WHEN it comes to holidaying in Cumbria - and in particular, the Lake District - camping is often the first thing that comes to mind.

Whether you're pitching a tent, hooking up a caravan or piling into a motorhome, there's arguably no better way to experience the great outdoors.

With that in mind, we've been looking at the best places to stay by finding out the top 10 highest rated camp sites in Cumbria, according to Trip Advisor.

The ranking was decided by the highest rated sites on Tripadvisor, based on reviews left by travellers.

10 – The Quiet Site

This popular venue has been welcoming visitors to Ullswater for more than 50 years, and is rated 4.5 out of 5 from 833 reviews.

9 – Church Stile Farm & Campsite

Situated in Nether Wasdale just a stone's throw from Wast Water, this site is rated 4.5 out of 5 from 218 reviews.

8 – Castlerigg Hall Caravan and Camping Park

Located at the heart of the Lake District in Keswick, Castlerigg is rated as 4.5 out of 5 from 474 reviews.

7 – Waterside House Campsite

This site can be found at Pooley Bridge near Ullswater, and is rated 4.5 out of 5 with 939 reviews.

Perfectly positioned at the foot of Barton Fell, it is an ideal base for all manner of activities.

6 – Park Cliffe Camping & Caravan Estate

Windermere's Park Cliffe site is rated 4.5 out of 5 from 643 reviews, and has won many top-quality awards.

5 – Hillcroft Park

Pooley Bridge's second entry on the list is rated 4.5 out of 5 from 289 reviews, thanks to its well-equipped lodges.

4 – Eskdale Campsite

Nestled at Holmrook in Boot, Eskdale, this site is rated 5 out of 5 from 380 reviews.

Now owned by the National Trust, it has pitches for tents, motorhomes and campervans both with and without electric hook-ups. There are also 10 onsite camping pods and a camping barn, sleeping up to eight people.

3 – Mains Farm Caravan Site

The first – but not the last – entry on the list from outside the Lake District, Kirkoswald's Mains Farm Caravan site is rated 5 out of 5 from 222 reviews.

2 – Pasturewood Holidays

Located just south of Carlisle and once more outside the Lake District, glampers will enjoy Pasturewood's offering - as shown by its 5 out of 5 rating from 416 reviews.

1 – Thornfield Camping Cabins

The highest rated campsite in all of Cumbria is Dalston's Thornfield Camping Cabins, which is rated 5 out of 5 from 359 reviews –- just 11 of the reviews rated the site below "excellent".