Beach campsites near Eskdale with campfires

Eskdale is a glacial valley stretching between Gosforth, near Cumbria’s west coast, to the foot of Hardknott Pass. The valley contains the small villages of Santon Bridge, Boot, and Eskdale Green, and given Eskdale camping holidays are in the shadow of the Lake District’s highest peaks, your campsite is likely to have stellar views. It’s a popular place for outdoor enthusiasts thanks to its location in the very west of the Lake District National Park and its proximity to Scafell Pike, the tallest mountain in England at 3,210 feet. There’s a National Trust campsite in Eskdale, and several other scenic camping options throughout the valley and the nearby national park, ranging from simple to comfortable, although you won’t find many large holiday parks. Whether you’re here on your own to conquer the fells or bringing the family for a summer holiday, there are some great classic campsites to pick a pitch on.

Eskdale sits within the Lake District National Park, a popular outdoor playground in Cumbria. The UNESCO-listed site is home to deep glacial lakes—including the deepest lake in England, Wastwater—tall mountains (for England, that is!), and rich cultural history, as this was a favourite hangout spot for several literary greats. There are plenty of places to stay throughout the park, including simple campsites, well-equipped holiday parks, log cabins, and cosy cottages.

Eskdale and the Lake District are beautiful at any time of year, but to make the most of camping and outdoor activities, visit in summer. This is when the weather is warmer and the days are longer, and it’s also driest at this time of year—especially important in a part of England that gets a lot of rain. If visiting outside of summer and worried about the cold, opt for a cabin or cottage rather than tent camping.