Hike Yorkshire Three Peaks and camp under the stars on a camping adventure near Penrith.
Nestled between three of England’s largest natural areas, Penrith is ideal for outdoor camping escapes. Head west to Lake District National Park, England’s largest national park, where towering peaks and deep lakes make for exciting hikes and refreshing swims. To the east, North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty offers peaceful moors for walking, cycling, and horseback riding. Finish off with a journey south to Yorkshire Dales National Park and sleep under the stars in an official Dark Sky Reserve. Wild camping near Penrith is available by landowner permission for campers who want to stay in the heart of nature, while plenty of public tent pitches, caravan sites with amenities, and cosy cabin rentals with soft beds make it easy to stay inside the parks and AONBs.
Over 3,100 kilometres of public trails and more than 50 accessible walking paths make Lake District National Park a popular destination for outdoor exploring. Take in sweeping views over Lake District with a hike up Scafell Peak, then cool off with a splash in Wastwater—England’s deepest lake. To stay the night in the park, secure landowner permission and enjoy wild camping, or explore a wealth of public tent pitches, private cottage rentals, and caravan sites at nearby holiday parks.
Ramble beside rivers and hike over the moors with a visit to North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Visit High Force, England’s biggest waterfall, and then horseback ride, walk, or cycle around the rest of the AONB. Sixteen Dark Sky Discovery Sites deliver stunning night sky displays. Stay overnight in the park at caravan sites or tent pitches in rolling meadows or book a private pet-friendly glamping pod within the park that offers wifi, picnic tables, and toilets.
In Yorkshire Dales National Park, campers can admire rushing waterfalls in the Gordale Scar or stroll alongside River Wharfe for peaceful picnics on the riverbank. Then summit the Yorkshire Three Peaks on a 39-kilometre circular walk, or try one of the shorter walks up a single peak to take in the views. Home to an official Dark Sky Reserve, Yorkshire Dales National Park is a beautiful spot to linger overnight in a tent or caravan at private caravan parks near River Ribble or farm stays with bell tents, timber pod rentals, and a large camping field.
Camping near Penrith is most popular from June to August, when warmer temperatures around 19°C and sunny weather make for inviting outdoor adventures. Campers chasing autumn colours should visit from mid-October to early November, when walks by River Wharfe offer vibrant displays. Winter near Penrith tends to be rather wet with average temperatures around 6°C. Layer up and bring along waterproofs for stays between November and March.