Picking the right campsite for your holiday can feel like an impossible decision; there are just so many great motorhome sites in the UK to choose from! To make things a little easier, we’re going to zoom in on the best lakeside campsites in the UK today. There’s no better way to end a day of exploring than taking a dip in the lake beside your motorhome. Or get up early for a pre-breakfast swim — if you can handle the cold! You’ll get to enjoy a stunning view with your morning coffee and evening glass of wine, and you’ll be shocked to discover all the wildlife attracted to such lakes. So without further ado, here are 12 great campsites with a swimming lake in the UK.
1. Llyn Gwynant Campsite, Wales
Lakeside camping at one of the best motorhome sites in Eryi National Park? It doesn’t get much better than that! Llyn Gwynant Campsite is a lakeside site situated beside an outcrop known as ‘wolf rock,’ which was initially thought to be the ruins of an ancient Celtic castle. Nowadays, it is believed just to be a rock, but that doesn’t deter from the magic of this place. This rock also marks the ranger’s path and two other main routes up Snowdon, making it ideal for those looking to go hiking.
This is one of our favourite campsites with a swimming lake, as the water is clear and fresh, fed by the river Glaslyn. You’ll be sharing this space with a population of Arctic char—the northernmost freshwater fish in the world—and Osprey nesting nearby. Aside from wild swimming, you can hire canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards. If you fancy something dry for a change, enjoy yoga sessions on the shore or arrange to go abseiling or gorge walking.
Nant Gwynant, Caernarfon, Gwynedd, LL55 4NW
N 56.783123, E 2.920888
2. Fisherground Campsite, England
It’ll come as no surprise that our list of the best lakeside campsites in the UK includes a spot in the spectacular Lake District. It was challenging to pick just two, but we fell in love with Fisherground Campsite on sight. It’s a five-minute stroll from the babbling River Esk and features a small lake in which to splash. It’s especially popular with little ones, who can enjoy rafts on the water, an adventure park, and a treehouse. It’s never been easier to minimise screen time during your trip.
You’ll likely enjoy better weather than valleys on the northern side of Scafell Pike, as the Eskdale Valley is exposed to more rays throughout the year. It also tends to be less busy here than other popular spots in the Lake District. As if this wasn’t enough, Fisherground Campsite is one of few camping sites in the Lake District that allows its campers to settle down by an open fire in the evenings – don’t forget the marshmallows!
Fellside Cottage, Eskdale, Holmrook CA19 1TF
54.390249706537794, -3.3053324750690547
3. Hill of Oaks Lodge & Caravan Park, England
Now for our second and final stop in the Lake District, as there are plenty of other lakeside camping options in the UK. For this, we’re heading to the classic, beloved Lake Windermere. Hill of Oaks Lodge & Caravan Park offers a mile of private shoreline. The campsite has five jetties and multiple slipways for boat, canoe and paddleboard launching to offer easy access to water fun.
Aside from the lake, this campsite is situated in a stunning area. Tucked away in ancient woodlands, there’s an abundance of biodiversity and forest tracks surrounding the site. It feels like a little slice of paradise. But be warned, plenty of people know about this lakeside treasure, so be sure to book ahead of time to guarantee your spot!
A592 Windermere, Lake Road, Ulverston LA12 8NR
54.30234622876971, -2.9468231954196864
4. Marwell Resort, England
Situated on the edge of the South Downs National Park, Marwell Resort might just be the best lakeside campsite in the south of England. It’s ideally located a 15-minute drive from central Winchester and two hours away from London. Perhaps this will become one of your favourite weekend breaks from London.
Aside from enjoying the cool waters of Bow Lake, you can explore the South Downs Area of Natural Beauty or try your hand at fishing, archery, clay pigeon shooting, and more. After a tiring day spent outdoors, you can enjoy a hassle-free dinner at the on-site bistro. Then it’s time for a warm drink by the lake before retreating to your cosy home on wheels — what could be better?
Hurst Ln, Owslebury, Winchester SO21 1EZ
50.985625, -1.276587
5. Loch Lomond Holiday Park
Let’s not forget that loch is simply the Scottish term for lake, filling Scotland with excellent lakeside camping options. But rather than head to Loch Ness and disturb slumbering Nessie, we’ll spend a weekend at the idyllic Loch Lomond Holiday Park instead. The campsite is easy to reach with the A82, yet once you’ve arrived, you won’t hear or see any traffic. The site has a private jetty and a small sandy beach, allowing you to enjoy the loch at your own leisure.
Aside from Loch Lomond, there is plenty to do in the Trossachs National Park, which was Scotland’s first national park. You can ride a historic steamship, spend an afternoon hiking, or head to the aerial adventure park. It’s also the ideal starting point for exploring more of bonny Scotland.
Loch Lomond, A82, Inveruglas, Arrochar G83 7DW
56.244406, -4.712091
6. Lakeside Caravan & Camping Park, Wales
If you like spending plenty of time at the lake, you’ll love Lakeside Caravan & Camping Park. You can hire Canadian canoes, pedaloes, stand-up paddle boards and kayaks. There are launching and mooring facilities for boat owners. You can even arrange to go water skiing, sailing or windsurfing. There are also zones dedicated to fishing so you can attempt to catch your own dinner. Don’t worry if you’re unsuccessful, as there is a Lake Café serving food and drinks, with takeaway options as well.
This is one of many dog-friendly campsites in the UK, allowing up to two well-behaved pets per booking. There is an open area for dog walking adjacent to the campsite, allowing your furry friend the chance to run about and play in nature.
