Campsite near Kendal
The best campsites in and near Kendal
Nestled in the beautiful county of Cumbria, Kendal is a market town and a major gateway into the popular Lake District. Camping in Kendal means you’ll have the best of both worlds. You can take on outdoor adventures and enjoy the amazing views or get lost in the town's cobbled streets and cosy up to a good book at one of the many quaint coffee shops. No matter how you spend your camping holiday in Kendal, you’ll have a wonderful time.
Kendal camping FAQs
What are the best campsites in Kendal?
We have some great campsites in and near Kendal. Popular campsites include:
For more incredible campsites near Kendal in Cumbria, join the club today and get access to our member-exclusive campsites.
Last Modified: 30 Nov 2023
Are there any family-friendly and dog-friendly campsites near Kendal in Cumbria?
Yes. Our Kendal Club Site, Windermere Club Site and Bowness on Windermere Club Site are all family and dog-friendly. These campsites have the following facilities available, making them great for camping with children and pets:
Kendal Club Site: You’ll find a children's play area and an area for ball games. Although dogs are not allowed in those areas, there is a designated dog walk on the campsite. Kendal also has washing facilities and an on-site shop to purchase any essentials you’ll need while camping.
Windermere Club Site: Alongside washing-up facilities, our Windermere campsite is great for kids as there’s a children's play area and television room to keep them entertained. You’ll also find a parent and baby room and an on-site shop.
This campsite is dog friendly, and it has a designated dog walk, so you won't have to go far for your canine companion to stretch their legs.
Bowness on Windermere Club Site: This campsite near Kendal has a family shower room and washing facilities. There’s also a dog wash for those days when everyone gets a little wild outdoors.
Click here for more family-friendly campsites and dog-friendly campsites.
Last Modified: 30 Nov 2023
What campsites in Kendal can I reach by public transport?
We have several campsites in Kendal with direct access to public transport links. Our Kendal Club Site and Windermere Club Site both have public transport links less than a mile from the campsite.
Bowness on Windermere Club Site has a bus stop directly outside the campsite, so you can easily commute to the campsite or pitch up and immediately start exploring the Lake District.
Click here for more information on camping for backpackers.
Last Modified: 30 Nov 2023
What facilities are available at campsites in Kendal?
There are a range of different facilities across our campsites in Kendal. You can find site facilities such as toilets, showers and washing machines. You could also find features such as on-site shops, Wi-fi, play areas and more.
If you’re looking for something specific, filter through the search results in Siteseeker to find your perfect campsite. Alternatively, you can scroll to the bottom of the campsite page to see what facilities are available on each site.
Last Modified: 30 Nov 2023
What should I bring when camping in Kendal?
To enjoy a stress-free camping trip in Kendal, make sure you pack everything you’ll need. Download our ultimate camping checklist so you won't forget a thing, or check out the below checklists for more.
Last Modified: 30 Nov 2023
Can you camp anywhere in Kendal?
The rules for wild camping in Kendal are complex. For more information, check out our wild camping guide.
Last Modified: 30 Nov 2023
All you need to know about camping near Kendal
Whether you’re camping in Kendal with your family and friends, partner, or you’re on a solo adventure, you’ll find something for everyone and every mood.
Explore the Lake District National Park
Kendal is just a stone throw away from the Lake District National Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a popular camping destination for millions. With over 2,362 square kilometres of stunning scenery, 214 mountains and 16 lakes, you’ll definitely have your hands full exploring the national park.
If you enjoy walking, there are plenty of walking trails in the Lake District for varying abilities, where you can spot beautiful wildlife and see scenic views. You can also bring your bike along and cycle through the national park. If you’re visiting in summer, how about a dip in the lakes and some wild swimming? If that still hasn't piqued your interest, the Lake District has numerous hidden attractions, from haunted castles to stone circles – you can see it all in our guide to the Lake District.
Stroll through Kendal
Kendal is a charming market town with plenty of high-street brands and independent retailers. Walk through the cobbled streets and take in the town's atmosphere. Stop off at a coffee shop and treat yourself to some delicious baked goods, or pop into one of the many restaurants and enjoy a wide variety of food that Kendal has to offer.
The town is also well known for its year round events and festivals, which bring the whole community together. Before camping in Kendal, check out what’s on near you and attend these fun events.
Kendal Museum
Kendal Museum is one of the oldest museums in Britain. It was founded in 1796 by William Todhunter, and it showcased collections of fossils, plants, minerals, animals and antiques. Over time, the exhibits changed, but now you’ll find the largest taxidermy collection in Europe at Kendal Museum. You’ll also see internationally recognised collections of natural history, archaeology and geology.
Kendal Castle
Visit the ruins of Kendal Castle, where you can see the remains of a castle that was built in the early 1200s. The castle was home to the barons of Kendal, who influenced the development of the market town. The most famous of the barons was the Parr family, particularly Katherine Parr, who was the sixth and final wife of King Henry VIII.
To learn more about Kendal Castle, what it looked like, the people who lived there, what they did and the medieval objects that were left, you can travel less than 4 minutes away to Kendal Museum, which has it all on display.
Abbot Hall Art Gallery
Abbot Hall is a Grade I listed Georgian mansion on the banks of the River Kent. The unique space is great for curious minds and makes for a fun family day out or a romantic afternoon. Abbot Hall hosts many exhibitions, including seventeenth- to twenty-first-century fine art collections. Depending on what time of year you’re camping in Kendal, check out what’s on at Abbot Hall for your chance to see some spectacular exhibits.
Lakeland Museum
Exploring the Lake District is one thing, but to learn about its social history, the people who lived there and what shaped the landscape as well as their lives brings a whole new depth to the national park. Lakeland Museum walks you through the lives of the people in Cumbria past and present, and you can learn all about farming, mining, tanning and more.
Lakeland Maze Farm Park
Another fun family adventure is a visit to Lakeland Maze Farm Park. What was once a dairy farm housing over 200 cattle is now a petting zoo and maze where children can feed chickens, take a tractor ride around the farm, pet the piglets and more. After a day of getting lost in the maze, running around the playground, jumping on the bouncy castle and having a wonderful time with the animals, everyone can relax at the local cafe, which serves a range of food made from fresh produce. Before returning to your campsite, stroll through the gift shop and treat yourself to some trinkets or purchase free-range eggs, which will make for a delicious breakfast in the morning.
Lake Windermere
Lake Windermere is located near Kendal and on the doorstep of our Bowness on Windermere Club Site. It’s England's largest lake at 10.5 miles long and the perfect place for water sport activities. Kayaking, canoeing and paddle boarding are just some of the popular activities to take part in on the lake. You can also enjoy a relaxing boat ride or take in the silence as you fish for pike, perch, eels, bream, carp, chub, roach, salmon or sea trout.