94% (178) • 200 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Edinburgh
Cleghorn Farm
1. Cleghorn Farm
100%
(11)
46km from Edinburgh · 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
Muiredge
2. Muiredge
100%
(16)
52km from Edinburgh · 8 units
Rural glamping in a converted railway carriage, shepherd's hut, or bell tent in blissful Scotland
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£100
/ night
Beirhope Alpacas
3. Beirhope Alpacas
98%
(137)
74km from Edinburgh · 11 units
A small, off-grid campsite with alpacas in the historically rich southern Scottish borders
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£20
/ night
Loch Katrine Eco Camping
4. Loch Katrine Eco Camping
95%
(113)
83km from Edinburgh · 22 units · Motorhomes, Glamping
Loch-side sleeping and exploring in one of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park's most historic locations
Pets
Electrical hookup
Showers
from
£12
/ night
Troquhain Woods
5. Troquhain Woods
92%
(33)
110km from Edinburgh · 6 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Nearly wild camping for tents and campervans in a Scottish woodland
Pets
Campfires
Picnic table
from
£25
/ night
Hadrian's Wall Country Yurts
6. Hadrian's Wall Country Yurts
100%
(13)
112km from Edinburgh · 2 units
Two yurts with hot tubs in the Cumbrian countryside just a mile away from Hadrian’s Wall
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£210
/ night
Walkmill Campsite
7. Walkmill Campsite
98%
(122)
119km from Edinburgh · 10 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Refreshingly understated private camping in the unspoiled Northumberland countryside
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£25
/ night
Camping at Cardewlees
8. Camping at Cardewlees
99%
(47)
123km from Edinburgh · 37 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
A welcoming, family-run farm campsite between the Lake District and Hadrian's Wall
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from
£16
/ night
Cairn Meadow Pods
9. Cairn Meadow Pods
99%
(42)
124km from Edinburgh · 4 units
Glamping pods in Cumbria's secluded Eden Valley with views of the Pennines
Pets
Showers
Potable water
from
£98
/ night
St Conan's Escape
10. St Conan's Escape
100%
(13)
126km from Edinburgh · 4 units
Dog-friendly lodges on a Scottish mountainside with incredible loch views
Pets
Showers
Potable water
from
£144
/ night
Howbeck Lodge
11. Howbeck Lodge
94%
(27)
136km from Edinburgh · 29 units · Tents, Motorhomes
A dog-friendly farm campsite on the northern edge of the Lake District
Pets
Showers
Water hookup
from
£30
/ night
Cairngorms Glamping and Campsite
12. Cairngorms Glamping and Campsite
97%
(57)
137km from Edinburgh · 10 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Pitches and pods in the Cairngorms National Park
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£33
/ night
Tyne View Camping
13. Tyne View Camping
100%
(17)
142km from Edinburgh · 15 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Tyne View Camping is a peaceful spot in Tyne and Wear, not far from Hedley on the Hill village. It's on a farm run by David and his family, who welcome guests to enjoy the beautiful countryside views.
You can see the Tyne Valley from the camping pitches, which is great for stargazing at night. The site is basic with just water taps and toilets, no showers, but there's lots of space for kids and dogs to play.
You're allowed to bring a barbecue or firepit for cooking, and you can buy supplies in Prudhoe nearby. Or, you can walk to Hedley on the Hill for a meal at a top-notch pub.
There are plenty of things to do nearby, like walking in the woods, playing golf, or trying gliding. You can also visit Hadrian’s Wall, Newcastle upon Tyne, or explore the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty for a varied and enjoyable break.Also this June we will be open for the Sam Fender weekend ie June 12 til the 16th if anyone wants to camp £20 a night plus a taxi for £20
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
from
£20
/ night
Pirnie Lodge Farm
14. Pirnie Lodge Farm
100%
(2)
39km from Edinburgh · 3 units
Lodges with hot tubs in peaceful countryside near Falkirk
Pets
Showers
Hot Tub
from
£152
/ night
Esk Yurt
15. Esk Yurt
100%
(5)
40km from Edinburgh · 1 unit
Adult only yurt glamping in the Scottish Borders with exceptional views, hiking trails, and wild swimming
Showers
Potable water
from
£130
/ night
Dod Mill Fishing Hut
16. Dod Mill Fishing Hut
41km from Edinburgh · 1 unit
Artistic riverside cabins in the grounds of a 17th-century watermill
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£150
/ night
The Snug at Logie Farm
17. The Snug at Logie Farm
100%
(7)
47km from Edinburgh · 1 unit
Luxury glamping pods with all mod cons, with an elevated position overlooking the River Tay.
