Campsites near Thornhill

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In the heart of Dumfries and Galloway, Thornhill is a small town with a long history, having been founded in the 1600s. The town is home to attractive broad streets and Victorian villas. Just north is Drumlanrig Castle, one of Scotland’s grandest 17th-century renaissance buildings, which, although a private residence, is open to the public. There are numerous opportunities for outdoor activities, such as exploring waymarked walking trails, cycling on mountain bike trails and golfing on Thornhill’s 18-hole golf course. Land Rover tours of the Nithsdale countryside and wildlife spotting are other popular activities. 

96% (133) 527 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Thornhill

Troquhain Woods

1. Troquhain Woods

93%
(36)
25km from Thornhill · 6 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Nearly wild camping for tents and campervans in a Scottish woodland
Pets
Campfires
Picnic table
Secluded Rural Farm Hideaway

2. Secluded Rural Farm Hideaway

100%
(15)
51km from Thornhill · 7 units · Tents, Glamping
*PLEASE NOTE THE CABIN IS AVAILABLE FOR WEEKEND BOOKINGS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR. CAMPING OPEN FROM 1st May to End August* 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, all a gentle walk from the sites.
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
King Garth

3. King Garth

100%
(11)
59km from Thornhill · 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
Hadrian's Wall Country Yurts

4. Hadrian's Wall Country Yurts

100%
(13)
73km from Thornhill · 2 units
Two yurts with hot tubs in the Cumbrian countryside just a mile away from Hadrian’s Wall
Pets
Showers
Campfires
Howbeck Lodge

5. Howbeck Lodge

95%
(28)
74km from Thornhill · 24 units · Tents, Motorhomes
A dog-friendly farm campsite on the northern edge of the Lake District
Pets
Showers
Water hookup
Cairn Meadow Pods

6. Cairn Meadow Pods

99%
(44)
77km from Thornhill · 3 units
Glamping pods in Cumbria's secluded Eden Valley with views of the Pennines
Pets
Showers
Potable water
Otter Moss Accommodation

7. Otter Moss Accommodation

100%
(13)
78km from Thornhill · 4 units
Otter Moss Accommodation offers a variety of upscale camping options suitable for couples, families, and groups. Nestled within a picturesque 12-acre former farm, the majority of the site surrounds a spacious meadow. Additionally, the site boasts a charming small lake featuring three islands and a rowing boat for leisurely water activities. Situated at the northern edge of the stunning Eden Valley, guests can enjoy sweeping views of the Cumbrian Fells, with visibility extending to the Solway Firth and the Lake District on clear days. The Lake District is a convenient 40-minute drive away, while various sections of Hadrian's Wall are even closer, reachable within a 15-minute drive. Carlisle and the M6 motorway to Scotland are both just 20 minutes away, with the picturesque market town of Brampton also within a 15-minute drive and offering its own attractions. Local pubs are plentiful in the area, with a diverse selection available within a five-mile radius. Accommodation units at Otter Moss come equipped with heating, kitchen utensils, and stoves, ensuring guests' comfort and convenience. Each unit also includes firepits or barbecues, as well as bedding and towels for a hassle-free stay.
Pets
Showers
Campfires
Ewe Love Camping Pods

8. Ewe Love Camping Pods

98%
(115)
85km from Thornhill · 3 units
Modern Lake District glamping pods among the trees, with exceptional views of Blencathra
Pets
Showers
Potable water
Beirhope Alpacas

9. Beirhope Alpacas

98%
(147)
91km from Thornhill · 8 units
A small, off-grid campsite with alpacas in the historically rich southern Scottish borders
Pets
Campfires
Showers
Moss Side Farm Campsite

10. Moss Side Farm Campsite

94%
(135)
112km from Thornhill · 25 units
Small-scale farm camping in the South Lakes, with campfires, wildlife and fine views
Pets
Campfires
Showers
The Old Chapel Campsite

11. The Old Chapel Campsite

97%
(119)
113km from Thornhill · 30 units
Nearly wild camping in the North Pennines
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
Hazel Mount Fellside

12. Hazel Mount Fellside

98%
(50)
113km from Thornhill · 5 units
Nearly wild camping on the western edge of the Lake District overlooking the Duddon Estuary
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
Baystone Bank Farm Campsite

13. Baystone Bank Farm Campsite

96%
(157)
113km from Thornhill · 37 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Lake District camping on a working farm with a stream to splash in, campfires encouraged and a horse-riding centre on the doorstep
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
The Damson Shepherd's Hut

