Dog-friendly camping near Castle Douglas, Dumfries

The old market town of Castle Douglas lies at the northern tip of the island-dotted Carlingwark Loch and close to such attractions as Threave Castle, Cardoness Castle, Sweetheart Abbey, and Galloway Forest Park, which is a designated Dark Sky Park. The town itself is a designated Food Town, with many shops selling excellent local produce, which foodies will love exploring, while outdoor enthusiasts can explore the loch’s islands by boat and the nearby Threave Wildfowl Reserve, an important place for wintering wildfowl. Find your pitch at one of these campsites around Castle Douglas.

93% (184)

Top-rated campgrounds

The old market town of Castle Douglas lies at the northern tip of the island-dotted Carlingwark Loch and close to such attractions as Threave Castle, Cardoness Castle, Sweetheart Abbey, and Galloway Forest Park, which is a designated Dark Sky Park. The town itself is a designated Food Town, with many shops selling excellent local produce, which foodies will love exploring, while outdoor enthusiasts can explore the loch’s islands by boat and the nearby Threave Wildfowl Reserve, an important place for wintering wildfowl. Find your pitch at one of these campsites around Castle Douglas.

93% (184)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. The Charcoal Huts - Isle of Bute

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(3)

131km from Castle Douglas · 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.

2. Damson View Glamping

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(55)

98km from Castle Douglas · 5 units · Glamping · Cumbria, North West England

Self-contained glamping pods in the Lake District's beautiful Lyth Valley

3. Smardale Mill Shepods The Ash

88%

(4)

111km from Castle Douglas · 3 units · Glamping · Hawes, North Yorkshire, North East England

Smardale Mill Shepods are the perfect place to escape, unwind and relax. These modern style shepherds huts are tucked away in an idyllic setting in Cumbria. Situated on a working family farm there is always plenty to see and do. Each shepod sleeps two comfortably with the option of a further two guests on the sofa bed.

4. Red Deer Village Holiday Park

106km from Castle Douglas · 10 units · Motorhomes · Glasgow, Lanarkshire, South Scotland

Red Deer Village Holiday Park in Scotland is a 5 star holiday park, conveniently situated on the doorstep of Glasgow, just off the A80, one of Scotland’s main arterial routes to the North. The Scottish holiday park is close to a number of public transport links, with regular buses and trains into Glasgow city centre. he level and spacious caravan and campsite near Glasgow is the ideal base for a holiday in and around West Central Scotland, or as a stopover for a few days whilst touring. There are 24 hardstanding pitches with electric hookup, suitable for touring caravans and motorhomes. Our grass area has a number of spacious tent pitches, which are well served by immaculate facilities.

5. Lake District Herdwick Huts

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(1)

82km from Castle Douglas · 5 units · Glamping · Rydal, England

You will not find a more stunning place to stay and explore within the UK. Set in the very heart of the Lake District National Park, there is good reason why this magnificent location inspired the poet William Wordsworth to commit some of his most world-renowned poetry to paper. These beautiful huts are nestled underneath the Fairfield horseshoe mountain range and Nab scar, so there is no need to drive anywhere for the finest mountain hikes. With Rydal Lake, a wild swimmers hot spot, and waterfalls and plunge pools on site, it really is hard to beat! You will not find a more stunning place to stay and explore within the UK. Set in the very heart of the Lake District National Park, there is good reason why this magnificent location inspired the poet William Wordsworth to commit some of his most world-renowned poetry to paper. Grasmere is on the doorstep, voted one of the top places to visit in the Lake District, with the famous '‘Coffin route’ walk offering a spectacular lake and mountain view stroll straight from your hut door. With low level to high level walks exploring the Lakes from Rydal caters for everyone. Ambleside and Grasmere are both walking distance for cafes, restaurants and cinemas and Rydal offers scenic off-road strolls to arrive by. Each with fresh linen, wood burning stove and cast iron gas hob, you are sure to be comfortable even in the thick of winter.

Stories from the community

S

Simon

August 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to The Charcoal Huts - Isle of Bute

Beautiful views up the Loch. Quite a steep climb but easily achievable. Fire pit, bbq and seating area ideal. Even the compostable toilet had a great view!

M

Meron

June 2025

2 nights at The Charcoal Huts - Isle of Bute

The Charcoal Huts were so magical. We stayed in Birch and it had amazing views, was quite private and had everything we needed - including things we forgot. It was beautiful and cosy inside and the fire kept us so warm. I really loved this place.

Under £50

Howbeck Lodge

94%

(27)

63km from Castle Douglas · 29 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Hesket Newmarket, England

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

Social District

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96km from Castle Douglas · 30 units · Tents · Grizedale, Cumbria, North West England

Lake District camping on the banks of Lake Windermere, with direct access to the water.

