Wildlife-watching campsites near Helensburgh

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For well over 100 years, the elegant resort town of Helensburgh has been a popular retreat from Glasgow, less than an hour away. The town draws visitors with its handsome mansions (including the Charles Rennie Mackintosh-deisgned Hill House); long seaside promenade, and pretty parks and gardens. It’s also a favourite of outdoor enthusiasts for its easy access to the Argyll Kayak Trail, cycling trails and hiking trails including the John Muir Way and Three Lochs Way, which links Loch Lomond, the Gareloch and Loch Long. From parking in a comfortable caravan site to wild camping in spectacular scenery, campers have plenty of options.

94% (103) 61 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Helensburgh

Loch Katrine Eco Camping

1. Loch Katrine Eco Camping

95%
(113)
32km from Helensburgh · 22 units · Motorhomes, Glamping
Loch-side sleeping and exploring in one of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park's most historic locations
Pets
Electrical hookup
Showers
from 
£12
 / night
Culdees Castle Estate Glamping

2. Culdees Castle Estate Glamping

88%
(25)
68km from Helensburgh · 5 units · Glamping
Luxury woodland cabins, each with a private hot tub, in the grounds of a Scottish castle
Showers
Campfires
Hot Tub
from 
£140
 / night
West Highland Way Hotel & Campsite

3. West Highland Way Hotel & Campsite

82%
(36)
25km from Helensburgh · 46 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
A welcoming campsite on the West Highland Way
Pets
Campfires
Full hookups
from 
£30
 / night
Broom Fisheries Campsite

4. Broom Fisheries Campsite

145km from Helensburgh · 4 units · Glamping
Luxury caravans ideally situated next to picturesque Scottish fishing lakes
Pets
Showers
Hot Tub
from 
£167
 / night
Cleghorn Farm

5. Cleghorn Farm

100%
(11)
70km from Helensburgh · 15 units · Tents, Glamping
*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
Campfires
Potable water
from 
£10
 / night
Muiredge

6. Muiredge

100%
(16)
68km from Helensburgh · 8 units · Glamping
Rural glamping in a converted railway carriage, shepherd's hut, or bell tent in blissful Scotland
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£100
 / night
Esk Yurt

7. Esk Yurt

100%
(5)
98km from Helensburgh · 1 unit · Glamping
Adult only yurt glamping in the Scottish Borders with exceptional views, hiking trails, and wild swimming
Showers
Potable water
from 
£130
 / night
The Charcoal Huts - Isle of Bute

8. The Charcoal Huts - Isle of Bute

100%
(3)
27km from Helensburgh · 2 units · Glamping
Our Huts are located within the Moss Wood area of Bute Forest - a mixed birch and alder wood that extends up the hillside to the west of the A886 that connects the Rhubodach Ferry to Port Bannatyne and Rothesay. Moss Wood has a range of facilities. Park on the shore-side where the coast can be enjoyed or at the main entrance, and take a walk up through Moss Wood along the Poetry Trail. A steep walk in places, the Poetry Trail is a loop punctuated with places to stop and read, to stop and think. Read nature poetry from throughout the ages, stop at the Blether Stane, or taking the spur to the Viewing Point back south across the Kyles. Moss Wood connects to the West Island Way – take the Poetry Trail and the spur to the Viewing Point – and then take the Stag’s Trod further up (steeply) till you reach the West Island Way. From there, head south towards Port Bannatyne or north along the boundary of the Community Forest. From the viewing point, you can also explore interesting heritage features such as the old WW2 bunker, kayak shelter, Balnakailly settlement, and the SSSI oak woodland.
Pets
Potable water
from 
£85
 / night
The Snug at Logie Farm

9. The Snug at Logie Farm

100%
(7)
106km from Helensburgh · 1 unit · Glamping
Luxury glamping pods with all mod cons, with an elevated position overlooking the River Tay.
Pets
Showers
Hot Tub
from 
£275
 / night
St Conan's Escape

10. St Conan's Escape

100%
(12)
48km from Helensburgh · 4 units · Glamping
Dog-friendly lodges on a Scottish mountainside with incredible loch views
Pets
Showers
Potable water
from 
£144
 / night
Craigmarloch Lodge