Pets
Showers
Hot Tub
from
£275
/ night
Fernlea - Campsite & Pod
18. Fernlea - Campsite & Pod
100%
(2)
50km from Edinburgh · 7 units · Motorhomes, Glamping
Welcome to Fernlea. We would love to have you visit us, either on our 5 pitch campsite for motorhomes and caravans, or in 2025 to our new luxury glamping pod.
Fernlea is our home in the heart of an agricultural plain called “The Carse of Gowrie,” which runs for 20 miles or so along the River Tay between Perth and Dundee. It’s a beautiful area that we hope you will love too.
We are a short walk from the village of Errol, with access to lovely walks along the Tay. We are adjacent to the local bus route (just stick your arm out!), the Sustrans cycle route 77, plus only a mile or so from the A90 Perth to Dundee / Aberdeen road. We are perfect for both a short stopover and a longer break with a fascinating local area to explore.
All pitches have hard standing, water on each pitch, grey waste disposal adjacent to the pitch, and a 10 or 16 amp electric supply with a chemical toilet waste tank with rinsing tap behind our garage.
We are also within easy access to Fife and the southern area of the Highlands. Walkers and bird watchers will find many footpaths by the River Tay and can climb the local hills to see buzzards, hawks, ducks, and migrating geese throughout the seasons.
Any visitors requiring repairs or accessories for their van will find the large Perthshire Caravan dealership nearby. Every Sunday, one of Scotland’s largest car boot sales and markets is held less than a mile away.
Facilities on the CL Site:
- Dog walk from the site
- Information room
- Recycling facilities
- Battery charging
- TV reception: good
- 16 amp electric on 4 pitches, 10 amp on 5th
- Water on all pitches
- Chemical toilet disposal point
- Lawned site, with gravel hardstandings
- Latest arrival time: 9:00 PM
- Latest departure time: 12:00 PM
Shop/village of Errol within 1 mile. Errol Village shop, Pub, Lass O’Gowrie Cafe, Fish and Chip Shop, Butchers.
Nearby: Cairn O’Mohr Winery, Rait Antiques Centre, Errol Sunday Market, Lass O'Gowrie Cafe, Fruit Shack - Pick your own strawberries,
We look forward to seeing you soon!
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from
£22
/ night
Collierhall Farm
19. Collierhall Farm
81%
(21)
54km from Edinburgh · 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
from
£20
/ night
Bachilton Farm Holidays
20. Bachilton Farm Holidays
100%
(4)
56km from Edinburgh · 2 units
A pair of yurts with hot tubs on a farm between Perth and Crieff
Pets
Showers
Hot Tub
from
£155
/ night
94% (178) • 200 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Edinburgh
Cleghorn Farm
1. Cleghorn Farm
100%
(11)
46km from Edinburgh · 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
Muiredge
2. Muiredge
100%
(16)
52km from Edinburgh · 8 units
Rural glamping in a converted railway carriage, shepherd's hut, or bell tent in blissful Scotland
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£100
/ night
Beirhope Alpacas
3. Beirhope Alpacas
98%
(137)
74km from Edinburgh · 11 units
A small, off-grid campsite with alpacas in the historically rich southern Scottish borders
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£20
/ night
Loch Katrine Eco Camping
4. Loch Katrine Eco Camping
95%
(113)
83km from Edinburgh · 22 units · Motorhomes, Glamping
Loch-side sleeping and exploring in one of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park's most historic locations
Pets
Electrical hookup
Showers
from
£12
/ night
Troquhain Woods
5. Troquhain Woods
92%
(33)
110km from Edinburgh · 6 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Nearly wild camping for tents and campervans in a Scottish woodland
Pets
Campfires
Picnic table
from
£25
/ night
Hadrian's Wall Country Yurts
6. Hadrian's Wall Country Yurts
100%
(13)
112km from Edinburgh · 2 units
