Campsites near Rutherglen

·

Immediately south of Scotland’s biggest city, Rutherglen can be easily missed by visitors to Glasgow and the surrounding area. However, this attractive South Lanarkshire town set on the south bank of the River Clyde has a lot to offer visitors. The town’s broad Main Street is filled with interesting architecture, including Rutherglen Town Hall, which hosts arts and cultural activities, and Rutherglen also has a challenging moorland golf course, Cathkin Braes. It’s also a good base for heading into nearby countryside or starting the West Highland Way. Campers will find plenty of options within easy reach of the town.

The summer months are the best time to visit the area. While sunshine can never be guaranteed in this part of the world, you can, at least, long daylight hours. Winters can be chilly but relatively moderate: expect 4 p.m. sunsets, however. If planning to hike the West Highland Way, visiting in spring or autumn lets you avoid crowds.

94% (125) 214 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Rutherglen

Secluded Rural Farm Hideaway

1. Secluded Rural Farm Hideaway

100%
(15)
32km from Rutherglen · 7 units · Tents, Glamping
*PLEASE NOTE THE CABIN IS AVAILABLE FOR WEEKEND BOOKINGS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR. CAMPING OPEN FROM 1st May to End August* 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, all a gentle walk from the sites.
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
Loch Katrine Eco Camping

2. Loch Katrine Eco Camping

95%
(114)
47km from Rutherglen · 13 units · Motorhomes, Glamping
Loch-side sleeping and exploring in one of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park's most historic locations
Pets
Showers
Potable water
Muiredge

3. Muiredge

100%
(17)
59km from Rutherglen · 8 units
Rural glamping in a converted railway carriage, shepherd's hut, or bell tent in blissful Scotland
Pets
Showers
Campfires
St Conan's Escape

4. St Conan's Escape

100%
(13)
82km from Rutherglen · 2 units
Dog-friendly lodges on a Scottish mountainside with incredible loch views
Pets
Showers
Potable water
Troquhain Woods

5. Troquhain Woods

93%
(36)
82km from Rutherglen · 6 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Nearly wild camping for tents and campervans in a Scottish woodland
Pets
Campfires
Picnic table
Beirhope Alpacas

6. Beirhope Alpacas

98%
(145)
122km from Rutherglen · 8 units
A small, off-grid campsite with alpacas in the historically rich southern Scottish borders
Pets
Campfires
Showers
King Garth

7. King Garth

100%
(11)
126km from Rutherglen · 1 unit
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.
Pets
Campfires
Hot Tub
Port nan Gael Campsite

8. Port nan Gael Campsite

97%
(15)
127km from Rutherglen · 15 units · Tents, Motorhomes
A lochside campsite on the Isle of Mull
Pets
Showers
Full hookups
Hadrian's Wall Country Yurts

9. Hadrian's Wall Country Yurts

100%
(13)
133km from Rutherglen · 2 units
Two yurts with hot tubs in the Cumbrian countryside just a mile away from Hadrian’s Wall
Pets
Showers
Campfires
Cairn Meadow Pods

10. Cairn Meadow Pods

99%
(43)
142km from Rutherglen · 3 units
Glamping pods in Cumbria's secluded Eden Valley with views of the Pennines
Pets
Showers
Potable water
Otter Moss Accommodation

11. Otter Moss Accommodation

100%
(13)
142km from Rutherglen · 4 units
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
Howbeck Lodge

12. Howbeck Lodge

95%
(28)
143km from Rutherglen · 24 units · Tents, Motorhomes
A dog-friendly farm campsite on the northern edge of the Lake District
Pets
Showers
Water hookup
Red Deer Village Holiday Park

13. Red Deer Village Holiday Park

7.6km from Rutherglen · 10 units
Red Deer Village Holiday Park in Scotland is a 5 star holiday park, conveniently situated on the doorstep of Glasgow, just off the A80, one of Scotland’s main arterial routes to the North. The Scottish holiday park is close to a number of public transport links, with regular buses and trains into Glasgow city centre. he level and spacious caravan and campsite near Glasgow is the ideal base for a holiday in and around West Central Scotland, or as a stopover for a few days whilst touring. There are 24 hardstanding pitches with electric hookup, suitable for touring caravans and motorhomes. Our grass area has a number of spacious tent pitches, which are well served by immaculate facilities.
Electrical hookup
Pets
Craigmarloch Lodge

14. Craigmarloch Lodge

100%
(2)
19km from Rutherglen · 1 unit
A high-end glamping cabin with a hot tub on the edge of the Highlands
Pets
Showers
Hot Tub
West Highland Way Hotel & Campsite

