Campsites near Hamilton
At the head of the Clyde Valley, the historic town of Hamilton offers easy access to the great outdoors.
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Campsites near Hamilton guide
Overview
Set on the southern bank of the mighty River Clyde where it meets the River Avon, Hamilton lies at the heart of Lanarkshire. Easy to reach from Glasgow (just 19 kilometres away) and Edinburgh (56 kilometres away), Hamilton is surrounded by green spaces, including Strathclyde Country Park and Chatelherault Country Park, as well as a couple of golf courses. The town itself has a network of cycle paths and attractions that include the Hamilton Mausoleum, on the grounds of the now-demolished Hamilton Palace, and a popular horse racing track.
Where to go
Strathclyde Country Park
Less than a 10-minute drive north of Hamilton, Strathclyde Country Park is home to the remains of a Roman fort and bath house, as well as the M&Ds theme park. The park’s Watersports Centre and Strathclyde Loch are popular spots with kayakers and windsurfers, while events such as rowing competitions and guided nature walks are held throughout the year. On the edge of Parkland around the park, an array of holiday parks have room for tents and tourers.
Stepps
On the northeastern outskirts of Glasgow, the town of Stepps is handy for accessing the excitement of Scotland’s biggest city, as well as the nearby Seven Lochs Wetland Park, which has quiet woodland trails with views of the Campsies and Loch Lomond. Here, holiday parks and campgrounds have hardstanding pitches for caravans, as well as grassy areas with spacious tent pitches and selection of self-catering accommodation, including chalets and onsite caravans.
Lanark
Twenty-four kilometres south of Hamilton, Lanark offers quick access to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of New Lanark and the Falls of Clyde Wildlife Reserve, which has a network of trails from which you can view waterfalls and wildlife like badgers, otters, and more than 100 bird species. Outside of town, campgrounds offer onsite caravans, plus spacious areas for touring motorhomes, vans, and tents.
When to go
The summer months are the best time to visit Scotland's Central Lowlands. While sunny days can't be guaranteed, daylight hours are long and, when the sun does shine, the wildflower-carpeted Clyde Valley glows with rich colours—especially in fall. Winters can be chilly but are typically fairly moderate and offer the chance to spot otters in the Falls of Clyde Wildlife Reserve. If planning to continue along the West Highland Way, which begins nearby, spring or fall is best for avoiding crowds.
Know before you go
- Some private campsites in the area are seasonal—check opening dates before travelling.
- The weather in Scotland is always changeable, even in summer. Come prepared with warm, waterproof clothing.
- Hamilton has three railway stations with connections to Motherwell, Glasgow, and Lanark. Hamilton bus station services the surrounding area, as well as Edinburgh and some parts of England.
- You’ll find a choice of supermarkets in the town center, as well as a camping store close to Hamilton Central railway station.