Riverside glamping near Musselburgh, East Lothian

Just five miles (eight kilometres) east of Edinburgh, the historic town of Musselburgh makes for a tranquil getaway from the capital city. Lying along the shores of the Firth of Forth, Musselburgh offers easy access to the beaches of Portobello and Joppa and is home to three golf clubs, including one of the world’s oldest. The town’s racecourse track, attractively situated on a meadow, is also a major draw. From simple caravan pitches glamping lodges with hot tubs, campers will find plenty to pick from.

86% (41)

Top-rated campgrounds

Just five miles (eight kilometres) east of Edinburgh, the historic town of Musselburgh makes for a tranquil getaway from the capital city. Lying along the shores of the Firth of Forth, Musselburgh offers easy access to the beaches of Portobello and Joppa and is home to three golf clubs, including one of the world’s oldest. The town’s racecourse track, attractively situated on a meadow, is also a major draw. From simple caravan pitches glamping lodges with hot tubs, campers will find plenty to pick from.

86% (41)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. King Garth

100%

(9)

113km from Musselburgh · 1 unit · Glamping · 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.

2. Camping at Cardewlees

99%

(47)

122km from Musselburgh · 37 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Carlisle, England

A welcoming, family-run farm campsite between the Lake District and Hadrian's Wall

3. Culdees Castle Estate Glamping

88%

(25)

63km from Musselburgh · 5 units · Glamping · Perthshire , Scotland

Luxury woodland cabins, each with a private hot tub, in the grounds of a Scottish castle

4. West Highland Way Hotel & Campsite

82%

(36)

80km from Musselburgh · 46 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Glasgow, Lanarkshire, South Scotland

A welcoming campsite on the West Highland Way

5. Cleghorn Farm

100%

(10)

52km from Musselburgh · 15 units · Tents, Glamping · Lanark, Scotland

*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.

6. Organic Welltree

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(2)

61km from Musselburgh · 2 units · Glamping · England

Welcome to Organic Welltree's beautiful eco-friendly yurts. Looking for a place to stay in the heart of Scotland, Perthshire for that perfect organic, vegetarian or vegan holiday? Come and enjoy our unique rooms in Scottish design or try luxury glamping and back-to-nature living in our well equipped yurts like a Home from home no matter where you’re from, a place to relax, enjoy nature and escape from the city.

7. Garden Yurt in a hidden glen

100%

(3)

93km from Musselburgh · 1 unit · Glamping · England

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

8. Ayrshire Airstream

100%

(2)

92km from Musselburgh · 1 unit · Glamping · Irvine, Scotland

A seriously comfortable 1978 Airstream, complete with a hot tub, fire pit and its own bar.

Camper favorites near Musselburgh

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

West Highland Way Hotel & Campsite

82%

(36)

80km from Musselburgh · 46 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Glasgow, Lanarkshire, South Scotland

A welcoming campsite on the West Highland Way

Cleghorn Farm

100%

(10)

52km from Musselburgh · 15 units · Tents, Glamping · Lanark, Scotland

*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.

Organic Welltree

100%

(2)

61km from Musselburgh · 2 units · Glamping · England

Welcome to Organic Welltree's beautiful eco-friendly yurts. Looking for a place to stay in the heart of Scotland, Perthshire for that perfect organic, vegetarian or vegan holiday? Come and enjoy our unique rooms in Scottish design or try luxury glamping and back-to-nature living in our well equipped yurts like a Home from home no matter where you’re from, a place to relax, enjoy nature and escape from the city.

Garden Yurt in a hidden glen

100%

(3)

93km from Musselburgh · 1 unit · Glamping · England

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

Ayrshire Airstream

100%

(2)

92km from Musselburgh · 1 unit · Glamping · Irvine, Scotland

A seriously comfortable 1978 Airstream, complete with a hot tub, fire pit and its own bar.

Stories from the community

E

Ellen

October 2025

Group trip

Weekend Trip to King Garth

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 :)

V

Virginia

October 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Camping at Cardewlees

Lovely location, beautiful views. Comfortable pod and great with enclosed garden for the dog. Good facilities too.

S

Sean

August 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to King Garth

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.

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.

