Camping in Clyde Valley Woodlands National Nature Reserve

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As the ice of the last Ice Age melted away, rivers gouged deep clefts into soft sandstone where oak, ash, rowan and hazel woodlands have thrived ever since. Clyde Valley Woodlands National Nature Reserve is made up of six different woodlands, each set in its own dramatic river gorge. Paths through the woodlands follow the route of the River Clyde, from the Falls of Clyde to Chatelherault Country Park, passing through Cleghorn Glen, Cartland Crags, Lower Nethan Gorge and Maudslie Woods along the way. While there are no campsites within the reserve, Clyde Valley Caravan Park is located just outside.

95% (139) 218 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds in Clyde Valley Woodlands National Nature Reserve

West Highland Way Hotel & Campsite

1. West Highland Way Hotel & Campsite

84%
(40)
Glasgow, Scotland · 44 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
A welcoming campsite on the West Highland Way
Pets
Campfires
Full hookups
Staddlestones Paddock

2. Staddlestones Paddock

93%
(7)
Scotland · 1 unit · Tent, Motorhome
Quiet green area on the edge of town. Easy walk to town centre with cafes, shops etc. Accessible by public transport. Space for bikes/canoes/horse. 5 minutes’ walk across park to River Tweed. We aim to offer an exclusive enclosed quarter acre pitch and would let you know if sharing with someone else.
Electrical hookup
Water hookup
Potable water
Loch Katrine Eco Camping

3. Loch Katrine Eco Camping

95%
(115)
Stirling, Scotland · 13 units · Motorhomes, Glamping
Loch-side sleeping and exploring in one of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park's most historic locations
Pets
Showers
Potable water
Muiredge

4. Muiredge

100%
(17)
Perthshire, Scotland · 8 units
Rural glamping in a converted railway carriage, shepherd's hut, or bell tent in blissful Scotland
Pets
Showers
Campfires
Secluded Rural Farm Hideaway

5. Secluded Rural Farm Hideaway

100%
(16)
Lanark, Scotland · 7 units · Tents, Glamping
*PLEASE NOTE THE CABIN IS AVAILABLE FOR WEEKEND BOOKINGS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR. CAMPING OPEN FROM 1st May to End August* 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, all a gentle walk from the sites.
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
Troquhain Woods

6. Troquhain Woods

93%
(37)
Castle Douglas, Scotland · 6 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Nearly wild camping for tents and campervans in a Scottish woodland
Pets
Campfires
Picnic table
Red Deer Village Holiday Park

7. Red Deer Village Holiday Park

Glasgow, Scotland · 10 units
Red Deer Village Holiday Park in Scotland is a 5 star holiday park, conveniently situated on the doorstep of Glasgow, just off the A80, one of Scotland’s main arterial routes to the North. The Scottish holiday park is close to a number of public transport links, with regular buses and trains into Glasgow city centre. he level and spacious caravan and campsite near Glasgow is the ideal base for a holiday in and around West Central Scotland, or as a stopover for a few days whilst touring. There are 24 hardstanding pitches with electric hookup, suitable for touring caravans and motorhomes. Our grass area has a number of spacious tent pitches, which are well served by immaculate facilities.
Electrical hookup
Pets
Bowie Wood

8. Bowie Wood

Stirling, Scotland · 1 unit
Escape to the Woods Tucked away amongst the trees at Bowie Wood, our spacious 6m bell tent is a secluded woodland retreat designed for slowing down, switching off and reconnecting with nature. Set on its own raised timber platform, the tent looks out into the woodland, with a covered awning creating a sheltered spot to sit outside with your morning coffee or simply listen to the forest around you. Inside, natural coir flooring, a king-size bed and the warmth of a wood-burning stove create a cosy retreat whatever the Scottish weather decides to do. This isn't a manicured campsite. You're staying within our woodland, surrounded by mature trees, mossy ground, ferns and wildlife. Red squirrels, roe deer, woodpeckers, buzzards and bats are all visitors to Bowie Wood, and after dark the woodland becomes wonderfully peaceful. Follow the woodchip path back to your tent, light the stove, make a hot chocolate and settle in for the evening. On clear nights, step outside and look up — away from the bright lights of town, the woodland is a beautiful place for stargazing. Although it feels hidden away, Bowie Wood is close to Stirling and makes a wonderful base for exploring central Scotland, from Stirling Castle and Bannockburn to the Ochil Hills, Loch Lomond and The Trossachs. Bowie Wood is an ongoing rewilding project, where we’re working to restore and enhance the woodland while allowing nature to flourish. You may notice areas of ongoing work around the wider site as we continue to improve habitats, paths and facilities. We aim to keep any disruption to guests to a minimum. Come here for the quiet, the trees and the chance to experience something a little different. Slow down. Light the fire. Sleep amongst the trees.
Pets
Showers
Campfires
Culdees Castle Estate Glamping

