Campsites with swimming near Stranraer

·

The port town of Stranraer no longer bustles with visitors making their way to Northern Ireland by ferry—that service has moved north to Cairnryan—but there’s still plenty of reasons to visit this town at the head of Loch Ryan. The town’s attractive centre is dominated by the Castle of St. John, a ruined four-story tower house, which dates from around 1500. Stranraer is also the gateway to the Rhins of Galloway, a rugged peninsula that is a favourite of walkers and wildlife watchers. It’s also close to Castle Kennedy Gardens, where the grounds feature two lochs, a lily pond and an avenue of monkey puzzle trees. 

100% (5) 23 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Stranraer

Harebeck Holidays

1. Harebeck Holidays

85%
(23)
117km from Stranraer · 8 units · Motorhomes, Glamping
Nestled between the Western Lake District Fells and the Irish Sea coast this site is situated on a working dairy and sheep farm. Farm tours can be arranged on arrival. A play hut with outdoor games, drying room with communal fridge and freezer (some units have their own small fridge). Natural hedges surround the site. Four fruit trees near the shower block Half a mile to Gosforth village with Shop, Bakery, Cafe, 4 Pubs providing food and an Italian restaurant. Gosforth and Seascale villages have play parks. Muncaster Castle, Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway, Wasdale, Scafell Pike and Sandy Beaches with Cafes selling local ice cream are nearby with most Lake District attractions within an hours drive and Edinburgh a three hour drive away. There are 5 campervan/motorhome pitches, a pod, a modern take on a shepherds hut with underfloor heating, a heated pod and two gypsy caravans with electricity to book. All pitches are on gravel positioned to enjoy views over farmland to Scafell Pike and other fells, they are surrounded by grassy areas with seating and a picnic table. A wooden play hut has outdoor games and toys inside. Awnings can be added on the 3 larger pitches. Tents can be pitched next to units for an extra £10 per night. Barbeques are allowed on gravel with our Gypsy Caravans having a campfire area. There is a communal fridge and freezer, outdoor drying space. Farm tours can be arranged. Wildlife and farm animals can be seen in the surrounding fields. Fresh vegetables and barbeque packs can be ordered with 24 to 48 hours notice. Grocery deliveries accepted from supermarkets. There is also a holiday cottage on the farm sleeping 6 over two rooms. Situated midway between the Western Lake District Fells and the Irish Sea Coast makes this site ideal for lower or higher level walks. Sandy beaches at Seascale and St Bees have cafes selling locally made ice cream alongside play areas to keep children happy. Scafell England's highest mountain is close by as are a number of Wainwrights. Nearby is Muncaster Castle and Gardens with its Hawk and Owl Centre, also Ravenglass (a Roman port with remains of a bath house),  you can ride up the Eskdale Valley on the Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway (Laal Ratty). Perhaps take a stroll to Stanley Ghyll waterfall. They have a cafe at both terminuses with a museum in Ravenglass where nearby you can sample Ravenglass Ice Cream. Wasdale and Ennerdale are close by both valleys having cafes and pubs.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Showers
from 
£25
 / night
Howbeck Lodge

2. Howbeck Lodge

94%
(27)
130km from Stranraer · 29 units · Tents, Motorhomes
A dog-friendly farm campsite on the northern edge of the Lake District
Pets
Showers
Water hookup
from 
£30
 / night
Cleghorn Farm

3. Cleghorn Farm

100%
(11)
119km from Stranraer · 15 units · Tents, Glamping
*PLEASE NOTE THE CABIN IS AVAILABLE FOR MIDWEEK AND WEEKEND BOOKINGS. CAMPING WILL RETURN IN SPRING 2026.* 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.
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
from 
£10
 / night
Loch Lomond Sunset Glamping Pod

