The best star host campsites near Alva
Top-rated campgrounds near Alva
Beirhope Alpacas
1. Beirhope Alpacas
98%
(137)
117km from Alva · 8 units
A small, off-grid campsite with alpacas in the historically rich southern Scottish borders
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£20
/ night
Cairngorms Glamping and Campsite
2. Cairngorms Glamping and Campsite
97%
(57)
123km from Alva · 10 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Pitches and pods in the Cairngorms National Park
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£33
/ night
Port nan Gael Campsite
3. Port nan Gael Campsite
95%
(11)
139km from Alva · 14 units · Tents, Motorhomes
A lochside campsite on the Isle of Mull
Pets
Showers
Full hookups
from
£24
/ night
King Garth
4. King Garth
100%
(9)
145km from Alva · 1 unit
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
Campfires
Hot Tub
from
£80
/ night
Top-rated campgrounds near Alva
Beirhope Alpacas
1. Beirhope Alpacas
98%
(137)
117km from Alva · 8 units
A small, off-grid campsite with alpacas in the historically rich southern Scottish borders
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£20
/ night
Cairngorms Glamping and Campsite
2. Cairngorms Glamping and Campsite
97%
(57)
123km from Alva · 10 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Pitches and pods in the Cairngorms National Park
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£33
/ night
Port nan Gael Campsite
3. Port nan Gael Campsite
95%
(11)
139km from Alva · 14 units · Tents, Motorhomes
A lochside campsite on the Isle of Mull
Pets
Showers
Full hookups
from
£24
/ night
King Garth
4. King Garth
100%
(9)
145km from Alva · 1 unit
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
Campfires
Hot Tub
from
£80
/ night
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
E
Ellen
October 2025
Group trip
We absolutely loved our stay at King Garth! It is located in such a tranquil location beside the river and away from other houses, but with alpacas for company! The hot tub was perfect to relax in and we enjoyed a cosy, candlelit evening inside by the fire afterwards! It was fascinating to read about the history of the building too! Will definitely be back :)
See more
K
Kinga
September 2025
Tent
With kids
Absolutely amazing stay at Beirhope Alpacas. You can tell that Lynne has set everything up with love and care. Alpacas are a cherry on top of everything else. My 4 year old twins cried when leaving because they wanted to live there. We definitely found a new yearly visit place ❤️
See more
J
Jennifer
September 2025
Tent
With kids
This Alpaca farm is an absolute must visit. Unfortunately we were only here for 1 night but what a visit! This specific pitch is the middle one 1 of 3 that are in front of the Alpaca/Sheep fields and we couldn't have asked for better neighbours.
Lynne was extremely helpful upon our arrival and offered help with anything if it was needed...which it was when I realised I had the mattress but not the stopper to keep it inflated! She came to my rescue with cushions to sleep on which was over and above as far as I'm concerned.
We were provided carrots to feed the animals that evening and my son (4yo) loved feeding Harry the goat and between him and his friends it was a game to see who could feed Houdini before Harry got in the way 🤣
This morning my son was scheduled to feed the alpacas and whilst he was initially nervous he warmed up on the walk and confidently clapped Deeno.
This site is a bit off the road but take it easy and enjoy the scenery. Beirhope Farm is in a pretty stunning part of the country and I would 100% recommend a visit to anyone looking for everything you need on a camping trip.
If you forget anything she has everything covered, including an honesty 'larder' for the snacks or bits and pieces that you've forgotten.
Stunning! We will be back.
See more
K
Kathy
August 2025
Tent
We stayed in Phil’s Patch for just one night on our way north. Lynne offered us a warm welcome. We had our own private enclave in the trees. Posh composting toilets and everything well thought out. Wish we’d used the unique shower!
See more
P
Paulette
August 2025
Tent
The surroundings are truly beautiful, scenic, calm and peaceful. Lynne has ensured that everything a camper needs is close at hand. The pitches are well spaced out and on good solid terrain. Clean, accessible facilities, well maintained. Adorable alpaca herds literally over the fence. A wonderful retreat, we will definitely return. Lynne is simply lovely and has hit the nail on the head with this site.
See more
S
Sean
August 2025
With pets
We stayed as a birthday treat for my 12 year old. 2 adults, 4 children and our dog. It was a truly fantastic stay from start to finish. Such a unique house and experience. The kids absolutely loved swimming in the river, looking after the alpacas, the hot tub and going back to basics. It was lovely seeing them enjoying themselves with no distractions of the modern world. Games by candle light and food over the bbq, what more could you ask for. Jane was fantastic and made sure we knew everything that was needed before we arrived. Can’t wait to come back.
See more
a
alexander
August 2025
Tent
Really great campsite enjoyed our stay very much shower was a learning curve but worked and was good fun
See more
C
Charlotte
August 2025
Tent
We loved staying on Lynnes land, it was a lovely quiet campsite, the alpacas are so cute, and Lynne was a great host! Definitely recommend.
