Camping in Grey Mare's Tail Nature Reserve

·

Nestled in the Moffat Hills, in Scotland’s Southern Uplands, the frothing waterfall of Grey Mare’s Tail is one of Britain’s highest, plunging around 200 feet (60 meters) from Loch Skeen down into the Moffat Water Valley. Created by glacial erosion over millions of years, the dramatic surrounding landscape is a designated nature reserve where outdoor enthusiasts can summit the peaks of Lochcraig Head and White Coomb for views extending as far as the Lake District over the English border. Wildlife enthusiasts are also drawn here to spot nesting peregrine falcons, feral goats roaming the hills and (with luck) ospreys fishing in the loch. While there are no private campgrounds within the reserve, wild camping is an option for respectful visitors following the Outdoor Access Code, and the Moffat Camping and Caravanning Site offers comfortable facilities a 20 minute drive away.

94% (244) 345 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Grey Mare's Tail Nature Reserve

Troquhain Woods

1. Troquhain Woods

92%
(33)
6 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Castle Douglas, Dumfries, South Scotland
Nearly wild camping for tents and campervans in a Scottish woodland
Pets
Campfires
Picnic table
from 
£25
 / night
King Garth

2. King Garth

100%
(9)
1 unit · Glamping · Carlisle, England
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
from 
£80
 / night
Howbeck Lodge

3. Howbeck Lodge

94%
(27)
29 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Hesket Newmarket, England
A dog-friendly farm campsite on the northern edge of the Lake District
Pets
Showers
Water hookup
from 
£30
 / night
Red Deer Village Holiday Park

4. Red Deer Village Holiday Park

10 units · Motorhomes · Glasgow, Lanarkshire, South Scotland
Red Deer Village Holiday Park in Scotland is a 5 star holiday park, conveniently situated on the doorstep of Glasgow, just off the A80, one of Scotland’s main arterial routes to the North. The Scottish holiday park is close to a number of public transport links, with regular buses and trains into Glasgow city centre. he level and spacious caravan and campsite near Glasgow is the ideal base for a holiday in and around West Central Scotland, or as a stopover for a few days whilst touring. There are 24 hardstanding pitches with electric hookup, suitable for touring caravans and motorhomes. Our grass area has a number of spacious tent pitches, which are well served by immaculate facilities.
Electrical hookup
Pets
from 
£55
 / night
Beirhope Alpacas

5. Beirhope Alpacas

98%
(137)
11 units · Tents · Kelso, Scotland
A small, off-grid campsite with alpacas in the historically rich southern Scottish borders
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£20
 / night
Cleghorn Farm

6. Cleghorn Farm

100%
(11)
15 units · Tents, Glamping · Lanark, Scotland
*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
Camping at Cardewlees

7. Camping at Cardewlees

99%
(47)
37 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Carlisle, England
A welcoming, family-run farm campsite between the Lake District and Hadrian's Wall
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from 
£16
 / night
Otter Moss Accommodation

8. Otter Moss Accommodation

100%
(8)
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.
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£85
 / night
Grinsdale Campsite

9. Grinsdale Campsite

1 unit · Tent, Motorhome · England
Wild camping with water and toilets on site, also the King Charles coastal path, just 2 minutes from Hadrians Wall and next to the River Eden.
Pets
Campfires
Picnic table
from 
£16
 / night
Collierhall Farm

10. Collierhall Farm

81%
(21)
5 units · Tents · Lanark, Lanarkshire, South Scotland
Very quiet and easily accessible from the motorway (1 mile) The farm is set in 100 acres and has a mixture of caravans, motorhomes and tents. There is a golf course across the road and the world heritage site of New Lanark only 7 miles away. Edinburgh and Glasgow are also easily reached by car or train.
Pets
Showers
Potable water
from 
£20
 / night
Esk Yurt

11. Esk Yurt

100%
(5)
1 unit · Glamping · Peebles, Scottish Borders
Adult only yurt glamping in the Scottish Borders with exceptional views, hiking trails, and wild swimming
Showers
Potable water
from 
£130
 / night
Garrison Shepherd's Huts

12. Garrison Shepherd's Huts

100%
(2)
4 units · Glamping · Bowness On Solway, England
Shepherd’s hut glamping near Hadrian’s Wall and the Solway Firth.
Pets
Showers
Hot Tub
from 
£100
 / night
Cairn Meadow Pods

13. Cairn Meadow Pods

99%
(42)
4 units · Glamping · Cumbria, North West England
Glamping pods in Cumbria's secluded Eden Valley with views of the Pennines
Pets
Showers
Potable water
from 
£98
 / night
Stone Raise Bells

