Wildlife-watching campsites near Ayr

94% (35 reviews)

The coastal town of Ayr draws visitors an hour west of Glasgow with its long sandy stretch of beach and pretty esplanade. It’s also well-known for Ayr Racecourse, home of the Scottish Grand National. The biggest draw here, however, is the association with Scotland's national bard, Robert Burns, who was born in Alloway, just outside the town. Visitors can make the short trip to visit his birthplace and explore the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum. Basing yourself in Ayr is handy for exploring the southwest coast where activities include mountain biking, kayaking and white water rafting, and for heading to the offshore islands of Arran, Cumbrae and Bute. 

Popular camping styles for Ayr

Top-rated campgrounds

Looking west at the end of the farm

8. Cleghorn Farm

100%
(10)
60km from Ayr · 15 units · Tents, Glamping · Lanark, Scotland
*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
Potable water
Campfires
from 
£10
 / night
Otter Moss Accommodation

9. Otter Moss Accommodation

100%
(8)
137km from Ayr · 4 units · Glamping · Brampton, England
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
Potable water
Campfires
from 
£85
 / night
The Charcoal Huts - Isle of Bute

15. The Charcoal Huts - Isle of Bute

100%
(3)
58km from Ayr · 2 units · Glamping · Scotland
Our Huts are located within the Moss Wood area of Bute Forest - a mixed birch and alder wood that extends up the hillside to the west of the A886 that connects the Rhubodach Ferry to Port Bannatyne and Rothesay. Moss Wood has a range of facilities. Park on the shore-side where the coast can be enjoyed or at the main entrance, and take a walk up through Moss Wood along the Poetry Trail. A steep walk in places, the Poetry Trail is a loop punctuated with places to stop and read, to stop and think. Read nature poetry from throughout the ages, stop at the Blether Stane, or taking the spur to the Viewing Point back south across the Kyles. Moss Wood connects to the West Island Way – take the Poetry Trail and the spur to the Viewing Point – and then take the Stag’s Trod further up (steeply) till you reach the West Island Way. From there, head south towards Port Bannatyne or north along the boundary of the Community Forest. From the viewing point, you can also explore interesting heritage features such as the old WW2 bunker, kayak shelter, Balnakailly settlement, and the SSSI oak woodland.
Pets
Potable water
Trash
from 
£85
 / night
94% (35 reviews)

The coastal town of Ayr draws visitors an hour west of Glasgow with its long sandy stretch of beach and pretty esplanade. It’s also well-known for Ayr Racecourse, home of the Scottish Grand National. The biggest draw here, however, is the association with Scotland's national bard, Robert Burns, who was born in Alloway, just outside the town. Visitors can make the short trip to visit his birthplace and explore the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum. Basing yourself in Ayr is handy for exploring the southwest coast where activities include mountain biking, kayaking and white water rafting, and for heading to the offshore islands of Arran, Cumbrae and Bute. 

Popular camping styles for Ayr

Top-rated campgrounds

Looking west at the end of the farm

8. Cleghorn Farm

100%
(10)
60km from Ayr · 15 units · Tents, Glamping · Lanark, Scotland
*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
Potable water
Campfires
from 
£10
 / night
Otter Moss Accommodation

9. Otter Moss Accommodation

100%
(8)
137km from Ayr · 4 units · Glamping · Brampton, England
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
Potable water
Campfires
from 
£85
 / night
The Charcoal Huts - Isle of Bute

15. The Charcoal Huts - Isle of Bute

100%
(3)
58km from Ayr · 2 units · Glamping · Scotland
Our Huts are located within the Moss Wood area of Bute Forest - a mixed birch and alder wood that extends up the hillside to the west of the A886 that connects the Rhubodach Ferry to Port Bannatyne and Rothesay. Moss Wood has a range of facilities. Park on the shore-side where the coast can be enjoyed or at the main entrance, and take a walk up through Moss Wood along the Poetry Trail. A steep walk in places, the Poetry Trail is a loop punctuated with places to stop and read, to stop and think. Read nature poetry from throughout the ages, stop at the Blether Stane, or taking the spur to the Viewing Point back south across the Kyles. Moss Wood connects to the West Island Way – take the Poetry Trail and the spur to the Viewing Point – and then take the Stag’s Trod further up (steeply) till you reach the West Island Way. From there, head south towards Port Bannatyne or north along the boundary of the Community Forest. From the viewing point, you can also explore interesting heritage features such as the old WW2 bunker, kayak shelter, Balnakailly settlement, and the SSSI oak woodland.
Pets
Potable water
Trash
from 
£85
 / night

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Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

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

Wildlife-watching campsites near Ayr guide

Where to go

In Town

On the banks of the River Ayr, the Craigie Estate has lovely wooded gardens that are ideal for a wander through. On the grounds you can spot wildlife such as owls, kestrels, sparrowhawks, and you may even see an otter or two down by the river. On the grounds of Craigie Estate, and within easy walking distance of the town centre of Ayr and beach, Ayr Craigie Gardens Club Site has pitches for tents and tourers.

Alloway

Just a few minutes south of Ayr, the suburb of Alloway is the heart of Burns heritage tourism. At the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum you can see the cottage where he was born, the Burns Monument and Memorial Gardens, the museum that holds important collections of work and places associated with Tam o’ Shanter, much of which was set here. Under three miles away (4.5 kilometres), Craig Tara Holiday Park has pitches for tourers, an indoor swimming pool and direct beach access.

Coylton

Heading inland, five miles (eight kilometres) east of Ayr, the small village of Coylton is known for its 14th-century Sundrum Castle. On the castle grounds, Sundrum Holiday Park is a top choice for families thanks to its ample facilities including a heated pool, crazy golf course and amusement arcade. It has plenty of room for tents and tourers.

When to go

Ayr is typically a summertime destination, particularly for short break holiday makers from Glasgow. In the summer months temperatures range from mild to warm, with the chance of the occasional hotter day, and daylight hours are long. Spring and autumn are both also good options for fewer crowds compared to summer and the weather is typicallly mild after April and through October. Winters don’t get too cold but you may encounter storms and closed businesses.

Know before you go

  • Wild camping is possible throughout Scotland but campers are required to adhere closely to the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.
  • Ayr is a one-hour train journey from Glasgow. Regular local buses can get you to most places of interest in the surrounding area.
  • There are plenty of well-stocked supermarkets in Ayr and you’ll also find a handful of outdoor and camping gear stores.