Stonethwaite Farm & Campsite: The Little Piece of Heaven We Thought We’d Lost
- tenttokers
- 4 days ago
- 9 min read
Stonethwaite Farm & Campsite: Our Little Piece of Heaven Is Back 🏕️❤️
Campfires, chaos & unforgettable moments — and one of our favourite places in the Lake District is back.
There are campsites you visit.
There are campsites you enjoy.
And then there are campsites that somehow become part of you.
For us, Stonethwaite Farm & Campsite is firmly in that last category.
Tucked away in the stunning Borrowdale Valley in the Lake District, this is somewhere that holds an enormous amount of memories for us as a couple. It was originally recommended to us by a friend, and back then it was very much one of those places you heard about by word of mouth.
You didn't necessarily book weeks or months in advance.
You turned up.
You hoped there was a space.
You handed over your money to the farmer — often for less than a tenner each — and pitched up.
Sometimes you got in.
Sometimes you didn't.
That's camping, right? 😂
But things changed.
And for a while, we thought Stonethwaite was gone for good.
💔 The Day The Gates Closed
In July 2024, the previous owners announced that the campsite was closing.
The social media announcement explained that they had been left with no other option after difficulties in the village, including an incident involving their warden.
Whatever the full circumstances behind the closure, which obviously aren't ours to speculate about, the end result was the same:
The gates closed.
And for those of us who loved the place, it was devastating.
This wasn't just another campsite.
It was our little escape.
The thought that we might never again drive into that valley, pitch the tent beside the river and hear nothing but water, birds and the sounds of nature was genuinely heartbreaking.
We thought that was it.
Stonethwaite was no more.
Then...
👀
🎉 Wait... What?!
Stonethwaite Farm & Campsite suddenly appeared on Facebook again.
UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT.
Cue the excitement.
The website went live, updates started appearing, and there was talk of bookings opening for the 2026 season.
We genuinely couldn't believe it.
We could go back.
And when we eventually returned, it was one of those moments where you realise just how much somewhere means to you.
The scenery was still breathtaking.
The river was still there.
The mountains were still towering above you.
And that feeling we'd remembered?
Still there.
But there was something else too.
A new family had arrived, and they were clearly determined to look after this special place.
👨🌾 Meet The New Owners
Stonethwaite Farm & Campsite is now run by John and Emma Stalker, along with their three boys, Noah, Cody and Jake.
The family took over Stonethwaite Farm & Campsite and Thorneythwaite in 2024, and their plans go well beyond simply running a campsite.
John was born into farming in Coniston and has farmed all his life alongside his work as a farrier.
Emma moved to Cumbria from the Northeast in 2012 and has been learning the farming life ever since meeting John.
Their boys are already mad about farming, with Noah and Cody looking like they're well on their way to becoming the next generation of young farmers.
And after actually meeting John and Emma during our stay, we can say first-hand that their pride in this place is obvious.
They're not just running a campsite.
They're investing in their little corner of the Lake District.
And you can see it.
🛠️ A Lot Has Changed
If you've visited Stonethwaite in the past, don't expect everything to be exactly as you remember it.
There have been changes.
New fencing.
New gates.
A one-way system.
Upgraded facilities.
Lighting around areas of the woodland.
And lots of little touches that show someone is actually taking care of the site.
One thing that immediately stood out to us was the cleanliness of the toilets.
Now, we're camping.
We aren't expecting the Ritz.
But clean, tidy and well-maintained toilets make a massive difference — especially when you've spent the night sleeping in a tent and your first task of the morning is negotiating your way towards the facilities without stepping on anything questionable. 😂
The site is clearly being worked on and improved, but importantly, it hasn't lost its character.
It's still a campsite.
It's still rustic.
It's still about getting outside.
And long may that continue.
🔥 Camping Has Changed... And That's OK
One of the biggest changes is the introduction of some campsite rules around fires.
The owners have explained that when they took over, a lack of rules had unfortunately contributed to safety and environmental issues.
As a result, campers aren't permitted to bring their own fire pits.
But don't panic, fire lovers...
🔥 Campfires are still possible.
The site now offers a limited number of campfire bundles to hire, including a firepit, heat mat, gauze top, logs, kindling and firelighters.
We actually think this is a sensible compromise.