L

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 :)

K

Kirsten

August 2025

2 nights at King Garth

We loved staying at the beautiful King Garth, the hot tub was perfect after getting the fire going and sitting in candle light, in front of the fire is the most comforting feeling in the world. A very quiet and peaceful sight with gorgeous views and riverside walks with a pub about 30 mins walk away. We did get lost on the way to the cottage so make sure to follow the map to cargo village and not the middle of a field on the other side of the river 🤣 We even got to feed alpacas and theyre very funny little characters and very friendly. We will be staying again and very recommended

C

Chris

August 2025

Weekend Trip to Organic Welltree

We had a fantastic stay at Organic Welltree in the Bramble yurt. Lovely people, lovely setting and very nice accommodation. If you’re looking for a weekend escape this is a great, affordable option. We’ll definitely visit again.

H

Harrison

July 2025

Weekend Trip to King Garth

What an incredible piece of land. The house holds so much history and retains so much of the original charm. The privacy, quietness, and abundant nature was incredibly therapeutic and relaxing. Jane was great at communicating and we had no issues with anything.

L

Lucy

June 2025

Weekend Trip to King Garth

Absolutely beautiful place to stay. Had everything we needed and sitting by candlelight was lovely

L

Lorna

June 2025

With pets

4 nights at Organic Welltree

I loved my 4 night break in the Bramble Yurt. The yurt was clean and cosy. I did have the stove burner on due to the weather being so good. The bathroom shed was clean and fresh. The fridge was a god send considering the temperature reach a high of 27 degrees. I had a relaxing time sitting in the fresh air watching the wild life and the world go by. I would highly recommend Organic Welltree. I shall definitely go back. I wish to thanks them for my time at Kirkland.

H

HEATHER

June 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to West Highland Way Hotel & Campsite

A lovely wee site with various accommodation options, the staff are super helpful.

Pridie

June 2025

With pets

1 night at King Garth

This is a very special place. A chance to step back in time and live simply - supper by candlelight, games played beside a roaring fire, dips in the river. We visited when the elder was full in blossom and the willows whispered full-leafed in the wind. Walking along the river edge was like exploring the mangroves in tropical rainforest - a magical experience for kids, dogs and adults alike! We feel like we've just slipped back into history, sat in the window watching the river, we half expected to see boats carrying cargo past to Carlisle... Go prepared to step back in time and live simply. Everything you need is provided - candles, wood, crockery - there is a woodfired tub that you can heat yourselves, a beautifully simple kitchen set up with a water system that is carefully thought out, and a compost loo.

M

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.

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Riverside glamping near Musselburgh guide

Where to go

In Town

The eastern side of Musselburgh is home to the Royal Musselburgh Golf Course and such attractions as the Prestongrange industrial and heritage museum. Close to where the 134-mile (216-kilometer) John Muir Way coast-to-coast walking and cycling route passes, Drummohr Holiday Park has pitches for tents and tourers, as well as a range of glamping options, from pods to bothy-style cabins and lodges with hot tubs.

Gullane

Twelve miles (19 kilometres) east along the coast, the little village of Gullane is home to one of East Lothian’s most beautiful beaches, the sand dune-backed Gullane Bay (a top choice for wild swimming), as well as several golf courses. Lying between Musselburgh and Gullane, the family-friendly Seton Sands Holiday Park has its own nine-hole course, as well as a heated indoor swimming pool.

Pentland Hills

The sprawling Pentland Hills Regional Park lies 10 miles (16 kilometres) southwest of Musselburgh and has more than 62 miles (100 kilometres) of waymarked foot, cycle and horseback paths. At the park’s northeastern point, Mortonhall Caravan and Camping Park has grass and hardstanding pitches for tents, motorhomes, campervans and caravans, as well as a selection of glamping pods.

When to go

This stretch of coast along the Firth of Forth is known for its often sunny conditions. A summer visit is the best time to enjoy it at its best and take advantage of the opportunities for swimming, hiking, golfing and more. This is also the busy season, however, especially over the Scottish school holidays in July and August. September is a good alternative as the biggest crowds will have gone but the weather should still be warm.

Know before you go

If choosing to wild camp, be sure to adhere to the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.
You can reach Musselburgh in just five minutes by train from Edinburgh; by bus it takes around 30 minutes. Local buses can also connect you to attractions along the coast, including Gullane and North Berwick.
You can easily stock up on groceries at Musselburgh’s well-stocked supermarkets. If you can’t find something, Edinburgh is just minutes away.