Campsites near Selkirk

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Sitting above the Ettrick and Yarrow Valleys, in the heart of the Scottish Borders, Selkirk’s rich history involves such figures as William Wallace, James V and Sir Walter Scott. Visitors should also check out the town’s rich textile history and sample its famed local dish, the Selkirk bannock, a kind of fruit cake. Just west of Selkirk, Bowhill House and Grounds has an outdoor adventure playground and woodland trails while, to the east, the Ale Water Valley is the ideal setting for outdoor activities such as cycling, horse riding and golf. While camping options in town are scarce, there are plenty of nearby spots.

97% (265) 502 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Selkirk

Beirhope Alpacas

1. Beirhope Alpacas

98%
(147)
30km from Selkirk · 8 units
A small, off-grid campsite with alpacas in the historically rich southern Scottish borders
Pets
Campfires
Showers
Secluded Rural Farm Hideaway

2. Secluded Rural Farm Hideaway

100%
(15)
60km from Selkirk · 7 units · Tents, Glamping
*PLEASE NOTE THE CABIN IS AVAILABLE FOR WEEKEND BOOKINGS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR. CAMPING OPEN FROM 1st May to End August* 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, all a gentle walk from the sites.
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
Hadrian's Wall Country Yurts

3. Hadrian's Wall Country Yurts

100%
(13)
63km from Selkirk · 2 units
Two yurts with hot tubs in the Cumbrian countryside just a mile away from Hadrian’s Wall
Pets
Showers
Campfires
King Garth

4. King Garth

100%
(11)
70km from Selkirk · 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
Otter Moss Accommodation

5. Otter Moss Accommodation

100%
(13)
76km from Selkirk · 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
Cairn Meadow Pods

6. Cairn Meadow Pods

99%
(44)
76km from Selkirk · 3 units
Glamping pods in Cumbria's secluded Eden Valley with views of the Pennines
Pets
Showers
Potable water
Walkmill Campsite

7. Walkmill Campsite

98%
(130)
79km from Selkirk · 10 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Refreshingly understated private camping in the unspoiled Northumberland countryside
Pets
Campfires
Showers
Howbeck Lodge

8. Howbeck Lodge

95%
(28)
91km from Selkirk · 24 units · Tents, Motorhomes
A dog-friendly farm campsite on the northern edge of the Lake District
Pets
Showers
Water hookup
Troquhain Woods

9. Troquhain Woods

93%
(36)
92km from Selkirk · 6 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Nearly wild camping for tents and campervans in a Scottish woodland
Pets
Campfires
Picnic table
Tyne View Camping

10. Tyne View Camping

100%
(27)
93km from Selkirk · 15 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Tyne View Camping is a peaceful spot in Tyne and Wear, not far from Hedley on the Hill village. It's on a farm run by David and his family, who welcome guests to enjoy the beautiful countryside views. You can see the Tyne Valley from the camping pitches, which is great for stargazing at night. The site is basic with just water taps and toilets, no showers, but there's lots of space for kids and dogs to play. You're allowed to bring a barbecue or firepit for cooking, and you can buy supplies in Prudhoe nearby. Or, you can walk to Hedley on the Hill for a meal at a top-notch pub. There are plenty of things to do nearby, like walking in the woods, playing golf, or trying gliding. You can also visit Hadrian’s Wall, Newcastle upon Tyne, or explore the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty for a varied and enjoyable break.Also this June we will be open for the Sam Fender weekend ie June 12 til the 16th if anyone wants to camp £20 a night plus a taxi for £20
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
Muiredge

11. Muiredge

100%
(17)
101km from Selkirk · 8 units
Rural glamping in a converted railway carriage, shepherd's hut, or bell tent in blissful Scotland
Pets
Showers
Campfires
Ewe Love Camping Pods

12. Ewe Love Camping Pods

98%
(115)
103km from Selkirk · 3 units
Modern Lake District glamping pods among the trees, with exceptional views of Blencathra
Pets
Showers
Potable water
The Old Chapel Campsite

13. The Old Chapel Campsite

97%
(119)
110km from Selkirk · 30 units
Nearly wild camping in the North Pennines
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
Hill Top Huts

14. Hill Top Huts

97%
(121)
116km from Selkirk · 12 units
Scenic, simple glamping pods set beside a welcoming Pennines pub
Pets
Showers
Wifi
Loch Katrine Eco Camping