11. Craigmarloch Lodge

100%
(2)
26km from Helensburgh · 1 unit · Glamping
A high-end glamping cabin with a hot tub on the edge of the Highlands
Pets
Showers
Hot Tub
from 
£150
 / night
Runach Arainn Glamping

12. Runach Arainn Glamping

100%
(9)
69km from Helensburgh · 3 units · Glamping
A three-yurt luxury glamping site on the Isle of Arran, steps away from the beach
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£162
 / night
Mongolian Yurt in Stunning Highland

13. Mongolian Yurt in Stunning Highland

51km from Helensburgh · 1 unit · Glamping
When travelling in Scotland, you will want to have the confidence in the quality of your accommodation, knowing that it will play a big part in the whole pleasurable experience of your holiday. Our location in Lochearnhead provides an ideal base for walking, water-sports, cycling, with flora & fauna and wild life in abundance. There are many local historic places to inspire you and bring the history of the highlands to life. Or perhaps you'd simply choose to curl up with a good book and enjoy the peace and tranquillity of a slower pace of life. Wester Auchraw is located on the A84, Cycle Route 7 and the much loved walk 'Rob Roy Way'. It sits amongst spectacular scenery in Highland Perthshire yet is only 1 hour's drive from Glasgow, Edinburgh and Perth.
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£140
 / night

For well over 100 years, the elegant resort town of Helensburgh has been a popular retreat from Glasgow, less than an hour away. The town draws visitors with its handsome mansions (including the Charles Rennie Mackintosh-deisgned Hill House); long seaside promenade, and pretty parks and gardens. It’s also a favourite of outdoor enthusiasts for its easy access to the Argyll Kayak Trail, cycling trails and hiking trails including the John Muir Way and Three Lochs Way, which links Loch Lomond, the Gareloch and Loch Long. From parking in a comfortable caravan site to wild camping in spectacular scenery, campers have plenty of options.

94% (103) 61 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Helensburgh

Loch Katrine Eco Camping

1. Loch Katrine Eco Camping

95%
(113)
32km from Helensburgh · 22 units · Motorhomes, Glamping
Loch-side sleeping and exploring in one of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park's most historic locations
Pets
Electrical hookup
Showers
from 
£12
 / night
Culdees Castle Estate Glamping

2. Culdees Castle Estate Glamping

88%
(25)
68km from Helensburgh · 5 units · Glamping
Luxury woodland cabins, each with a private hot tub, in the grounds of a Scottish castle
Showers
Campfires
Hot Tub
from 
£140
 / night
West Highland Way Hotel & Campsite

3. West Highland Way Hotel & Campsite

82%
(36)
25km from Helensburgh · 46 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
A welcoming campsite on the West Highland Way
Pets
Campfires
Full hookups
from 
£30
 / night
Broom Fisheries Campsite

4. Broom Fisheries Campsite

145km from Helensburgh · 4 units · Glamping
Luxury caravans ideally situated next to picturesque Scottish fishing lakes
Pets
Showers
Hot Tub
from 
£167
 / night
Cleghorn Farm

5. Cleghorn Farm

100%
(11)
70km from Helensburgh · 15 units · Tents, Glamping
*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
Campfires
Potable water
from 
£10
 / night
Muiredge

6. Muiredge

100%
(16)
68km from Helensburgh · 8 units · Glamping
Rural glamping in a converted railway carriage, shepherd's hut, or bell tent in blissful Scotland
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£100
 / night
Esk Yurt

7. Esk Yurt

100%
(5)
98km from Helensburgh · 1 unit · Glamping
Adult only yurt glamping in the Scottish Borders with exceptional views, hiking trails, and wild swimming
Showers
Potable water
from 
£130
 / night
The Charcoal Huts - Isle of Bute

