Campsites with campfires near Gatehouse-of-Fleet

History-rich Gatehouse has opportunities for all kinds of outdoor adventures.

97% (123 reviews)

United Kingdom
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Scotland
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South Scotland
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Dumfries
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Gatehouse-of-Fleet

97% (123 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Gatehouse-of-Fleet

Community favorites near Gatehouse-of-Fleet

Stories from the community

Daniella

4 days ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to The Old Chapel Campsite

The campsite is situated on a beautiful little piece of land off the side of Ted’s house. The campsite is enclosed by a stone brick wall and had access via a gate. There are geese, sheep, lambs, ducks and a turkey that roam around the site - all are very friendly and Ted very kindly let us bottle feed the lambs! There is a porter loo for campers to use, it was fully supplied with toilet roll, soap, running water and hand tissues. Ted has fresh hen and duck eggs for sale on the land. We brought a raised pit fire with us, but Ted also has them available to rent for your whole stay along with bags of firewood. Ted was very kind and made us feel very welcome. We’d definitely return! The only issue we ran into was a nearby camping group playing music throughout their stay and loudly into the night - we messaged Ted and he kindly popped out to ask them to turn it down.

2 nights at The Old Chapel Campsite

We had an amazing time here. We stayed for two nights and had beautiful weather. There was just us and another couple with their dog. Ted was very accommodating and well informed about the area and gave us some ideas to fill our days. It was lovely watching his little ducks on the field and to hear the sheep in the morning too. It’s back to basics camping, no burger vans/shower blocks etc but it was absolutely perfect for what we wanted. ‘Proper camping’ Lovely quiet location, spotless portaloo and a friendly host.

Weekend Trip to Howdy Glamping

Very relaxed and welcoming. Had a lovely stay and a great recommendation for a hike the following day 😀

1 night at Beirhope Alpacas

Amazing wild camping experience (with luxuries), not far from Kelso. Peaceful spot with a handful of pitches ideal for families and couples, Lynne and staff are warm and welcoming, super friendly. Firewood and groceries can be accessed anytime you need, just pay in the morning. Eco toilets are cleaned regularly. Great stargazing area and a picnic area too, plenty of space and idyllic scenery...and there are the alpacas. Beautiful spot... Just don't tell everyone!

Weekend Trip to Beirhope Alpacas

Absolutely loved it definitely be going back with the kids lynne was a great host the views are amazing

Weekend Trip to Beirhope Alpacas

Beirhope was a beautiful, peaceful place to stay and Lynne was super welcoming. The kids loved it and have demanded that we return as soon as possible!

Weekend Trip to Kestrel Lodge Campsite

Clean, peaceful campsite. Very friendly staff. Loved the fire pit.

Weekend Trip to Kestrel Lodge Campsite

We absolutely loved our stay at Kestrel Lodge! The facilities were always spotless and clean. Pitch was great with the fire pit included and hosts were very helpful! We will 100% be back to explore more of the lakes.

Weekend Trip to Beirhope Alpacas

A very well organised campsite. Lynne was friendly and very accommodating. She gave a brief tour and explanation of the facilties, which was plentiful, then allowed us to set up our pitch. There are a number of pitches available, each one catering for a range of campers. I would wholeheartedly recommend this campsite to others.

Weekend Trip to The Old Chapel Campsite

A lovely little campsite. Just what we want in a campsite: quiet, dark, easy access to the hills, great host with a supply of fresh eggs. It’s in a great location within easy reach of High Cup Nick, Dufton and its beautiful glen etc. Ted is a great host who clearly enjoys having people passing through.

Weekend Trip to Baystone Bank Farm Campsite

We visited this campsite with a group of friends and 2 dogs and it was amazing! Very private and relaxed camping with lovely facilities. We will definitely be back.

1 night at Howdy Glamping

I stayed on the campsite. Gorgeous site with really good facilities. Close To Ullswater. Hosts were the best. I’ll definitely be back.

1 night at West Highland Way Hotel & Campsite

It was amazing! The view of the surrounding fells and farms was so tranquil and peaceful. Andrew was a friendly and helpful host. The property was beautiful and there was a good community of campers there that socialized over breakfast. There were also trails on the property that we didn't get to. I would definitely recommend this campsite to anyone that is going to Scotland

Weekend Trip to Hazel Mount Fellside

Beautiful close to nature small site, not a vehicle in site. Wonderful views. The owner,Ruth, is a wonderful host with a real concern and plans for the natural surroundings.