See more
C
Cathy
August 2025
7 m Class A
Cairngorm Glamping 🩷. This is a beautiful place to stay, with friendly, chilled hosts. Tucked in among the hills of Upper Donside, the view towards the Lecht is lovely … morning or evening. The surrounding countryside is magical. The site has several fields set up for tents / vans / Motorhomes, with or without services.
The animal park is very sweet, with goats who seem to spend all day teasing each other and an adorable donkey who wants to talk to everyone 🥰 … the zip-line park was popular with kids of all ages and there’s a food bothy if you don’t feel like cooking.
Shower and toilet facilities are clean and well located. They never seemed to be “busy” even though we were there before and during Lonach Gathering weekend.
Grey and waste water services are well placed for Motorhome access.
As a Scot who lives overseas, I love that places like Cairngorm Glamping exist. They showcase the scenery and provide camping access to areas of countryside that might otherwise be missed by visitors.
Just wish we’d had time to stay longer … but will return! 🥰🩷🙏
See moreJ
Jordan
August 2025
Tent
Very pleasant, peaceful area with a good view & amenities
See more
J
Jonathan
August 2025
Tent
Perfect spot in the Borders for a peaceful night.
Friendly welcome from Lynne who was most helpful.
Clean,good facilities.
Alpacas are an added bonus,cheeky with it.
Book it!
See moreK
Katie
August 2025
Tent
Beirhope was a beautiful location, we were greeted by Lynne who was brilliant. The site had everything you might need. Will definitely be back!
See moreS
Stephen
August 2025
Tent
With kids
Fantastic, friendly hosts, spectacular views and breakfast was delicious! Kids loved the animals and we would have happily stolen Bru!
See moreL
Lucy
August 2025
1 night at King Garth
A truly unique stay in a beautiful location. The lane was a little challenging in my picanto but we managed it and was well worth the trip! So much provided in terms of wood, charcoal, crockery candles! Would definitely stay again :)
See moreG
Gary
August 2025
Tent
With kids
Spent 3 fab nights on Phil’s Patch with my 12 year old son. Lynne’s hospitality was as great as ever and look forward to returning again soon.
We had great weather and clear skies giving us fantastic views of the night sky. Magical!!
See more
J
James
August 2025
Tent
Lynne was so accommodating and always strived to help us out. She gave great recommendations and was always there to provide unparalleled customer service.
The site was equipped with a private kitchen space including knifes, chopping board, and cooking utensils, as well as a private toilet. The water was fed from a private spring so it was always so fresh and refreshing.
The alpacas, horses, sheep and goats were always great to watch and the woodland surrounding the site had become home to Golden Eagles. This site is definitely a place for nature lovers and those trying to get away from cities.
The only thing I would change about this experience would be to install running water in the shower, but the existing set up involving a bucket-pulley system and a hose with shower head works surprisingly well!
We are looking forward to our next stay in this campsite!
See more
Anna
August 2025
Tent
Lynne is probably the best campsite host we've experienced (and we've done a lot of camping) super campsite with lots of lovely quirks and yes the shower is warm! Loved camping next to the alpacas and doing various outdoor activities before settling down to a bbq and camp fire. The fridge, freezer and camp shop were all unexpected bonuses and my other half was elated with his flat white delivered to the tent door each morning. Weather was amazing too - nothing more we could ask for.
See more
K
Kirsten
August 2025
2 nights at King Garth
We loved staying at the beautiful King Garth, the hot tub was perfect after getting the fire going and sitting in candle light, in front of the fire is the most comforting feeling in the world. A very quiet and peaceful sight with gorgeous views and riverside walks with a pub about 30 mins walk away. We did get lost on the way to the cottage so make sure to follow the map to cargo village and not the middle of a field on the other side of the river 🤣 We even got to feed alpacas and theyre very funny little characters and very friendly. We will be staying again and very recommended
See more
e
evelyn
August 2025
Tent
With kids
It would take less time to write what didnt stand out.
This is the best, most well kept Campsite we have been to. The fields are really well kept with the most beautiful surroundings. Good Big pitching spaces. Facilities kept clean and always stocked. The Little Critter is a bloody brilliant idea, you can buy feed and go into the first pen and feed the goats, llama and alpaca. There is also a donkey, ponies and a horse, and some chickens.
The owners have 4 amazingly friendly dogs. So beautiful and love attntion. 2 of them stay in their garden an want you to throw the ball. Theres a wee shop if you need summit last minute.
The washing stations for dishes and the showers etc all have hot - YES - HOT water. There is a massice connect 4 game, swing sets, quiditch poles, a flying fox, an inground trampoline, a sandpit with toys, bikes and go karts all available for the kids and older kids etc. picnic tables.
They also provide off the ground fire pits, (there is no time that you have to put it out or get to bed, just be respectful) If you need wood you can take it and pay the next day.
Hot rolls and coffee are available in the morning to buy.
Robert and his wife and team are all absolutely lovely and nothing is too much. Robert even helped to move my sisters car off a ledge when she missed some signs saying to not turn 🫣😁.
The best part as if all of the above was not enough.... NAE MIDGES ❤️ Thank you so so much for an amazing wee break away.
See more
c
claire
August 2025
Tent
With kids
Beautiful place, kids loved the animals and the play park
See more
