The British love affair with camping can prove confusing to outsiders considering our fluctuating weather, but that has never stopped us.

Heading out into the great outdoors and pitching up wherever the mood strikes can be thrilling, especially if you get the best spot.

Sadly, wild camping is illegal in England, which puts red tape around the idea of just you and the elements.

Broadly speaking, you have to book before heading out with your tent, poles and lust for adventure.

Not really the nomad style of the states, is it? Anyway, we work with what we've got.

In Cumbria and the Lake District, however, you have dozens of potential options.

Now, 150 'outstanding' campsites in the UK have been named, and unsurprisingly, a lot of them are near us.

13 best campsites in Cumbria and the Lake District:

One of the most highly rated was Carrock Glamping Pods beneath Carrock Fell.

The site offers ensuite glamping pods with private hot tubs, cosy interiors and a BBQ for al fresco dining. Guests can explore nearby Ullswater and Aira Force Waterfall, and then end the day soaking in the views from their hot tubs.

To view any of the following, follow this link.

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Other sites included:

  • Caldbeck Camping, Wigton 
  • Cragg Farm Camping Pods, Cockermouth 
  • Crake Trees Manor, Penrith  
  • Damson View Glamping, Lyth Valley  
  • Eden Valley Glamping, Carlisle  
  • Hadrian’s Wall Country Yurts, Brampton 
  • Kentmere Farm Pods, Kendal
  • Parkgate Farm Holidays, Holmrook  
  • The Larches Caravan Park, Mealsgate 
  • Wallsend Guest House and Glamping, Wigton  
  • Wigwam Holidays Eden Valley, Carlisle 
  • Wigwam Holidays Sandwath Farm, Kirkby Stephen 

Campsites.co.uk said: "Our annual Outstanding Sites list highlights 150 camping, glamping, and touring sites across the UK for 2024, celebrating those who offer their campers a reliably great holiday.

"From eco forest hideaways to family-friendly holiday parks and luxury glamping, these hand-picked sites are a combined list of our award winners and other sites we rate highly for a consistently excellent experience onsite."