The best star host 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. 

100% (39) 66 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Thornhill

4. Otter Moss Accommodation

100%
(8)
78km from Thornhill · 4 units · Glamping
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
from 
£85
 / night

5. The Black Swan

100%
(26)
124km from Thornhill · 3 units · Glamping
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

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. 

100% (39) 66 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Thornhill

4. Otter Moss Accommodation

100%
(8)
78km from Thornhill · 4 units · Glamping
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
from 
£85
 / night

5. The Black Swan

100%
(26)
124km from Thornhill · 3 units · Glamping
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

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The best star host campsites near Thornhill 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.