Campsites with campfires in Caerlaverock National Nature Reserve

·

The dramatic coastal scenery of Caerlaverock, its mudflats and saltmarsh, supports a rich range of wildlife, from birds such as barnacle geese, bar-tailed godwit and knot, as well as natterjack toads, Scotland’s rarest amphibian. Situated where the River Nith meets the Solway Firth, a network of paths with raised boardwalks lead visitors through the reserve and there’s also a viewing platform, picnic areas and a viewing hide. While there are no organized campsites within the nature reserve, private spots sit just minutes away with spaces for campervans and motorhomes.

94% (89) 257 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Caerlaverock National Nature Reserve

Troquhain Woods

1. Troquhain Woods

92%
(33)
6 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Castle Douglas, Dumfries, South Scotland
Nearly wild camping for tents and campervans in a Scottish woodland
Pets
Picnic table
from 
£25
 / night
King Garth

2. King Garth

100%
(9)
1 unit · Glamping · Carlisle, England
Built in 1733, King Garth is also known as The Old Customs House, reflecting its role in these fraught times of smuggling. Its strategic position on the banks of The Eden served as the perfect lookout for a bailiff employed by Carlisle Corporation to protect the very important salmon fishery. The plaques on the building which commemorate the visits by Mayors date back to the 1700s. These visits no doubt involved indulgent banquets centring around freshly caught salmon I grew up on the opposite side of the river. On family walks along the Eden I was always fascinated by the house on the other side sited in such an amazing position. In 2010, when I returned to Cumbria I was amazed to hear that this house was for sale. It was a ruin and everyone told me I was mad..... I probably was a little! But I soon realised that I wasn’t alone in my love of this house, everyone I met from the surrounding villages had a tale to tell about this iconic place. King Garth is for sharing - with locals, (we have an annual barbecue), with wildlife and with people like you. The aim when renovating King Garth was to celebrate and embrace its history. King Garth is off grid and has no running water. It is furnished in a style to reflect its history. It isn’t everyone’s ‘cup of tea’: you have to drive a mile down a muddy lane, there is no hot shower, no electric lighting, and a compost toilet. BUT we offer beautiful evenings of candle light, log burner, hot tub under the stars and bathing in the river. My priority with King Garth and the land attached was to manage in a way to protect the abundant wildlife. There are also alpacas who you can look after during your stay. You will be astounded by the din the birds make at dawn and dusk! Inside the house there is an owl box where one summer a pair of barn owls successfully raised chicks. Since then a kestrel frequents the box and has twice laid there. This part of the Eden is tidal so both estuarine and river species co exist. Kingfishers and otters are often spotted And even the occasional seal! Kinggarth comes with fishing rights and if you want to fish this can be arranged with the host. The bird feeders are frequented by tree sparrows, yellow hammers, wood peckers, nut hatches and in winter red poll.
Pets
Hot Tub
Cooking equipment
from 
£80
 / night
Cleghorn Farm

3. Cleghorn Farm

100%
(11)
15 units · Tents, Glamping · Lanark, Scotland
*PLEASE NOTE THE CABIN IS AVAILABLE FOR MIDWEEK AND WEEKEND BOOKINGS. CAMPING WILL RETURN IN SPRING 2026.* Cleghorn Farm is a mixed farm just north east of the market town of Lanark. Comprised of 250 acres of fields and woodland and bounded to the south by Mouse Water, it is a beautiful spot to get away from it all without having to leave it all behind if you don't want to. The fields are grazed and cultivated but the woodlands are much as they were at the end of the last ice age with spectacular walks along Cleghorn Glen with the chance to see badgers, bats, deer and all manner of birds among the towering pine and beech trees. The Mouse Water (pronounced moose) tumbles down along the edge of the farm and has some glorious pools for swimming, shallows for paddling and some spectacular water falls before it joins the River Clyde.
Pets
Potable water
Picnic table
from 
£10
 / night
Wanderlusts Gypsy Caravans

4. Wanderlusts Gypsy Caravans

3 units · Glamping · Melmerby, England
Travelling from site to site in a bow-top gypsy caravan, through Cumbria's stunning scenery
Pets
Hot Tub
Potable water
from 
£95
 / night
Camping at Cardewlees

5. Camping at Cardewlees

99%
(47)
37 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Carlisle, England
A welcoming, family-run farm campsite between the Lake District and Hadrian's Wall
Pets
Electrical hookup
Showers
from 
£16
 / night
Otter Moss Accommodation

