If you plan to camp in Buttermere in the Lake District, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, I’ll share everything you need to know about camping in Buttermere, including local campsites, wild camping, and park-ups for campervans.

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Campsites in Buttermere
Since Buttermere is quite isolated compared to other areas of the Lake District, campsites in the immediate area are hard to come by. In fact, there is only one campsite directly in Buttermere.
Here I’ll list the details of the local campsite in Buttermere, and also the names of some others in the nearby area.
If you want to check out the local hotels as well, you can do so here or by using the Map below.
Booking.comSyke Farm Campsite
The only campsite in Buttermere is Syke Farm. Thankfully, it’s a great option, providing everything you need for a relaxing and memorable trip.
You can enjoy stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains from the comfort of the camping field. Plus, you’re just minutes away from the lakeside and its various walking trails.
Syke Farm has that rural back-to-basics feel that seasoned campers will love. It has basic amenities like toilets and showers to ensure a comfortable and hassle-free stay.
The campsite is large enough to fit 50 tents and rarely gets full. That said, it is still advised to book in advance, especially during peak times.
Syke Farm also provides glamping options in Buttermere. Their onsite yurts and shepherds’ huts provide all the advantages of camping, but with the added luxury of a warm and comfortable environment.
For more information and the best rates, check out their website.
- Motorhomes: Yes – In the car park.
- Dogs: Yes – kept on leads.
- Electric Hook Ups: No.
- BBQs: Yes.
- Awnings: Yes.
Other Campsites Near Buttermere
The next closest campsites to Buttermere are 7-mile south in the Borrowdale valley.
As you can imagine, there is no lack of natural beauty in this area, with waterfalls, trails, and mountain views aplenty. Not to mention quaint little hamlets like Watendlath.
If you don’t mind the 20-minute drive or 2-hour walk, Borrowdale might be an attractive spot to camp near Buttermere.
It provides a similar blissful camping experience and puts you slightly closer to Keswick town centre, which has its obvious advantages.
Some best-rated campsites in Borrowdale include Seathwaite Farm Camping and Stonethwaite Campsite. Or, for more glamping near Buttermere, check out Inside Out Camping.
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Wild Camping in Buttermere
If you’re thinking about wild camping in Buttermere, then you are in luck. Since this is one of the more remote areas around the lakes, it’s unlikely you will be disturbed or moved on.
Having said that, if you are new to wild camping or a visitor to the UK, there are some things you should be aware of. I’ll do my best to cover it here, so you know what to expect.
Is Wild Camping Legal in the Lake District?
Since almost all land is privately owned in England, wild camping is technically illegal. That said, there are places where it is tolerated so long as you follow some basic rules.
From what I could tell, wild camping in Buttermere seems to be acceptable. We wild camped every night in our campervan, and we saw several people with tents set up camp around the lake.
We had read that wild campers often get moved on in the Lake District, but we had no troubles at all. There didn’t seem to be any wardens on patrol, or if there were, they didn’t bother us.
Where to wild camp in Buttermere?
If you’re wild camping with a tent, there are plenty of suitable spots around Buttermere lake and the neighbouring lake – Crummock Water.
Crummock Water is where we spent most of our time parked up in our camper. There are somepark-ups closer to Buttermere lake, but it gets quite busy during the day visitors.
We figured there was less chance of being disturbed at Crummock, plus it’s far more peaceful!
Tip – Use the Park4Night app to find campervan park-ups in the area.
Can I wild camp in the mountains?
There’s an unspoken rule regarding wild camping in the Lake District: the higher you go, the more tolerable it is. It makes sense since you’re unlikely to find any wardens patrolling the fells for wild campers.
Just be sure to follow the basic rules of wild camping below and keep a close eye on the weather conditions.
Can I park overnight in car parks?
Most car parks around Buttermere clearly state that no overnight parking is allowed. We tend to avoid anywhere that has such signs since it leaves you wide open to being moved on or fined.
Some car parks in the Lake District charge for overnight stays; however, I didn’t see any in Buttermere.
Basic Rules of Wild Camping
Despite the fact that it is technically illegal, there’s only one real reason why wild camping is frowned upon. And it all comes down to irresponsible campers.
Campers who leave rubbish, disturb wildlife and upset the peace give the rest of us a bad name. They are the minority, but we see it all the time.
Here are some other basic rules to follow if you plan to wild camp near Buttermere.
- Take all rubbish and sanitary waste with you.
- If you don’t have a camping toilet, use a trowel to bury human waste.
- Camp close by to marked trails so as not to disturb wildlife.
- Minimise fire impact by using raised BBQs and firepits and only when it’s safe.
- Be considerate of your fellow campers.
- Respect the interests of other people.
- Arrive late, leave early, and never set up camp for longer than one night.
- Make pragmatic decisions, and you’ll be just fine.
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Tips for Camping in Buttermere
If you like the idea of being amongst nature, far away from the hustle and bustle, you’ll love camping in Buttermere.
The closest notable towns are Keswick or Cockermouth, 20-30 minutes drive away. As a result, Buttermere is idyllic and peaceful, which in my opinion, is what camping is all about.
There’s enough to see and do in the area to keep you busy for a few days. With beautiful trails like this Buttermere Lake walk, hiking enthusiasts especially will be in their element.
I would only say to take enough supplies to get you by for a few days. There are a couple of cafes and a pub in the village so you won’t starve, but there isn’t any shop.
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Best Time to Camp in Buttermere
The best time of year for camping anywhere in the Lake District is during the summer, when you have the best chance of warm & dry weather.
But of course, this is the UK, so there are no guarantees! The Lake District climate is unreliable and tends to be much wetter and cooler than other parts of the UK.
Having said that, our recent trip to Buttermere at the end of June, temperatures soared to 25 degrees, with very little rain or wind.
Visit between June and September for the best chance of good weather.
Have Fun Camping in Buttermere!
That’s everything you need to know about camping in Buttermere. Check out our Lake District series for more travel tips and advice.
If you love the Lake District, you’ll also love the Peak District! Check out our peak district series.
If you have any questions, please ask. Otherwise, I wish you happy and safe travels.
Planning a trip around the UK?
Check out our England series for more travel tips and advice.