Best campsites for hikers in Galloway

From rocky shorelines and sandy beaches to gentle hills and lush valleys, some of southern Scotland's best attractions and most inspiring landscapes lie in Galloway. The region is home to quaint towns and villages, including the 'national book town' of Wigtown, and the scenery is the perfect backdrop for outdoor activities including mountain biking along forest trails and windsurfing off the coast. Galloway Forest Park, a recognized dark sky site, is one of the region's biggest draws with its biking and walking trails and abundant wildlife, including red deer, otters, golden eagles and kites. Galloway also offers some of the best camping in Scotland, from beachside caravan sites to clearings in Galloway Forest Park.

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Top-rated campgrounds

From rocky shorelines and sandy beaches to gentle hills and lush valleys, some of southern Scotland's best attractions and most inspiring landscapes lie in Galloway. The region is home to quaint towns and villages, including the 'national book town' of Wigtown, and the scenery is the perfect backdrop for outdoor activities including mountain biking along forest trails and windsurfing off the coast. Galloway Forest Park, a recognized dark sky site, is one of the region's biggest draws with its biking and walking trails and abundant wildlife, including red deer, otters, golden eagles and kites. Galloway also offers some of the best camping in Scotland, from beachside caravan sites to clearings in Galloway Forest Park.

100% (5)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Runach Arainn Glamping

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3 units · Glamping · Kilmory, Scotland

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

2. Broom Fisheries Campsite

4 units · Glamping · Dumfries, South Scotland

Luxury caravans ideally situated next to picturesque Scottish fishing lakes

3. Oystercatcher Caravan

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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.

4. Craigend Farm

2 units · Glamping · Dumfries, Scotland

Smart glamping pods on the rural outskirts of Dumfries

Stories from the 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.

E

Eva

July 2025

Group trip

2 nights at Runach Arainn Glamping

Absolutely fantastic spot! Yurt was so well equipped, they really had thought of everything. Beautiful location in such a peaceful area, and a lovely beach in walking distance! Couldn’t recommend enough

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 for hikers in Galloway guide

Where to go

Galloway Forest Park

The 299-square-mile (744-square-kilometre) Galloway Forest Park is a must for nature lovers and keen outdoor adventurers who can enjoy challenging hillwalking and rock climbing within the park. Camping is available within Galloway Forest Park, close to the Southern Upland Way, and in bucolic settings just outside the park.

Rhins of Galloway

The windswept western corner of Galloway lies along one of the most scenic stretches of the 214-mile (344-kilometer) Southern Upland Way. From the headlands and cliffs the views stretch toward Northern Ireland, just a ferry ride away from Stranraer. You can find small, peaceful campsites close to Stranraer.

Castle Douglas

The old market town of Castle Douglas is known for its excellent food and drink. Around 18 miles (29 kilometers) from Dumfries, Castle Douglas also appeals for its proximity to Carlingwark Loch, a great place for boating and sailing. Birdwatchers can watch wintering wildfowl from the hides at nearby Threave Wildfowl Reserve. You’ll find campsites along the shores of Loch Ken, north of Castle Douglas, and inside the Galloway Activity Centre.

The Solway Firth

Marking the border between Scotland and England, the Solway Firth has a rugged coastline that is perfect for walking and birdwatching. Here you’ll find camping options on one of Galloway’s most attractive sandy beaches, with easy access to such outdoor activities as sailing, fishing and horse riding.

Mabie Forest

The woods and hills of Mabie Forest, just 20-minutes south of the region’s main town, Dumfries, are a magnet for walkers and mountain bikers. Wildlife lovers also flock to Mabie Forest to spot red squirrels, badgers, roe deer and foxes, as well as 20 species of butterfly and osprey fishing on Lochaber Loch. Camping options here run the gamut from tent pitches to yurts and even an Iron-Age roundhouse.