6. Otter Moss Accommodation

100%
(8)
4 units · Glamping · Brampton, England
Otter Moss Accommodation offers a variety of upscale camping options suitable for couples, families, and groups. Nestled within a picturesque 12-acre former farm, the majority of the site surrounds a spacious meadow. Additionally, the site boasts a charming small lake featuring three islands and a rowing boat for leisurely water activities. Situated at the northern edge of the stunning Eden Valley, guests can enjoy sweeping views of the Cumbrian Fells, with visibility extending to the Solway Firth and the Lake District on clear days. The Lake District is a convenient 40-minute drive away, while various sections of Hadrian's Wall are even closer, reachable within a 15-minute drive. Carlisle and the M6 motorway to Scotland are both just 20 minutes away, with the picturesque market town of Brampton also within a 15-minute drive and offering its own attractions. Local pubs are plentiful in the area, with a diverse selection available within a five-mile radius. Accommodation units at Otter Moss come equipped with heating, kitchen utensils, and stoves, ensuring guests' comfort and convenience. Each unit also includes firepits or barbecues, as well as bedding and towels for a hassle-free stay.
Pets
Showers
Wifi
from 
£85
 / night
Rowan Retreat

7. Rowan Retreat

1 unit · Glamping · England
Shepherd's hut in idylic location with extensive views under dark skies,set on its own in a private 5 acre field amidst nature,semi off grid,decking under a canopy,firepit area, centrally located for Lake District,Yorkshire Dales, Northumberland and Scottish borders.
Pets
Showers
Potable water
from 
£68
 / night
Grinsdale Campsite

8. Grinsdale Campsite

1 unit · Tent, Motorhome · England
Wild camping with water and toilets on site, also the King Charles coastal path, just 2 minutes from Hadrians Wall and next to the River Eden.
Pets
Picnic table
from 
£16
 / night
Lake District Herdwick Huts

9. Lake District Herdwick Huts

100%
(1)
5 units · Glamping · Rydal, England
You will not find a more stunning place to stay and explore within the UK. Set in the very heart of the Lake District National Park, there is good reason why this magnificent location inspired the poet William Wordsworth to commit some of his most world-renowned poetry to paper. These beautiful huts are nestled underneath the Fairfield horseshoe mountain range and Nab scar, so there is no need to drive anywhere for the finest mountain hikes. With Rydal Lake, a wild swimmers hot spot, and waterfalls and plunge pools on site, it really is hard to beat! You will not find a more stunning place to stay and explore within the UK. Set in the very heart of the Lake District National Park, there is good reason why this magnificent location inspired the poet William Wordsworth to commit some of his most world-renowned poetry to paper. Grasmere is on the doorstep, voted one of the top places to visit in the Lake District, with the famous '‘Coffin route’ walk offering a spectacular lake and mountain view stroll straight from your hut door. With low level to high level walks exploring the Lakes from Rydal caters for everyone. Ambleside and Grasmere are both walking distance for cafes, restaurants and cinemas and Rydal offers scenic off-road strolls to arrive by. Each with fresh linen, wood burning stove and cast iron gas hob, you are sure to be comfortable even in the thick of winter.
Pets
Showers
Potable water
from 
£110
 / night
Stone Raise Bells

10. Stone Raise Bells

92%
(6)
3 units · Glamping · Carlisle, England
Off-grid bell tents on a working farm in Cumbria’s Eden Valley
Pets
Showers
Potable water
from 
£65
 / night
Langley Dam Glamping

11. Langley Dam Glamping

5 units · Glamping · England
Nestled in the Tyne Valley, on our beef and sheep farm, at the edge of the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Langley Dam Glamping provides high quality, en-suite accommodation in our unique glamping cabins. The six ‘Langley Longboat’ cabins are positioned on the bank of Langley Dam Reservoir, providing exceptional views over the 14 acres of water and towards Whitfield moor. Langley Dam itself is a commercial fly fishery and Troutmaster water. Visitors are welcome, and encouraged, to enjoy the fishing experience that the water provides (charges do apply, but residents have discounted fishing fees). We also have rowing boats that can be hired for fishing purposes. We have created some fantastic 3D showcases of the inside of the cabins. You can use these to get a better feel of how the cabins are laid out. We have created 3 showcases to reflect the 3 types of cabins we have. Humbleton is unique, then The Wonneys which is the same layout as The Rushy Lot, and Wheatleys which is the same as Blackcleugh and Bare Bones.
Pets
Showers
Hot Tub
from 
£167
 / night
Renison's Farm

