The best pets off leash campsites near Lanark, Lanarkshire

For an unassuming town surrounded by farmland in the Central Belt of Scotland, Lanark has an outsize place in Scottish history. It was here that William Wallace led a 1297 uprising against the English, while, just below the town, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of New Lanark tells the story of the utopian idealist Robert Owen, who created a model industrial community here in the early 19th century. Those with a love for the outdoors will find plenty of nearby opportunities for adventure, including the Falls of Clyde Wildlife Reserve, Lanark Loch and Corehouse Nature Reserve.

84% (20) • 45 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Lanark

For an unassuming town surrounded by farmland in the Central Belt of Scotland, Lanark has an outsize place in Scottish history. It was here that William Wallace led a 1297 uprising against the English, while, just below the town, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of New Lanark tells the story of the utopian idealist Robert Owen, who created a model industrial community here in the early 19th century. Those with a love for the outdoors will find plenty of nearby opportunities for adventure, including the Falls of Clyde Wildlife Reserve, Lanark Loch and Corehouse Nature Reserve.

84% (20) • 45 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Lanark

1. King Garth

100%

(9)

99km from Lanark · 1 unit · Glamping

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. West Highland Way Hotel & Campsite

82%

(36)

47km from Lanark · 46 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping

A welcoming campsite on the West Highland Way

3. Grinsdale Campsite

101km from Lanark · 1 unit · Tent, Motorhome

Wild camping with water and toilets on site, also the King Charles coastal path, just 2 minutes from Hadrians Wall and next to the River Eden.

4. Rowan Retreat

128km from Lanark · 1 unit · Glamping

Shepherd's hut in idylic location with extensive views under dark skies,set on its own in a private 5 acre field amidst nature,semi off grid,decking under a canopy,firepit area, centrally located for Lake District,Yorkshire Dales, Northumberland and Scottish borders.

5. Lake District Herdwick Huts

100%

(1)

148km from Lanark · 5 units · Glamping

You will not find a more stunning place to stay and explore within the UK. Set in the very heart of the Lake District National Park, there is good reason why this magnificent location inspired the poet William Wordsworth to commit some of his most world-renowned poetry to paper. These beautiful huts are nestled underneath the Fairfield horseshoe mountain range and Nab scar, so there is no need to drive anywhere for the finest mountain hikes. With Rydal Lake, a wild swimmers hot spot, and waterfalls and plunge pools on site, it really is hard to beat! You will not find a more stunning place to stay and explore within the UK. Set in the very heart of the Lake District National Park, there is good reason why this magnificent location inspired the poet William Wordsworth to commit some of his most world-renowned poetry to paper. Grasmere is on the doorstep, voted one of the top places to visit in the Lake District, with the famous '‘Coffin route’ walk offering a spectacular lake and mountain view stroll straight from your hut door. With low level to high level walks exploring the Lakes from Rydal caters for everyone. Ambleside and Grasmere are both walking distance for cafes, restaurants and cinemas and Rydal offers scenic off-road strolls to arrive by. Each with fresh linen, wood burning stove and cast iron gas hob, you are sure to be comfortable even in the thick of winter.

6. Middlemoor Farm Holidays

100%

(1)

131km from Lanark · 2 units · Glamping

Bracken, one of our two dog friendly pods, kingsize bed, toilet and shower, hob, microwave, fridge, toaster, kettle. Enclosed outdoor space with fire pit, bbq and Log fired hottub to relax in and enjoy the views down to the coast. A ten minute drive to the fabulous Northumberland coastline and pretty villages and Castles, ten minute drive also to Alnwick Gardens and Lilidorei.

7. Pirnie Lodge Farm

100%

(2)

27km from Lanark · 3 units · Glamping

Lodges with hot tubs in peaceful countryside near Falkirk

8. Bamburgh Under Canvas

90%

(5)

131km from Lanark · 5 units · Glamping

Luxury Lotus Belle tent glamping with sweeping views, within walking distance of Bamburgh town and castle (and beach)

9. Old Rectory Howick

142km from Lanark · 2 units · Glamping

The Old Rectory is surrounded by farmland near to Howick Village. Close to the Northumberland Coast we are within walking distance of the Howick Hall Gardens and the seaside Village of Craster. Our Bell Tent and Shepherd's Hut allow you to get close to local wildlife including Hares and Rabbits. Roe deer, hedgehogs, pheasants and songbirds.

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp 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 :)

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.

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

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

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.

T

Tim

May 2025

2 nights at Bamburgh Under Canvas

Beautiful quiet site. The tent felt entirely private/separate from the few others on the site. Well equipped and comfortable. Perfectly located for exploring the North East coast. Campbell was really helpful and made our stay great. Couldn't recommend more!

K

Kyle & Sarah

April 2025

4 m Class B

1 night at West Highland Way Hotel & Campsite

It was amazing! The view of the surrounding fells and farms was so tranquil and peaceful. Andrew was a friendly and helpful host. The property was beautiful and there was a good community of campers there that socialized over breakfast. There were also trails on the property that we didn't get to. I would definitely recommend this campsite to anyone that is going to Scotland

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.

Dan

January 2025

2 nights at Pirnie Lodge Farm

From the minute we arrived Anne was welcoming and gave us all the information to do with the lodge, the lodge itself was spotless and felt homely from the minute we walked in. Anne also left a welcome pack which was an added bonus, the hot tub was ready on arrival and Anne also shown us how to use this before leaving Anne gave us recommendations on places to visit and where we could go for days out, we were recommended the milk barn which was delicious, the ice cream and milkshakes were perfect! We would also recommend going there! Thank you Anne, we love our stays

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best pets off leash campsites near Lanark guide

Where to go

New Lanark

From its visitor center, you can explore the complex of cotton mills that formed the model community of New Lanark. It’s also the gateway to the Falls of Clyde Wildlife Reserve, which has a network of trails for viewing spectacular waterfalls and wildlife including badgers, otters and more than 100 bird species. Just a 15-minute drive north of New Lanark, Clyde Valley Caravan Park is mostly used for holiday homes and static caravans but also has room for motorhomes, caravans and tents.

Covington

The 25-mile (40-kilometer) Lanark, Tinto and Covington cycle route takes you along country roads, through rural landscapes and Lanarkshire’s best scenery. At the end of the route, Covington is an attractive hamlet of thatched cottages. A few miles east of Covington, Biggar Caravan Park has pitches for caravans, tourers and tents.

Douglas

A 20-minute drive south of Lanark, the village of Douglas has historical significance, due to its association with the Lords of Douglas. You can soak up the area’s history on the 3.5-mile (5.6-kilometer) Douglas Historic Walking Route, which takes you along ancient streets and into the surrounding countryside. Four miles (6.4 kilometers) northeast of Douglas, Collierhall Farm is a tranquil campsite set on a small working farm with grass and hardstanding pitches for motorhomes and caravans.

When to go

For the best chance of good weather, mid-summer, from June through August, is the ideal time to visit Lanark, and the entire Central Lowland region. This is also a lovely time to explore the Clyde Valley, which is carpeted in wildflowers during the spring and summer, and the Falls of Clyde Wildlife Reserve. If you’re passing through on your way to begin the West Highland Way, which begins nearby, spring or autumn is best for avoiding crowds.

Know before you go

Wild camping is allowed throughout Scotland, as long as you follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.
The weather in Scotland is always changeable, even in summer. Come prepared with warm, waterproof clothing.
Bus services connect Lanark to the surrounding area, as well as Glasgow. Lanark railway station also provides links to several destinations including Glasgow.
You’ll find a choice of supermarkets in the town center.