Wasdale Campsite FAQs

Views of Scafell Pike from Wasdale Campsite, Lake District | © National Trust / Lee John Mann

Camping is a great way to experience the Lake District and there are plenty of options available for places to stay with the National Trust. Here we answer some of the most frequently asked questions about Wasdale Campsite, which is located at the foot of the impressive Scafell Pike.

Group Bookings

One of the things our campers love about Wasdale is the sense of peace and tranquillity. So, to this end, the maximum number of adults allowed in any party is four. This applies whether you book together or separately.

Arrival Time and Departure Times

Arrival time for all forms of accommodation is after 2pm. The departure times for all is 10am. We have limited parking so on your day of departure please move your car to the National Trust carpark next to the site if you are staying in the area for the day, space permitting.

Food shopping in Wasdale

Opening times vary during the season, see facilities. During the day we can be closed between 11am and 2pm to undertake cleaning and maintenance.

We have a shop in the centre of the campsite, combined with reception, where we sell all the basics such as milk, eggs, and bread as well as some camping gear subject to availability from suppliers.

Wasdale is very remote and peaceful, the nearest village being Gosforth about 20 minutes’ drive away which has a well-stocked village shop, cash machine, a café, and some pubs. Nether Wasdale and Santon Bridge are closer, but are just tiny hamlets with good pubs. There is a larger food shop in Seascale. There is also a chemist and a doctor here. Holmrook is 10 miles away and has a petrol station, shop, and a cash machine. The larger town of Whitehaven has most major supermarkets and some larger banks

Pubs and restaurants

There's a pub approximately 20 minutes walk from the campsite. There are places to eat and drink in Nether Wasdale, and Santon Bridge.

Dogs

Wasdale is a dog-friendly campsite, and all well-behaved dogs are welcome at no additional charge. They must be always kept on a lead and exercised away from other campers. Please pick up after your dog right away. Two dogs per pitch only.

Freeze packs

We do not hire any freeze packs, but we will happily freeze your own, in the freezer in the porch outside the shop.

Laundry Room

There is a washing machine operated by tokens available from the shop. The two tumble driers take £1 coins. There is also a hot drying room inside the laundry room. Please note we do not sell washing powder.

Bins & recycling

The large purple bins are adjacent to the shop. Please put all rubbish in these bins except for cardboard which can be placed in the yellow bins. All rubbish is recycled off site. The green bin outside the facilities block by the sinks is for compostable waste only. All commercial waste is processed away from the site by Copeland Council.

Audible Devices

This campsite is for the quiet enjoyment of nature, so no radios, stereos or other sound systems are allowed at any time.

Gas cylinders

We have bottled gas for exchange at the on-site shop subject to availability.

Mountain weather forecast

For up to date weather information, visit the Lake District weatherline.

The mountain weather forecast is displayed daily at the reception.

Safety on the fells

The challenge of a day on the fells should never be underestimated - click on the link below for further information and advice about climbing up Scafell Pike and the other mountains of the Lake District.

How far away is Scafell Pike and how long does it take to get there?

Find out more about climbing Scafell Pike.

Rock- climbing in Wasdale

There are no low level climbing routes in the Wasdale Valley. Expect a good walk before you reach access to the start of many spectacular rock climbs. There are classic routes on Gable such as Napes Needle, Tophet Wall and Central Buttress, access for which is approximately 1.5 hours' walk away from the campsite. Grades vary from beginners routes to routes for the highly experienced. Visit UKclimbing.com for more climbing info.

Are there any climbing crag bans in place?

Please use the search facility at The British Mountaineering Council website. Click on 'access' for up to date information on any crag bans.

Are there any Sites of Special Scientific Interest in the area?

Wastwater, England's deepest lake, just a few metres away from the campsite, is a designated SSSI, one of many in Cumbria. For a full list and further information, please refer to English Nature's website where there is a search facility.

Nearest bus stop

There is currently no bus service to Wasdale.

Which is the nearest lake?

Wasdale Campsite is a stone’s throw from Wastwater, England’s deepest lake. There is a track leading down to the lake from the campsite which takes about 10 minutes walking. The best places to launch a paddle board or kayak is from the Lake Shore Road where there are parking areas. Fishing is not allowed on river or lake. No sailed craft.

Credit card payments

Yes, we accept most credit cards at the campsite or you can pay in advance online.

Fires and disposable barbecues

Wood fires and fire pits are not allowed but you can burn charcoal in barbecues raised off the ground to protect the grass. Please use bricks provided outside the shop if you are using a disposable barbecue. Used barbecues and charcoal can be disposed of in the wheelbarrow by the large purple bins.

Drones

Drones are not permitted.

I have booked an electric hook up pitch for my tent, what do I need to consider?

You need to bring the correct electrical cable with a three-pin connector

Can I erect a gazebo or tarp?

You may be able to bring a gazebo, mess tent or tarp depending on your camping pitch size. Please note, additional charges apply as these structures take up additional space. Please speak to staff and obtain a ticket.

Campervan bays are all different shapes and sizes and are not pre-allocated. We cannot guarantee that you will be able to erect your gazebo but this is part of your pitch price.

Can I bring my roof or trailer tent?

There is no parking on pitches at Wasdale so we may not be able to accommodate you. Please ring the campsite before booking a pitch for your roof tent so that we can discuss the options with you. Our campsite at Eskdale is a better option as parking is allowed on pitches there.

Do you need coins to operate the showers?

No, use of the showers is included in your pitch fee.

I am staying in a pod, what do I need to bring?

Think of the pod as a replacement for your tent. You will need everything you would bring for your tent, apart from the tent itself. Folding mattresses are available placed directly on the floor. There is a heater and a light.

I am staying in the bell tent, what do I need to bring?

Think of the bell tent as a replacement for your tent. You will need everything you would bring for your tent, apart from the tent itself. Folding mattresses are available placed directly on the floor. There is a log burner with one packet of eco logs provided, more available to purchase from the shop. There is also a light.

I am staying in a tipi, what do I need to bring?

Please read the tipi inventory list.

Can under 18s stay at the site?

Under 18s must be accompanied by an adult.

Can I park my car by my tent?

Ample parking is provided away from the tents, but close enough so you won’t have to struggle too far with all your gear. Wheelbarrows can be found next to the shop to help you move your gear - please feel free to borrow one when you're setting up and packing away.

Can I have a guest to visit?

You can have a guest to visit during the day, but they need to park their car in the National Trust Car Park next door. Space permitting. Please inform staff of the visit.

Are you open all year?

Yes, we are open all year round, apart from Christmas and Boxing Day, but check our homepage for updates if Met Office have issued extreme weather warnings.

Public WIFI

There is no Wi-Fi on this campsite. There is a payphone on site. Coins only.

Electric car Charger

We have an electric car charging point on the site. This is a trickle charge port and takes tokens purchased from the shop. Tokens cost £2 each and last 1 hour. Each token gives 3.6kw.