12. Renison's Farm

100%
(1)
1 unit · Glamping · Penrith, Cumbria, North West England
Off-grid wagon glamping on a farm with views of Lake District fells
Pets
Showers
Hot Tub
from 
£90
 / night
Garden Yurt in a hidden glen

13. Garden Yurt in a hidden glen

100%
(3)
1 unit · Glamping · England
A cosy, romantic getaway. Unwind and reconnect, surrounded by nature and amazing dark skies. The spacious, well-equipped yurt is tucked away in a large private home garden in a beautiful glen, with Scaur Water just over the road. The Yurt at Craignee is a cosy, off-grid retreat, with wood burner and garden area, surrounded by peace and wildlife. Enjoy lots of home comforts with an extra dash of adventure! #bbcwildlife60places winner STL Number: DG01053P
Showers
Wifi
Potable water
from 
£100
 / night
Hadrian's Wall Country Yurts

14. Hadrian's Wall Country Yurts

100%
(13)
2 units · Glamping · Cumbria, North West England
Two yurts with hot tubs in the Cumbrian countryside just a mile away from Hadrian’s Wall
Pets
Showers
Hot Tub
from 
£210
 / night
Herdie Hideaway

15. Herdie Hideaway

2 units · Glamping · Scotland
Herdie hideaway is run by Charlotte and Alex and is nestled next to rolling hills of the the Lake District overlooking the Solway Firth, our shepherd’s hut offers a haven of tranquility. Lush woodlands surround the property, teeming with wildlife, creating a symphony of sights and sounds for nature enthusiasts. Here, on a working farm, you’ll find a quiet escape unlike any other. We hope you enjoy your stay in this beautiful part of the world which we hope you are able to switch off, unwind and have a relaxing time in this lovely secluded area.
Pets
Showers
Wifi
from 
£120
 / night

The dramatic coastal scenery of Caerlaverock, its mudflats and saltmarsh, supports a rich range of wildlife, from birds such as barnacle geese, bar-tailed godwit and knot, as well as natterjack toads, Scotland’s rarest amphibian. Situated where the River Nith meets the Solway Firth, a network of paths with raised boardwalks lead visitors through the reserve and there’s also a viewing platform, picnic areas and a viewing hide. While there are no organized campsites within the nature reserve, private spots sit just minutes away with spaces for campervans and motorhomes.

94% (89) 257 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Caerlaverock National Nature Reserve

Troquhain Woods

1. Troquhain Woods

92%
(33)
6 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Castle Douglas, Dumfries, South Scotland
Nearly wild camping for tents and campervans in a Scottish woodland
Pets
Picnic table
from 
£25
 / night
King Garth

2. King Garth

100%
(9)
1 unit · Glamping · Carlisle, England
Built in 1733, King Garth is also known as The Old Customs House, reflecting its role in these fraught times of smuggling. Its strategic position on the banks of The Eden served as the perfect lookout for a bailiff employed by Carlisle Corporation to protect the very important salmon fishery. The plaques on the building which commemorate the visits by Mayors date back to the 1700s. These visits no doubt involved indulgent banquets centring around freshly caught salmon I grew up on the opposite side of the river. On family walks along the Eden I was always fascinated by the house on the other side sited in such an amazing position. In 2010, when I returned to Cumbria I was amazed to hear that this house was for sale. It was a ruin and everyone told me I was mad..... I probably was a little! But I soon realised that I wasn’t alone in my love of this house, everyone I met from the surrounding villages had a tale to tell about this iconic place. King Garth is for sharing - with locals, (we have an annual barbecue), with wildlife and with people like you. The aim when renovating King Garth was to celebrate and embrace its history. King Garth is off grid and has no running water. It is furnished in a style to reflect its history. It isn’t everyone’s ‘cup of tea’: you have to drive a mile down a muddy lane, there is no hot shower, no electric lighting, and a compost toilet. BUT we offer beautiful evenings of candle light, log burner, hot tub under the stars and bathing in the river. My priority with King Garth and the land attached was to manage in a way to protect the abundant wildlife. There are also alpacas who you can look after during your stay. You will be astounded by the din the birds make at dawn and dusk! Inside the house there is an owl box where one summer a pair of barn owls successfully raised chicks. Since then a kestrel frequents the box and has twice laid there. This part of the Eden is tidal so both estuarine and river species co exist. Kingfishers and otters are often spotted And even the occasional seal! Kinggarth comes with fishing rights and if you want to fish this can be arranged with the host. The bird feeders are frequented by tree sparrows, yellow hammers, wood peckers, nut hatches and in winter red poll.
Pets
Hot Tub
Cooking equipment
from 
£80
 / night
Cleghorn Farm