8. The Charcoal Huts - Isle of Bute

100%
(3)
27km from Helensburgh · 2 units · Glamping
Our Huts are located within the Moss Wood area of Bute Forest - a mixed birch and alder wood that extends up the hillside to the west of the A886 that connects the Rhubodach Ferry to Port Bannatyne and Rothesay. Moss Wood has a range of facilities. Park on the shore-side where the coast can be enjoyed or at the main entrance, and take a walk up through Moss Wood along the Poetry Trail. A steep walk in places, the Poetry Trail is a loop punctuated with places to stop and read, to stop and think. Read nature poetry from throughout the ages, stop at the Blether Stane, or taking the spur to the Viewing Point back south across the Kyles. Moss Wood connects to the West Island Way – take the Poetry Trail and the spur to the Viewing Point – and then take the Stag’s Trod further up (steeply) till you reach the West Island Way. From there, head south towards Port Bannatyne or north along the boundary of the Community Forest. From the viewing point, you can also explore interesting heritage features such as the old WW2 bunker, kayak shelter, Balnakailly settlement, and the SSSI oak woodland.
Pets
Potable water
from 
£85
 / night
The Snug at Logie Farm

9. The Snug at Logie Farm

100%
(7)
106km from Helensburgh · 1 unit · Glamping
Luxury glamping pods with all mod cons, with an elevated position overlooking the River Tay.
Pets
Showers
Hot Tub
from 
£275
 / night
St Conan's Escape

10. St Conan's Escape

100%
(12)
48km from Helensburgh · 4 units · Glamping
Dog-friendly lodges on a Scottish mountainside with incredible loch views
Pets
Showers
Potable water
from 
£144
 / night
Craigmarloch Lodge

11. Craigmarloch Lodge

100%
(2)
26km from Helensburgh · 1 unit · Glamping
A high-end glamping cabin with a hot tub on the edge of the Highlands
Pets
Showers
Hot Tub
from 
£150
 / night
Runach Arainn Glamping

12. Runach Arainn Glamping

100%
(9)
69km from Helensburgh · 3 units · Glamping
A three-yurt luxury glamping site on the Isle of Arran, steps away from the beach
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£162
 / night
Mongolian Yurt in Stunning Highland

13. Mongolian Yurt in Stunning Highland

51km from Helensburgh · 1 unit · Glamping
When travelling in Scotland, you will want to have the confidence in the quality of your accommodation, knowing that it will play a big part in the whole pleasurable experience of your holiday. Our location in Lochearnhead provides an ideal base for walking, water-sports, cycling, with flora & fauna and wild life in abundance. There are many local historic places to inspire you and bring the history of the highlands to life. Or perhaps you'd simply choose to curl up with a good book and enjoy the peace and tranquillity of a slower pace of life. Wester Auchraw is located on the A84, Cycle Route 7 and the much loved walk 'Rob Roy Way'. It sits amongst spectacular scenery in Highland Perthshire yet is only 1 hour's drive from Glasgow, Edinburgh and Perth.
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£140
 / night

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Wildlife-watching campsites near Helensburgh guide

Where to go

Balloch

Six miles east of Helensburgh’s town centre, and close to Loch Lomond, Lomond Woods Holiday Park is ideally placed for embarking on cruises and kayaking adventures on the loch. The site has touring pitches suitable for caravans and motorhomes, as well as a selection of glamping pods and static caravans (including one with a hot tub).

Luss

Nine miles northeast of Helensburgh, the pretty village of Luss is one of the main gateways into Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park and a typical departure point for sightseeing cruises on the loch. Just outside the village, and away from the crowds but within walking distance of a pub and shops, Luss Caravan and Campsite is set on the western banks of Loch Lomond and offers a selection of grass and hardstanding pitches. 

Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park

A landscape filled with steep mountains, lush valleys and shaded woodland trails makes Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park a magnet for outdoor adventurers. There is a wide range of private campsites in the park, including the basic campground on Inchcailloch island on Loch Lomond, accessed by boat from Balmaha, 20 miles east of Helensburgh. Visitors following the Scottish Outdoor Access Code may also wild camp, though in some areas campers are restricted to designated sites where permits are required from March through September.

When to go

For long and often sunny days, May through September is the best period to visit, although the area does get crowded with tourists in July and August. September is a great month to visit as most of the large crowds have gone and the autumn colours and blooming heather make Loch Lomond especially beautiful.

Know before you go

  • Not all campsites are open year-round: check opening dates before traveling.
  • If choosing to wild camp, be sure to adhere to the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.
  • Helensburgh is easily reached by train from Glasgow. Buses from Helensburgh can take you into the national park.
  • Biting midges are a common nuisance in the summer. It’s a good idea to wear long sleeves and bring repellent.