Best Caravan Parks in Mabie

Just 20 minutes south of Dumfries, Mabie Forest is one of the area’s most popular destinations for walkers and mountain bikers. The forest is home to a 7stanes mountain biking centre, which has a variety of trails for everyone, from beginners to expert riders who can tackle an extreme downhill section. There are also several walking trails that take visitors through the woods and over hills to viewpoints that take in the surrounding landscapes. Wildlife lovers also flock to Mabie Forest to spot red squirrels, badgers, roe deer and foxes, as well as ospreys and 20 species of butterfly.

85% (77)

Top caravan parks

Just 20 minutes south of Dumfries, Mabie Forest is one of the area’s most popular destinations for walkers and mountain bikers. The forest is home to a 7stanes mountain biking centre, which has a variety of trails for everyone, from beginners to expert riders who can tackle an extreme downhill section. There are also several walking trails that take visitors through the woods and over hills to viewpoints that take in the surrounding landscapes. Wildlife lovers also flock to Mabie Forest to spot red squirrels, badgers, roe deer and foxes, as well as ospreys and 20 species of butterfly.

85% (77)

Top caravan parks

1. Howbeck Lodge

94%

(27)

29 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Hesket Newmarket, England

A dog-friendly farm campsite on the northern edge of the Lake District

2. 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

3. Harebeck Holidays

84%

(22)

8 units · Motorhomes, Glamping · Wasdale, England

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.

4. Troquhain Woods

92%

(32)

6 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Castle Douglas, Dumfries, South Scotland

Nearly wild camping for tents and campervans in a Scottish woodland

5. 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.

Stories from the community

S

Sarah

August 2025

5 m Class B

1 night at Howbeck Lodge

Good roomy level gravelled site especially suited to motorhomes but I was happy there in a camper. Facilities were clean with plenty of hot water. Christine v prompt in her comms.

S

Stephen

August 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Camping at Cardewlees

Exactly as advertised. Beautiful views, clear skies to see the stars, nice walk to the pub and a friendly cat for good measure! 100% recommend

Michelle

July 2025

4 m Class B

Weekend Trip to Camping at Cardewlees

Loved the getaway in the campervan for couple days , back to nature with stunning views. Such a beautiful quiet place on a lovely farm surrounded by livestock. Great wee chippy in Dalton and co-op right next to it plus wee cafes aswell n butchers. Only thing was having to take own loo roll into bathroom even after the cleaner had been n not restocked. Would deffo come back and maybe stay in the pods for a change.

Pitch and view of surrounding countryside

Lyle

May 2025

5 m Class B

2 nights at Howbeck Lodge

Lovely spot in the farmland, close to the lakes district. Good hot showers and clean toilets. Would recommend.

K

Karen

May 2025

4 m Class B

Weekend Trip to Camping at Cardewlees

Great natural site with lovely views and sheep and cattle to keep you company (on other side of fence). Quiet and easy to walk into village. Helpful host and facilities as described. Definitely return.

C

Claire

April 2025

1 m Class B

1 night at Howbeck Lodge

Fantastic rural location but only 15 mins for M6 set on a working farm in a valley. So quiet and scenic Walking distance to village with community pub!

K

Kyle

November 2024

5 m Class B

Group trip

3 nights at Troquhain Woods

The pitch is pretty much perfect if you want a basic camp. 4 of us with a camper had a great time from start to finish. Malcolm is very attentive as a host and kept us stocked with firewood and came to make sure we didn’t want for anything. Loch Ken is not too far away and has a good water sports centre with decent boat hire for fishing.

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Caravan parks 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.

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