9. Culdees Castle Estate Glamping

88%
(25)
Perthshire , Scotland · 4 units
Luxury woodland cabins, each with a private hot tub, in the grounds of a Scottish castle
Showers
Campfires
Hot Tub
Craigend Farm

10. Craigend Farm

100%
(1)
Dumfries, Scotland · 2 units
Smart glamping pods on the rural outskirts of Dumfries
Showers
Wifi
Potable water
Bracken Barns Glamping and Massage

11. Bracken Barns Glamping and Massage

Maybole, Scotland · 3 units
We are a family run, small glamping site situated on our nature -friendly farm near the town of Maybole and Ayr. Our quiet and small site makes the perfect relaxing getaway for couples, families & small groups looking for a quirky, yet comfortable stay in our Yurts and converted Double Decker Bru Bus. We also offer two communal fire pits, a large covered BBQ area, hammocks, onsite sauna and massage treatments, luxury extras such as breakfast packs and hampers. Nestled at the heart of the glorious South Ayrshire, we have created a little haven here on our farm for you to explore the jewel of Scotlands Ayrshire Coast coastline, villages, festivals and the Galloway Forest. Come and share our passion for eco-friendly holidays, close to nature, providing enough home comforts to ease you into Off-Grid living. We are also Proud Certified Members of The UNESCO Biosphere, promoting nature and sustainable ecological practice in our countryside.
Pets
Showers
Wifi
Ayrshire Airstream

12. Ayrshire Airstream

100%
(2)
Irvine, Scotland · 1 unit
A seriously comfortable 1978 Airstream, complete with a hot tub, fire pit and its own bar.
Showers
Campfires
Hot Tub
Garden Yurt in a hidden glen

13. Garden Yurt in a hidden glen

100%
(3)
England · 1 unit
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
Campfires
Wifi
Pirnie Lodge Farm

14. Pirnie Lodge Farm

100%
(2)
Slamannan, Scotland · 3 units
Lodges with hot tubs in peaceful countryside near Falkirk
Pets
Showers
Hot Tub
Mongolian Yurt in Stunning Highland

15. Mongolian Yurt in Stunning Highland

Lochearnhead, England · 1 unit
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
Bachilton Farm Holidays

16. Bachilton Farm Holidays

100%
(5)
Methven, Scotland · 2 units
A pair of yurts with hot tubs on a farm between Perth and Crieff
Pets
Showers
Hot Tub
Craigmarloch Lodge

17. Craigmarloch Lodge

100%
(2)
Glasgow, Scotland · 1 unit
A high-end glamping cabin with a hot tub on the edge of the Highlands
Pets
Showers
Hot Tub
Loch Lomond Holiday Lets

18. Loch Lomond Holiday Lets

Aberfoyle, Scotland · 1 unit
Luxury Holiday Let cottage available to rent on a short or long term basis. Fully equipped with self catering facilities, bthe comforts and conveniences of a home away from home. Each cottage is equipped with a master en-suite king sized bedroom, another king sized bedroom and a twin bedroom with family bathroom. Sleeping 6 comfortably. We provide towels, bed linen etc along with free WiFi, cooking facilities and outdoor Decking area with a dining areas inside and out. We are only a few hundred yards away from the bonnie, bonnie banks of Loch Lomond, Long Long and the Arrochar Alps.
Pets
Showers
Wifi

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Clyde Valley Woodlands National Nature Reserve camping guide

When to go

The best time to visit the Clyde Valley Woodlands National Nature Reserve is from May to October. Spring sees the area carpeted with woodland flowers, such as bluebells and primrose, and the air filled with the song of birds including wood warblers and long-tailed tits. In summer you may see great spotted woodpeckers, tawny owls, badgers and roe deer. Autumn sees the leaves on the trees turn to beautiful shades of orange, yellow and red.

Know before you go

  • The main visitor facilities are at Chatelherault and the Falls of Clyde. 
  • Most trails are wide and well paved but can get muddy after rain. All paths have steps and steep gradients. 
  • The reserve is walking distance from Lanark town centre, which is connected to Glasgow by train.
  • Be sure to follow Scottish Outdoor Access Code while visiting the reserve.

Frequently Asked Questions

The best time to visit Clyde Valley Woodlands National Nature Reserve is from May to October. Spring sees the area carpeted with woodland flowers, such as bluebells and primrose, and the air filled with the song of birds including wood warblers and long-tailed tits. In summer you may see great spotted woodpeckers, tawny owls, badgers and roe deer. Autumn sees the leaves on the trees turn to beautiful shades of orange, yellow and red. The reserve is walking distance from Lanark town centre, which is connected to Glasgow by train. Be sure to follow Scottish Outdoor Access Code while visiting the reserve.

While there are no campsites within the reserve, Clyde Valley Caravan Park is located just outside. You can also explore different options for camping near Clyde Valley Woodlands National Nature Reserve on Hipcamp.

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

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