Campsites for hikers near Hamilton

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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. 

95% (98)

Top-rated campgrounds

Looking west at the end of the farm

9. Cleghorn Farm

100%
(10)
19km from Hamilton · 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.
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
from 
£10
 / night
Otter Moss Accommodation

15. Otter Moss Accommodation

100%
(8)
130km from Hamilton · 4 units · Glamping · Brampton, England
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
Potable water
Campfires
from 
£85
 / night
The Charcoal Huts - Isle of Bute

17. The Charcoal Huts - Isle of Bute

100%
(3)
70km from Hamilton · 2 units · Glamping · Scotland
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.
Pets
Potable water
Trash
from 
£85
 / night

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. 

95% (98)

Top-rated campgrounds

Looking west at the end of the farm

9. Cleghorn Farm

100%
(10)
19km from Hamilton · 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.
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
from 
£10
 / night
Otter Moss Accommodation

15. Otter Moss Accommodation

100%
(8)
130km from Hamilton · 4 units · Glamping · Brampton, England
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
Potable water
Campfires
from 
£85
 / night
The Charcoal Huts - Isle of Bute

17. The Charcoal Huts - Isle of Bute

100%
(3)
70km from Hamilton · 2 units · Glamping · Scotland
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.
Pets
Potable water
Trash
from 
£85
 / night

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Campsites for hikers near Hamilton guide

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.