14. Stone Raise Bells

92%
(6)
3 units · Glamping · Carlisle, England
Off-grid bell tents on a working farm in Cumbria’s Eden Valley
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£65
 / night
Pirnie Lodge Farm

15. Pirnie Lodge Farm

100%
(2)
3 units · Glamping · Slamannan, Scotland
Lodges with hot tubs in peaceful countryside near Falkirk
Pets
Showers
Hot Tub
from 
£152
 / night
Garden Yurt in a hidden glen

16. Garden Yurt in a hidden glen

100%
(3)
1 unit · Glamping · 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
Showers
Campfires
Wifi
from 
£100
 / night
Ayrshire Airstream

17. Ayrshire Airstream

100%
(2)
1 unit · Glamping · Irvine, Scotland
A seriously comfortable 1978 Airstream, complete with a hot tub, fire pit and its own bar.
Showers
Campfires
Hot Tub
from 
£187
 / night
Hadrian's Wall Country Yurts

18. Hadrian's Wall Country Yurts

100%
(13)
2 units · Glamping · Cumbria, North West England
Two yurts with hot tubs in the Cumbrian countryside just a mile away from Hadrian’s Wall
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£210
 / night
Herdie Hideaway

19. Herdie Hideaway

2 units · Glamping · Scotland
Herdie hideaway is run by Charlotte and Alex and is nestled next to rolling hills of the the Lake District overlooking the Solway Firth, our shepherd’s hut offers a haven of tranquility. Lush woodlands surround the property, teeming with wildlife, creating a symphony of sights and sounds for nature enthusiasts. Here, on a working farm, you’ll find a quiet escape unlike any other. We hope you enjoy your stay in this beautiful part of the world which we hope you are able to switch off, unwind and have a relaxing time in this lovely secluded area.
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£120
 / night
Craigend Farm

20. Craigend Farm

2 units · Glamping · Dumfries, Scotland
Smart glamping pods on the rural outskirts of Dumfries
Showers
Wifi
Potable water
from 
£115
 / night

Nestled in the Moffat Hills, in Scotland’s Southern Uplands, the frothing waterfall of Grey Mare’s Tail is one of Britain’s highest, plunging around 200 feet (60 meters) from Loch Skeen down into the Moffat Water Valley. Created by glacial erosion over millions of years, the dramatic surrounding landscape is a designated nature reserve where outdoor enthusiasts can summit the peaks of Lochcraig Head and White Coomb for views extending as far as the Lake District over the English border. Wildlife enthusiasts are also drawn here to spot nesting peregrine falcons, feral goats roaming the hills and (with luck) ospreys fishing in the loch. While there are no private campgrounds within the reserve, wild camping is an option for respectful visitors following the Outdoor Access Code, and the Moffat Camping and Caravanning Site offers comfortable facilities a 20 minute drive away.

94% (244) 345 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Grey Mare's Tail Nature Reserve

Troquhain Woods

1. Troquhain Woods

92%
(33)
6 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Castle Douglas, Dumfries, South Scotland
Nearly wild camping for tents and campervans in a Scottish woodland
Pets
Campfires
Picnic table
from 
£25
 / night
King Garth

2. King Garth

100%
(9)
1 unit · Glamping · Carlisle, England
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
from 
£80
 / night
Howbeck Lodge

3. Howbeck Lodge

94%
(27)
29 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Hesket Newmarket, England
A dog-friendly farm campsite on the northern edge of the Lake District
Pets
Showers
Water hookup
from 
£30
 / night
Red Deer Village Holiday Park

4. Red Deer Village Holiday Park

10 units · Motorhomes · Glasgow, Lanarkshire, South Scotland
Red Deer Village Holiday Park in Scotland is a 5 star holiday park, conveniently situated on the doorstep of Glasgow, just off the A80, one of Scotland’s main arterial routes to the North. The Scottish holiday park is close to a number of public transport links, with regular buses and trains into Glasgow city centre. he level and spacious caravan and campsite near Glasgow is the ideal base for a holiday in and around West Central Scotland, or as a stopover for a few days whilst touring. There are 24 hardstanding pitches with electric hookup, suitable for touring caravans and motorhomes. Our grass area has a number of spacious tent pitches, which are well served by immaculate facilities.
Electrical hookup
Pets
from 
£55
 / night
Beirhope Alpacas

5. Beirhope Alpacas

98%
(137)
11 units · Tents · Kelso, Scotland
A small, off-grid campsite with alpacas in the historically rich southern Scottish borders
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£20
 / night
Cleghorn Farm

6. Cleghorn Farm

100%
(11)
15 units · Tents, Glamping · Lanark, Scotland
*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
Camping at Cardewlees

