Campsites near Castle Douglas with snow sports
The historic town of Castle Douglas appeals to foodies and adventurers alike.
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3 top campsites near Castle Douglas with snow sports
Campsites near Castle Douglas with snow sports guide
Overview
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.
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.