
Great Langdale Campsite (Langdale Valley)
Why it’s great for dog owners:
Nestled beneath the Langdale Pikes, Great Langdale is a National Trust campsite that offers direct access to world-class walking trails right from your pitch. There’s plenty of open space, a small stream for cooling off, and a friendly atmosphere where dogs are welcome everywhere on site.
Nearby highlights:
The Old Dungeon Ghyll Hotel and Sticklebarn are both a short stroll away and welcome dogs inside. The Langdale Valley is also ideal for scenic walks like Blea Tarn and Stickle Tarn.
Best for: Active hikers and dogs that love the fells
Castlerigg Hall Caravan & Camping Park (Keswick)
Why it’s great for dog owners:
Set on a hillside overlooking Derwentwater, Castlerigg Hall has dog-friendly facilities including walking areas and easy access to local trails. The site has dedicated dog showers and waste stations.
Nearby highlights:
Keswick is one of the most dog-friendly towns in the UK, with pubs like The Dog & Gun and cafes such as Java Coffee and The Square Orange. Friars Crag and Derwentwater walks start just minutes away.
Best for: Lakeside walks and easy access to Keswick.
Side Farm Campsite (Patterdale, Ullswater)
Why it’s great for dog owners:
Located on the shores of Ullswater, Side Farm offers direct access to the lake and nearby trails including Helvellyn and Glenridding. Dogs are allowed everywhere on site and there’s plenty of open space for morning walks.
Nearby highlights:
Glenridding’s Travellers Rest Inn and Fellbites Café are both dog-friendly. You can also take dogs on the Ullswater Steamers for a unique experience.
Best for: Water-loving dogs and mountain explorers.
Map of Dog Friendly Campsites in the Lake District
Find and explore each of the listed dog friendly campsites across the Lake District using our handy map below.
A scenic, family-run campsite set at the foot of Dove Crag in the Hartsop Valley, surrounded by classic Lake District fells. Dogs are welcome across the site and in the adjoining Brotherswater Inn, making it a great choice for walkers who enjoy a pint after a day on the trails. With direct access to hikes around Brothers Water and up into the surrounding peaks, it’s an ideal base for outdoor-loving owners and their dogs.
A picturesque lakeside campsite on the shores of Ullswater, surrounded by mountains and peaceful woodland. Dogs are welcome on leads, and the site provides direct access to trails including the Ullswater Way and routes up towards Helvellyn. Its stunning location makes it perfect for owners who enjoy early morning lakeside walks and evenings spent by the water, with the Travellers Rest Inn and Glenridding village both nearby and dog-friendly.
A well-established campsite set high above Keswick with panoramic views over Derwentwater and the surrounding fells. Dogs are welcome across the site, with clear walking areas and facilities including a dog wash and waste stations to make life easier for owners. Its location offers direct access to great walks such as Friars Crag and Walla Crag, while Keswick’s many dog-friendly pubs and cafés are just minutes away.
A spacious working farm campsite in the Langdale Valley surrounded by rolling hills and classic Lakeland scenery. Dogs are welcome as long as they’re kept under control, and there’s plenty of room for walks through the nearby fields and lanes. Its peaceful location makes it ideal for those who want to explore Elterwater, Chapel Stile, and the Langdale Pikes while staying close to welcoming pubs like Wainwrights Inn and The Britannia Inn.
A small, traditional campsite in the heart of Buttermere village, surrounded by fells, streams, and open countryside. Dogs are warmly welcomed on-site and can enjoy scenic trails such as the Buttermere Circuit straight from the tent. With a tearoom and pub next door that both allow dogs, it’s a relaxed, picturesque base for those who love peaceful walks and mountain views.
A spacious, family-run campsite on the shores of Ullswater that provides direct lake access for swimming, paddleboarding and scenic walks with your dog. Dogs are welcome throughout the site on leads, and there’s plenty of open grassland for exercise and play. The location is ideal for exploring the Ullswater Way, with dog-friendly pubs and cafés just a short walk away in Pooley Bridge.
A beautifully maintained 25-acre site overlooking Windermere that actively welcomes dogs. There are dog-friendly pitches, a dedicated “Canine Corner” in the on-site bar and restaurant, and water bowls positioned around the park. The peaceful setting and easy access to lakeside walks make it a favourite for owners who want comfort and convenience without leaving their dogs behind.
A National Trust-run site set in the heart of the Langdale Valley, surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery and countless walking trails. Dogs are welcome on all camping pitches (on leads), and the site has a small beck running through it that’s ideal for cooling off after a long hike. With Sticklebarn and The Old Dungeon Ghyll Hotel both dog-friendly and within walking distance, it’s one of the best bases in the Lakes for active owners and their dogs.
Explore more dog friendly locations, including hikes, campsites and road trips on our Wildpack Map, our curated and ever growing map of locations to explore with your dog.
Final Thoughts
The Lake District is one of the UK’s most dog-friendly destinations, and these campsites make it even easier to share adventures with your canine companion. For those of you that like a road trip, whether by car or camper, The Lake District Loop is a fantastic experience that can incorporate many of the campsites outlined here, as well as some amazing dog friendly walks and hikes.
Whether you’re after lakeside pitches, fellside trails or quiet woodland escapes, each of these sites welcomes dogs with open arms and stunning surroundings.