Wildlife-watching campsites near Galashiels

·

Encircled by green fields, wooded downlands, and river valleys, there’s a good amount for outdoor enthusiasts to discover in the immediate vicinity of this quintessential Scottish Borders town, just an hour outside Edinburgh. Galashiels is a convenient launch point for adventure into the Southern Uplands, Scottish capital, and East Lothian sunshine coast, with several glamping, camping, and caravan sites offering hassle-free alternatives to wild camping. 

99% (171) 120 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Galashiels

Beirhope Alpacas

1. Beirhope Alpacas

98%
(137)
32km from Galashiels · 8 units
A small, off-grid campsite with alpacas in the historically rich southern Scottish borders
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£20
 / night
Cleghorn Farm

2. Cleghorn Farm

100%
(11)
60km from Galashiels · 7 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
Walkmill Campsite

3. Walkmill Campsite

98%
(122)
80km from Galashiels · 10 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Refreshingly understated private camping in the unspoiled Northumberland countryside
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£25
 / night
Camping at Cardewlees

4. Camping at Cardewlees

99%
(47)
86km from Galashiels · 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
Muiredge

5. Muiredge

100%
(16)
96km from Galashiels · 8 units
Rural glamping in a converted railway carriage, shepherd's hut, or bell tent in blissful Scotland
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£100
 / night
Ewe Love Camping Pods

6. Ewe Love Camping Pods

98%
(108)
111km from Galashiels · 3 units
Modern Lake District glamping pods among the trees, with exceptional views of Blencathra
Pets
Showers
Potable water
from 
£90
 / night
Loch Katrine Eco Camping

7. Loch Katrine Eco Camping

95%
(113)
122km from Galashiels · 13 units · Motorhomes, Glamping
Loch-side sleeping and exploring in one of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park's most historic locations
Pets
Electrical hookup
Showers
from 
£12
 / night
The Black Swan

8. The Black Swan

100%
(26)
134km from Galashiels · 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
from 
£136
 / night
Fairy Bell Wood

9. Fairy Bell Wood

100%
(11)
141km from Galashiels · 1 unit
An off-grid yurt in a private woodland between the Lakes and the Dales
Showers
Campfires
Potable water
from 
£119
 / night
The Damson Shepherd's Hut

10. The Damson Shepherd's Hut

98%
(60)
142km from Galashiels · 1 unit
A shepherd's hut for two in the lesser-known Lyth Valley, four miles from Lake Windermere
Showers
Campfires
Potable water
from 
£110
 / night
Esk Yurt

11. Esk Yurt

100%
(5)
33km from Galashiels · 1 unit
Adult only yurt glamping in the Scottish Borders with exceptional views, hiking trails, and wild swimming
Showers
Potable water
from 
£130
 / night
Laverock Law Cottages and Glamping

12. Laverock Law Cottages and Glamping

100%
(1)
54km from Galashiels · 1 unit
We are perfectly situated to explore both the Northumbrian Coastal area, including Holy Island , Bamburgh etc but also great for those who wish to discover the amazing Cheviot hills. Our site is managed organically and has won awards for sustainable tourism, itself a true escape and nature paradise.
Showers
Campfires
Potable water
from 
£135
 / night
Bamburgh Under Canvas

13. Bamburgh Under Canvas

90%
(5)
68km from Galashiels · 5 units
Luxury Lotus Belle tent glamping with sweeping views, within walking distance of Bamburgh town and castle (and beach)
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£131
 / night
Broom Fisheries Campsite

14. Broom Fisheries Campsite

77km from Galashiels · 4 units
Luxury caravans ideally situated next to picturesque Scottish fishing lakes
Pets
Showers
Hot Tub
from 
£167
 / night
Garrison Shepherd's Huts

15. Garrison Shepherd's Huts

100%
(2)
78km from Galashiels · 4 units
Shepherd’s hut glamping near Hadrian’s Wall and the Solway Firth.
Pets
Showers
Hot Tub
from 
£100
 / night
Old Rectory Howick

16. Old Rectory Howick

78km from Galashiels · 2 units
The Old Rectory is surrounded by farmland near to Howick Village. Close to the Northumberland Coast we are within walking distance of the Howick Hall Gardens and the seaside Village of Craster. Our Bell Tent and Shepherd's Hut allow you to get close to local wildlife including Hares and Rabbits. Roe deer, hedgehogs, pheasants and songbirds.
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£95
 / night
Otter Moss Accommodation

