Camping isn’t the same without lighting a campfire and gathering for some evening relaxation or entertainment. Here are a selection campsites that allow fires in the Lake District.
The Lake District is a magical part of the UK and unrivalled in its beauty and adventure. From mountains like Helvellyn, Scafell Pike and Skiddaw, to vast open waters like Windermere and Ullswater, to charming little towns like Grasmere and Ambleside, the Lake District has so much to offer. The Lake District is one of the most beautiful places to visit, and there is no better way to enjoy the beautiful outdoors than camping!
After a day filled with taking in the local beauty, you will want to relax on a quality campsite beside a roaring fire and a well-built campfire. After all, what could be more appealing than snuggling around the flames, passing stories, and jokes, and maybe even toasting some marshmallows? To help you find the best place to do all this, we’ve picked some of the best campsites in the Lake District that allow campfires below.
Kestrel Lodge
Kestrel Lodge is a beautiful family-friendly campsite beside the shores of Bassenthwaite Lake, and there is no shortage of things to do in the area. Look up and see the foreboding Skiddaw Mountain and acres of rolling hills. The campsite is set on an 18th-century farm and houses 30 grass pitches, each with its unique view of the surrounding landscape. The owners of Kestrel Lodge stick to the same motto – “a traditional camping ground with lots of home comforts. A hot shower, covered areas for rainy days and a place to clean muddy boots and canine friends.” The owners of Kestrel Lodge are more than happy to offer advice on the local area and can point you in the right direction to the local pubs where you can relax with real ale and a good meal. Of course, campfires are allowed onsite!
Moss Side Farm
Moss Side Farm is situated in the South Lakes, with views of Wasdale, Langdale, and Kirkstone Pass. The wide-span views of the area are a key highlight for nature lovers visiting the farm. The farm features 30 flat, grassy pitches with views east of the low, green wetlands of Kirkby Pool and across the west to the tree-laden hillsides to the opposite. For those that want to enjoy all the beauty of the area, but aren’t too interested in the camping aspect of it, why not opt for the glamping alternative? There are quite a few options to choose from on the farm, including railway cabins, yurts and a bunkhouse. Another highlight of the campsite is that The Old Man of Coniston is a short 10-minute drive, and the seaside is the same distance in the opposite direction. Campfires are not just allowed – they are encouraged!
Lanefoot Farm
In the northwest corner of the Lake District National Park, Lanefoot Farm has the unique benefit of many different pitches that offer different views, from the stunning scale of Skiddaw to the fields and flowers of the family field. You can even find a bit of shelter in the farmhouse garden! No matter where you choose, the facilities are unrivalled at Lanefoot Farm, and there’s everything from grass pitches, pods, huts and glamping pods to attract both the avid camper and the reluctant beginner. You’ll find the campsite right on the C2C route, and there are even mountain bike trails for thrill seekers. After a day of fun, laughter and activity, relax by the campfire and try your hand at making some gooey s’mores!
Gill Head Farm
Gill Head Farm is still a working farm and has been under the same family ownership for many generations. You’ll find Gill Head Farm right amidst the Lake District National Park without being too close to the hordes of day tourists. There are several tent pitches, caravan spaces and even chic timber camping pods. There is a play area for children, beautiful facilities, including showers and even a laundry block for those sticking around for a longer time. There is a communal log cabin for socialising or ducking out of a patch of rain! The beautiful Ullswater is just a 10-minute drive away, and in the area, you can take part in hiking, ghyll scrambling, biking and water sports! After all that activity, you’ll want to relax by the campfire and dry off!
Fisherground Campsite
Fisherground is the perfect camping getaway for kids and does tick all the campsite boxes. You will find the campsite amidst the Eskdale valley, a somewhat quieter part of the already tranquil Lake District. Now, this is the site for you if you want to be close to Scafell Pike, and you can also access the North West coast, which is criminally underrated. Back at the campsite, you’ll find tent pitches, shower blocks, playgrounds and even wheel rims specifically for campfires! There isn’t a better campsite out there!
Baystone Bank Farm
Where do we start? At Baystone Bank Farm, you’ve got magical streams to play in and a horse-riding centre on your front door, and they encourage you to end every day with a hearty campfire to make you sleep happy! Found at the feet of the White Combe Mountain, the campsite is the definition of rural, with sheep and a mighty shire horse adorned in the surrounding areas. Many non-electric grass pitches are perfect for tents, and there are hard standings for campervans and caravans. Many footpaths run through the campsite for glorious trekking of the White Combe and along the ridge to Black Combe! So get your walking boots on, and don’t forget the firewood!
The Lake District is unrivalled for its beauty, activities, and campsites. These are some of the best in the area that allows campfires, and really, what more can you ask for than some time away with friends and family? For more information about having fun outdoors, check out our other blog posts here!
