Lake District

Before you go

• The park authority says the only lawful place to stay overnight in a campervan is a formal campsite. Pitching up by the road is not permitted.
• Wild camping is technically not permitted without the landowner's permission. Tolerated tent camping does not extend to campervans.
• Many roads are narrow, and some valleys have temporary traffic regulation orders. Parked vehicles that block access can be moved on by police.

Planning

The national park was established on 9 May 1951 and covers about 2,362 km². It holds sixteen major lakes, and Windermere is the largest lake in England. The highest peak is Scafell Pike at 978 m. UNESCO inscribed the area as a World Heritage Site in 2017. Main bases include Keswick, Windermere, Ambleside and Kendal. These towns are busy in summer, so book campsites early.

Camping

The Lake District National Park Authority states that formal campsites are the only lawful option for campervans overnight. Parking large vehicles overnight without permission, called fly camping, is not permitted. On common land, open access land and rights of way you may not camp, park overnight or light fires without the landowner's consent. Informal parking spots listed online are increasingly closed by landowners.

Getting around

Many Lake District roads are narrow, so large vehicles should plan routes carefully and avoid minor valley roads where possible. Roadside parking is acceptable only if it does not obstruct traffic, and police can require a vehicle to move, even at night. Temporary traffic regulation orders apply in some valleys. Check the Lake District National Park Authority and Cumbria's road authority for current restrictions.

FAQs