Eskdale Campsite
Enquire & book
Check availability, prices and bookLow in the valley, with trails by the river and up through the fells to small mountain lakes. Village pubs are a short stroll away.
At a glance
- Type of accommodation
- Tents, Campervans, Motorhomes, Pods, Bell tents
- Number of places / pitches
- 110
- Seasons
- 9 Feb 2024 - 3 Jan 2025
- 3 Mar 2024 - 24 Dec 2025
- Minimum stay
- 2 nights
- Dogs welcome per pitch
- 2
About Eskdale Campsite
Eskdale Campsite is in eight acres of meadow grassland, surrounded by woodland, crags and waterfalls. For panoramic views, you can walk to the nearest small mountain lakes - Blea Tarn or Burnmoor Tarn - in less than an hour, and the whole area can be explored on foot, with a range of bridleways, trails and fell routes for all levels of walking. It only takes a couple of minutes to walk into the village for family-friendly pubs that serve good food and welcome dogs. The campsite has a gentle buzz in the holidays, and is quieter at other times.
From the campsite, the popular Eskdale trail follows the Esk River past St Catherine's Church to cross the water on stepping stones. Cool off by the rock pools here before carrying on to Stanley Ghyll Force, a 60-foot waterfall in a deep gorge. You'll find lots to do in the area, making Eskdale a great choice for a longer camping holiday. Take a steam train from the Dalegarth for Boot station to the coast on the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway for miles of views.
Check-in is from 2pm, with departures by 10am. To help preserve the site's tranquillity, the maximum number of adults in any booking is four and this applies whether you book together or separately. For group bookings, directions, late arrivals, facility information, electric vehicle charging, local area guides and more, please check the Guide to Eskdale Campsite. Please note, the campsite is closed 24-26 December.
Features and facilities
- Toilets, available
- Showers, available
- Electric hook-up, available
- Washing-up area, available
- Laundry, available
- Shop, available
- Chemical disposal, available
- Wi-Fi, available
- BBQs allowed, available
- Play area, available
Location
Campsite map
Campervans and motorhomes
Campervans and motorhomes (under 7m long) can choose an electric or non-electric pitch in the main camping field, with or without space for an awning (must be attached to vehicle). Read the pitch descriptions carefully, choosing a pitch the right size for all your equipment, as various sizes of pitch are available. You will be directed to your allocated pitch on arrival. There is not always space for a gazebo or pup tent - the team onsite will let you know if there is space and an additional fee will be payable on site. Sorry, but the site isn't suitable for caravans. It is suitable for trailer tents - just let us know in your booking.
Pitching your tent
You can choose to book the main camping field or the adults-only, car-free meadow across a small bridge and by the road. There are pitches for all sizes of tents, so please read the descriptions in the booking system carefully and be sure to book a pitch the right size for all your equipment. There is not always space for a gazebo or pup tent - the team onsite will let you know if there is space and an additional fee will be payable on site. For organised groups, like Duke of Edinburgh, please complete the booking form on the Eskdale Campsite Guide page.
Pods
There are two small circles of pods with shared picnic tables. They are surrounded by trees near the facilities and a small play area. The pods offer a few simple comforts - a soft floor, heat, light and sockets. Think of a pod as a replacement for your tent, and bring all your other camping gear, including sleeping bags, a sleeping mat, pots and pans, a stove and camping chairs. You can find out more in the Eskdale Campsite Guide.
Standard Pods and Family Pods
These pods are one room. Standard Pods sleep up to two adults and one child, while Family Pods sleep up to two adults and two children. They are dog friendly. Mattresses and floor mats are not provided in these pods.
Plus Pods
Plus Pods have a front and back section. The front section has two benches with mattresses, which can be used as seating in the day and single beds at night. There is storage space under the benches and hooks to hang equipment. The back section also has floor mats, which can be folded up for extra seating. They sleep two adults and two children, or three adults. They are not dog friendly.
The bell tent
There's one bell tent, with mattresses, a carpeted floor, a light, sockets and a woodburner. There's a deck outside with a table and chairs. Think of the bell tent as a replacement for your own tent, and bring all your other camping gear including sleeping bags, a sleeping mat if you'd like to place it on top of the mattresses provided, pots and pans, a stove and camping chairs. You can find out more in the Eskdale Campsite Guide. Two adults and two children, or a maximum of three adults, can sleep in the bell tent. It's not dog friendly.
Guide to Eskdale Campsite
Find all you need to know about a holiday at Eskdale Campsite, including directions, how to check in, dogs, where to find family-friendly pubs and more...
Things to see and do while you stay
Eskdale campsite is at the foot of the Hardknott Pass, the steepest road in England, and while we don't recommend driving down it to reach the campsite, you might like to walk up, visiting the Hardknott Roman Fort near the top. The Eskdale and Duddon Valley is the only place in England where the mountains plunge almost directly into the sea, descending all the way to the sandy beaches on the West coast of Cumbria.
Challenging hikes and climbs
Harter Fell, Esk Pike and Scafell, England's highest mountain, are all within reach of Eskdale. You could even walk the 10 miles to Wasdale, home to Wastwater, the deepest lake in England and another National Trust Campsite, Wasdale Campsite.
Holiday cottages near Eskdale Campsite
For family and friends who would like to join your holiday, you'll find Eelbeck Cottage (sleeps seven) in the neighbouring village. A little further away, there's remote Bird How (sleeps four) and in Wasdale, Thrang (sleeps five) and Wasdale Hall Lodge (sleeps four).
Exploring the area...
River Esk: Steam, ride and ramble walk
Lake DistrictA ramble along the River Esk and one of Cumbria's favourite steam railways with lovely scenery of crags, woods, fields and the river.
Lake District
Discover the fascinating history and dramatic landscapes of the Lake District – where Beatrix Potter made her home – on foot, by bike or by boat.