Fly Camping vs. Wild Camping: Why It Matters for Windermere’s Health
As the popularity of outdoor adventures continues to grow, so too does the need to protect the natural spaces we love — especially places as precious as Windermere. One issue that’s increasingly causing concern is fly camping, a harmful practice that poses serious risks to our environment and water quality.
What’s the Difference?
Wild Camping is technically not permitted anywhere in the Lake District, but can be tolerated if these rules are followed:
- Carrying everything in a backpack and leaving no trace.
- Pitching a tent for one night only, arriving late and leaving early.
- Camp in remote areas above the highest fell wall, well away from roads, homes, and lake shores.
- Don’t light any fires, even if there is evidence that fires might have been lit
- Ensuring all waste — including sanitary items — are carried out.
- Respecting nature and fellow visitors.
In contrast, Fly Camping often ignores these principles:
- Campers set up in inappropriate places like lake shores, residential areas, and roadside spots.
- Groups stay for extended periods, leaving behind litter, tents, chairs, and even inflatable beds.
- Fires and BBQs are common, which can scar landscapes and pose wildfire risks.
- Large gatherings disturb wildlife and damage fragile habitats.
Why Fly Camping Harms Windermere
Fly camping contributes directly to pollution in open water bodies like Windermere. Improper waste disposal — especially human waste and litter — can introduce harmful bacteria and nutrients into the lake, degrading water quality and threatening aquatic life. Fires and trampling also damage the surrounding ecosystems, making it harder for nature to recover.
What You Can Do
If you’re planning a camping trip:
- Follow Lake District National Park Authority guidelines
- Choose remote, upland areas and camp responsibly.
- Always carry out what you bring in — including waste.
- Camp at one of the many campsites across the National Park offering a wild camp feel, but with a real toilet and fresh water on tap!
- Don’t light fires or disturb wildlife.
- Educate others about the impact of fly camping.
Windermere is a shared treasure. Let’s keep it clean, safe, and thriving — for wildlife, for communities, and for future generations.
Read more at Guide to wild camping across the Lake District National Park
The Lake District National Park Authority have been collaborating with social media influencers to help educate people about the wild camping rules, and the effect fly camping has on the environment and wildlife.
Watch influencer CamIsExploring video on YouTube: Wildcamping Rules of the