There’s something primally magical about waterfalls. The thundering roar that gives nothing away until you’re almost upon them. The cool mist that hangs in the air on warm summer days. The moss-drenched rocks and fern-lined banks that seem to belong to a world untouched by time. And, of course, those irresistible plunge pools – glittering invitations to strip off and take a dip.
The UK might be compact, but it punches well above its weight when it comes to dramatic cascades. From the misty Highland gorges of Scotland to the wooded valleys of Wales and the tumbling becks of the Lake District, some of Britain’s most breathtaking waterfalls are hiding in plain sight and a handful of brilliant campsites have had the good sense to set up right beside them.
We’ve put together a carefully chosen list of UK campsites where a waterfall isn’t just a nearby attraction, it’s practically part of the experience. Think falling asleep to the sound of rushing water, morning walks to cascades before the crowds arrive, and wild swimming spots you can reach in under ten minutes from your tent.
Whether you’re a seasoned wild camper or planning your first family camping trip, these campsites close to waterfalls offer something genuinely special.
1. Stanley Force, Eskdale in Cumbria
From your pitch if you listen carefully, you’ll hear the quiet sound of running water; it’s this sound that lead us to explore and just a couple of minutes away from the campsite, we came across the beautiful Stanley Force Waterfall.
We’ve written previuosly reviewed Eskdale Camping & Caravanning Club Campsite, or you can visit the website here.
2. Rhaeadr Nantcol Waterfalls, Gwynedd in Wales
Only a couple of miles away from Shell Island, Nantcol Waterfalls Campsite is one that is high on our must-visit list. No matter where you pitch at this campsite, you’ll hear the soothing sound of the waterfall.
Photo credit: Nantcol Watefalls Campsite
Vsit the Nantcol Waterfalls Campsite here.
3. Falls of Foyer, Loch Ness in Scotland
The beautiful waterfall Falls of Foyer can be found near the shore of Loch Ness. If you choose to camp at the Camping and Caravanning Club site, Loch Ness Shores is located on the south shore of Lock Ness is less than a twenty minute walk away from the falls.
Photo credit: Weeping Willow
4. Whitelady Waterfall, Lydford Gorge , Dartmoor in Devon
Lydford Gorge is a deep, wooded ravine carved by the River Lyd on the western edge of Dartmoor National Park, and it’s home to one of the most dramatic waterfalls in the south of England. The gorge stretches 1.5 miles and includes the spectacular 90ft Whitelady Waterfall, as well as the Devil’s Cauldron whirlpool – making it a genuinely extraordinary place to base yourself for a few nights under canvas.
Lydford Caravan and Camping Park puts you just five minutes’ walk from the gorge entrance, with pretty views of Dartmoor’s tors from the site and easy access to the circular trail passing the Whitelady Waterfall and Devil’s Cauldron. There are also limitless additional walks and cycling routes close to the site, including a number of lovely National Trust properties to explore.
Visit the Lydford Caravan and Camping Park website here.
5. Ingleton Waterfalls Trail Campsite, North Yorkshire
If you want a campsite that puts you right at the start of one of England’s most celebrated waterfall walks, look no further than the campsite at Ingleton Waterfalls Trail.
The trail itself winds through two dramatic gorges and takes in a series of stunning waterfalls including Thornton Force, Pecca Falls and Hollybush Spout, all accessible directly from the campsite gate! It’s a truly unique setup where the waterfalls are essentially your front garden. We’ve previously stayed the Ingleton Waterfalls Trail campsite and can thoroughly recommend it!
Visit Ingleton Waterfalls Trail campsite here.
6. Hardraw Force, Wensleydale, Yorkshire Dales
We’re staying with Yorkshire for this next one. Hardraw Force holds the impressive distinction of being England’s highest single-drop waterfall above ground, plunging 30 metres into the gorge below and remarkably, you access it by walking through the bar of a 13th century pub. The Green Dragon Inn has a small campsite on its grounds, meaning you are quite literally camping in the shadow of one of England’s most spectacular natural features. A small entrance fee is payable to access the falls, but staying on the campsite puts you just minutes away at any time of day.
Visit the Green Dragon Inn website here.
7. Pistyll Rhaeadr, Powys in Wales
Often cited as one of the Seven Wonders of Wales, Pistyll Rhaeadr is Britain’s tallest single-drop waterfall, tumbling 73 metres down a dramatic cliff face in the Berwyn Mountains. What makes this entry extra special is that the campsite sits right at the base of the waterfall — you can hear it from your sleeping bag and be standing in front of it within minutes of waking up. There’s also a charming little tearoom on site called Tan-y-Pistyll, meaning “little house under the waterfall”, making this one of the most atmospheric camping spots in Wales.
Visit the Pistyll Rhaeadr campsite website here.
We hope this guide has inspired you to swap the ordinary campsite backdrop for something a little more dramatic. There’s genuinely nothing quite like the sound of falling water to make a camping trip feel like a proper escape, and as this list proves, you don’t have to travel to far-flung corners of the world to find it. The UK has it all, right on your doorstep.
If you’re searching for campsites near waterfalls, we’d love to hear about your experiences. Whether you’ve visited one of the spots on our list or discovered a hidden gem of your own. Drop us a comment below, and if you found this guide useful, don’t forget to share it with a fellow camping lover.
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