Weekend Trip to The Old Chapel Campsite

Great wee stay at Ted’s land. My daughter and I had a lovely time at the old chapel campsite. Peaceful and quiet, lovely views. A nearby hike up Murton pike is also recommended and in close proximity. A less traveled part of the lakes but with all the sights and sounds your looking for. We hired a firepit and got some wood from Ted and that kept us busy enjoying the night. We were also very lucky to have met/fed two of the lambs that were on the land. My daughter loved that. Highly recommended -

7 nights at Kestrel Lodge Campsite

Amazing campsite, super friendly owners. Quiet and well located with your own fire pit.

2 nights at Social District

Absolutely loved this place ..had to leave early due to very poor weather unfortunately. The place was just perfect for us and will defo be back again in summer ..we loved it and so did our working cocker Stanley

Mandi

April 2025

1 night at West Highland Way Hotel & Campsite

Very friendly staff. Easy to find. Great facilities. Lovely walks right at back of premises. Only downside for me was the noise off other campers. People turning up and setting stuff up after 10 pm. Also loud group of lads. But I’m use to wild camping so maybe noise would be acceptable for most.

Weekend Trip to The Old Chapel Campsite

Me and partner would recommend this campsite so much! Ted was so lovely and let us feed the lambs which we loved. He was also super helpful when my partner had troubles with his car! Thank you so so much ted :)

Weekend Trip to Baystone Bank Farm Campsite

Friendly warden did what he could when we arrived. Views were amazing, campfires are a must at this site. The showers are nice and hot. Mostly clean even when it was wet. Would be good if they could advertise some local walks as these aren’t easily sign posted.

Dog-friendly getaways

Booked 2 times

Lake District Herdwick Huts

5 units · Glamping2 acres · 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.

83%

(3)

Stone Raise Bells

3 units · Glamping3 acres · Carlisle, England

Off-grid bell tents on a working farm in Cumbria’s Eden Valley

Booked 1 time

King Garth

1 unit · Glamping2 acres · 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.

100%

(1)

The Charcoal Huts - Isle of Bute

2 units · Glamping8 acres · England

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.

100%

(7)

Runach Arainn Glamping

3 units · Glamping1 acre · Kilmory, Scotland

A three-yurt luxury glamping site on the Isle of Arran, steps away from the beach

12 top campsites near Gatehouse-of-Fleet with campfires

98%

(66)

The Old Chapel Campsite

30 units · Tents1 acre · Murton, England

Nearly wild camping in the North Pennines

97%

(30)

Puddlemire

22 units · Glamping, Tents5 acres · Kirkby Lonsdale, England

Camping in countryside between the Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales

99%

(37)

Moss Rose Campsite

19 units · Glamping, Motorhomes, Tents8 acres · Pilling, Preston, England

We have a family friendly Quiet campsite in the heart of Lancashire on our family run farm. Our site is situated in a species rich meadow field with large mown Pitches surrounded by wild flowers and meandering pathways linking the site together. We are surrounded by a young trees & woodland with the back drop of the Pennines. We offer both glamping and traditional non EHU camping on our site and we have lovely hot showers, clean toilet facilities, fresh water point, pot wash area, phone charger lockers, communal freezers and our little honesty shack with all little camping essentials to might need whilst staying with us. We also hire out picnic benches and fire pits to help enhance your camping experience. We are a Quiet family site, with a Reduced Noise policy from 9 pm, and Quiet Time from 10 pm to 8.30 am. Our site has close links to the A6 and m6 J33. We are only 13 miles from the Historic city of Lancaster, the Bright lights of Blackpool and the jubilee city of Preston. 4 miles from the first fair trade market town of Garstang and 45 mins into the Lake District. There is also lots of interesting activities to do locally.

