Campsites near Whithorn

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Though small in size, Whithorn has an outsize place in Scottish history. It was here, in Dumfries and Galloway’s Machars Peninsula, that St. Ninian (Scotland’s first saint) built the first recorded Christian church in Scotland in around 397. Though still best-known as Scotland`s Cradle of Chrisitanity, Whithorn offers cycling trails through the Machars area, as well as opportunities for walking, fishing, golf and bird watching. Nearby, the small sea cave known as St. Ninian’s Cave is reached by a pretty walk through a wooded glen. Also nearby, the Isle of Whithorn (which is no longer an island) has a picturesque seaside setting and is home to St Ninian's chapel. 

Arts and crafts is another draw in Whithorn and the village has its own arts and crafts trail that you can follow. You can also learn about the history of Whithorn at the Whithorn Story Visitor Centre. Just minutes from Whithorn, Castelwigg Caravan Park is a quiet spot with camping and touring pitches.

Lying on the Solway Coast, the village of Garlieston is an excellent starting point for coastal walks north to Innerwell Point and Eggerness Point or south to the remains of Cruggleton Castle. By the coastline, the adults-only Garlieston Lodge Campsite has fishing on site as well as tent and touring pitches.

A 20-minute drive north of Whithorn, the small town of Wigtown is famed as Scotland’s National Book Town. Just south of town, Drumroamin Farm Caravan and Camping Site is a tranquil site, with views of Wigtown Bay, pitches for tents and tourers, as well as static caravans for hire.

96% (50) 397 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Whithorn

Troquhain Woods

1. Troquhain Woods

93%
(36)
46km from Whithorn · 6 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Nearly wild camping for tents and campervans in a Scottish woodland
Pets
Campfires
Picnic table
Howbeck Lodge

2. Howbeck Lodge

95%
(28)
90km from Whithorn · 24 units · Tents, Motorhomes
A dog-friendly farm campsite on the northern edge of the Lake District
Pets
Showers
Water hookup
Baystone Bank Farm Campsite

3. Baystone Bank Farm Campsite

96%
(157)
90km from Whithorn · 37 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Lake District camping on a working farm with a stream to splash in, campfires encouraged and a horse-riding centre on the doorstep
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
Hazel Mount Fellside

4. Hazel Mount Fellside

98%
(50)
91km from Whithorn · 5 units
Nearly wild camping on the western edge of the Lake District overlooking the Duddon Estuary
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
Ewe Love Camping Pods

5. Ewe Love Camping Pods

98%
(115)
92km from Whithorn · 3 units
Modern Lake District glamping pods among the trees, with exceptional views of Blencathra
Pets
Showers
Potable water
King Garth

6. King Garth

100%
(11)
93km from Whithorn · 1 unit
Built in 1733, King Garth is also known as The Old Customs House, reflecting its role in these fraught times of smuggling. Its strategic position on the banks of The Eden served as the perfect lookout for a bailiff employed by Carlisle Corporation to protect the very important salmon fishery. The plaques on the building which commemorate the visits by Mayors date back to the 1700s. These visits no doubt involved indulgent banquets centring around freshly caught salmon I grew up on the opposite side of the river. On family walks along the Eden I was always fascinated by the house on the other side sited in such an amazing position. In 2010, when I returned to Cumbria I was amazed to hear that this house was for sale. It was a ruin and everyone told me I was mad..... I probably was a little! But I soon realised that I wasn’t alone in my love of this house, everyone I met from the surrounding villages had a tale to tell about this iconic place. King Garth is for sharing - with locals, (we have an annual barbecue), with wildlife and with people like you. The aim when renovating King Garth was to celebrate and embrace its history. King Garth is off grid and has no running water. It is furnished in a style to reflect its history. It isn’t everyone’s ‘cup of tea’: you have to drive a mile down a muddy lane, there is no hot shower, no electric lighting, and a compost toilet. BUT we offer beautiful evenings of candle light, log burner, hot tub under the stars and bathing in the river. My priority with King Garth and the land attached was to manage in a way to protect the abundant wildlife. There are also alpacas who you can look after during your stay. You will be astounded by the din the birds make at dawn and dusk! Inside the house there is an owl box where one summer a pair of barn owls successfully raised chicks. Since then a kestrel frequents the box and has twice laid there. This part of the Eden is tidal so both estuarine and river species co exist. Kingfishers and otters are often spotted And even the occasional seal! Kinggarth comes with fishing rights and if you want to fish this can be arranged with the host. The bird feeders are frequented by tree sparrows, yellow hammers, wood peckers, nut hatches and in winter red poll.
Pets
Campfires
Hot Tub
Moss Side Farm Campsite

7. Moss Side Farm Campsite

94%
(135)
93km from Whithorn · 25 units
Small-scale farm camping in the South Lakes, with campfires, wildlife and fine views
Pets
Campfires
Showers
Stock Park Lakeside Camping

8. Stock Park Lakeside Camping

92%
(97)
106km from Whithorn · 15 units
Lake District camping on the banks of Lake Windermere, with direct access to the water.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
Cairn Meadow Pods

9. Cairn Meadow Pods

99%
(43)
108km from Whithorn · 3 units
Glamping pods in Cumbria's secluded Eden Valley with views of the Pennines
Pets
Showers
Potable water
The Damson Shepherd's Hut

10. The Damson Shepherd's Hut

98%
(64)
109km from Whithorn · 1 unit
A shepherd's hut for two in the lesser-known Lyth Valley, four miles from Lake Windermere
Showers
Campfires
Potable water
Otter Moss Accommodation