4. Loch Lomond Sunset Glamping Pod

131km from Stranraer · 1 unit · Glamping
Settled in the idyllic area with unrestricted panoramic views over the Arrochar Alps, Loch Lomond Sunset Glamping Pod is set in charming grounds to the west of the popular small village of Croftamie. It has a wonderful situation with some outstanding views, over fields, towards the dramatic enveloping peaks of the Arrochar Alps and Ben Lomond. The perfect getaway for a romantic stay or honeymoon retreat or simply for exploring the wonders of the countryside and beauty of the local nature. Enjoying a snug open-plan studio layout, Loch Lomond Sunset Glamping Pod has everything you need for a countryside break full of outdoor adventures. The kitchenette is compact yet well-stocked with all the essential appliances with an electric hob, microwave and fridge being all you need to wine and dine. To the rear of the pod is the snug double bed with fresh & crispy bedlinen, cosy blankets for indoor and outdoor use (extra ones in a wooden box in front of the bed), and under-bed storage for your clothing. Compact, yet sleek bathroom equipped with a toilet, basin and an electric shower. The Pod is equipped with a Smart TV, a mini–Portable Bluetooth Speaker along with excellent Wi-Fi so you can stay connected. LED lights inside and outside the pod including decking lights. Outside of the pod, head out for a relaxing dip in the hot tub and soak up the stunning scenery before going back inside and climbing into cosy bed and watching your favourite series on Netflix. With a decking area providing a stunning view of the mountains, ofuro style hot tub and gazebo sitting area with firepit & BBQ Grill, this charming rural retreat for two, Loch Lomond Sunset Glamping Pod is offering a peaceful romantic escape. Dog friendly Not suitable for children Loch Lomond Sunset Pod lies just to the west of Croftamie Village and is only a couple of miles south of Drymen. The Sunset Pod is within a National Scenic Area and The Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, Scotland’s first National Park. It is surrounded by rolling Stirlingshire countryside and hills and is approached via its long private, and gated, drive off a quiet country road. When you reach the pod, on the left side of the front door there is a key safe box (details will be sent on your booking) for self-check-in, just put the code in to access the keys to the pod and enjoy your stay admiring amazing mountains views. And if you are lucky, a deer may pay you a surprising visit. If you are a smoker, we kindly ask you to only smoke outside of the glamping pod within the gazebo area, where an ashtray is provided.
Pets
Showers
Hot Tub
from 
£258
 / night
Hazel Mount Fellside

5. Hazel Mount Fellside

98%
(49)
134km from Stranraer · 5 units · Tents
Nearly wild camping on the western edge of the Lake District overlooking the Duddon Estuary
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
from 
£25
 / night
Oystercatcher Caravan

6. Oystercatcher Caravan

100%
(1)
36km from Stranraer · 1 unit · Glamping
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
Craigmarloch Lodge

7. Craigmarloch Lodge

100%
(2)
128km from Stranraer · 1 unit · Glamping
A high-end glamping cabin with a hot tub on the edge of the Highlands
Pets
Showers
Hot Tub
from 
£150
 / night
Ayrshire Airstream

8. Ayrshire Airstream

100%
(2)
88km from Stranraer · 1 unit · Glamping
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

9. Runach Arainn Glamping

100%
(9)
62km from Stranraer · 3 units · Glamping
A three-yurt luxury glamping site on the Isle of Arran, steps away from the beach
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£162
 / night

The port town of Stranraer no longer bustles with visitors making their way to Northern Ireland by ferry—that service has moved north to Cairnryan—but there’s still plenty of reasons to visit this town at the head of Loch Ryan. The town’s attractive centre is dominated by the Castle of St. John, a ruined four-story tower house, which dates from around 1500. Stranraer is also the gateway to the Rhins of Galloway, a rugged peninsula that is a favourite of walkers and wildlife watchers. It’s also close to Castle Kennedy Gardens, where the grounds feature two lochs, a lily pond and an avenue of monkey puzzle trees. 

