Campsites with campfires in Cairnsmore of Fleet National Nature Reserve

This remote corner of Scotland’s Southern Uplands offers a taste of the wild.

97% (105 reviews)

United Kingdom
—
Scotland
—
Cairnsmore of Fleet National Nature Reserve

97% (105 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Cairnsmore of Fleet National Nature Reserve

Community favorites in and near Cairnsmore of Fleet National Nature Reserve

Stories from the community

Daniella

5 days ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to The Old Chapel Campsite

The campsite is situated on a beautiful little piece of land off the side of Ted’s house. The campsite is enclosed by a stone brick wall and had access via a gate. There are geese, sheep, lambs, ducks and a turkey that roam around the site - all are very friendly and Ted very kindly let us bottle feed the lambs! There is a porter loo for campers to use, it was fully supplied with toilet roll, soap, running water and hand tissues. Ted has fresh hen and duck eggs for sale on the land. We brought a raised pit fire with us, but Ted also has them available to rent for your whole stay along with bags of firewood. Ted was very kind and made us feel very welcome. We’d definitely return! The only issue we ran into was a nearby camping group playing music throughout their stay and loudly into the night - we messaged Ted and he kindly popped out to ask them to turn it down.

2 nights at The Old Chapel Campsite

We had an amazing time here. We stayed for two nights and had beautiful weather. There was just us and another couple with their dog. Ted was very accommodating and well informed about the area and gave us some ideas to fill our days. It was lovely watching his little ducks on the field and to hear the sheep in the morning too. It’s back to basics camping, no burger vans/shower blocks etc but it was absolutely perfect for what we wanted. ‘Proper camping’ Lovely quiet location, spotless portaloo and a friendly host.

Weekend Trip to Howdy Glamping

Very relaxed and welcoming. Had a lovely stay and a great recommendation for a hike the following day 😀

1 night at Beirhope Alpacas

Amazing wild camping experience (with luxuries), not far from Kelso. Peaceful spot with a handful of pitches ideal for families and couples, Lynne and staff are warm and welcoming, super friendly. Firewood and groceries can be accessed anytime you need, just pay in the morning. Eco toilets are cleaned regularly. Great stargazing area and a picnic area too, plenty of space and idyllic scenery...and there are the alpacas. Beautiful spot... Just don't tell everyone!

Weekend Trip to Beirhope Alpacas

Absolutely loved it definitely be going back with the kids lynne was a great host the views are amazing

Weekend Trip to Beirhope Alpacas

Beirhope was a beautiful, peaceful place to stay and Lynne was super welcoming. The kids loved it and have demanded that we return as soon as possible!

Weekend Trip to Kestrel Lodge Campsite

Clean, peaceful campsite. Very friendly staff. Loved the fire pit.

Weekend Trip to Kestrel Lodge Campsite

We absolutely loved our stay at Kestrel Lodge! The facilities were always spotless and clean. Pitch was great with the fire pit included and hosts were very helpful! We will 100% be back to explore more of the lakes.

Weekend Trip to Beirhope Alpacas

A very well organised campsite. Lynne was friendly and very accommodating. She gave a brief tour and explanation of the facilties, which was plentiful, then allowed us to set up our pitch. There are a number of pitches available, each one catering for a range of campers. I would wholeheartedly recommend this campsite to others.

Weekend Trip to The Old Chapel Campsite

A lovely little campsite. Just what we want in a campsite: quiet, dark, easy access to the hills, great host with a supply of fresh eggs. It’s in a great location within easy reach of High Cup Nick, Dufton and its beautiful glen etc. Ted is a great host who clearly enjoys having people passing through.

Weekend Trip to Baystone Bank Farm Campsite

We visited this campsite with a group of friends and 2 dogs and it was amazing! Very private and relaxed camping with lovely facilities. We will definitely be back.

1 night at Howdy Glamping

I stayed on the campsite. Gorgeous site with really good facilities. Close To Ullswater. Hosts were the best. I’ll definitely be back.