11. Otter Moss Accommodation

100%
(13)
109km from Whithorn · 4 units
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.
Pets
Showers
Campfires
Church Lane Campsite

12. Church Lane Campsite

95%
(11)
110km from Whithorn · 36 units
Time for a slice of the simple life? Grab a peaceful Lake District pitch at Church Lane Campsite and immerse yourselves in proper scenic countryside with few distractions. This back to basics site has life’s essentials in place – in the form of drinking water, toilets and showers – but hasn’t gone overboard with other facilities, so you’ll simply be left to set up your space and soak up the gorgeous views of the surrounding countryside. Pitches here are on grass with trees around the field to provide a bit of shelter and shade – and the views are pretty much green as far as you can see. This setting gives the place a remote atmosphere that’s well suited to adventurous travellers, nature lovers and serenity-seeking couples or families. That said, it’s not actually all that remote – handily, you’ll be able to drive to Kendal in about 10 minutes for cultural attractions, shops and places to eat, and popular Windermere is about the same distance in the other direction. Closer still are a smart rural restaurant and the little village of Crook, a mile away and the home of the local pub – both excellent options for a good feed.
Showers
Potable water
Picnic table
Hadrian's Wall Country Yurts

13. Hadrian's Wall Country Yurts

100%
(13)
113km from Whithorn · 2 units
Two yurts with hot tubs in the Cumbrian countryside just a mile away from Hadrian’s Wall
Pets
Showers
Campfires
Secluded Rural Farm Hideaway

14. Secluded Rural Farm Hideaway

100%
(15)
115km from Whithorn · 7 units · Tents, Glamping
*PLEASE NOTE THE CABIN IS AVAILABLE FOR WEEKEND BOOKINGS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR. CAMPING OPEN FROM 1st May to End August* 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, all a gentle walk from the sites.
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
Fairy Bell Wood

15. Fairy Bell Wood

100%
(12)
122km from Whithorn · 1 unit
An off-grid yurt in a private woodland between the Lakes and the Dales
Showers
Campfires
Potable water
Puddlemire

16. Puddlemire

98%
(58)
126km from Whithorn · 21 units · Tents, Glamping
Camping in countryside between the Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
The Old Chapel Campsite

17. The Old Chapel Campsite

97%
(119)
129km from Whithorn · 30 units
Nearly wild camping in the North Pennines
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
The Black Swan

18. The Black Swan

100%
(27)
132km from Whithorn · 3 units
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.
Pets
Showers
Campfires
Moss Rose Campsite

19. Moss Rose Campsite

99%
(76)
137km from Whithorn · 25 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
We have a family friendly Quiet campsite in the heart of Lancashire on our family run farm. Our site is situated in a species rich meadow field with large mown Pitches surrounded by wild flowers and meandering pathways linking the site together. We are surrounded by a young trees & woodland with the back drop of the Pennines. We offer both glamping and traditional non EHU camping on our site, with lovely hot showers, clean toilet facilities, fresh water point, pot wash area, phone charger lockers, communal freezers, elsan disposal point, microwave, coffee/hot chocolate machine, and our little honesty shack with all little camping essentials to might need whilst staying with us. We also hire out picnic benches and fire pits to help enhance your camping experience. We have a lovely little woodland walk, with a meandering mown path, that winds through our woodland/conservation area. Perfect to walk your dog, and let your kids explore. Adjoining the campsite, we have a padock with super frindly sheep that love to say hello. We sell little bags of sheep feed, just incase you'd like to give them a little treat. In the middle of the site, we have a little tots play area, perfect for keeping you're small kids entertained. We are a Quiet family site, with a Reduced Noise policy from 9 pm, and Quiet Time from 10 pm to 8.30 am. Latest check in time is 8PM, unless prearranged with the campsite. Our site has close links to the A6 and m6 J33. We are only 13 miles from the Historic city of Lancaster, the Bright lights of Blackpool and the jubilee city of Preston. 4 miles from the first fair trade market town of Garstang and 45 mins into the Lake District. There is also lots of interesting activities to do locally.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
Stanley Villa Farm Fishing& Camping

20. Stanley Villa Farm Fishing& Camping

94%
(62)
141km from Whithorn · 22 units
Lakeside rural tranquility and the 'kiss-me-quick' fun of the seaside – you can have the best of both worlds at Stanley Villa Farm's cute camping pods
Pets
Showers
Campfires

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Whithorn camping guide

Where to go

When to go

May through August is the best time to visit for making the most of Scotland’s extended summer daylight hours and relatively good weather. However the season can bring crowds and booked-up campsites. If planning to visit in the summer, try to avoid travelling during the Scottish school holidays in July and early August. The Wigtown Book Festival is always a popular event in the area and typically takes place in late September/early October.

Frequently Asked Questions

Some popular coastal walks near Whithorn include walks north to Innerwell Point and Eggerness Point or south to the remains of Cruggleton Castle. You can also explore different options for camping near Whithorn on Hipcamp.

Yes, wild camping is legal throughout Scotland, including Whithorn, as long as you follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.

The best time to visit Whithorn is from May through August, as it offers extended summer daylight hours and relatively good weather. However, it can bring crowds and booked-up campsites. If planning to visit in the summer, try to avoid travelling during the Scottish school holidays in July and early August. The Wigtown Book Festival is always a popular event in the area and typically takes place in late September/early October.

Some popular activities in Whithorn include cycling trails through the Machars area, as well as opportunities for walking, fishing, golf, and bird watching. Nearby, the small sea cave known as St. Ninian’s Cave is reached by a pretty walk through a wooded glen. You can also explore different options for camping near Whithorn on Hipcamp.

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

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