100% (48) • 75 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds in Mabie
Camping at Cardewlees
1. Camping at Cardewlees
99%
(47)
Carlisle, England · 37 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
A welcoming, family-run farm campsite between the Lake District and Hadrian's Wall
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from
£16
/ night
Cleghorn Farm
2. Cleghorn Farm
100%
(11)
Lanark, Scotland · 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
King Garth
3. King Garth
100%
(9)
Carlisle, England · 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
from
£80
/ night
Inside Out Yurts
4. Inside Out Yurts
100%
(9)
Keswick, England · 3 units
Rustic yurt glamping with a riverside setting, fell views and an enviable Lake District location
Pets
Showers
Potable water
from
£115
/ night
Ayrshire Airstream
5. Ayrshire Airstream
100%
(2)
Irvine, Scotland · 1 unit
A seriously comfortable 1978 Airstream, complete with a hot tub, fire pit and its own bar.
Showers
Campfires
Hot Tub
from
£187
/ night
Garden Yurt in a hidden glen
6. Garden Yurt in a hidden glen
100%
(3)
England · 1 unit
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
100% (48) • 75 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds in Mabie
Camping at Cardewlees
1. Camping at Cardewlees
99%
(47)
Carlisle, England · 37 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
A welcoming, family-run farm campsite between the Lake District and Hadrian's Wall
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from
£16
/ night
Cleghorn Farm
2. Cleghorn Farm
100%
(11)
Lanark, Scotland · 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
King Garth
3. King Garth
100%
(9)
Carlisle, England · 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
from
£80
/ night
Inside Out Yurts
4. Inside Out Yurts
100%
(9)
Keswick, England · 3 units
Rustic yurt glamping with a riverside setting, fell views and an enviable Lake District location
Pets
Showers
Potable water
from
£115
/ night
Ayrshire Airstream
5. Ayrshire Airstream
100%
(2)
Irvine, Scotland · 1 unit
A seriously comfortable 1978 Airstream, complete with a hot tub, fire pit and its own bar.
Showers
Campfires
Hot Tub
from
£187
/ night
Garden Yurt in a hidden glen
6. Garden Yurt in a hidden glen
100%
(3)
England · 1 unit
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
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
A
Andrew
November 2025
2 nights at Cleghorn Farm
Friendly and welcoming environment! Nice place if you’re needing to get off the grid a bit.
See more
E
Ellen
October 2025
Group trip
We absolutely loved our stay at King Garth! It is located in such a tranquil location beside the river and away from other houses, but with alpacas for company! The hot tub was perfect to relax in and we enjoyed a cosy, candlelit evening inside by the fire afterwards! It was fascinating to read about the history of the building too! Will definitely be back :)
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V
Virginia
October 2025
With pets
Lovely location, beautiful views. Comfortable pod and great with enclosed garden for the dog. Good facilities too.
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S
Sean
August 2025
With pets
We stayed as a birthday treat for my 12 year old. 2 adults, 4 children and our dog. It was a truly fantastic stay from start to finish. Such a unique house and experience. The kids absolutely loved swimming in the river, looking after the alpacas, the hot tub and going back to basics. It was lovely seeing them enjoying themselves with no distractions of the modern world. Games by candle light and food over the bbq, what more could you ask for. Jane was fantastic and made sure we knew everything that was needed before we arrived. Can’t wait to come back.
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P
Paul
August 2025
Weekend Trip to Cleghorn Farm
The beautiful cabin is in a lovely quiet private space. There are nice views across to the hills particularly when sat by the firepit. Alex and Lauren made us feel very welcome.
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A
Ally
August 2025
Tent
Just returning from our first visit to Cardewlees and we could not of asked for a better stay. Cardewlees is an absolute little gem of a campsite and Johnny could not have been a better host if he tried. Toilet and showering facilities were more than adequate and the water was always nice and warm. Thank you for a perfect stay and we look forward to coming back soon. Ally and Lee x
See moreE
Eleanor
August 2025
Tent
A simple but friendly camping experience. A very attentive host!
See moreL
Lucy
August 2025
1 night at King Garth
A truly unique stay in a beautiful location. The lane was a little challenging in my picanto but we managed it and was well worth the trip! So much provided in terms of wood, charcoal, crockery candles! Would definitely stay again :)
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K
Kirsten
August 2025
2 nights at King Garth
We loved staying at the beautiful King Garth, the hot tub was perfect after getting the fire going and sitting in candle light, in front of the fire is the most comforting feeling in the world. A very quiet and peaceful sight with gorgeous views and riverside walks with a pub about 30 mins walk away. We did get lost on the way to the cottage so make sure to follow the map to cargo village and not the middle of a field on the other side of the river 🤣 We even got to feed alpacas and theyre very funny little characters and very friendly. We will be staying again and very recommended
See moreM
Megan
August 2025
Tent
With pets
The campsite had lovely views and the facilities were very accessible.
See more
H
Harrison
July 2025
Weekend Trip to King Garth
What an incredible piece of land. The house holds so much history and retains so much of the original charm. The privacy, quietness, and abundant nature was incredibly therapeutic and relaxing. Jane was great at communicating and we had no issues with anything.
See moreL
Lucy
June 2025
Weekend Trip to King Garth
Absolutely beautiful place to stay. Had everything we needed and sitting by candlelight was lovely
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Pridie
June 2025
With pets
This is a very special place. A chance to step back in time and live simply - supper by candlelight, games played beside a roaring fire, dips in the river. We visited when the elder was full in blossom and the willows whispered full-leafed in the wind. Walking along the river edge was like exploring the mangroves in tropical rainforest - a magical experience for kids, dogs and adults alike! We feel like we've just slipped back into history, sat in the window watching the river, we half expected to see boats carrying cargo past to Carlisle...
Go prepared to step back in time and live simply. Everything you need is provided - candles, wood, crockery - there is a woodfired tub that you can heat yourselves, a beautifully simple kitchen set up with a water system that is carefully thought out, and a compost loo.
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J
Jodie
April 2025
Tent
With pets
Really friendly greeting from the owner and the pitch was excellent.
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Riverside camping in Mabie guide
When to go
While Mabie Forest is a great destination all year-round, summer offers the best weather conditions and long daylight hours. Summer especially appeals to wildlife lovers who can spot ospreys fishing on Lochaber Loch. The autumn is also an attractive time to visit for the sight of the forest ablaze in rich reds and oranges. If tackling the trails in winter, be sure to take care and dress in warm, weatherproof gear.
Know before you go
- Families travelling with children will find an adventure playground nestled in the trees next to the car park.
- The closest railway station is in Dumfries, from where regular buses travel to Sandyhills and stop close to the forest entrance.
- Public toilets, accessible facilities, picnic tables, and barbecues are available near the main car park.