1 night at West Highland Way Hotel & Campsite

It was amazing! The view of the surrounding fells and farms was so tranquil and peaceful. Andrew was a friendly and helpful host. The property was beautiful and there was a good community of campers there that socialized over breakfast. There were also trails on the property that we didn't get to. I would definitely recommend this campsite to anyone that is going to Scotland

Weekend Trip to Hazel Mount Fellside

Beautiful close to nature small site, not a vehicle in site. Wonderful views. The owner,Ruth, is a wonderful host with a real concern and plans for the natural surroundings.

Weekend Trip to The Old Chapel Campsite

Great wee stay at Ted’s land. My daughter and I had a lovely time at the old chapel campsite. Peaceful and quiet, lovely views. A nearby hike up Murton pike is also recommended and in close proximity. A less traveled part of the lakes but with all the sights and sounds your looking for. We hired a firepit and got some wood from Ted and that kept us busy enjoying the night. We were also very lucky to have met/fed two of the lambs that were on the land. My daughter loved that. Highly recommended -

7 nights at Kestrel Lodge Campsite

Amazing campsite, super friendly owners. Quiet and well located with your own fire pit.

2 nights at Social District

Absolutely loved this place ..had to leave early due to very poor weather unfortunately. The place was just perfect for us and will defo be back again in summer ..we loved it and so did our working cocker Stanley

Mandi

April 2025

1 night at West Highland Way Hotel & Campsite

Very friendly staff. Easy to find. Great facilities. Lovely walks right at back of premises. Only downside for me was the noise off other campers. People turning up and setting stuff up after 10 pm. Also loud group of lads. But I’m use to wild camping so maybe noise would be acceptable for most.

Weekend Trip to The Old Chapel Campsite

Me and partner would recommend this campsite so much! Ted was so lovely and let us feed the lambs which we loved. He was also super helpful when my partner had troubles with his car! Thank you so so much ted :)

Weekend Trip to Baystone Bank Farm Campsite

Friendly warden did what he could when we arrived. Views were amazing, campfires are a must at this site. The showers are nice and hot. Mostly clean even when it was wet. Would be good if they could advertise some local walks as these aren’t easily sign posted.

12 top campsites in Cairnsmore of Fleet National Nature Reserve with campfires

97%

(30)

Puddlemire

22 units · Glamping, Tents5 acres · Kirkby Lonsdale, England

Camping in countryside between the Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales

96%

(133)

Baystone Bank Farm Campsite

47 units · Motorhomes, Tents1 acre · Millom, England

Lake District camping on a working farm with a stream to splash in, campfires encouraged and a horse-riding centre on the doorstep

98%

(66)

The Old Chapel Campsite

30 units · Tents1 acre · Murton, England

Nearly wild camping in the North Pennines

100%

(9)

Howdy Glamping

10 units · Glamping, Motorhomes, Tents14 acres · Penrith, Cumbria, North West England

Sociable, eco-friendly glamping in the woods, 10 minutes' drive from the Lake District.

99%

(37)

Moss Rose Campsite

19 units · Glamping, Motorhomes, Tents8 acres · Pilling, Preston, England

We have a family friendly Quiet campsite in the heart of Lancashire on our family run farm. Our site is situated in a species rich meadow field with large mown Pitches surrounded by wild flowers and meandering pathways linking the site together. We are surrounded by a young trees & woodland with the back drop of the Pennines. We offer both glamping and traditional non EHU camping on our site and we have lovely hot showers, clean toilet facilities, fresh water point, pot wash area, phone charger lockers, communal freezers and our little honesty shack with all little camping essentials to might need whilst staying with us. We also hire out picnic benches and fire pits to help enhance your camping experience. We are a Quiet family site, with a Reduced Noise policy from 9 pm, and Quiet Time from 10 pm to 8.30 am. Our site has close links to the A6 and m6 J33. We are only 13 miles from the Historic city of Lancaster, the Bright lights of Blackpool and the jubilee city of Preston. 4 miles from the first fair trade market town of Garstang and 45 mins into the Lake District. There is also lots of interesting activities to do locally.