14. The Damson Shepherd's Hut

98%
(64)
115km from Thornhill · 1 unit
A shepherd's hut for two in the lesser-known Lyth Valley, four miles from Lake Windermere
Showers
Campfires
Potable water
Church Lane Campsite

15. Church Lane Campsite

95%
(11)
116km from Thornhill · 36 units
Time for a slice of the simple life? Grab a peaceful Lake District pitch at Church Lane Campsite and immerse yourselves in proper scenic countryside with few distractions. This back to basics site has life’s essentials in place – in the form of drinking water, toilets and showers – but hasn’t gone overboard with other facilities, so you’ll simply be left to set up your space and soak up the gorgeous views of the surrounding countryside. Pitches here are on grass with trees around the field to provide a bit of shelter and shade – and the views are pretty much green as far as you can see. This setting gives the place a remote atmosphere that’s well suited to adventurous travellers, nature lovers and serenity-seeking couples or families. That said, it’s not actually all that remote – handily, you’ll be able to drive to Kendal in about 10 minutes for cultural attractions, shops and places to eat, and popular Windermere is about the same distance in the other direction. Closer still are a smart rural restaurant and the little village of Crook, a mile away and the home of the local pub – both excellent options for a good feed.
Showers
Potable water
Picnic table
Muiredge

16. Muiredge

100%
(17)
117km from Thornhill · 8 units
Rural glamping in a converted railway carriage, shepherd's hut, or bell tent in blissful Scotland
Pets
Showers
Campfires
Stock Park Lakeside Camping

17. Stock Park Lakeside Camping

92%
(97)
118km from Thornhill · 15 units
Lake District camping on the banks of Lake Windermere, with direct access to the water.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
Loch Katrine Eco Camping

18. Loch Katrine Eco Camping

95%
(114)
118km from Thornhill · 13 units · Motorhomes, Glamping
Loch-side sleeping and exploring in one of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park's most historic locations
Pets
Showers
Potable water
Fairy Bell Wood

19. Fairy Bell Wood

100%
(12)
122km from Thornhill · 1 unit
An off-grid yurt in a private woodland between the Lakes and the Dales
Showers
Campfires
Potable water
The Black Swan

20. The Black Swan

100%
(27)
124km from Thornhill · 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

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

Thornhill camping guide

Where to go

Around Town

Staying in Thornhill puts you within easy reach of such attractions as Caerlaverock Castle and Ae Forest. Just south of town, set amid rolling hills and minutes from the 7stanes mountain biking centre, Oakbank Farm Campsite has pitches for tents, caravans and motorhomes, as well as a self-catering cottage.

Dumfries

A 30-minute drive south of Thornhill, attractions in the busy town of Dumfries include the Robert Burns Centre, home to the poet’s manuscripts and belongings, and Sweetheart Abbey where he composed some of his best poems. Just a few minutes west of the town centre, Barnsoul Caravan Park offers camping, glamping and touring in wildlife-filled woodland.

Wanlockhead

Under a 30-minute drive north of Thornhill, Wanlockhead is Scotland’s highest village. The Southern Upland Way long distance footpath passes through the village as it travels from Portpatrick in the west to Cockburnspath in the east. A few minutes north of the village, the small campsite at Lettershaws Farm has pitches set in rolling hills.

When to go

The long daylight hours and promise of good weather of the April through August period makes it the most popular time to visit Thornhill and the surrounding Dumfries and Galloway region—make site reservations in advance if travelling during school summer holidays. If you are planning to hike the Southern Upland Way, which passes nearby, spring or autumn is best for avoiding the biggest crowds.

Know before you go

  • Wild camping is legal throughout Scotland as long as you follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.
  • There is a train station in Dumfries (15 miles or 24 kilometres away) with direct connections to Glasgow and over the border to Carlisle. 
  • The weather in Scotland is always changeable, even in summer. Come prepared with warm, waterproof clothing.
  • Don’t worry if you forgot something, Thornhill has plenty of well-stocked shops. You’ll find bigger supermarkets and a few outdoor gear shops in Dumfries.

Frequently Asked Questions

The most popular time to visit Thornhill and the surrounding Dumfries and Galloway region is from April through August. It is advisable to make site reservations in advance if travelling during school summer holidays.

Thornhill offers opportunities for outdoor activities such as exploring waymarked walking trails, cycling on mountain bike trails, and golfing on Thornhill’s 18-hole golf course. Land Rover tours of the Nithsdale countryside and wildlife spotting are also popular activities in Thornhill.

Yes, wild camping is legal throughout Scotland, including near Thornhill, as long as you follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. You can also explore different options for camping near Thornhill on Hipcamp.

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Popular Thornhill holidays