15. West Highland Way Hotel & Campsite

82%
(36)
20km from Rutherglen · 44 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
A welcoming campsite on the West Highland Way
Pets
Campfires
Full hookups
Ayrshire Airstream

16. Ayrshire Airstream

100%
(2)
27km from Rutherglen · 1 unit
A seriously comfortable 1978 Airstream, complete with a hot tub, fire pit and its own bar.
Showers
Campfires
Hot Tub
Pirnie Lodge Farm

17. Pirnie Lodge Farm

100%
(2)
28km from Rutherglen · 3 units
Lodges with hot tubs in peaceful countryside near Falkirk
Pets
Showers
Hot Tub
Collierhall Farm

18. Collierhall Farm

81%
(21)
37km from Rutherglen · 5 units
Very quiet and easily accessible from the motorway (1 mile) The farm is set in 100 acres and has a mixture of caravans, motorhomes and tents. There is a golf course across the road and the world heritage site of New Lanark only 7 miles away. Edinburgh and Glasgow are also easily reached by car or train.
Pets
Showers
Potable water
Bracken Barns Glamping and Massage

19. Bracken Barns Glamping and Massage

56km from Rutherglen · 3 units
We are a family run, small glamping site situated on our nature -friendly farm near the town of Maybole and Ayr. Our quiet and small site makes the perfect relaxing getaway for couples, families & small groups looking for a quirky, yet comfortable stay in our Yurts and converted Double Decker Bru Bus. We also offer two communal fire pits, a large covered BBQ area, hammocks, onsite sauna and massage treatments, luxury extras such as breakfast packs and hampers. Nestled at the heart of the glorious South Ayrshire, we have created a little haven here on our farm for you to explore the jewel of Scotlands Ayrshire Coast coastline, villages, festivals and the Galloway Forest. Come and share our passion for eco-friendly holidays, close to nature, providing enough home comforts to ease you into Off-Grid living. We are also Proud Certified Members of The UNESCO Biosphere, promoting nature and sustainable ecological practice in our countryside.
Pets
Showers
Wifi
Culdees Castle Estate Glamping

20. Culdees Castle Estate Glamping

88%
(25)
61km from Rutherglen · 4 units
Luxury woodland cabins, each with a private hot tub, in the grounds of a Scottish castle
Showers
Campfires
Hot Tub

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

Rutherglen camping guide

Where to go

Strathclyde Country Park

A 15-minute drive south of Rutherglen, kayakers and windsurfers flock to Strathclyde Country Park to get in on the action at the Watersports Centre and on Strathclyde Loch. Within a short walking distance of the park, Strathclyde Country Park Caravan and Motorhome Club site has room for tents and tourers.

Stepps

Northeast of Glasgow City Centre, and a 20-minute drive from Rutherglen, Red Deer Village Holiday Park enjoys a countryside setting on the city’s doorstep. The site is well-placed for exploring the nearby Seven Lochs Wetland Park and has hardstanding pitches for caravans and motorhomes, a grass area with spacious tent pitches, and chalets and static caravans for hire.

West Highland Way

Travelers wishing to embark on the 96-mile (154-kilometer) West Highland Way trail can set up camp in the West Highland Way Campsite, situated directly on the route, 35 minutes north of Rutherglen. The site has grass and hardstanding pitches for caravans, motorhomes and tents, as well as a hut and furnished bell tents for hire.

Know before you go

  • Some campsites in the area are seasonal: check opening dates before traveling.
  • Wild camping is permitted throughout Scotland, as long as you follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.
  • The weather in Scotland is changeable, even in summer. Come prepared with warm, waterproof clothing.
  • Frequent trains connect Rutherglen with Glasgow in under 10 minutes. Glasgow itself is well-connected to the rest of Scotland (and England) by rail and bus. 
  • From groceries to camping gear, you’ll find anything you need in Glasgow’s shops. Start on Buchanan Street and the intersecting Sauchiehall Street.

Frequently Asked Questions

A 15-minute drive south of Rutherglen, kayakers and windsurfers flock to Strathclyde Country Park to get in on the action at the Watersports Centre and on Strathclyde Loch. Within a short walking distance of the park, Strathclyde Country Park Caravan and Motorhome Club site has room for tents and tourers. You can also explore different options for camping near Rutherglen on Hipcamp.

The summer months are the best time to visit the area. While sunshine can never be guaranteed in this part of the world, you can, at least, long daylight hours. Winters can be chilly but relatively moderate: expect 4 p.m. sunsets, however. If planning to hike the West Highland Way, visiting in spring or autumn lets you avoid crowds.

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Popular Rutherglen holidays