100% (5) 23 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Stranraer

Harebeck Holidays

1. Harebeck Holidays

85%
(23)
117km from Stranraer · 8 units · Motorhomes, Glamping
Nestled between the Western Lake District Fells and the Irish Sea coast this site is situated on a working dairy and sheep farm. Farm tours can be arranged on arrival. A play hut with outdoor games, drying room with communal fridge and freezer (some units have their own small fridge). Natural hedges surround the site. Four fruit trees near the shower block Half a mile to Gosforth village with Shop, Bakery, Cafe, 4 Pubs providing food and an Italian restaurant. Gosforth and Seascale villages have play parks. Muncaster Castle, Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway, Wasdale, Scafell Pike and Sandy Beaches with Cafes selling local ice cream are nearby with most Lake District attractions within an hours drive and Edinburgh a three hour drive away. There are 5 campervan/motorhome pitches, a pod, a modern take on a shepherds hut with underfloor heating, a heated pod and two gypsy caravans with electricity to book. All pitches are on gravel positioned to enjoy views over farmland to Scafell Pike and other fells, they are surrounded by grassy areas with seating and a picnic table. A wooden play hut has outdoor games and toys inside. Awnings can be added on the 3 larger pitches. Tents can be pitched next to units for an extra £10 per night. Barbeques are allowed on gravel with our Gypsy Caravans having a campfire area. There is a communal fridge and freezer, outdoor drying space. Farm tours can be arranged. Wildlife and farm animals can be seen in the surrounding fields. Fresh vegetables and barbeque packs can be ordered with 24 to 48 hours notice. Grocery deliveries accepted from supermarkets. There is also a holiday cottage on the farm sleeping 6 over two rooms. Situated midway between the Western Lake District Fells and the Irish Sea Coast makes this site ideal for lower or higher level walks. Sandy beaches at Seascale and St Bees have cafes selling locally made ice cream alongside play areas to keep children happy. Scafell England's highest mountain is close by as are a number of Wainwrights. Nearby is Muncaster Castle and Gardens with its Hawk and Owl Centre, also Ravenglass (a Roman port with remains of a bath house),  you can ride up the Eskdale Valley on the Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway (Laal Ratty). Perhaps take a stroll to Stanley Ghyll waterfall. They have a cafe at both terminuses with a museum in Ravenglass where nearby you can sample Ravenglass Ice Cream. Wasdale and Ennerdale are close by both valleys having cafes and pubs.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Showers
from 
£25
 / night
Howbeck Lodge

2. Howbeck Lodge

94%
(27)
130km from Stranraer · 29 units · Tents, Motorhomes
A dog-friendly farm campsite on the northern edge of the Lake District
Pets
Showers
Water hookup
from 
£30
 / night
Cleghorn Farm

3. Cleghorn Farm

100%
(11)
119km from Stranraer · 15 units · Tents, Glamping
*PLEASE NOTE THE CABIN IS AVAILABLE FOR MIDWEEK AND WEEKEND BOOKINGS. CAMPING WILL RETURN IN SPRING 2026.* 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.
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
from 
£10
 / night
Loch Lomond Sunset Glamping Pod