Beirhope Alpacas

11 units · Tents1 acre · Kelso, Scotland

A small, off-grid campsite with alpacas in the historically rich southern Scottish borders

94%

(62)

Social District

30 units · Tents55 acres · Grizedale, Cumbria, North West England

Lake District camping on the banks of Lake Windermere, with direct access to the water.

80%

(33)

West Highland Way Hotel & Campsite

46 units · Glamping, Motorhomes, Tents10 acres · Glasgow, Lanarkshire, South Scotland

A welcoming campsite on the West Highland Way

93%

(126)

Moss Side Farm Campsite

33 units · Tents4 acres · Cumbria, North West England

Small-scale farm camping in the South Lakes, with campfires, wildlife and fine views

97%

(18)

Ruberslaw Wild Woods Camping

53 units · Glamping, Tents500 acres · Hawick, Scottish Borders

Pick between the woods and the walled garden at this stunning Scottish Borders site

97%

(38)

Hazel Mount Fellside

5 units · Tents5 acres · Eskdale, Cumbria, North West England

Nearly wild camping on the western edge of the Lake District overlooking the Duddon Estuary

97%

(164)

Kestrel Lodge Campsite

11 units · Tents4 acres · Keswick, Cumbria, North West England

A family-friendly Lake District campsite, nestled between the quiet shores of Bassenthwaite Lake and the beautiful Cumbrian fells

Dog-friendly getaways

100%

(7)

Runach Arainn Glamping

3 units · Glamping1 acre · Kilmory, Scotland

A three-yurt luxury glamping site on the Isle of Arran, steps away from the beach

Booked 1 time

King Garth

1 unit · Glamping2 acres · 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.

100%

(13)

Hadrian’s Wall Campsite

3 units · Glamping4 acres · Northumberland, North East England

Less than a mile away from Hadrian’s Wall

Booked 2 times

Lake District Herdwick Huts

5 units · Glamping2 acres · 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.

83%

(3)

Stone Raise Bells

3 units · Glamping3 acres · Carlisle, England

Off-grid bell tents on a working farm in Cumbria’s Eden Valley

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Campsites with campfires in Cairnsmore of Fleet National Nature Reserve guide

Overview

The imposing granite hill of Cairnsmore of Fleet is the perfect setting for hillwalkers. Several trails cross the National Nature Reserve and over the Fleet Valley. The most accessible is the low-level In-bye trail, which departs from the Visitor Centre and takes you through the bleakly beautiful landscape. Longer, more strenuous, trails lead up to the escarpment and the Clints of Dromore, where the rough ground is only suitable for experienced and well-equipped walkers. While walking, look out for grouse and raptors, as well as red and roe deer roaming the moorland. On clear days you can see toward the Lake District, across to Ireland and north to Ayrshire. While there are no campsites within the nature reserve, the Glentrool and Balloch O’ Dee campsites are both within a 35-minute drive.

When to go

While the nature reserve is a pleasure to visit all year-round, June to September are the best months for seeing wildlife. Spring visitors can enjoy the colorful wildflowers and spot wild kid goats. Summer is filled with the cries of young peregrine falcons and ravens. In fall, the golden brown colors of the bracken and the blooming purple heather provide a beautiful backdrop to the sight of red deer stags roaming around. Hen harriers may be spotted in winter, as well as frogs, toads and newts in ditches and ponds.

Know before you go

The nature reserve may seem remote, but it’s surprisingly accessible. The closest bus stop is under a mile (1.5 kilometres) away at Palnure.
There is a visitor center with information about the reserve and its history. It is open 24 hours, year-round and also has wheelchair accessible restrooms.
Visitors should familiarize themselves with, and take care to follow, the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.