Loch Katrine Eco Camping

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(112)

147km from Castle Douglas · 22 units · Motorhomes, Glamping · Stirling and Falkirk, Central Scotland

Loch-side sleeping and exploring in one of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park's most historic locations

Cleghorn Farm

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(10)

85km from Castle Douglas · 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.

Baystone Bank Farm Campsite

96%

(149)

87km from Castle Douglas · 47 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Millom, England

Lake District camping on a working farm with a stream to splash in, campfires encouraged and a horse-riding centre on the doorstep

Available this weekend

Hill Top Huts

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(121)

128km from Castle Douglas · 12 units · Glamping · Durham, North East England

Scenic, simple glamping pods set beside a welcoming Pennines pub

West Highland Way Hotel & Campsite

82%

(36)

120km from Castle Douglas · 46 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Glasgow, Lanarkshire, South Scotland

A welcoming campsite on the West Highland Way

Stanley Villa Farm Fishing& Camping

96%

(60)

141km from Castle Douglas · 40 units · Glamping · Preston, Lancashire, North West England

Lakeside rural tranquility and the 'kiss-me-quick' fun of the seaside – you can have the best of both worlds at Stanley Villa Farm's cute camping pods

Troquhain Woods

92%

(32)

19km from Castle Douglas · 6 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Castle Douglas, Dumfries, South Scotland

Nearly wild camping for tents and campervans in a Scottish woodland

Langley Dam Glamping

106km from Castle Douglas · 5 units · Glamping · England

Nestled in the Tyne Valley, on our beef and sheep farm, at the edge of the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Langley Dam Glamping provides high quality, en-suite accommodation in our unique glamping cabins. The six ‘Langley Longboat’ cabins are positioned on the bank of Langley Dam Reservoir, providing exceptional views over the 14 acres of water and towards Whitfield moor. Langley Dam itself is a commercial fly fishery and Troutmaster water. Visitors are welcome, and encouraged, to enjoy the fishing experience that the water provides (charges do apply, but residents have discounted fishing fees). We also have rowing boats that can be hired for fishing purposes. We have created some fantastic 3D showcases of the inside of the cabins. You can use these to get a better feel of how the cabins are laid out. We have created 3 showcases to reflect the 3 types of cabins we have. Humbleton is unique, then The Wonneys which is the same layout as The Rushy Lot, and Wheatleys which is the same as Blackcleugh and Bare Bones.

Star Hosts in Castle Douglas

Ewe Love Camping Pods

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70km from Castle Douglas · 3 units · Glamping · Penrith, Cumbria, North West England

Modern Lake District glamping pods among the trees, with exceptional views of Blencathra

Tyne View Camping

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(17)

134km from Castle Douglas · 15 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Chopwell, England

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

King Garth

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(9)

59km from Castle Douglas · 1 unit · Glamping · Carlisle, England

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.

Camping at Cardewlees

99%

(47)

60km from Castle Douglas · 37 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Carlisle, England

A welcoming, family-run farm campsite between the Lake District and Hadrian's Wall

The Old Chapel Campsite

98%

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105km from Castle Douglas · 30 units · Tents · Murton, England

Nearly wild camping in the North Pennines

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Dog-friendly camping near Castle Douglas guide

Where to go

Loch Ken

On the shores of Loch Ken, around a 15-minute drive north of Castle Douglas, Galloway Activity Centre offers a bounty of activities, from windsurfing and paddleboarding to zip lining, archery and mountain biking. The centre’s campsite has grass pitches for tents and tourers, as well as a variety of glamping options.

Dalbeattie

Around 15 minutes east of Castle Douglas, the charming town of Dalbeattie is rich in history and a handy base for the 7stanes Mountain Bike Trail in Dalbeattie Forest, known for its challenging granite slabs. Next to the town’s Colliston Park, Islecroft Caravan and Camping Park has sheltered pitches.

Galloway Forest Park

A 25-minute drive north of Castle Douglas, Galloway Forest Park offers a landscape of forest, hills and lochs that is ideal for hillwalking, mountain biking and rock climbing. It’s best-known feature, however, is its dark skies that are perfect for stargazing. On the western side of the park, Glentrool Camping and Caravan Site has a tranquil setting and pitches for tents and tourers.

When to go

From May through August long daylight hours means you can pack more activities into your day—this period also offers your best chance of enjoying dry, sunny weather. Some areas can get busy during the summer months, however, especially on weekends and during the school summer holidays. Those planning to do some stargazing in Galloway Forest Park should visit between October and March, when the skies are at their clearest and most crisp.

Know before you go

Wild camping is legal throughout Scotland as long as you follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.
Local buses can get you to most places of interest. The closest railway station is in Dumfries (40 minutes by bus) which has direct connections to Glasgow and over the border to Carlisle.
There are plenty of places to buy groceries in Castle Douglas, including a Tesco Superstore to the east of town. Make sure to also visit independent shops and try some local produce for which the town is known.