- Riverside Camping
Riverside camping near Dalbeattie
100% (37) • 74 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Dalbeattie
Camping at Cardewlees
1. Camping at Cardewlees
99%
(47)
53km from Dalbeattie · 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
Cleghorn Farm
2. Cleghorn Farm
100%
(11)
85km from Dalbeattie · 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
S
3. S
92%
(93)
90km from Dalbeattie · 14 units
Lake District camping on the banks of Lake Windermere, with direct access to the water.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£50
/ night
The Black Swan
4. The Black Swan
100%
(26)
105km from Dalbeattie · 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
Walkmill Campsite
5. Walkmill Campsite
98%
(122)
146km from Dalbeattie · 10 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Refreshingly understated private camping in the unspoiled Northumberland countryside
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£25
/ night
Garden Yurt in a hidden glen
6. Garden Yurt in a hidden glen
100%
(3)
33km from Dalbeattie · 1 unit
A cosy, romantic getaway. Unwind and reconnect, surrounded by nature and amazing dark skies. The spacious, well-equipped yurt is tucked away in a large private home garden in a beautiful glen, with Scaur Water just over the road. The Yurt at Craignee is a cosy, off-grid retreat, with wood burner and garden area, surrounded by peace and wildlife. Enjoy lots of home comforts with an extra dash of adventure!
#bbcwildlife60places winner
STL Number: DG01053P
Showers
Campfires
Wifi
from
£100
/ night
King Garth
7. King Garth
100%
(9)
52km from Dalbeattie · 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
from
£80
/ night
Inside Out Yurts
8. Inside Out Yurts
100%
(9)
63km from Dalbeattie · 3 units
Rustic yurt glamping with a riverside setting, fell views and an enviable Lake District location
Pets
Showers
Potable water
from
£115
/ night
Ayrshire Airstream
9. Ayrshire Airstream
100%
(2)
83km from Dalbeattie · 1 unit
A seriously comfortable 1978 Airstream, complete with a hot tub, fire pit and its own bar.
Showers
Campfires
Hot Tub
from
£187
/ night
Hut in the Sheep Wash
10. Hut in the Sheep Wash
92km from Dalbeattie · 1 unit
A shepherd’s hut in it’s own riverside field in Cumbria
Showers
Campfires
Potable water
from
£100
/ night
Smardale Mill Shepods The Ash
11. Smardale Mill Shepods The Ash
88%
(4)
104km from Dalbeattie · 3 units
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.
Pets
Showers
Wifi
from
£77
/ night
West Highland Way Hotel & Campsite
12. West Highland Way Hotel & Campsite
82%
(36)
122km from Dalbeattie · 46 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
A welcoming campsite on the West Highland Way
Pets
Campfires
Full hookups
from
£30
/ night
100% (37) • 74 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Dalbeattie
Camping at Cardewlees
1. Camping at Cardewlees
99%
(47)
53km from Dalbeattie · 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
Cleghorn Farm
2. Cleghorn Farm
100%
(11)
85km from Dalbeattie · 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
S
3. S
92%
(93)
90km from Dalbeattie · 14 units
Lake District camping on the banks of Lake Windermere, with direct access to the water.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£50
/ night
The Black Swan
4. The Black Swan
100%
(26)
105km from Dalbeattie · 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
Walkmill Campsite
5. Walkmill Campsite
98%
(122)
146km from Dalbeattie · 10 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Refreshingly understated private camping in the unspoiled Northumberland countryside
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£25
/ night
Garden Yurt in a hidden glen
6. Garden Yurt in a hidden glen
100%
(3)
33km from Dalbeattie · 1 unit
A cosy, romantic getaway. Unwind and reconnect, surrounded by nature and amazing dark skies. The spacious, well-equipped yurt is tucked away in a large private home garden in a beautiful glen, with Scaur Water just over the road. The Yurt at Craignee is a cosy, off-grid retreat, with wood burner and garden area, surrounded by peace and wildlife. Enjoy lots of home comforts with an extra dash of adventure!