Llangorse Lake, Brecon LD3 7TR
51.936132, -3.270797
7. Old Oaks Touring, England
But if you’re looking for the most dog-friendly campsite by a lake, then you should immediately type Old Oaks Touring into your Google Maps. They not only welcome dogs but offer numerous services for furry friends and their owners. They provide visitors with a free local guide to dog-friendly attractions and dining so you can get the most out of the surrounding area. On-site, you’ll find a 300m secure dog area for running and socialising, a dog shower with hot water and free shampoo, and a dedicated washing machine and dryer for all your pet accessories. The campsite store even features plenty of goodies for your pup, including doggie ice cream and home-baked treats.
That’s not all you’ll find at this store, as it also offers local produce, including the farm’s own prime beef, lamb, free-range eggs, homemade cakes, baked goods, and local ciders and ales. It’s open seven days a week, but you can also pre-order online from the shop, and they’ll pack handy breakfast boxes for you. As for the lake, there is no better way to cool off after a day spent exploring Somerset in all its glory. You can swim, fish, or just watch your pup splash about.
Wick Farm, Wick Ln, Glastonbury BA6 8JS
51.151803, -2.684069
8. Glenmore Campsite, Scotland
Whether you’re embarking on a larger road trip or just looking for the best campsites in the Cairngorms National Park, a stop by Glenmore Campsite is a must for visiting this area. Nestled on the shores of Loch Morlich, this is one of the best campsites with a swimming lake. It’s a spacious and green campsite, with large pitches and clean facilities. The towering trees provide privacy and shade on your pitches, and you might even spot some unusual neighbours, such as eagles, ospreys, deer, and otters.
As for Loch Morlich, this endless blue lake feels like something taken right from a postcard. It’s sheltered by mountains in the background, with a permanent dusting of snow caps. The sandy edges of the shore allow little ones to play in the shallow waters easily and adults to enjoy some time dozing in the sun. It’s a starting point for numerous heritage paths, long-distance trails, and a short stroll from several villages and towns. While here, we recommend grabbing breakfast at the visitor’s centre cafe across the road or heading to Pine Marten next door for dinner and a drink.
Glenmore Campsite, Aviemore, Inverness-shire, PH22 1QU
57.167030, -3.695264
9. Lyndon Top Caravan & Camping Park, England
When it comes to lakeside camping, it doesn’t get better than staying on the shores of one of Europe’s largest lakes. Lyndon Top Caravan & Camping Park is a peaceful site that mainly attracts visitors looking for a quiet holiday and the chance to explore Rutland. It prides itself on being primarily off-grid, a simple site with spacious pitches and an unbeatable view of the Rutland Water Nature Reserve. No sanitary facilities are available, so you need a self-sufficient motorhome to stay here.
You’ll find plenty of lovely walking routes, including one that takes you around the bird hides to see osprey and other wildlife. It’s a great starting point for cycling routes, including one around the entire lake if you fancy a challenge.
Lyndon Rd, Oakham LE15 8RN, United Kingdom
52.637062, -0.676824
10. Galloway Activity Centre, Scotland
The best lakeside campsites in the UK for adrenaline junkies? We don’t have to even think about it. If you like to stay active on your holidays and can’t sit still for more than a few hours, head straight to Galloway Activity Centre. You can spend your days zooming down zip wires, learning archery, rock climbing, and playing laser combat. Or, if you prefer the unsteady challenge of watersports, you can go sailing, windsurfing or paddling.
By the end of the day, you’ll be too tired to move far, but your motorhome will be parked right there on the shores of Loch Ken at one of the many grassy pitches available. Cooking may feel like another mountain to climb, so head to the on-site cafe for any or all of your meals. This is a great campsite all year round, so don’t limit yourself to just the summer holidays.
Loch Ken, Shirmers Bridge, Parton, Castle Douglas DG7 3NQ
55.037154, -4.100756
11. Six Mile Water Caravan Park, Northern Ireland
Open from February to November, Six Mile Water Caravan Park is located on the shores of Lough Neagh. It’s ideal for a weekend break from Belfast, or even a night away, as it is only a half-hour drive from the bustling city centre. It’s a simple site within walking distance of cafes and restaurants in the nearby town. Each of the 37 pitches offers a freshwater tap and electric hook-up, allowing you to get the most out of your motorhome. There’s a playground for the little ones, and they can follow this by a swim in the lake. The perfect place to start a holiday in Northern Ireland!
Lough Rd, Antrim BT41 4DG
54.717872, -6.237628
12. Altnaharra Club Campsite, Scotland
If your perfect campsite with a lake involves little else, then you’ll love Altnaharra Club Campsite. Nestled on the shores of Loch Naver, it offers a direct view of Ben Klibreck. The nearest shops are a good twenty miles away, so come prepared with supplies and a desire to unwind. Altnaharra Club Campsite is beloved by hikers, anglers, and birdwatchers. You can fly fish for free from the shore or grab binoculars to spot the 70+ breeds of birds swooping around the lake.
While here, we recommend taking the ferry to Cape Wrath to see Scotland’s most north-westerly point. It features a grand lighthouse and the highest sea cliff on the British mainland at Clo Mor, which reaches 900 feet.
B873, Altnaharra, Lairg IV27 4UE
58.296713, -4.372757
Our list could keep going on forever, as the UK is filled with great motorhome sites near a lake! But these 12 are our favourite options and can guarantee you a tranquil holiday surrounded by nature and wildlife, with the perfect place to go wild swimming.
Make sure to pack plenty of warm clothes for afterwards, as you can’t expect it to feel like a hot tub! We’ve also rounded up more things to include in your suitcase on our comprehensive packing list.
