Campsites for hikers near Rutherglen

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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.

95% (102)

Top-rated campgrounds near Rutherglen

4. Oystercatcher Caravan

100%
(1)
123km from Rutherglen · 1 unit · Glamping
The 2 bedroom 35 x 12ft caravan is fully equipped for self-catering. With double glazing, central heating and an additional electric fire in the lounge it is warm throughout the year. The boiler also supplies constant hot water. Sorry we do not allow pets. Strictly no smoking or vaping is allowed in the caravan. The caravan can sleep up to 6 persons. Bedroom #1 - with standard size double bed (new mattress for 2025) with fitted wardrobes and cupboards. Bedroom #2 - with two single beds with cupboard space. The lounge sofa has a fold out double bed (new mattress for 2025). All bedding is provided. Lounge / Dining Room - the lounge has large windows and access to the veranda. The room also has fitted cupboards. The dining area has a circular table with 4 chairs. Kitchen - fully fitted with a gas cooker, microwave, fridge, kettle, toaster, pots and pans. Cooking utensils, a 6 piece dinner service and cutlery are also provided. Tea, coffee and sugar are supplied at the start of the holiday, but will not be replenished. Bathroom - with shower, toilet and washbasin. We do not supply towels. Additional - Outside table and 4 chairs. Also Fire and CO Alarms, Thermometer, Wall clock and Tide clock. An information pack of places to visit and eat is provided. The caravan is on the family run Monreith Sands Holiday Park with a great location on the beautiful Galloway coast. Sandy beaches are only a few 100m away. The generally calm waters of Luce Bay are great for swimming or kayaking. Nearby is a golf course plus historic sites and formal gardens. Although the Galloway Forest is know for being a Dark Sky Park and great for stargazing, the whole Machars peninsular is very dark. The Galloway Astronomy Centre (01988 500594) gives stargazing tours.
Showers
Potable water
Cooking equipment
from 
£65
 / night

10. Cleghorn Farm

100%
(11)
32km from Rutherglen · 15 units · Tents, Glamping
*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
Campfires
Potable water
from 
£10
 / night

12. Otter Moss Accommodation

100%
(8)
142km from Rutherglen · 4 units · Glamping
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
from 
£85
 / night

13. The Charcoal Huts - Isle of Bute

100%
(3)
58km from Rutherglen · 2 units · Glamping
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
from 
£85
 / night

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.

95% (102)

Top-rated campgrounds near Rutherglen

4. Oystercatcher Caravan

100%
(1)
123km from Rutherglen · 1 unit · Glamping
The 2 bedroom 35 x 12ft caravan is fully equipped for self-catering. With double glazing, central heating and an additional electric fire in the lounge it is warm throughout the year. The boiler also supplies constant hot water. Sorry we do not allow pets. Strictly no smoking or vaping is allowed in the caravan. The caravan can sleep up to 6 persons. Bedroom #1 - with standard size double bed (new mattress for 2025) with fitted wardrobes and cupboards. Bedroom #2 - with two single beds with cupboard space. The lounge sofa has a fold out double bed (new mattress for 2025). All bedding is provided. Lounge / Dining Room - the lounge has large windows and access to the veranda. The room also has fitted cupboards. The dining area has a circular table with 4 chairs. Kitchen - fully fitted with a gas cooker, microwave, fridge, kettle, toaster, pots and pans. Cooking utensils, a 6 piece dinner service and cutlery are also provided. Tea, coffee and sugar are supplied at the start of the holiday, but will not be replenished. Bathroom - with shower, toilet and washbasin. We do not supply towels. Additional - Outside table and 4 chairs. Also Fire and CO Alarms, Thermometer, Wall clock and Tide clock. An information pack of places to visit and eat is provided. The caravan is on the family run Monreith Sands Holiday Park with a great location on the beautiful Galloway coast. Sandy beaches are only a few 100m away. The generally calm waters of Luce Bay are great for swimming or kayaking. Nearby is a golf course plus historic sites and formal gardens. Although the Galloway Forest is know for being a Dark Sky Park and great for stargazing, the whole Machars peninsular is very dark. The Galloway Astronomy Centre (01988 500594) gives stargazing tours.
Showers
Potable water
Cooking equipment
from 
£65
 / night

10. Cleghorn Farm

100%
(11)
32km from Rutherglen · 15 units · Tents, Glamping
*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
Campfires
Potable water
from 
£10
 / night

12. Otter Moss Accommodation

100%
(8)
142km from Rutherglen · 4 units · Glamping
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
from 
£85
 / night

13. The Charcoal Huts - Isle of Bute

100%
(3)
58km from Rutherglen · 2 units · Glamping
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
from 
£85
 / night

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Campsites for hikers near Rutherglen 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.