Two yurts with hot tubs in the Cumbrian countryside just a mile away from Hadrian’s Wall
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£210
/ night
Walkmill Campsite
7. Walkmill Campsite
98%
(122)
119km from Edinburgh · 10 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Refreshingly understated private camping in the unspoiled Northumberland countryside
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£25
/ night
Camping at Cardewlees
8. Camping at Cardewlees
99%
(47)
123km from Edinburgh · 37 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
A welcoming, family-run farm campsite between the Lake District and Hadrian's Wall
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from
£16
/ night
Cairn Meadow Pods
9. Cairn Meadow Pods
99%
(42)
124km from Edinburgh · 4 units
Glamping pods in Cumbria's secluded Eden Valley with views of the Pennines
Pets
Showers
Potable water
from
£98
/ night
St Conan's Escape
10. St Conan's Escape
100%
(13)
126km from Edinburgh · 4 units
Dog-friendly lodges on a Scottish mountainside with incredible loch views
Pets
Showers
Potable water
from
£144
/ night
Howbeck Lodge
11. Howbeck Lodge
94%
(27)
136km from Edinburgh · 29 units · Tents, Motorhomes
A dog-friendly farm campsite on the northern edge of the Lake District
Pets
Showers
Water hookup
from
£30
/ night
Cairngorms Glamping and Campsite
12. Cairngorms Glamping and Campsite
97%
(57)
137km from Edinburgh · 10 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Pitches and pods in the Cairngorms National Park
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£33
/ night
Tyne View Camping
13. Tyne View Camping
100%
(17)
142km from Edinburgh · 15 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Tyne View Camping is a peaceful spot in Tyne and Wear, not far from Hedley on the Hill village. It's on a farm run by David and his family, who welcome guests to enjoy the beautiful countryside views.
You can see the Tyne Valley from the camping pitches, which is great for stargazing at night. The site is basic with just water taps and toilets, no showers, but there's lots of space for kids and dogs to play.
You're allowed to bring a barbecue or firepit for cooking, and you can buy supplies in Prudhoe nearby. Or, you can walk to Hedley on the Hill for a meal at a top-notch pub.
There are plenty of things to do nearby, like walking in the woods, playing golf, or trying gliding. You can also visit Hadrian’s Wall, Newcastle upon Tyne, or explore the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty for a varied and enjoyable break.Also this June we will be open for the Sam Fender weekend ie June 12 til the 16th if anyone wants to camp £20 a night plus a taxi for £20
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
from
£20
/ night
Pirnie Lodge Farm
14. Pirnie Lodge Farm
100%
(2)
39km from Edinburgh · 3 units
Lodges with hot tubs in peaceful countryside near Falkirk
Pets
Showers
Hot Tub
from
£152
/ night
Esk Yurt
15. Esk Yurt
100%
(5)
40km from Edinburgh · 1 unit
Adult only yurt glamping in the Scottish Borders with exceptional views, hiking trails, and wild swimming
Showers
Potable water
from
£130
/ night
Dod Mill Fishing Hut
16. Dod Mill Fishing Hut
41km from Edinburgh · 1 unit
Artistic riverside cabins in the grounds of a 17th-century watermill
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£150
/ night
The Snug at Logie Farm
17. The Snug at Logie Farm
100%
(7)
47km from Edinburgh · 1 unit
Luxury glamping pods with all mod cons, with an elevated position overlooking the River Tay.
Pets
Showers
Hot Tub
from
£275
/ night
Fernlea - Campsite & Pod
18. Fernlea - Campsite & Pod
100%
(2)
50km from Edinburgh · 7 units · Motorhomes, Glamping
Welcome to Fernlea. We would love to have you visit us, either on our 5 pitch campsite for motorhomes and caravans, or in 2025 to our new luxury glamping pod.