3. Cleghorn Farm

100%
(11)
15 units · Tents, Glamping · Lanark, Scotland
*PLEASE NOTE THE CABIN IS AVAILABLE FOR MIDWEEK AND WEEKEND BOOKINGS. CAMPING WILL RETURN IN SPRING 2026.* Cleghorn Farm is a mixed farm just north east of the market town of Lanark. Comprised of 250 acres of fields and woodland and bounded to the south by Mouse Water, it is a beautiful spot to get away from it all without having to leave it all behind if you don't want to. The fields are grazed and cultivated but the woodlands are much as they were at the end of the last ice age with spectacular walks along Cleghorn Glen with the chance to see badgers, bats, deer and all manner of birds among the towering pine and beech trees. The Mouse Water (pronounced moose) tumbles down along the edge of the farm and has some glorious pools for swimming, shallows for paddling and some spectacular water falls before it joins the River Clyde.
Pets
Potable water
Picnic table
from 
£10
 / night
Wanderlusts Gypsy Caravans

4. Wanderlusts Gypsy Caravans

3 units · Glamping · Melmerby, England
Travelling from site to site in a bow-top gypsy caravan, through Cumbria's stunning scenery
Pets
Hot Tub
Potable water
from 
£95
 / night
Camping at Cardewlees

5. Camping at Cardewlees

99%
(47)
37 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Carlisle, England
A welcoming, family-run farm campsite between the Lake District and Hadrian's Wall
Pets
Electrical hookup
Showers
from 
£16
 / night
Otter Moss Accommodation

6. Otter Moss Accommodation

100%
(8)
4 units · Glamping · Brampton, England
Otter Moss Accommodation offers a variety of upscale camping options suitable for couples, families, and groups. Nestled within a picturesque 12-acre former farm, the majority of the site surrounds a spacious meadow. Additionally, the site boasts a charming small lake featuring three islands and a rowing boat for leisurely water activities. Situated at the northern edge of the stunning Eden Valley, guests can enjoy sweeping views of the Cumbrian Fells, with visibility extending to the Solway Firth and the Lake District on clear days. The Lake District is a convenient 40-minute drive away, while various sections of Hadrian's Wall are even closer, reachable within a 15-minute drive. Carlisle and the M6 motorway to Scotland are both just 20 minutes away, with the picturesque market town of Brampton also within a 15-minute drive and offering its own attractions. Local pubs are plentiful in the area, with a diverse selection available within a five-mile radius. Accommodation units at Otter Moss come equipped with heating, kitchen utensils, and stoves, ensuring guests' comfort and convenience. Each unit also includes firepits or barbecues, as well as bedding and towels for a hassle-free stay.
Pets
Showers
Wifi
from 
£85
 / night
Rowan Retreat

7. Rowan Retreat

1 unit · Glamping · England
Shepherd's hut in idylic location with extensive views under dark skies,set on its own in a private 5 acre field amidst nature,semi off grid,decking under a canopy,firepit area, centrally located for Lake District,Yorkshire Dales, Northumberland and Scottish borders.
Pets
Showers
Potable water
from 
£68
 / night
Grinsdale Campsite

8. Grinsdale Campsite

1 unit · Tent, Motorhome · England
Wild camping with water and toilets on site, also the King Charles coastal path, just 2 minutes from Hadrians Wall and next to the River Eden.
Pets
Picnic table
from 
£16
 / night
Lake District Herdwick Huts

9. Lake District Herdwick Huts

100%
(1)
5 units · Glamping · Rydal, England
You will not find a more stunning place to stay and explore within the UK. Set in the very heart of the Lake District National Park, there is good reason why this magnificent location inspired the poet William Wordsworth to commit some of his most world-renowned poetry to paper. These beautiful huts are nestled underneath the Fairfield horseshoe mountain range and Nab scar, so there is no need to drive anywhere for the finest mountain hikes. With Rydal Lake, a wild swimmers hot spot, and waterfalls and plunge pools on site, it really is hard to beat! You will not find a more stunning place to stay and explore within the UK. Set in the very heart of the Lake District National Park, there is good reason why this magnificent location inspired the poet William Wordsworth to commit some of his most world-renowned poetry to paper. Grasmere is on the doorstep, voted one of the top places to visit in the Lake District, with the famous '‘Coffin route’ walk offering a spectacular lake and mountain view stroll straight from your hut door. With low level to high level walks exploring the Lakes from Rydal caters for everyone. Ambleside and Grasmere are both walking distance for cafes, restaurants and cinemas and Rydal offers scenic off-road strolls to arrive by. Each with fresh linen, wood burning stove and cast iron gas hob, you are sure to be comfortable even in the thick of winter.
Pets
Showers
Potable water
from 
£110
 / night
Stone Raise Bells