#bbcwildlife60places winner
STL Number: DG01053P
Showers
Campfires
Wifi
from
£100
/ night
King Garth
7. King Garth
100%
(9)
52km from Dalbeattie · 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
from
£80
/ night
Inside Out Yurts
8. Inside Out Yurts
100%
(9)
63km from Dalbeattie · 3 units
Rustic yurt glamping with a riverside setting, fell views and an enviable Lake District location
Pets
Showers
Potable water
from
£115
/ night
Ayrshire Airstream
9. Ayrshire Airstream
100%
(2)
83km from Dalbeattie · 1 unit
A seriously comfortable 1978 Airstream, complete with a hot tub, fire pit and its own bar.
Showers
Campfires
Hot Tub
from
£187
/ night
Hut in the Sheep Wash
10. Hut in the Sheep Wash
92km from Dalbeattie · 1 unit
A shepherd’s hut in it’s own riverside field in Cumbria
Showers
Campfires
Potable water
from
£100
/ night
Smardale Mill Shepods The Ash
11. Smardale Mill Shepods The Ash
88%
(4)
104km from Dalbeattie · 3 units
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.
Pets
Showers
Wifi
from
£77
/ night
West Highland Way Hotel & Campsite
12. West Highland Way Hotel & Campsite
82%
(36)
122km from Dalbeattie · 46 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
A welcoming campsite on the West Highland Way
Pets
Campfires
Full hookups
from
£30
/ night
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
A
Andrew
November 2025
2 nights at Cleghorn Farm
Friendly and welcoming environment! Nice place if you’re needing to get off the grid a bit.
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E
Ellen
October 2025
Group trip
We absolutely loved our stay at King Garth! It is located in such a tranquil location beside the river and away from other houses, but with alpacas for company! The hot tub was perfect to relax in and we enjoyed a cosy, candlelit evening inside by the fire afterwards! It was fascinating to read about the history of the building too! Will definitely be back :)
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V
Virginia
October 2025
With pets
Lovely location, beautiful views. Comfortable pod and great with enclosed garden for the dog. Good facilities too.
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Brian
September 2025
6 m Class B
With pets
Spacious clean campsite. Now our best one yet!
We chose the upper circle which gave us a lot more space and better views.
Clean toilets. Nice little shop with extras for guests.
Will certainly recommend and return.
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C
Cliff
August 2025
Tent
This is a delightful site. Very peaceful and everything is immaculately clean and tidy. Close to coast. Highly recommended
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S
Sean
August 2025
With pets
We stayed as a birthday treat for my 12 year old. 2 adults, 4 children and our dog. It was a truly fantastic stay from start to finish. Such a unique house and experience. The kids absolutely loved swimming in the river, looking after the alpacas, the hot tub and going back to basics. It was lovely seeing them enjoying themselves with no distractions of the modern world. Games by candle light and food over the bbq, what more could you ask for. Jane was fantastic and made sure we knew everything that was needed before we arrived. Can’t wait to come back.
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P
Paul
August 2025
Weekend Trip to Cleghorn Farm
The beautiful cabin is in a lovely quiet private space. There are nice views across to the hills particularly when sat by the firepit. Alex and Lauren made us feel very welcome.
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M
Maria
August 2025
Tent
With kids
The views were beautiful!! We camped next to the lake so my husband and boys spent most of the time fishing. Will definitely go again next year and bring the paddling board with us
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V
Victoria
August 2025
Tent
With pets
I loved the campsite. The plots were very spacious and not at all crammed in, so there was lots of room for my toddler to run around in. The facilities were good as there was a static caravan with a kitchen, bathroom, toilet and even a couple of lounge areas, which would be useful if you got bad weather. It was so handy having the use of a hot water for washing up. I would definitely go back!
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E
Elma
August 2025
With kids
Initially I wasn’t sure taking the lantern to do your (compost) toilet trip of 1.5 minutes but it worked as long as your mind doesn’t run wild in the dark when you’re on your own! But it all adds up to the whole experience of glamping without running water and electricity in the yurt. I loved the hot shower outside (I also used it to wash my hands after using the toilet), the sound of the stream, the hares who were very elusive, the log burner and the pub breakfast (included in the booking) and the pub food. I had to leave very early, it was still pitch black and I looked at the sky, it was magical with the stars and I even thought I could see 1-2 galaxies; I’m probably exaggerating but it was that clear without the light pollution. I loved the whole experience! Thank you!
