Beach camping near Dumfries

The town of Dumfries has an attractive setting on the River Nith, which earns it the local nickname, “Queen of the South.” Dumfries has had a long and turbulent history: its strategic position close to the border means that it has seen plenty of encounters with invading English armies, while notable names who have lived in the town include Peter Pan author, JM Barrie and Scotland’s national poet, Robert Burns. Today it is at the centre of a large rural hinterland that includes Galloway Forest Park, to the west, and is home to many beautiful buildings, including Caerlaverock Castle, hewed from attractive red stone.

Top attractions in Dumfries include the Robert Burns Centre, home to the poet’s manuscripts and belongings, and, just south of town, Sweetheart Abbey where he composed some of his best poems. Just a few miles west of the town centre, Barnsoul Caravan Park offers camping, glamping and touring within nearly 300 acres (120 hectares) of wildlife-filled woodlands and paddocks.

Situated where the Nith meets the Solway Firth, the mudflats and saltmarsh of Caerlaverock support a diversity of wildlife, from barnacle geese, to natterjack toads, which visitors can see by following a network of paths with raised boardwalks. Nearby, Caerlaverock Castle Corner Campsite is a small site with space for campervans and motorhomes.

A 20-minute drive south of Dumfries, Mabie Forest is home to a 7stanes mountain biking centre, which has a variety of trails for everyone, from beginners to experts. There are also several walking trails that take visitors through the woods and over hills. Tucked into the forest, Marthrown of Mabie offers tent camping, as well as a variety of glamping options, from yurts and tipis to a Celtic roundhouse.