Best Caravan Parks 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.

85% (77)

Top caravan parks

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.

85% (77)

Top caravan parks

1. Howbeck Lodge

94%

(27)

29 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Hesket Newmarket, England

A dog-friendly farm campsite on the northern edge of the Lake District

2. 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

3. Harebeck Holidays

84%

(22)

8 units · Motorhomes, Glamping · Wasdale, England

Nestled between the Western Lake District Fells and the Irish Sea coast this site is situated on a working dairy and sheep farm. Farm tours can be arranged on arrival. A play hut with outdoor games, drying room with communal fridge and freezer (some units have their own small fridge). Natural hedges surround the site. Four fruit trees near the shower block Half a mile to Gosforth village with Shop, Bakery, Cafe, 4 Pubs providing food and an Italian restaurant. Gosforth and Seascale villages have play parks. Muncaster Castle, Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway, Wasdale, Scafell Pike and Sandy Beaches with Cafes selling local ice cream are nearby with most Lake District attractions within an hours drive and Edinburgh a three hour drive away. There are 5 campervan/motorhome pitches, a pod, a modern take on a shepherds hut with underfloor heating, a heated pod and two gypsy caravans with electricity to book. All pitches are on gravel positioned to enjoy views over farmland to Scafell Pike and other fells, they are surrounded by grassy areas with seating and a picnic table. A wooden play hut has outdoor games and toys inside. Awnings can be added on the 3 larger pitches. Tents can be pitched next to units for an extra £10 per night. Barbeques are allowed on gravel with our Gypsy Caravans having a campfire area. There is a communal fridge and freezer, outdoor drying space. Farm tours can be arranged. Wildlife and farm animals can be seen in the surrounding fields. Fresh vegetables and barbeque packs can be ordered with 24 to 48 hours notice. Grocery deliveries accepted from supermarkets. There is also a holiday cottage on the farm sleeping 6 over two rooms. Situated midway between the Western Lake District Fells and the Irish Sea Coast makes this site ideal for lower or higher level walks. Sandy beaches at Seascale and St Bees have cafes selling locally made ice cream alongside play areas to keep children happy. Scafell England's highest mountain is close by as are a number of Wainwrights. Nearby is Muncaster Castle and Gardens with its Hawk and Owl Centre, also Ravenglass (a Roman port with remains of a bath house), you can ride up the Eskdale Valley on the Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway (Laal Ratty). Perhaps take a stroll to Stanley Ghyll waterfall. They have a cafe at both terminuses with a museum in Ravenglass where nearby you can sample Ravenglass Ice Cream. Wasdale and Ennerdale are close by both valleys having cafes and pubs.

4. Troquhain Woods

92%

(32)

6 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Castle Douglas, Dumfries, South Scotland

Nearly wild camping for tents and campervans in a Scottish woodland

5. 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.

Stories from the community

S

Sarah

August 2025

5 m Class B

1 night at Howbeck Lodge

Good roomy level gravelled site especially suited to motorhomes but I was happy there in a camper. Facilities were clean with plenty of hot water. Christine v prompt in her comms.

S

Stephen

August 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Camping at Cardewlees

Exactly as advertised. Beautiful views, clear skies to see the stars, nice walk to the pub and a friendly cat for good measure! 100% recommend

Michelle

July 2025

4 m Class B

Weekend Trip to Camping at Cardewlees

Loved the getaway in the campervan for couple days , back to nature with stunning views. Such a beautiful quiet place on a lovely farm surrounded by livestock. Great wee chippy in Dalton and co-op right next to it plus wee cafes aswell n butchers. Only thing was having to take own loo roll into bathroom even after the cleaner had been n not restocked. Would deffo come back and maybe stay in the pods for a change.

Pitch and view of surrounding countryside

Lyle

May 2025

5 m Class B

2 nights at Howbeck Lodge

Lovely spot in the farmland, close to the lakes district. Good hot showers and clean toilets. Would recommend.

K

Karen

May 2025

4 m Class B

Weekend Trip to Camping at Cardewlees

Great natural site with lovely views and sheep and cattle to keep you company (on other side of fence). Quiet and easy to walk into village. Helpful host and facilities as described. Definitely return.

C

Claire

April 2025

1 m Class B

1 night at Howbeck Lodge

Fantastic rural location but only 15 mins for M6 set on a working farm in a valley. So quiet and scenic Walking distance to village with community pub!

K

Kyle

November 2024

5 m Class B

Group trip

3 nights at Troquhain Woods

The pitch is pretty much perfect if you want a basic camp. 4 of us with a camper had a great time from start to finish. Malcolm is very attentive as a host and kept us stocked with firewood and came to make sure we didn’t want for anything. Loch Ken is not too far away and has a good water sports centre with decent boat hire for fishing.

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Caravan parks 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.

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