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A
Ally
August 2025
Tent
Just returning from our first visit to Cardewlees and we could not of asked for a better stay. Cardewlees is an absolute little gem of a campsite and Johnny could not have been a better host if he tried. Toilet and showering facilities were more than adequate and the water was always nice and warm. Thank you for a perfect stay and we look forward to coming back soon. Ally and Lee x
See moreE
Eleanor
August 2025
Tent
A simple but friendly camping experience. A very attentive host!
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J
James
August 2025
Tent
Group trip
Amazing site, right in front of lake.
Welcoming hosts very clean and good facilities
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P
Peter
August 2025
Tent
Beautiful piece of land on the edge of lake Windermere. Felt like you were truly in nature. Morning lake swims and ideal of you have your own kayak as it’s on the waters edge. Nice clean toilets and hot showers. Brilliant that you can pitch where you like so good for a small group. Hosts friendly and approachable and easy to contact if needed. Can’t wait to book my next stay
See morej
jonathan
August 2025
Tent
With pets
What a great campsite! Beautiful scenery right by the waters edge. Plenty space for pitching a tent with parking near the tents. Basic shower and WC block but hot water and well lit at night.
We used the fire pits and bought logs from Tom, which was simple and easy.
Sure we'll be back in the near future
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J
James
August 2025
Tent
With pets
We really enjoyed our stay here as a family of four! Great comms from the owner, toilets and showers were nice and clean. Stunning location right by Windermere. Highly recommended!
See moreI
Isabelle
August 2025
Tent
With pets
What a beautiful spot on the lake! The campsite was amazing, simple, with very clean facilities. Tom is a great host, we will come back!
See moreL
Lucy
August 2025
1 night at King Garth
A truly unique stay in a beautiful location. The lane was a little challenging in my picanto but we managed it and was well worth the trip! So much provided in terms of wood, charcoal, crockery candles! Would definitely stay again :)
See moreE
Elizabeth
August 2025
K
Katie
August 2025
Tent
We loved tent camping at Walkmill, the site was beautifully maintained in a stunning location near the river. Plenty of wildlife to enjoy while sat around the fire pit - we saw a barn owl and hares during our two night stay. The pitches were well spaced out and the site shop had everything you might need in a pinch -we recommend bringing cash for the honesty box. The location is a 45min walk to Warkworth Castle and the coast/coastal path so there is plenty to keep you busy. We are looking forward to coming back!
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Riverside camping near Dalbeattie guide
Where to go
Around Town
Dalbeattie is home to Colliston Park, perhaps the most attractive park in the Dumfries and Galloway region, which has pedal boats for hire and a play area for children. Next to the park, and close to the area's mountain bike trails, beaches and other attractions, the small Islecroft Caravan and Camping Park has sheltered pitches. Just a short walk from town, Glenearly Caravan Park has pitches as well as static caravans for hire.
Gorsebank
A five-minute drive south of Dalbeattie’s town centre, staying in Gorsebank puts you slightly closer to the Colvend Coastline and within easy reach of the forests of the Solway Coast, filled with wildlife and popular with horseriders. Set on a small farm, Gorsebank Glamping has an array of accommodation types, from pods to wigwams to 'almost wild' camping pitches and cabins with private hot tubs.
Castle Douglas
A designated Food Town, Castle Douglas is a 15-minute drive west of Dalbeattie. Foodies will love visiting the attractive town, as will outdoor enthusiasts who can explore the islands of Carlingwark Loch by boat and the nearby Threave Wildfowl Reserve, an important place for wintering wildfowl. Nearby camping is available at the Galloway Activity Centre, along the shores of Loch Ken.
When to go
With its promise of dry, sunny weather and guaranteed long daylight hours, summer is the most popular time to visit Dalbeattie and the surrounding Dumfries and Galloway region. Some areas can get busy during the summer months, however, especially on weekends and during the school summer holidays. The area is a year-round destination but check that campsites will be open if planning to travel outside of peak season.
Know before you go
- Wild camping is legal throughout Scotland as long as you follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.
- There is no train station in Dalbeattie, but local buses can get you to most places of interest. The closest railway station is in Dumfires, which has direct connections to Glasgow and over the border to Carlisle.
- You can pick up the essentials in Dalbeattie’s small supermarkets. For larger purchases and outdoor gear, head for Dumfries, 13 miles (21 kilometres) away.