17. Otter Moss Accommodation

100%
(8)
83km from Galashiels · 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
from 
£85
 / night
The Snug at Logie Farm

18. The Snug at Logie Farm

100%
(7)
87km from Galashiels · 1 unit
Luxury glamping pods with all mod cons, with an elevated position overlooking the River Tay.
Pets
Showers
Hot Tub
from 
£275
 / night
Renison's Farm

19. Renison's Farm

100%
(1)
95km from Galashiels · 1 unit
Off-grid wagon glamping on a farm with views of Lake District fells
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£90
 / night
Culdees Castle Estate Glamping

20. Culdees Castle Estate Glamping

88%
(25)
100km from Galashiels · 4 units
Luxury woodland cabins, each with a private hot tub, in the grounds of a Scottish castle
Showers
Campfires
Hot Tub
from 
£140
 / night

Encircled by green fields, wooded downlands, and river valleys, there’s a good amount for outdoor enthusiasts to discover in the immediate vicinity of this quintessential Scottish Borders town, just an hour outside Edinburgh. Galashiels is a convenient launch point for adventure into the Southern Uplands, Scottish capital, and East Lothian sunshine coast, with several glamping, camping, and caravan sites offering hassle-free alternatives to wild camping. 

99% (171) 120 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Galashiels

Beirhope Alpacas

1. Beirhope Alpacas

98%
(137)
32km from Galashiels · 8 units
A small, off-grid campsite with alpacas in the historically rich southern Scottish borders
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£20
 / night
Cleghorn Farm

2. Cleghorn Farm

100%
(11)
60km from Galashiels · 7 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
Walkmill Campsite

3. Walkmill Campsite

98%
(122)
80km from Galashiels · 10 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Refreshingly understated private camping in the unspoiled Northumberland countryside
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£25
 / night
Camping at Cardewlees

4. Camping at Cardewlees

99%
(47)
86km from Galashiels · 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
Muiredge

5. Muiredge

100%
(16)
96km from Galashiels · 8 units
Rural glamping in a converted railway carriage, shepherd's hut, or bell tent in blissful Scotland
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£100
 / night
Ewe Love Camping Pods

6. Ewe Love Camping Pods

98%
(108)
111km from Galashiels · 3 units
Modern Lake District glamping pods among the trees, with exceptional views of Blencathra
Pets
Showers
Potable water
from 
£90
 / night
Loch Katrine Eco Camping

7. Loch Katrine Eco Camping

95%
(113)
122km from Galashiels · 13 units · Motorhomes, Glamping
Loch-side sleeping and exploring in one of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park's most historic locations
Pets
Electrical hookup
Showers
from 
£12
 / night
The Black Swan

8. The Black Swan

100%
(26)
134km from Galashiels · 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
from 
£136
 / night
Fairy Bell Wood

9. Fairy Bell Wood

100%
(11)
141km from Galashiels · 1 unit
An off-grid yurt in a private woodland between the Lakes and the Dales
Showers
Campfires
Potable water
from 
£119
 / night
The Damson Shepherd's Hut

10. The Damson Shepherd's Hut

98%
(60)
142km from Galashiels · 1 unit
A shepherd's hut for two in the lesser-known Lyth Valley, four miles from Lake Windermere
Showers
Campfires
Potable water
from 
£110
 / night
Esk Yurt

11. Esk Yurt

100%
(5)
33km from Galashiels · 1 unit
Adult only yurt glamping in the Scottish Borders with exceptional views, hiking trails, and wild swimming
Showers
Potable water
from 
£130
 / night
Laverock Law Cottages and Glamping

12. Laverock Law Cottages and Glamping

100%
(1)
54km from Galashiels · 1 unit
We are perfectly situated to explore both the Northumbrian Coastal area, including Holy Island , Bamburgh etc but also great for those who wish to discover the amazing Cheviot hills. Our site is managed organically and has won awards for sustainable tourism, itself a true escape and nature paradise.
Showers
Campfires
Potable water
from 
£135
 / night
Bamburgh Under Canvas

13. Bamburgh Under Canvas

90%
(5)
68km from Galashiels · 5 units
Luxury Lotus Belle tent glamping with sweeping views, within walking distance of Bamburgh town and castle (and beach)
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£131
 / night
Broom Fisheries Campsite