15. Loch Katrine Eco Camping

95%
(114)
125km from Selkirk · 13 units · Motorhomes, Glamping
Loch-side sleeping and exploring in one of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park's most historic locations
Pets
Showers
Potable water
The Black Swan

16. The Black Swan

100%
(27)
127km from Selkirk · 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
Fairy Bell Wood

17. Fairy Bell Wood

100%
(12)
133km from Selkirk · 1 unit
An off-grid yurt in a private woodland between the Lakes and the Dales
Showers
Campfires
Potable water
Church Lane Campsite

18. Church Lane Campsite

95%
(11)
134km from Selkirk · 36 units
Time for a slice of the simple life? Grab a peaceful Lake District pitch at Church Lane Campsite and immerse yourselves in proper scenic countryside with few distractions. This back to basics site has life’s essentials in place – in the form of drinking water, toilets and showers – but hasn’t gone overboard with other facilities, so you’ll simply be left to set up your space and soak up the gorgeous views of the surrounding countryside. Pitches here are on grass with trees around the field to provide a bit of shelter and shade – and the views are pretty much green as far as you can see. This setting gives the place a remote atmosphere that’s well suited to adventurous travellers, nature lovers and serenity-seeking couples or families. That said, it’s not actually all that remote – handily, you’ll be able to drive to Kendal in about 10 minutes for cultural attractions, shops and places to eat, and popular Windermere is about the same distance in the other direction. Closer still are a smart rural restaurant and the little village of Crook, a mile away and the home of the local pub – both excellent options for a good feed.
Showers
Potable water
Picnic table
The Damson Shepherd's Hut

19. The Damson Shepherd's Hut

98%
(64)
134km from Selkirk · 1 unit
A shepherd's hut for two in the lesser-known Lyth Valley, four miles from Lake Windermere
Showers
Campfires
Potable water
Stock Park Lakeside Camping

20. Stock Park Lakeside Camping

92%
(97)
140km from Selkirk · 15 units
Lake District camping on the banks of Lake Windermere, with direct access to the water.
Pets
Campfires
Showers

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

Selkirk camping guide

Where to go

Melrose

A 15-minute drive north of Selkirk, the charming town of Melrose is home to the fascinating Melrose Abbey and is an ideal base for exploring the surrounding Eildon Hills. Close to the town centre, Melrose Gibson Park Club Site has pitches for tents and tourers.

Hawick

Heading 15 minutes south of Selkirk, Hawick is especially known for its rich textile history, and continues to produce knitwear and cashmere today. The town is also home to the beautiful Wilton Lodge Park, which has a variety of walking paths along rivers and to waterfalls. Ten minutes east of Hawick, Wild Woods Camping Ruberslaw has tent pitches in a variety of settings, including inside a walled garden.

Newburgh

A 25-minute drive west of Selkirk, the village of Newburgh is located in the Ettrick Valley. The area is popular with cyclists who can pedal through the landscape and challenge themselves at the nearby 7stanes mountain biking centre. Fishing, horse riding, and kayaking are also popular activities. Here, the glamping site Ettrick Valley Yurts has a selection of yurts set in the rolling hills.

When to go

The Scottish Borders is a year-round destination. July and August, when Scottish schools are on holiday, is peak tourist season and also the warmest. The Selkirk Common Riding, held annually in mid-June, is the town’s most popular event and a spectacle not to be missed. For avoiding crowds while still enjoying mild weather, May and September are good options. April is the driest month of the year and December the wettest.

Know before you go

  • Not all campsites 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. 
  • The closest train station is in Galashiels, which is a 15-minute bus journey away and has direct links to Edinburgh. Local buses can get you to most nearby places of interest.
  • There are a few small supermarkets in Selkirk where you will find the essentials. For bigger purchases, head for Galashiels.

Frequently Asked Questions

Near Selkirk, visitors can enjoy activities such as cycling, horse riding, and golf in the Ale Water Valley. The area is also popular for fishing, horse riding, and kayaking in the village of Newburgh, which is a 25-minute drive west of Selkirk.

The closest train station to Selkirk is in Galashiels, which is a 15-minute bus journey away and has direct links to Edinburgh.

While camping options in town are scarce, there are plenty of nearby spots for camping. You can also explore different options for camping near Selkirk on Hipcamp.

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

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