Wasdale Campsite
Enquire & book
Check availability, prices and bookA mile from Wastwater, close to challenging bike trails and Scafell Pike, England’s tallest mountain.
At a glance
- Type of accommodation
- Tents, Campervans, Motorhomes, Pods, Bell tents, Tipis
- Number of places / pitches
- 120
- Seasons
- 1 Jan 2024 - 4 Jan 2025
- 1 Mar 2025 - 23 Dec 2025
- Minimum stay
- 2 nights
- Dogs welcome per pitch
- 2
About Wasdale Campsite
Wasdale Campsite is between Wastwater and Wasdale Head, an ideal base for tackling Scafell Pike, England’s tallest mountain. But if the high fells aren't for you, there's plenty to discover on Wasdale's valley paths: riverbanks, ancient packhorse tracks and waterfalls. A good walk, of about an hour and a half, will get you to some classic rock climbing routes on Gable like Napes Needle, Tophet Wall and Central Buttress, with grades from beginner to highly experienced.
Wastwater, England's deepest lake and a special area of conservation, is just a mile from the campsite and there's parking near good places for launching kayaks and paddleboards. The area is great for cyclists too; be sure to have the right bike and equipment as the area’s trails can be challenging.
In a valley that attracts many people looking for adventure, the campsite is peaceful spot, sheltered by trees. A stay here is all about the outdoors, and being immersed in nature. 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. Check-in is from 2pm, with departures by 10am. For group bookings for groups like Duke of Edinburgh, directions, late arrivals, facility information, electric vehicle charging, local area guides and more, please check the Guide to Wasdale Campsite. Please note, the campsite is closed 24-26 December.
Wasdale Campsite is closed in January and February 2025 for a large investment project to upgrade the sewage treatment network. Find out more in the guide.
Features and facilities
- Chemical disposal, available
- Electric hook-up, available
- Hardstanding, available
- Laundry, available
- Shop, available
- Showers, available
- Toilets, available
- Washing-up area, available
Location
Campsite map
Campervans and motorhomes
The route to Wasdale is very narrow (and frankly tortuous!) in places, but well worth the effort. Campervans and motorhomes (under 6.5m long) are parked on handstanding pitches with electric hook-up by the car park, mostly under a canopy of trees. Sorry, but the site isn't suitable for caravans due to access restrictions.
Pitching a tent
One hundred natural tent pitches are scattered across the campsite in fields divided by trees and hedges. in the booking system, select the size of pitch you need, with or without electric hook-up. We'll allocate your pitch when you arrive. Cars are parked away from the camping fields in the car park so everyone can enjoy the mountain views..
Pods
There are eight pods in two small groups. They 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 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 Wasdale Campsite Guide. The pods at Wasdale are not dog friendly, but you'll find dog-friendly pods at Eskdale Campsite.
Regular Pods
These pods are one room and have floor mattresses that can be folded up and used as seats in the day. Standard Regular Pods sleep up to two adults and one child, while Large Regular Pods sleep up to two adults and three small children.
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 mattresses, which can be folded up for extra seating. They sleep two adults and two children, or three adults.
Tipis and bell tents
The tipis and bell tents each have a woodburner, so you can enjoy some warmth and a cosy glow at the end of a day exploring. The tipis have a double bed, as well as utensils and indoor table and chairs, while the ball tents are simple, with mattresses inside and table and chairs on the deck. Find full inventories in the Wasdale Campsite Guide.
Tipis
Three adults or two adults and two children. They are dog friendly.
Bell tents
Three adults or two adults and two children. No dogs.
Guide to Wasdale Campsite
Find all you need to know about a holiday at Wasdale Campsite, including directions, how to check in, mountain safety and more...
Things to see and do while you stay
The neighbouring 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 beaches on the West coast of Cumbria. You can get there by steam train on the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway. You can drive to the coast in half an hour; head for Drigg or Seascale for dunes, miles of sand, fish and chips and ice cream. The cliffs of the St Bees Heritage Coast are about 22 miles away, a Site of Special Scientific Interest and the only colony of cliff-nesting seabirds in North West England.
Nether Wasdale and Hollow Moor by mountain bike
Lake DistrictThis route offers a great mix of biking terrain from valley bottom and lakeside lanes, to a steep bridleway climb and high-level cruising – all with magnificent views.
Greendale and Middle Fell walk
Lake DistrictEnjoy a quieter walk from Wasdale into the Western Fells, exploring above Wastwater on a circular route to Greendale Tarn and the summit of Middle Fell.
Holiday cottages and campsites near Wasdale Campsite
For family and friends who would like to join your holiday, there are two National Trust holiday cottages in Wasdale - Thrang (sleeps five) and Wasdale Hall Lodge (sleeps four). Remote Bird How (sleeps four) is a bit further away in the Eskdale and Duddon Valley, as is Eelbeck Cottage (sleeps seven) by Eskdale Campsite. Eskdale is in a low-lying valley by the Esk River, a few minutes' walk from local village pubs.
Exploring the area...
Climbing Scafell Pike - Planning and preparation
We want your adventure on Scafell Pike to be remembered for all the right reasons. Here you will find some advice about preparing and planning your trip.
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.
Walking
Explore some of the finest landscapes in our care on coastal paths, accessible trails, woodland walks and everything in between. Find the best places to walk near you.