It means people can still enjoy sitting around a fire under the stars, while the owners have much more control over where and how fires are being used.
And given that this is a working farm surrounded by an incredibly precious natural environment, we completely understand why they're taking it seriously.
🐕 Aria-Rose Approves The Dog Run
Now onto something particularly important in the TentTokers household...
The dog. 😂🐶
Dogs need to be kept on leads around the campsite or secured to a ground stake, which is completely understandable given that this is a working farm.
But the owners have also created a designated dog run where four-legged campers can have a proper blast off-lead.
And Aria-Rose absolutely loved it.
There are balls, toys and agility equipment available, with poo bags and bins conveniently located by the entrance.
It's a simple idea.
But it's one that makes a huge difference when you're camping with a dog.
Because there's only so many times you can say:
"Do you want to go for a walk?"
before your dog starts thinking they're being taken on the Tour de France. 😂
🏕️ Our Stay
For this visit, we stayed for three nights on the non-electric riverside pitches.
And honestly?
It was perfect.
No electricity.
No constant buzzing from generators.
No campsite entertainment team.
No neon wristbands.
No one shouting "WHO WANTS TO PLAY BINGO?" across the field.
Just us, the tent, the river, the mountains and nature.
Exactly how we like it.
The sound of the river running alongside the pitch is something we could listen to for hours.
It's incredibly peaceful.
There's a tranquillity here that is difficult to put into words.
It's almost as though someone presses a big red OFF button on the outside world.
And instantly...
You relax.
🏔️ The Location Is The Star Of The Show
Let's be honest.
The campsite is fantastic.
But the location?
Wow.
Stonethwaite sits within the Borrowdale Valley, surrounded by some of the most spectacular scenery the Lake District has to offer.
And this is where the campsite commands a certain amount of respect.
You're camping in nature.
Proper nature.
The mountains, rivers, woodland and wildlife aren't the backdrop to your holiday.
They're the holiday.
There are some incredible walks and places to explore nearby, including the famous Black Moss Pot, Galleny Force and the beautiful pools and waterfalls around the valley.
And those crystal-clear pools?
You can paddle.
You can swim.
You can jump in if you're feeling particularly brave.
Or, if you're like us, you can stand there admiring them while thinking:
"Absolutely no chance am Im jumping in there." 🥶😂 but I will go for a swim
🍺 Don't Forget The Local Pub
Of course, no proper camping trip would be complete without investigating the local pub.
We headed to The Langstrath Country Inn and, luckily for us, we were there on a Sunday.
Which meant one thing...
Sunday roast. 🍽️
And it was lovely.
It's the sort of place that fits perfectly with the surroundings — somewhere to head after a day walking, exploring and getting covered in whatever the Lake District has decided to throw at you.
Definitely worth adding to your itinerary.
📵 The One Thing Your Phone Won't Like
Here's a warning for anyone who considers themselves a social media addict.
The signal isn't great.
Actually...
It's rubbish. 😂
And do you know what?
That's brilliant.
I'm saying this as someone who is absolutely guilty of being glued to social media.
At Stonethwaite, you may find yourself unable to refresh Facebook.
TikTok might refuse to cooperate.
Instagram could simply give up.
And WhatsApp may leave you wondering whether your message has actually sent.
But after a little while...
You stop caring.
Because you're too busy looking at this.
⚠️ Things You Should Know Before You Go
This isn't a campsite we're going to recommend without giving you the honest bits too.
Because Stonethwaite isn't for everyone.
And that's actually one of the things we love about it.
🚗 Leave The Lowered Car At Home
The entrance and exit are rocky and you're driving onto a working farm.
So if your pride and joy is approximately 3mm off the ground...
Maybe choose another weekend destination. 😂
Likewise, we're not sure your giant American RV is going to have the easiest time negotiating the entrance.
Think countryside.
Think rocks.
Think "maybe I should have brought the sensible car."
🔌 No Electric
The site is currently non-electric, and we really hope it stays that way.
This is back-to-basics camping.
Bring your battery packs.
Bring your torches.
Bring your common sense.
And leave the hair straighteners at home.
Although, let's be honest, if you're worried about your hairstyle while camping beside a river in the Lake District, we're probably not the campsite for you. 😂
🚿 No Showers
There are no showers and no hot water.
