Bell tent camping near New Galloway, Galloway

Perched on the edge of Galloway Forest Park and close to Loch Ken, the small village of New Galloway is well worth the stop. The picturesque village has an attractive high street filled with whitewashed stone cottages and the ruins of Kenmure Castle are nearby. The village provides a good base for watersports and fishing on Loch Ken and for exploring Galloway Forest Park, a designated Dark Sky Park and exceptional site for stargazing, as well as biking and walking along a vast network of trails through forests, over hills and by lochs.

Top-rated campgrounds

Perched on the edge of Galloway Forest Park and close to Loch Ken, the small village of New Galloway is well worth the stop. The picturesque village has an attractive high street filled with whitewashed stone cottages and the ruins of Kenmure Castle are nearby. The village provides a good base for watersports and fishing on Loch Ken and for exploring Galloway Forest Park, a designated Dark Sky Park and exceptional site for stargazing, as well as biking and walking along a vast network of trails through forests, over hills and by lochs.

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Muiredge

100%

(16)

138km from New Galloway · 8 units · Glamping · Perth and Kinross, Central Scotland

Rural glamping in a converted railway carriage, shepherd's hut, or bell tent in blissful Scotland

2. West Highland Way Hotel & Campsite

82%

(36)

103km from New Galloway · 46 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Glasgow, Lanarkshire, South Scotland

A welcoming campsite on the West Highland Way

3. Otter Moss Accommodation

100%

(8)

93km from New Galloway · 4 units · Glamping · Brampton, England

Otter Moss Accommodation offers a variety of upscale camping options suitable for couples, families, and groups. Nestled within a picturesque 12-acre former farm, the majority of the site surrounds a spacious meadow. Additionally, the site boasts a charming small lake featuring three islands and a rowing boat for leisurely water activities. Situated at the northern edge of the stunning Eden Valley, guests can enjoy sweeping views of the Cumbrian Fells, with visibility extending to the Solway Firth and the Lake District on clear days. The Lake District is a convenient 40-minute drive away, while various sections of Hadrian's Wall are even closer, reachable within a 15-minute drive. Carlisle and the M6 motorway to Scotland are both just 20 minutes away, with the picturesque market town of Brampton also within a 15-minute drive and offering its own attractions. Local pubs are plentiful in the area, with a diverse selection available within a five-mile radius. Accommodation units at Otter Moss come equipped with heating, kitchen utensils, and stoves, ensuring guests' comfort and convenience. Each unit also includes firepits or barbecues, as well as bedding and towels for a hassle-free stay.

4. Stone Raise Bells

92%

(6)

91km from New Galloway · 3 units · Glamping · Carlisle, England

Off-grid bell tents on a working farm in Cumbria’s Eden Valley

Stories from the community

E

EngineerMe

August 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Stone Raise Bells

Fantastic welcoming experience for adults and kids. Really good communication, great view and super quiet. Will be returning shortly! Thankyou John and Emma

D

Daniel

August 2025

Weekend Trip to Stone Raise Bells

We had a great night stay at this campsite. It was a good setup with a lovely view of the surrounding area. The Bell tents were great and I’d recommend them to anyone looking to stay here!

E

Eric

August 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Muiredge

The place is really nice. Our tent was prepared for four and we sleep there really well. Views on morning were amazing. And comon places were really good when weather made not possible to be outside.

H

HEATHER

June 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to West Highland Way Hotel & Campsite

A lovely wee site with various accommodation options, the staff are super helpful.

M

Mandi

April 2025

1 night at West Highland Way Hotel & Campsite

Very friendly staff. Easy to find. Great facilities. Lovely walks right at back of premises. Only downside for me was the noise off other campers. People turning up and setting stuff up after 10 pm. Also loud group of lads. But I’m use to wild camping so maybe noise would be acceptable for most.

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Bell tent camping near New Galloway guide

When to go

For the best chance of good weather, and for taking advantage of extended daylight hours, May to August is the ideal time to visit New Galloway and the surrounding region. However, those planning to do some stargazing in Galloway Forest Park should visit between October and March, when the skies are at their clearest and most crisp. Wildlife lovers can spot rutting red deer around the park during the autumn months.

Know before you go

Wild camping is allowed throughout Scotland, as long as you follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.
The weather in Scotland is always changeable, even in summer. Come prepared with warm, waterproof clothing.
Local buses can get you to most places of interest in the area. The closest railway station is in Dumfries, a one-hour bus journey away.