Wildlife-watching campsites near Melrose

·

Melrose is a charming town in the Scottish Borders in the valley of the River Tweed. The triple peaks of the Eildon Hills dominate the surrounding area and reward climbers with excellent views from the top. At ground level, Melrose Abbey, which dates from 1136, has connections to Robert the Bruce and, nearby the Three Hills Roman Heritage Centre houses the Trimontium Museum, dedicated to Scotland’s Roman past. Melrose Abbey is the starting point for the St Cuthbert's Way 62-mile (100-kilometre) long-distance trail to Lindisfarne (Holy Island) off the coast of Northumberland, England.

99% (171) 126 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Melrose

Beirhope Alpacas

1. Beirhope Alpacas

98%
(137)
26km from Melrose · 11 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)
66km from Melrose · 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
Walkmill Campsite

3. Walkmill Campsite

98%
(122)
74km from Melrose · 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)
85km from Melrose · 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)
101km from Melrose · 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)
110km from Melrose · 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)
128km from Melrose · 22 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)
131km from Melrose · 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)
138km from Melrose · 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)
140km from Melrose · 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)
38km from Melrose · 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)
48km from Melrose · 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)
62km from Melrose · 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
Old Rectory Howick

14. Old Rectory Howick

73km from Melrose · 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
Broom Fisheries Campsite

15. Broom Fisheries Campsite

78km from Melrose · 4 units
Luxury caravans ideally situated next to picturesque Scottish fishing lakes
Pets
Showers
Hot Tub
from 
£167
 / night
Garrison Shepherd's Huts

16. Garrison Shepherd's Huts

100%
(2)
78km from Melrose · 4 units
Shepherd’s hut glamping near Hadrian’s Wall and the Solway Firth.
Pets
Showers
Hot Tub
from 
£100
 / night
Otter Moss Accommodation

17. Otter Moss Accommodation

100%
(8)
81km from Melrose · 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)
90km from Melrose · 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)
92km from Melrose · 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)
105km from Melrose · 5 units
Luxury woodland cabins, each with a private hot tub, in the grounds of a Scottish castle
Showers
Campfires
Hot Tub
from 
£140
 / night

Melrose is a charming town in the Scottish Borders in the valley of the River Tweed. The triple peaks of the Eildon Hills dominate the surrounding area and reward climbers with excellent views from the top. At ground level, Melrose Abbey, which dates from 1136, has connections to Robert the Bruce and, nearby the Three Hills Roman Heritage Centre houses the Trimontium Museum, dedicated to Scotland’s Roman past. Melrose Abbey is the starting point for the St Cuthbert's Way 62-mile (100-kilometre) long-distance trail to Lindisfarne (Holy Island) off the coast of Northumberland, England.

99% (171) 126 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Melrose

Beirhope Alpacas

1. Beirhope Alpacas

98%
(137)
26km from Melrose · 11 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)
66km from Melrose · 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
Walkmill Campsite

3. Walkmill Campsite

98%
(122)
74km from Melrose · 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)
85km from Melrose · 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)
101km from Melrose · 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)
110km from Melrose · 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)
128km from Melrose · 22 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)
131km from Melrose · 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)
138km from Melrose · 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)
140km from Melrose · 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)
38km from Melrose · 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)
48km from Melrose · 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)
62km from Melrose · 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
Old Rectory Howick

14. Old Rectory Howick

73km from Melrose · 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
Broom Fisheries Campsite

15. Broom Fisheries Campsite

78km from Melrose · 4 units
Luxury caravans ideally situated next to picturesque Scottish fishing lakes
Pets
Showers
Hot Tub
from 
£167
 / night
Garrison Shepherd's Huts

16. Garrison Shepherd's Huts

100%
(2)
78km from Melrose · 4 units
Shepherd’s hut glamping near Hadrian’s Wall and the Solway Firth.
Pets
Showers
Hot Tub
from 
£100
 / night
Otter Moss Accommodation

17. Otter Moss Accommodation

100%
(8)
81km from Melrose · 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)
90km from Melrose · 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)
92km from Melrose · 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)
105km from Melrose · 5 units
Luxury woodland cabins, each with a private hot tub, in the grounds of a Scottish castle
Showers
Campfires
Hot Tub
from 
£140
 / night

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Wildlife-watching campsites near Melrose guide

Where to go

Around Town

Staying in the town centre puts you within easy reach of Melrose’s attractions, shops and the many miles of footpaths and cycle routes that run along the banks of the Tweed. In a peaceful setting, close to the heart of town, Melrose Gibson Park Club Site has hardstanding, tent and serviced pitches.

Jedburgh

Under a 20-minute drive south of Melrose, Jebdurgh’s colourful history encompasses cross-border raids, battles and Mary, Queen of Scots. Today, the town is a picturesque place for a riverside walk or browse around the colourfully painted buildings in the Market Place and Canongate. Nearby, Ale Water Valley offers outdoor activities such as cycling, horse riding and golf. Just outside town, the small Jedburgh Camping and Caravanning Club Site has pitches for tents and tourers.

Hawick

West of Jedburgh, Hawick is known for its textile production, particularly knitwear and cashmere. It’s also the site of the annual Common Ridings, a spectacle of horsemanship held in early summer. Between Hawick and Jedburgh, Wild Woods Camping Ruberslaw offers a variety of pitches for tent campers, including pitches inside the site’s walled garden.

When to go

As its southerly location means that it rarely experiences extreme weather, the Scottish Borders is a great region to visit all year-round. July and August, when Scottish schools are on holiday, is peak tourist season and also the warmest. For avoiding crowds while still enjoying warm weather, May/June and September are good times to travel. April is the driest month of the year and December the wettest.

Know before you go

  • Not all sites in the area open year-round: check opening dates before travelling.
  • If you choose to wild camp, be sure to adhere to the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. Note that, due to different national laws, wild camping is permitted along the Scottish section of St Cuthbert’s Way but not the English section.
  • While you can get around by using public buses, having your own transport offers more flexibility. The closest train station is Tweedbank, which is 1.5 miles (2.4 kilometres) away and has direct links to Edinburgh.
  • There are a few small supermarkets in Melrose. For bigger purchases, head for Galashiels, five miles (eight kilometres) northwest.