I wouldnt be put off going to the lakes as its fantastic and as long as you dont pick one of the bank holidays in April it wont be that chocka. As said though, you can pretty much forget about wild camping. It was always difficult but these last couple of years have pretty much ended just about all of the well known wild camping spots. There are still one or two but if you want to wake up next to a lake you could do a lot worse than this place.
http://www.watersidefarm-campsite.co.uk/ If you dont need hookup the bottom field is pitch where you like and its right on the lake shore.
Waterside House is a beautifully situated family run Lake District campsite situated on the northern shores of Ullswater in the Lake District.
www.watersidefarm-campsite.co.uk
Stayed there a fair few times over the years. Its also a nice walk along the lakeside. (lake height permitting) into Pooley Bridge where there are eateries, shops and a three pubs.