There.
We've said it.
If that's a deal breaker, you probably want to look elsewhere.
Although there is always the river...
We're joking.
Mostly.
😂
There are toilets and washing-up facilities, and during our stay we found them clean, tidy and more than adequate for what this type of campsite is.
🔦 Bring A Torch
It gets dark.
Proper dark.
And once the daylight disappears, you'll be very glad you remembered the torch rather than trying to navigate your way back to the tent using the glow from your phone.
📱 Expect To Disconnect
As mentioned...
Signal is poor.
So don't arrive expecting to spend the evening scrolling through TikTok while sitting beside the river.
Instead, sit beside the river.
Listen to it.
Look at the mountains.
Talk to whoever you've brought with you.
It's amazing what happens when your phone stops demanding your attention.
📋 BOOK BEFORE YOU ARRIVE
This is another big change from the Stonethwaite of old.
You now need to book.
There is an online booking system, and the owners are very clear:
No booking = no stay.
This isn't a case of turning up, crossing your fingers and hoping there's a patch of grass available anymore.
And honestly?
We understand why.
The site has rules and capacity for a reason.
It allows the owners to manage the number of campers, keep things safe, look after the land and be fair to those who have booked.
If you're planning a visit, book online before you arrive.
And if you're making a last-minute decision, contact them first and see if they have space.
Don't just turn up and expect to squeeze in.
🌿 Respect The Place
This is probably the most important bit of the entire article.
Look after Stonethwaite.
Take your rubbish with you.
Leave your pitch as you found it.
Keep dogs under control.
Respect the rules.
Don't damage the land.
Don't block access.
And please...
Don't park like a crank. 😂
This isn't Fast & Furious: Borrowdale Drift.
Local people need to get through.
Farm vehicles need to get through.
Other campers need to get through.
You're in the Lake District because of the landscape and the nature.
So let's all do our bit to keep it that way.
❤️ Why We Love Stonethwaite
There are plenty of campsites around the country.
There are certainly campsites with more facilities.
There are places with showers, electric hook-ups, Wi-Fi, entertainment, swimming pools and everything else you could possibly want.
But that's not why we camp.
We camp for the escape.
For the feeling of waking up somewhere beautiful.
For sitting outside with a brew.
For hearing a river instead of traffic.
For walking until your legs hurt.
For getting filthy.
For laughing.
For switching off.
And Stonethwaite gives us all of that.
There's something incredibly special about returning somewhere that holds so many memories and finding that, despite everything that's happened, the magic is still there.
Maybe even more so now.
Because we can see the care that's going into it.
We met John and Emma.
We saw the work they're putting in.
We saw how proud they are of the place.
And we genuinely hope campers appreciate what they're trying to create.
Their vision isn't necessarily to be a campsite for everyone.
It's to be a safe, respectful and sustainable campsite for the right people.
And we think that's something worth supporting.
🏕️ Our Verdict
Would we go back?
Absolutely.
Would we recommend it?
Without hesitation.
Would we take Aria-Rose again?
She'd probably move in if we let her. 🐶😂
Would we take the same pitch?
Riverside 100%
10/10 from the TentTokers.
Stonethwaite Farm & Campsite isn't perfect — and that's exactly the point.
It's rustic.
It's peaceful.
It's back to basics.
It's surrounded by extraordinary scenery.
And it's somewhere that makes you stop for a moment and remember why you started camping in the first place.
We genuinely hope the new owners continue to improve the site while protecting the character and magic that made us fall in love with it all those years ago.
Because places like this are precious.
And if we all treat them with the respect they deserve, hopefully they'll still be here for many years — and many muddy boots — to come.
Stonethwaite, we'll see you again. ❤️
📍 TentTokers Rating
🏕️ Campsite: 10/10
🏔️ Location: 10/10
🌊 Scenery: 11/10
🤫 Peace & tranquillity: 10/10
🐕 Dog-friendly: 10/10
🚿 Showers: 0/10 — because there aren't any! 😂
📱 Phone signal: You'll survive. Probably.
🔥 Campfire vibes: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
❤️ Would we return? Absolutely.
Campfires, chaos & unforgettable moments.
Come join the adventure... if you can keep up. 👀🐾
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