7. Camping at Cardewlees

99%
(47)
37 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Carlisle, England
A welcoming, family-run farm campsite between the Lake District and Hadrian's Wall
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from 
£16
 / night
Otter Moss Accommodation

8. Otter Moss Accommodation

100%
(8)
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.
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£85
 / night
Grinsdale Campsite

9. Grinsdale Campsite

1 unit · Tent, Motorhome · England
Wild camping with water and toilets on site, also the King Charles coastal path, just 2 minutes from Hadrians Wall and next to the River Eden.
Pets
Campfires
Picnic table
from 
£16
 / night
Collierhall Farm

10. Collierhall Farm

81%
(21)
5 units · Tents · Lanark, Lanarkshire, South Scotland
Very quiet and easily accessible from the motorway (1 mile) The farm is set in 100 acres and has a mixture of caravans, motorhomes and tents. There is a golf course across the road and the world heritage site of New Lanark only 7 miles away. Edinburgh and Glasgow are also easily reached by car or train.
Pets
Showers
Potable water
from 
£20
 / night
Esk Yurt

11. Esk Yurt

100%
(5)
1 unit · Glamping · Peebles, Scottish Borders
Adult only yurt glamping in the Scottish Borders with exceptional views, hiking trails, and wild swimming
Showers
Potable water
from 
£130
 / night
Garrison Shepherd's Huts

12. Garrison Shepherd's Huts

100%
(2)
4 units · Glamping · Bowness On Solway, England
Shepherd’s hut glamping near Hadrian’s Wall and the Solway Firth.
Pets
Showers
Hot Tub
from 
£100
 / night
Cairn Meadow Pods

13. Cairn Meadow Pods

99%
(42)
4 units · Glamping · Cumbria, North West England
Glamping pods in Cumbria's secluded Eden Valley with views of the Pennines
Pets
Showers
Potable water
from 
£98
 / night
Stone Raise Bells

14. Stone Raise Bells

92%
(6)
3 units · Glamping · Carlisle, England
Off-grid bell tents on a working farm in Cumbria’s Eden Valley
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£65
 / night
Pirnie Lodge Farm

15. Pirnie Lodge Farm

100%
(2)
3 units · Glamping · Slamannan, Scotland
Lodges with hot tubs in peaceful countryside near Falkirk
Pets
Showers
Hot Tub
from 
£152
 / night
Garden Yurt in a hidden glen

16. Garden Yurt in a hidden glen

100%
(3)
1 unit · Glamping · 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
Showers
Campfires
Wifi
from 
£100
 / night
Ayrshire Airstream

17. Ayrshire Airstream

100%
(2)
1 unit · Glamping · Irvine, Scotland
A seriously comfortable 1978 Airstream, complete with a hot tub, fire pit and its own bar.
Showers
Campfires
Hot Tub
from 
£187
 / night
Hadrian's Wall Country Yurts

18. Hadrian's Wall Country Yurts

100%
(13)
2 units · Glamping · Cumbria, North West England
Two yurts with hot tubs in the Cumbrian countryside just a mile away from Hadrian’s Wall
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£210
 / night
Herdie Hideaway

19. Herdie Hideaway

2 units · Glamping · Scotland
Herdie hideaway is run by Charlotte and Alex and is nestled next to rolling hills of the the Lake District overlooking the Solway Firth, our shepherd’s hut offers a haven of tranquility. Lush woodlands surround the property, teeming with wildlife, creating a symphony of sights and sounds for nature enthusiasts. Here, on a working farm, you’ll find a quiet escape unlike any other. We hope you enjoy your stay in this beautiful part of the world which we hope you are able to switch off, unwind and have a relaxing time in this lovely secluded area.
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£120
 / night
Craigend Farm

20. Craigend Farm

2 units · Glamping · Dumfries, Scotland
Smart glamping pods on the rural outskirts of Dumfries
Showers
Wifi
Potable water
from 
£115
 / night

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Camping in Grey Mare's Tail Nature Reserve guide

When to go

Grey Mare’s Tail Nature Reserve is open to visitors all year round. Spring and summer are the best times to visit the Southern Uplands as the weather is typically at its best and daylight hours are long. As with everywhere in Scotland, the summer school holidays draw the biggest number of visitors.

Know before you go

  • There is a small entry fee, which is paid at the car park (admission is free for National Trust for Scotland members.
  • Interpretation panels in the car park provide useful visitor information.
  • The nearest bathroom facilities are five miles away at St Mary’s Loch.
  • There is no public transit access to the reserve: your own vehicle is essential.
  • Even in summer, the weather can quickly change. Warm, waterproof clothing and sturdy walking boots are essential.
  • If wild camping, be sure to follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.