Wild camping in the Lake District is often misunderstood. There is no general legal right to pitch a tent wherever you like, and lakeshores, roadside verges and car parks are not informal campsites.
Traditional, discreet high-level wild camping is often tolerated by landowners when people stay only one night, pitch above the highest fell wall, keep groups tiny and leave no trace.
Can you wild camp in the Lake District?
Only with the landowner's permission as a matter of law. The Lake District National Park Authority says wild camping is technically not permitted without prior permission. A landowner can ask you to leave at any time.
Where should you not camp?
- lakeshores;
- car parks;
- roadside verges and lay-bys;
- village greens;
- low-level farmland;
- woodland without permission;
- popular picnic areas; or
- land displaying no-camping or no-overnight signs.
Responsible high-level camping
- camp above the highest fell wall;
- stay one night;
- use one or two small tents;
- pitch late and leave early;
- carry everything out;
- do not dig trenches or move rocks;
- keep away from water for toilet needs;
- keep noise low; and
- never light a fire.
Fires and barbecues
The National Park's current visitor advice says fires and barbecues are not permitted except where a private landowner has specifically provided or authorised them. Disposable barbecues are particularly risky because of wildfire, ground damage and waste.
2026 PSPO hotspots
Westmorland and Furness Council has specific Public Space Protection Order restrictions at heavily visited sites including Galava Roman Fort, Holme Crag, Blea Tarn, Brown Howe, Coniston East Shore, Haweswater, Brotherswater, South Ullswater around Glencoyne and Aira Force, Glenridding and Patterdale, specified Ullswater lay-bys and lakeside land, Bowness and Millerground including Cockshott Point, and Windermere west shore.
The exact legal boundary matters, so check the council's live PSPO maps for the location you intend to visit.
Fines
Relevant PSPO breaches can lead to a fixed penalty of up to £100. Serious cases, or failure to pay, can lead to prosecution and a court fine of up to £1,000.
Campervans and motorhomes
Use formal campsites or locations that explicitly permit overnight motorhome stays. Daytime parking does not automatically include permission to sleep in a vehicle overnight.
Roads and lay-bys
Never block gates, passing places, bus routes, farm access or emergency access. A lay-by is part of the highway, not an automatic campsite. Use our Cumbria car park directory to plan recognised parking.
Ullswater
Several south Ullswater areas are covered by PSPO restrictions, including Glencoyne, Aira Force, Glenridding, Patterdale and specified lakeside land and lay-bys. Do not pitch beside the lake or turn a lay-by into a campsite.
Windermere
Restricted areas include Bowness, Millerground, Cockshott Point and National Trust land on the west shore. These are visitor and recreation areas, not informal overnight sites.
Coniston Water
Brown Howe and specified National Trust land on Coniston East Shore are among the current PSPO locations. Use formal campsites and authorised touring pitches instead of lakeside car parks or lay-bys.
The simplest alternative
Choose a small official campsite if you want a remote feel without worrying about permission. For motorhomes, an authorised touring pitch or car park with explicit overnight permission is the safest option.
Land ownership, parking rules and PSPO boundaries can change. Check the National Park Authority, landowner and relevant council before relying on a location for an overnight stay.
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