4. Loch Lomond Sunset Glamping Pod

131km from Stranraer · 1 unit · Glamping
Settled in the idyllic area with unrestricted panoramic views over the Arrochar Alps, Loch Lomond Sunset Glamping Pod is set in charming grounds to the west of the popular small village of Croftamie. It has a wonderful situation with some outstanding views, over fields, towards the dramatic enveloping peaks of the Arrochar Alps and Ben Lomond. The perfect getaway for a romantic stay or honeymoon retreat or simply for exploring the wonders of the countryside and beauty of the local nature. Enjoying a snug open-plan studio layout, Loch Lomond Sunset Glamping Pod has everything you need for a countryside break full of outdoor adventures. The kitchenette is compact yet well-stocked with all the essential appliances with an electric hob, microwave and fridge being all you need to wine and dine. To the rear of the pod is the snug double bed with fresh & crispy bedlinen, cosy blankets for indoor and outdoor use (extra ones in a wooden box in front of the bed), and under-bed storage for your clothing. Compact, yet sleek bathroom equipped with a toilet, basin and an electric shower. The Pod is equipped with a Smart TV, a mini–Portable Bluetooth Speaker along with excellent Wi-Fi so you can stay connected. LED lights inside and outside the pod including decking lights. Outside of the pod, head out for a relaxing dip in the hot tub and soak up the stunning scenery before going back inside and climbing into cosy bed and watching your favourite series on Netflix. With a decking area providing a stunning view of the mountains, ofuro style hot tub and gazebo sitting area with firepit & BBQ Grill, this charming rural retreat for two, Loch Lomond Sunset Glamping Pod is offering a peaceful romantic escape. Dog friendly Not suitable for children Loch Lomond Sunset Pod lies just to the west of Croftamie Village and is only a couple of miles south of Drymen. The Sunset Pod is within a National Scenic Area and The Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, Scotland’s first National Park. It is surrounded by rolling Stirlingshire countryside and hills and is approached via its long private, and gated, drive off a quiet country road. When you reach the pod, on the left side of the front door there is a key safe box (details will be sent on your booking) for self-check-in, just put the code in to access the keys to the pod and enjoy your stay admiring amazing mountains views. And if you are lucky, a deer may pay you a surprising visit. If you are a smoker, we kindly ask you to only smoke outside of the glamping pod within the gazebo area, where an ashtray is provided.
Pets
Showers
Hot Tub
from 
£258
 / night
Hazel Mount Fellside

5. Hazel Mount Fellside

98%
(49)
134km from Stranraer · 5 units · Tents
Nearly wild camping on the western edge of the Lake District overlooking the Duddon Estuary
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
from 
£25
 / night
Oystercatcher Caravan

6. Oystercatcher Caravan

100%
(1)
36km from Stranraer · 1 unit · Glamping
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
Craigmarloch Lodge

7. Craigmarloch Lodge

100%
(2)
128km from Stranraer · 1 unit · Glamping
A high-end glamping cabin with a hot tub on the edge of the Highlands
Pets
Showers
Hot Tub
from 
£150
 / night
Ayrshire Airstream

8. Ayrshire Airstream

100%
(2)
88km from Stranraer · 1 unit · Glamping
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

9. Runach Arainn Glamping

100%
(9)
62km from Stranraer · 3 units · Glamping
A three-yurt luxury glamping site on the Isle of Arran, steps away from the beach
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£162
 / night

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

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

Campsites with swimming near Stranraer guide

Where to go

Around Town

Other locations around town include the Stranraer Museum and the lochside Agnew Park, which is a favourite of families with its boating lake, miniature train and pedal go-karts. Close to both the town centre and ferry port, Aird Donald Caravan Park has pitches for tents and tourers. A few miles north, Ryan Bay Holiday Park has electric and non-electric pitches for tourers.

Kirkholm

On the western bank of Loch Ryan, north of Stranraer, the little village of Kirkholm lies on the northern tip of the Rhins of Galloway, providing a good base for exploring the peninsula. The small and secluded campsite at North Rhinns Camping offers an experience close to wild camping, with pitches for tents and small campervans.

Portpatrick

The pastel-coloured buildings of the pretty village of Portpatrick are set around a harbour, west of Stranraer. As the Southern Upland Way starts here, it’s a good base for long-distance walkers. Less strenuous walking options include strolling along the cliffs to Dunskey Castle. Overlooking the Irish Sea, Sunnymeade Caravan Park has a range of grass and hardstanding pitches, as well as a glamping bell tent.

When to go

The weather is at its best—and the days are long—from May to September, making this the peak visitor season in and around Stranraer. If you are looking for a more secluded experience without the risk of running into crowds or booked up sites, visiting in April or October is a good alternative. Winter can often bring storms and disrupted travel plans—and the days are short and many businesses closed.

Know before you go

  • Wild camping is possible throughout Scotland, but comes with responsibilities. Check the Scottish Outdoor Access Code website to find out more.
  • Stranraer Railway Station has direct links to Glasgow, Dumfries and over the border to Carlisle. Local buses can get you to most nearby places of interest.
  • There are several well-stocked supermarkets in Stranraer’s town centre.

Popular Stranraer holidays