Fernlea is our home in the heart of an agricultural plain called “The Carse of Gowrie,” which runs for 20 miles or so along the River Tay between Perth and Dundee. It’s a beautiful area that we hope you will love too.
We are a short walk from the village of Errol, with access to lovely walks along the Tay. We are adjacent to the local bus route (just stick your arm out!), the Sustrans cycle route 77, plus only a mile or so from the A90 Perth to Dundee / Aberdeen road. We are perfect for both a short stopover and a longer break with a fascinating local area to explore.
All pitches have hard standing, water on each pitch, grey waste disposal adjacent to the pitch, and a 10 or 16 amp electric supply with a chemical toilet waste tank with rinsing tap behind our garage.
We are also within easy access to Fife and the southern area of the Highlands. Walkers and bird watchers will find many footpaths by the River Tay and can climb the local hills to see buzzards, hawks, ducks, and migrating geese throughout the seasons.
Any visitors requiring repairs or accessories for their van will find the large Perthshire Caravan dealership nearby. Every Sunday, one of Scotland’s largest car boot sales and markets is held less than a mile away.
Facilities on the CL Site:
- Dog walk from the site
- Information room
- Recycling facilities
- Battery charging
- TV reception: good
- 16 amp electric on 4 pitches, 10 amp on 5th
- Water on all pitches
- Chemical toilet disposal point
- Lawned site, with gravel hardstandings
- Latest arrival time: 9:00 PM
- Latest departure time: 12:00 PM
Shop/village of Errol within 1 mile. Errol Village shop, Pub, Lass O’Gowrie Cafe, Fish and Chip Shop, Butchers.
Nearby: Cairn O’Mohr Winery, Rait Antiques Centre, Errol Sunday Market, Lass O'Gowrie Cafe, Fruit Shack - Pick your own strawberries,
We look forward to seeing you soon!
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from
£22
/ night
Collierhall Farm
19. Collierhall Farm
81%
(21)
54km from Edinburgh · 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
from
£20
/ night
Bachilton Farm Holidays
20. Bachilton Farm Holidays
100%
(4)
56km from Edinburgh · 2 units
A pair of yurts with hot tubs on a farm between Perth and Crieff
Pets
Showers
Hot Tub
from
£155
/ night
Top camping destinations around Edinburgh
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
Joc
3 weeks ago
3 nights at St Conan's Escape
St. Conan's Escape was such a beautiful area to disappear into! The property manager, Hazel, did such a phenomenal job of preparing the space--it was so beautifully-decorated and clearly well-maintained that I could see this as the perfect experience for other solo travelers or couples looking for a beautiful location to sink into.
I found St. Conan's Escape when looking for a place to go off-grid for a couple of days in the midst of traveling, and it had everything I needed--all of the amenities including plenty of cookware, a bathroom and extremely comfortable bed, so that I could focus on my writing projects. What a beautiful scenery it's in, too! I woke up to a beautiful sunrise over the mountains in the distance and I was so sad to leave such a majestic view. I would absolutely return and recommend it to anyone looking for a new experience!
See more
Callum
December 2025
1 night at Loch Katrine Eco Camping
Great wee pods. Well stocked and well organized. Ideal for a wee break. Nice and warm too.
See more
A
Andrew
November 2025
2 nights at Cleghorn Farm
Friendly and welcoming environment! Nice place if you’re needing to get off the grid a bit.
See more
S
Sakura
November 2025
Weekend Trip to Fernlea - Campsite & Pod
Staying at Bruce’s house was an absolute pleasure! He was so incredibly helpful and kind and the pod is perfect. I would live there for the rest of my life if I could! The kitchen is great. The hot tub is beyond belief and so good that it’s almost intoxicating. When my boyfriend and I accidentally reset the Internet, Bruce was beyond kind and helpful. Next time I’m in this area I will for sure Be staying here again.
See more
J
Jane
October 2025
Tent
With kids
Awesome pitch. Fantastic views. David was really friendly and welcoming. We will definitely be back. Relaxed atmosphere. Loads of space.
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V
Virginia
October 2025
With pets
Lovely location, beautiful views. Comfortable pod and great with enclosed garden for the dog. Good facilities too.
