Scenic Campsites Near Penrith for Lake District Views

Looking for a campsite with the best scenery in Penrith, near Ullswater? We’ve got a selection of Lake District campsites offering mountain views, lakeside walks and some of the best scenery in Cumbria. Whether you’re planning a holiday packed with local hikes, a family camping trip or a quiet escape, Penrith makes an excellent base for exploring the northern Lake District. Some of these campsites are exclusive to Club members, offering unique access to sought-after locations in the Lake District. 

Best places to camp around Penrith

Penrith technically sits just outside of the Lake District National Park. Its proximity to the M6 and West Coast Main Line makes it one of the easiest Cumbrian towns to visit from major cities like London, Manchester, and Edinburgh. 

If you’re visiting using public transport, our member-exclusive campsites in Penrith are just a few miles from Penrith station. Visiting our Lake District Club Sites by public transport is possible, but will require buses and taxis. 

Looking to visit Ullswater? Our member-exclusive campsites in Penrith are the closest, all within a short drive. Some of our larger Club Sites, including Derwentwater and Keswick, are also within 10 miles.

If you’re looking for a larger campsite near Penrith, our Club Sites, including Keswick and Braithwaite Village, are ideal. Our smaller, member-exclusive sites offer a different, more intimate camping experience, along with a different range of facilities than our larger Club-managed sites.  

For direct lake access and views, our Keswick Club Site is on the shores of Derwentwater, offering breath-taking views of the shimmering lake and surrounding mountains. 

Why we love campsites in Penrith

Being near the M6, Penrith is a brilliant gateway to the northern Lake District and its many attractions. Penrith is quieter than the larger hubs in the Lakes, like Windermere, giving it a less touristy feel. Look out for the red buildings during your visit, they’re built from local sandstone, which gives them a distinct colour. 

While Penrith is often used as a base for exploring Ullswater, the Eden Valley, and other major Lake District hubs, it has its own attractions to enjoy. The red sandstone ruins of Penrith Castle, built at the end of the 14th century, are in a public park, just a few minutes’ walk from the train station and are free to visit. Penrith is also home to one of the most impressive stone circles in the north of England. The Neolithic site, Long Meg and her Daughters, is well worth a visit. 

Best time of year to camp in Penrith

The Lake District is popular year-round, with Penrith being no exception. The warmer months (May - September) are more popular with tent campers, and the colder months are best for experienced campers. The weather in the Lake District is notoriously fast-changing due to its mountainous landscapes. Expect wet and muddy conditions year-round. 

Are there any dog friendly campsites near Penrith? 

Yes! Most campsites in the Lake District will accommodate dogs. Our Club Sites are all dog friendly, including some of our glamping accommodation on our Braithwaite Village Club Site. If you’re unsure, look out for dog friendly facility icons on our campsite pages. 

Are there any campsites near Penrith with lake access? 

Our Keswick Club Site is within a short drive of Penrith and offers direct access to the shores of Derwentwater. 

Which campsites are open year-round near Penrith? 

Our Derwentwater, Keswick and Braithwaite Village Club Sites are open year round. We also have a selection of member-exclusive campsites available too. To view year-round campsites in a specific location, head to our Siteseeker app and filter by “Open Year-Round”.