96%

(133)

Baystone Bank Farm Campsite

47 units · Motorhomes, Tents1 acre · 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

Beirhope Alpacas

11 units · Tents1 acre · Kelso, Scotland

A small, off-grid campsite with alpacas in the historically rich southern Scottish borders

100%

(9)

Howdy Glamping

10 units · Glamping, Motorhomes, Tents14 acres · Penrith, Cumbria, North West England

Sociable, eco-friendly glamping in the woods, 10 minutes' drive from the Lake District.

94%

(62)

Social District

30 units · Tents55 acres · Grizedale, Cumbria, North West England

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

80%

(33)

West Highland Way Hotel & Campsite

46 units · Glamping, Motorhomes, Tents10 acres · Glasgow, Lanarkshire, South Scotland

A welcoming campsite on the West Highland Way

93%

(126)

Moss Side Farm Campsite

33 units · Tents4 acres · Cumbria, North West England

Small-scale farm camping in the South Lakes, with campfires, wildlife and fine views

95%

(55)

Stanley Villa Farm Fishing& Camping

36 units · Glamping30 acres · 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

97%

(38)

Hazel Mount Fellside

5 units · Tents5 acres · Eskdale, Cumbria, North West England

Nearly wild camping on the western edge of the Lake District overlooking the Duddon Estuary

97%

(164)

Kestrel Lodge Campsite

11 units · Tents4 acres · Keswick, Cumbria, North West England

A family-friendly Lake District campsite, nestled between the quiet shores of Bassenthwaite Lake and the beautiful Cumbrian fells

Star Hosts in Gatehouse-of-Fleet

100%

(55)

Damson View Glamping

5 units · Glamping1 acre · Cumbria, North West England

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

100%

(23)

The Black Swan

3 units · Glamping1 acre · Kirkby Stephen, England

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.

100%

(5)

Cherish Glamping

7 units · Glamping27 acres · Hawes, North Yorkshire, North East England

Yurts with private bathrooms, hot tubs, and breakfast included, set in beautiful Wensleydale

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Campsites with campfires near Gatehouse-of-Fleet guide

Overview

Gatehouse-of-Fleet is situated in a National Scenic Area in the rural heart of Dumfries and Galloway, close to the southern edge of Galloway Forest Park. The town has earned UNESCO Biosphere community status in recognition of its efforts in sustainable tourism. The area is steeped in history, with local attractions including Cardoness Castle, a 15th-century fortified tower house, and the Mill on the Fleet, a former textile mill which is now a visitors' centre where you can discover the history of Gatehouse. There are opportunities for a variety of outdoor activities, including golf, sailing, mountain biking and fishing.

Where to go

Around Town

Gatehouse-of-Fleet is home to a number of shops and places to eat, and offers easy access to surrounding woodlands and beaches, making it an ideal base. Close to the centre of town, Anwoth Holiday Park is a quiet site with pitches for tents and tourers, as well as static holiday homes for hire.

Kirkcudbright

Known for its artists and fisherfolk, Kirkcudbright is a 15-minute drive east, on the banks of the River Dee. Cycling, hiking, fishing, golfing and swimming at the nearby, secluded Dhoon beach are a few favourite activities here. Seaward Holiday Park offers views of Kirkcudbright Bay and has pitches for tents and tourers, as well as glamping pods.

Galloway Forest Park

Under a 30-minute drive north of Gatehouse, Galloway Forest Park is a designated Dark Sky Park known for its excellent stargazing. Daytime activities include hillwalking, mountain biking and rock climbing. Inside the park, Glentrool Camping and Caravan Site has a tranquil setting and pitches for tents and tourers.

When to go

April through July is the most attractive period for visiting the area for enjoying outdoor activities. Daylight hours are long during these months, which means you can fit more hiking, biking and more into your day. Gala Week, beginning the last Sunday in July, is filled with festivities, including the Common Ridings, fireworks and a parade. Autumn infuses the countryside with rich colours and October through March is the best time for stargazing in Galloway Forest Park.

Know before you go

Wild camping is legal throughout Scotland as long as you follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.
While you can get around with local buses, having your own vehicle allows more access to more places. The closest railway station is in Dumfries (one hour by bus or 45 minutes by car) which has direct connections to Glasgow and over the border to Carlisle.
Not all campsites are open year-round: check dates before travelling. It’s a good idea to make reservations in advance if visiting during summer, especially Gala Week.