Campsites with swimming in Galloway Forest Park

A designated Dark Sky Park, Galloway Forest Park is an exceptional site for stargazing. But that’s not the only reason it’s one of the main attractions in southern Scotland. The park has biking and walking trails that will take you through its 299 square miles (744 square kilometers) of forests, hills and lochs—the long distance Southern Upland Way passes through the park. There’s also plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife, including red deer, otters, golden eagles and red kites. The only campsite within the park itself is Glentrool Camping and Caravan Site, which enjoys a remote and peaceful setting. Just outside the park, additional campsites with tent and touring pitches, as well as vintage caravans for hire, can be found.

100% (7) • 35 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Galloway Forest Park

Ayrshire Airstream

1. Ayrshire Airstream

100%

(2)

1 unit · Glamping · Irvine, Scotland

A seriously comfortable 1978 Airstream, complete with a hot tub, fire pit and its own bar.

Showers

Campfires

Hot Tub

from

£187

/ night

Runach Arainn Glamping

2. Runach Arainn Glamping

100%

(9)

3 units · Glamping · Kilmory, Scotland

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

Pets

Showers

Campfires

from

£162

/ night

Oystercatcher Caravan

3. Oystercatcher Caravan

100%

(1)

1 unit · Glamping · Newton Stewart, Galloway

The 2 bedroom 35 x 12ft caravan is fully equipped for self-catering. With double glazing, central heating and an additional electric fire in the lounge it is warm throughout the year. The boiler also supplies constant hot water. Sorry we do not allow pets. Strictly no smoking or vaping is allowed in the caravan. The caravan can sleep up to 6 persons. Bedroom #1 - with standard size double bed (new mattress for 2025) with fitted wardrobes and cupboards. Bedroom #2 - with two single beds with cupboard space. The lounge sofa has a fold out double bed (new mattress for 2025). All bedding is provided. Lounge / Dining Room - the lounge has large windows and access to the veranda. The room also has fitted cupboards. The dining area has a circular table with 4 chairs. Kitchen - fully fitted with a gas cooker, microwave, fridge, kettle, toaster, pots and pans. Cooking utensils, a 6 piece dinner service and cutlery are also provided. Tea, coffee and sugar are supplied at the start of the holiday, but will not be replenished. Bathroom - with shower, toilet and washbasin. We do not supply towels. Additional - Outside table and 4 chairs. Also Fire and CO Alarms, Thermometer, Wall clock and Tide clock. An information pack of places to visit and eat is provided. The caravan is on the family run Monreith Sands Holiday Park with a great location on the beautiful Galloway coast. Sandy beaches are only a few 100m away. The generally calm waters of Luce Bay are great for swimming or kayaking. Nearby is a golf course plus historic sites and formal gardens. Although the Galloway Forest is know for being a Dark Sky Park and great for stargazing, the whole Machars peninsular is very dark. The Galloway Astronomy Centre (01988 500594) gives stargazing tours.

Showers

Potable water

Cooking equipment

from

£65

/ night

A designated Dark Sky Park, Galloway Forest Park is an exceptional site for stargazing. But that’s not the only reason it’s one of the main attractions in southern Scotland. The park has biking and walking trails that will take you through its 299 square miles (744 square kilometers) of forests, hills and lochs—the long distance Southern Upland Way passes through the park. There’s also plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife, including red deer, otters, golden eagles and red kites. The only campsite within the park itself is Glentrool Camping and Caravan Site, which enjoys a remote and peaceful setting. Just outside the park, additional campsites with tent and touring pitches, as well as vintage caravans for hire, can be found.

100% (7) • 35 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Galloway Forest Park

Ayrshire Airstream

1. Ayrshire Airstream

100%

(2)

1 unit · Glamping · Irvine, Scotland

A seriously comfortable 1978 Airstream, complete with a hot tub, fire pit and its own bar.

Showers

Campfires

Hot Tub

from

£187

/ night

Runach Arainn Glamping

2. Runach Arainn Glamping

100%

(9)

3 units · Glamping · Kilmory, Scotland

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

Pets

Showers

Campfires

from

£162

/ night

Oystercatcher Caravan

3. Oystercatcher Caravan

100%

(1)

1 unit · Glamping · Newton Stewart, Galloway

The 2 bedroom 35 x 12ft caravan is fully equipped for self-catering. With double glazing, central heating and an additional electric fire in the lounge it is warm throughout the year. The boiler also supplies constant hot water. Sorry we do not allow pets. Strictly no smoking or vaping is allowed in the caravan. The caravan can sleep up to 6 persons. Bedroom #1 - with standard size double bed (new mattress for 2025) with fitted wardrobes and cupboards. Bedroom #2 - with two single beds with cupboard space. The lounge sofa has a fold out double bed (new mattress for 2025). All bedding is provided. Lounge / Dining Room - the lounge has large windows and access to the veranda. The room also has fitted cupboards. The dining area has a circular table with 4 chairs. Kitchen - fully fitted with a gas cooker, microwave, fridge, kettle, toaster, pots and pans. Cooking utensils, a 6 piece dinner service and cutlery are also provided. Tea, coffee and sugar are supplied at the start of the holiday, but will not be replenished. Bathroom - with shower, toilet and washbasin. We do not supply towels. Additional - Outside table and 4 chairs. Also Fire and CO Alarms, Thermometer, Wall clock and Tide clock. An information pack of places to visit and eat is provided. The caravan is on the family run Monreith Sands Holiday Park with a great location on the beautiful Galloway coast. Sandy beaches are only a few 100m away. The generally calm waters of Luce Bay are great for swimming or kayaking. Nearby is a golf course plus historic sites and formal gardens. Although the Galloway Forest is know for being a Dark Sky Park and great for stargazing, the whole Machars peninsular is very dark. The Galloway Astronomy Centre (01988 500594) gives stargazing tours.

Showers

Potable water

Cooking equipment

from

£65

/ night

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

S

Sally

July 2025

With kids

4 nights at Runach Arainn Glamping

Runach Arainn is even more lovely in person than in the photos. Great location for a peaceful and relaxing stay on Arann. The yurts are comfortable, the kitchen/fire-pit etc are well-equipped and the orchard setting is beautiful. It's just a short walk to the beach or to the Lagg Inn for dinner. Highly recommend.

J

Jason

July 2025

Weekend Trip to Oystercatcher Caravan

Super helpful host. Good location, a very quiet part of Scotland. Accommodation was very fairly priced and well cared for.

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Campsites with swimming in Galloway Forest Park guide

When to go

While it makes for a great destination all year round, stargazers should aim to visit Galloway Forest Park between October and March. That’s when the skies are at their clearest and most crisp, affording the best conditions for spotting planets, constellations and even the Milky Way. Wildlife watchers should aim for early October to catch the spectacle of rutting red deer. In spring you can see deer fawns and baby goats.

Know before you go

There are several visitors’ centres in the park, which are good places to pick up trail maps, take an organised tour or just refuel with a snack.
Despite clear skies, the weather conditions can change dramatically. Be sure to bring warm, wet-weather gear and sturdy footwear.
The closest public bus stop is in Glentrool, a 20-minute walk from the Glentrool entrance to the park.