10. Stone Raise Bells

92%
(6)
3 units · Glamping · Carlisle, England
Off-grid bell tents on a working farm in Cumbria’s Eden Valley
Pets
Showers
Potable water
from 
£65
 / night
Langley Dam Glamping

11. Langley Dam Glamping

5 units · Glamping · England
Nestled in the Tyne Valley, on our beef and sheep farm, at the edge of the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Langley Dam Glamping provides high quality, en-suite accommodation in our unique glamping cabins. The six ‘Langley Longboat’ cabins are positioned on the bank of Langley Dam Reservoir, providing exceptional views over the 14 acres of water and towards Whitfield moor. Langley Dam itself is a commercial fly fishery and Troutmaster water. Visitors are welcome, and encouraged, to enjoy the fishing experience that the water provides (charges do apply, but residents have discounted fishing fees). We also have rowing boats that can be hired for fishing purposes. We have created some fantastic 3D showcases of the inside of the cabins. You can use these to get a better feel of how the cabins are laid out. We have created 3 showcases to reflect the 3 types of cabins we have. Humbleton is unique, then The Wonneys which is the same layout as The Rushy Lot, and Wheatleys which is the same as Blackcleugh and Bare Bones.
Pets
Showers
Hot Tub
from 
£167
 / night
Renison's Farm

12. Renison's Farm

100%
(1)
1 unit · Glamping · Penrith, Cumbria, North West England
Off-grid wagon glamping on a farm with views of Lake District fells
Pets
Showers
Hot Tub
from 
£90
 / night
Garden Yurt in a hidden glen

13. Garden Yurt in a hidden glen

100%
(3)
1 unit · Glamping · England
A cosy, romantic getaway. Unwind and reconnect, surrounded by nature and amazing dark skies. The spacious, well-equipped yurt is tucked away in a large private home garden in a beautiful glen, with Scaur Water just over the road. The Yurt at Craignee is a cosy, off-grid retreat, with wood burner and garden area, surrounded by peace and wildlife. Enjoy lots of home comforts with an extra dash of adventure! #bbcwildlife60places winner STL Number: DG01053P
Showers
Wifi
Potable water
from 
£100
 / night
Hadrian's Wall Country Yurts

14. Hadrian's Wall Country Yurts

100%
(13)
2 units · Glamping · Cumbria, North West England
Two yurts with hot tubs in the Cumbrian countryside just a mile away from Hadrian’s Wall
Pets
Showers
Hot Tub
from 
£210
 / night
Herdie Hideaway

15. Herdie Hideaway

2 units · Glamping · Scotland
Herdie hideaway is run by Charlotte and Alex and is nestled next to rolling hills of the the Lake District overlooking the Solway Firth, our shepherd’s hut offers a haven of tranquility. Lush woodlands surround the property, teeming with wildlife, creating a symphony of sights and sounds for nature enthusiasts. Here, on a working farm, you’ll find a quiet escape unlike any other. We hope you enjoy your stay in this beautiful part of the world which we hope you are able to switch off, unwind and have a relaxing time in this lovely secluded area.
Pets
Showers
Wifi
from 
£120
 / night

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Campsites with campfires in Caerlaverock National Nature Reserve guide

When to go

Winter is the best time for birdwatching in Caerlaverock National Nature Reserve. From late September to early May, huge numbers of barnacle geese and pink-footed geese arrive from their Arctic summer homes—try to visit at sunrise or sunset for the spectacle of thousands of geese in the sky. During the summer months a variety of open water habitats support invertebrates and amphibians and you may hear a croaking natterjack toad or the sound of rutting red deer.

Know before you go

  • The nature reserve is important for wildlife so visitors should visit responsibly, following the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.
  • Keep dogs under control at all times, particularly between March and August during the bird breeding season. 
  • Avoid any cattle you see—they are not accustomed to people so may be dangerous.
  • During high tides, the paths may flood: check the local tide tables, which are displayed in the reserve.
  • The closest bus stop is at Caerlaverock 1.3 miles (2 kilometres) away, on the Dumfries to Caerlaverock route. The closest railway station is Dumfries, eight miles (13 kilometres) away, on the Kilmarnock to Carlisle line.