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)
Photo Credit: Robin Kitchin
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)
Nearby: Otter Island, Derwentwater
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)
Nearby: 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
- Sykeside Camping Site
- Side Farm Campsite
- Castlerigg Hall Caravan & Camping Park
- Baysbrown Farm Campsite
- Syke Farm Campsite
- Waterside House Camp Site
- Park Cliffe Camping & Caravan Estate
- Great Langdale Campsite
Find and explore each of the listed dog friendly campsites across the Lake District using our handy map below.
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.
What’s Nearby?
Camping in the Lake District puts you within easy reach of some of the North West’s best dog friendly adventures, from coast to mountains and everything in between.
- The Lake District Loop road trip: A scenic circular route linking lakes, passes and villages, ideal for slow travel with a dog and perfectly suited to campervans and longer camping stays.
- Dog friendly walks in the Lake District: From gentle lakeside rambles to full-on fell walks, there’s no shortage of routes to explore straight from your campsite or a short drive away.
- Dog friendly beaches in Cumbria: Swap mountains for sea air with wild, uncrowded beaches like St Bees, Drigg and Silecroft, all within reach for an easy coastal day trip.