Riverside camping in Galloway

Dark skies, forests and spectacular golden beaches, Galloway is an often-overlooked corner of Scotland.

100% (3 reviews)
100% (3 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Galloway

Star Hosts in Galloway

Dog-friendly getaways

11 top river, stream, or creek campsites in Galloway

79%
(7)

West Highland Way Hotel & Campsite

46 units · Glamping, Motorhomes, Tents10 acres · Glasgow, Lanarkshire, South Scotland
A welcoming campsite on the West Highland Way
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£30
 / night
100%
(19)

Camping at Cardewlees

37 units · Glamping, Motorhomes, Tents1 acre · Carlisle, England
A welcoming, family-run farm campsite between the Lake District and Hadrian's Wall
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£20
 / night
100%
(5)

Cleghorn Farm

11 units · Glamping, Tents250 acres · Lanark, Scotland
*PLEASE NOTE THAT WE ARE ONLY OPEN FOR WEEKEND BOOKINGS FOR CAMPING. THE CABIN IS AVAILABLE FOR MIDWEEK BOOKINGS* 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.
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£10
 / night
100%
(1)

Garden Yurt in a hidden glen

1 unit · Glamping1 acre · England
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
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£98
 / night

Lake District Herdwick Huts

5 units · Glamping2 acres · Rydal, England
You will not find a more stunning place to stay and explore within the UK. Set in the very heart of the Lake District National Park, there is good reason why this magnificent location inspired the poet William Wordsworth to commit some of his most world-renowned poetry to paper. These beautiful huts are nestled underneath the Fairfield horseshoe mountain range and Nab scar, so there is no need to drive anywhere for the finest mountain hikes. With Rydal Lake, a wild swimmers hot spot, and waterfalls and plunge pools on site, it really is hard to beat! You will not find a more stunning place to stay and explore within the UK. Set in the very heart of the Lake District National Park, there is good reason why this magnificent location inspired the poet William Wordsworth to commit some of his most world-renowned poetry to paper. Grasmere is on the doorstep, voted one of the top places to visit in the Lake District, with the famous '‘Coffin route’ walk offering a spectacular lake and mountain view stroll straight from your hut door. With low level to high level walks exploring the Lakes from Rydal caters for everyone. Ambleside and Grasmere are both walking distance for cafes, restaurants and cinemas and Rydal offers scenic off-road strolls to arrive by. Each with fresh linen, wood burning stove and cast iron gas hob, you are sure to be comfortable even in the thick of winter.
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£110
 / night
100%
(9)

Inside Out Yurts

3 units · Glamping1 acre · Keswick, Cumbria, North West England
Rustic yurt glamping with a riverside setting, fell views and an enviable Lake District location
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£115
 / night
100%
(2)

Ayrshire Airstream

1 unit · Glamping5 acres · Irvine, Scotland
A seriously comfortable 1978 Airstream, complete with a hot tub, fire pit and its own bar.
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£220
 / night
100%
(16)

The Black Swan

3 units · Glamping1 acre · Kirkby Stephen, England
Our three, brand new wood and canvas yurts are nestled in our private, woodland hotel garden beside the beautiful conservation (SSSI) river of Scandal Beck. Just a short drive from The Lake District, The Yorkshire and Durham Dales as well as The Scottish Border, we are perfectly located for you to explore. The yurts themselves are individually decorated with full size furniture, electricity and double beds. The yurts are all located in the garden of The Black Swan Hotel, Ravenstonedale, a multi award-winning hotel, restaurant and bar; recipient of 2 AA Rosettes as well as AA pub of the year for England 2018/19. As part of your stay in our yurts you will receive a full cooked breakfast and buffet option included in the price for 2 people in our hotel restaurant. We like to think of ourselves as a cosy home from home with a relaxed dining atmosphere throughout. We are very dog friendly in the hotel, restaurant, bar and yurts so please bring your furry family members. Our beautiful woodland is also home to red squirrels (which are seen daily), protected, freshwater crayfish in the river, an otter (seen very infrequently but the nemesis of our ducks), 6 Indian runner ducks, free range chickens and our two cockerels! (Dogs are very welcome but are to be kept on a lead whilst in the woodland itself). We are very dog friendly and charge an additional fee of £15 for 1 dog/ £20 for 2 dogs for an additional cleaning fee and for some dog friendly goodies such as poop bags and treats. The price of this yurt is based on an occupancy of 2 people. Any other people who will be staying on the sofa bed will add a charge of £40 per person per night for breakfast and their stay. All yurts come with electrical battery pack, chargeable lanterns, tea/coffee, homemade biscuits, log burning stoves, towels, full breakfast included from the hotel, an outdoor seating area and access to our outdoor toasty warm woodland shower as well as our very cute, wooden toilet cabin. Hairdryers are available in the hotel for your use.
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£170
 / night
99%
(55)

Kentmere Farm Pods, South Lakes

4 units · Glamping1 acre · Cumbria, North West England
Modern glamping pods on a working South Lakes hill farm, with views down the Kentmere Valley
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£90
 / night
83%
(3)

Smardale Mill Shepods The Ash

3 units · Glamping1 acre · Hawes, North Yorkshire, North East England
Smardale Mill Shepods are the perfect place to escape, unwind and relax. These modern style shepherds huts are tucked away in an idyllic setting in Cumbria. Situated on a working family farm there is always plenty to see and do. Each shepod sleeps two comfortably with the option of a further two guests on the sofa bed.
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£90
 / night
Booked 1 time

Hut in the Sheep Wash

1 unit · Glamping1 acre · Grizedale, England
A shepherd’s hut in it’s own riverside field in Cumbria
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£100
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Riverside camping in Galloway guide

Overview

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.

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.

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