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Lake District, Cumbria

Wasdale Head Campsite

4.6 (0)Price on Pitchup54.459°N, 3.281°W
Campsite
Stock
📷 Unsplash · region-matched

The crunch of boots on gravel echoes against stone walls as you arrive at one of England's most remote campsites, where Scafell Pike's imposing shoulders rise dramatically against the sky. This is wilderness camping at its purest—a place where the only sounds are bleating sheep, tumbling becks, and the whispered promises of adventure from surrounding fells.

Wasdale Head suits hardy souls seeking authentic Lake District experiences in the heart of the Western Fells. Walkers tackling Scafell Pike, Great Gable, or the famous ridges will find no more convenient base, whilst anglers can try their luck in nearby Wastwater, England's deepest lake. This is proper camping territory—no glamping pods or electric hookups here—where the landscape itself is the main attraction.

The site provides essential facilities including showers and toilets, welcomes dogs (small charge applies), and accommodates tents and campervans. Whether campfires are permitted varies, so check on arrival. The atmosphere is wonderfully unpretentious: fellow campers compare route notes as dusk settles over the valley, creating that special camaraderie found only in Britain's wildest corners.

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Weather Outlook
Current Conditions
11°C
Clear
9 mph
96%
7-Day Outlook
Today
15° / 11°
100%
Mon
13° / 11°
97%
Tue
13° / 11°
100%
Wed
15° / 11°
61%
Thu
15° / 9°
80%
Fri
12° / 8°
38%
Sat
14° / 12°
76%
Source: Open-Meteo · Updated hourly
Walks Nearby

Local walks within 10 km

11 routes found via OpenStreetMap

Greendale and Middle Fell Walk, North Lakes Outdoors

Climbs steadily through woodland before opening onto Middle Fell's grassy ridge with sweeping views over Wastwater and the Scafell range. Moderate ascent of around 250m makes this best suited to older children and confident walkers; not buggy-friendly due to rough terrain and steeper sections. Dogs welcome on leads near grazing sheep. Worth it for dramatic valley panoramas without tackling the higher fells, plus quieter trails than nearby tourist hotspots.

Dogs welcomeHiking routeLocal network
2.57 km from campsite
Route length: 5.6 km
Operator: National Trust
Info

Pillar Trail from Wasdale Head, North Lakes Outdoors

Climbs steeply from Wasdale Head to Black Sail Pass before a challenging ascent to Pillar summit (892m), one of the Lake District's finest peaks. Rugged mountain terrain with scrambling sections near the top—not suitable for young children or buggies. Dogs capable of rough ground welcome but must be confident on exposed rocky sections. Rewards with stunning views across Ennerdale and the surrounding fells, offering a proper Lakeland adventure for experienced walkers.

Hiking routeLocal network
2.7 km from campsite
Route length: 12 km
Operator: National Trust
Info

Scafell Pike via Hollow Stones Route, North Lakes Outdoors

Tackles England's highest peak via a steep, rocky ascent with significant elevation gain—not suitable for young children or buggies. The final scramble over boulders demands good fitness and proper boots, but rewards with stunning Lake District panoramas. Dogs welcome but must be confident on loose scree and capable of sustained climbing. Best for experienced walkers seeking a challenging summit with iconic bragging rights.

Dogs welcomeHiking routeLocal network
2.84 km from campsite
Route length: 5.6 km
Operator: National Trust
Info

Seatoller, Styhead Tarn and Grains Gill Walk, North Lakes Outdoors

Dogs welcomeHiking routeLocal network
7.06 km from campsite
Route length: 11.2 km
Operator: National Trust
Info

Coast to Coast Walk (St Bees to Shap)

Hiking routeNational trail
9.43 km from campsite
Operator: National Trails

Walk data © OpenStreetMap contributors · Open in Maps uses Google / Apple Maps

Reel a fish near your pitch

Fisheries within 10 km

No named fisheries found within 10 km of this campsite (OSM-sourced). If you know one nearby, let us know in the community thread and we'll add it.

From the Wall

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Facilities
Showers
Toilets
Dog Friendly
Hiking Trails
Fishing
Nearby

Pubs & restaurants within 5 km

Data from OpenStreetMap · distances "as the crow flies" · walk times approximate

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