14. Broom Fisheries Campsite

77km from Galashiels · 4 units
Luxury caravans ideally situated next to picturesque Scottish fishing lakes
Pets
Showers
Hot Tub
from 
£167
 / night
Garrison Shepherd's Huts

15. Garrison Shepherd's Huts

100%
(2)
78km from Galashiels · 4 units
Shepherd’s hut glamping near Hadrian’s Wall and the Solway Firth.
Pets
Showers
Hot Tub
from 
£100
 / night
Old Rectory Howick

16. Old Rectory Howick

78km from Galashiels · 2 units
The Old Rectory is surrounded by farmland near to Howick Village. Close to the Northumberland Coast we are within walking distance of the Howick Hall Gardens and the seaside Village of Craster. Our Bell Tent and Shepherd's Hut allow you to get close to local wildlife including Hares and Rabbits. Roe deer, hedgehogs, pheasants and songbirds.
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£95
 / night
Otter Moss Accommodation

17. Otter Moss Accommodation

100%
(8)
83km from Galashiels · 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
from 
£85
 / night
The Snug at Logie Farm

18. The Snug at Logie Farm

100%
(7)
87km from Galashiels · 1 unit
Luxury glamping pods with all mod cons, with an elevated position overlooking the River Tay.
Pets
Showers
Hot Tub
from 
£275
 / night
Renison's Farm

19. Renison's Farm

100%
(1)
95km from Galashiels · 1 unit
Off-grid wagon glamping on a farm with views of Lake District fells
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£90
 / night
Culdees Castle Estate Glamping

20. Culdees Castle Estate Glamping

88%
(25)
100km from Galashiels · 4 units
Luxury woodland cabins, each with a private hot tub, in the grounds of a Scottish castle
Showers
Campfires
Hot Tub
from 
£140
 / night

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

Galashiels camping guide

Where to go

Around Galashiels

Discover the inland charms of the Scottish Borders at one of the caravan sites, holiday parks, or woodland campsites in Gala’s rural surrounds. A cyclist’s haven, several trails pass through the area, including National Route 1, while city breakers looking for a casual ride or ramble can follow shorter routes, such as the Four Abbeys or Gala Circuit Walk.

Edinburgh & the Pentland Hills

Right on the doorstep of the Scottish capital, the Pentlands are convenient for combining city sightseeing with outdoor exploration. The undulating hillside is a destination for hikers and bikers, with long distance and circular trails providing sweeping views of Edinburgh and beyond. Wild camping is possible within the regional park, while caravan and glamp-sites can be found closer to the capital.

Moffat Hills & St Mary's Loch

To the west of Gala, this rugged range boasts valleys, lochs, and the UK’s highest waterfall—the Grey Mare’s Tail. Wildlife enthusiasts flock here to admire rare upland flora and fauna, while hikers and bikers explore off-road tracks such as the Southern Upland Way, which passes directly through the region via St Mary’s Loch. Accommodation options include lochside campsites, glamping yurts, and caravan parks.

East Lothian Coast

Explore 40 miles of dramatic North Sea coast in East Lothian, Scotland’s sunniest destination. Watersports are a popular pastime here, as is birdwatching, rockpooling, riding, and rambling. Beachside caravan parks and wild campsites provide overnight options up and down the coastline.

Northumberland National Park

This vast and tranquil park just south of the Scottish-English border is an ideal spot for remote region ramblers and stargazers, thanks to its status as a Dark Sky Site. Working farms, no-frills field sites, and touring parks can be found all along the park’s extensive network of walking trails, cycle paths, and bridleways.

When to go

Winter camping is best avoided unless you’re experienced, as nighttime temperatures hover around zero from November through to March and snowfall makes travel tricky. Frosty scenes can still be enjoyed in spring and autumn, while avoiding summer camping crowds.

Know before you go

  • Wild camping is largely permitted in Scotland under a strict leave-no-trace policy, though busier regions often require a campsite booking or permit.
  • Wild camping is not permitted in England, including in Northumberland National Park.
  • The Diamond Cycle Centre in Galashiels offers bike hire with delivery and pickup.
  • Not all sites accept walk-ins, so check in advance.
  • Check out the Scottish Outdoor Access Code to learn more about safely and responsibly exploring Scotland’s great outdoors.
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field