See more
M
Mandy
September 2025
With pets
Loved our first pod experience. Very warm and cozy. Facilities were great! Directions were a little confusing at the start as the sat-nav took us to the house a little distance up the road but once we knew our place it was absolutely fine.
Would stay again and will be recommending to family & friends.
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Brian
September 2025
6 m Class B
With pets
Spacious clean campsite. Now our best one yet!
We chose the upper circle which gave us a lot more space and better views.
Clean toilets. Nice little shop with extras for guests.
Will certainly recommend and return.
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K
Kinga
September 2025
Tent
With kids
Absolutely amazing stay at Beirhope Alpacas. You can tell that Lynne has set everything up with love and care. Alpacas are a cherry on top of everything else. My 4 year old twins cried when leaving because they wanted to live there. We definitely found a new yearly visit place ❤️
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J
Jennifer
September 2025
Tent
With kids
This Alpaca farm is an absolute must visit. Unfortunately we were only here for 1 night but what a visit! This specific pitch is the middle one 1 of 3 that are in front of the Alpaca/Sheep fields and we couldn't have asked for better neighbours.
Lynne was extremely helpful upon our arrival and offered help with anything if it was needed...which it was when I realised I had the mattress but not the stopper to keep it inflated! She came to my rescue with cushions to sleep on which was over and above as far as I'm concerned.
We were provided carrots to feed the animals that evening and my son (4yo) loved feeding Harry the goat and between him and his friends it was a game to see who could feed Houdini before Harry got in the way 🤣
This morning my son was scheduled to feed the alpacas and whilst he was initially nervous he warmed up on the walk and confidently clapped Deeno.
This site is a bit off the road but take it easy and enjoy the scenery. Beirhope Farm is in a pretty stunning part of the country and I would 100% recommend a visit to anyone looking for everything you need on a camping trip.
If you forget anything she has everything covered, including an honesty 'larder' for the snacks or bits and pieces that you've forgotten.
Stunning! We will be back.
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K
Kathy
August 2025
Tent
We stayed in Phil’s Patch for just one night on our way north. Lynne offered us a warm welcome. We had our own private enclave in the trees. Posh composting toilets and everything well thought out. Wish we’d used the unique shower!
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P
Paulette
August 2025
Tent
The surroundings are truly beautiful, scenic, calm and peaceful. Lynne has ensured that everything a camper needs is close at hand. The pitches are well spaced out and on good solid terrain. Clean, accessible facilities, well maintained. Adorable alpaca herds literally over the fence. A wonderful retreat, we will definitely return. Lynne is simply lovely and has hit the nail on the head with this site.
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C
Cliff
August 2025
Tent
This is a delightful site. Very peaceful and everything is immaculately clean and tidy. Close to coast. Highly recommended
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P
Paul
August 2025
Weekend Trip to Cleghorn Farm
The beautiful cabin is in a lovely quiet private space. There are nice views across to the hills particularly when sat by the firepit. Alex and Lauren made us feel very welcome.
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J
Julia
August 2025
4 m Class B
Lovely location right on the Loch. I would stay again if in the area and definitely have a ride on the steamship
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S
Sarah
August 2025
5 m Class B
Good roomy level gravelled site especially suited to motorhomes but I was happy there in a camper.
Facilities were clean with plenty of hot water.
Christine v prompt in her comms.
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C
Caitlin
August 2025
With pets
The view you wake up to is breathtaking! The pods themselves are immaculate and stocked with everything you need. You have your own private bathroom which is heated and again immaculately clean. Lovely and quiet!
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V
Victoria
August 2025
Tent
With pets
I loved the campsite. The plots were very spacious and not at all crammed in, so there was lots of room for my toddler to run around in. The facilities were good as there was a static caravan with a kitchen, bathroom, toilet and even a couple of lounge areas, which would be useful if you got bad weather. It was so handy having the use of a hot water for washing up. I would definitely go back!
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A
Ally
August 2025
Tent
Just returning from our first visit to Cardewlees and we could not of asked for a better stay. Cardewlees is an absolute little gem of a campsite and Johnny could not have been a better host if he tried. Toilet and showering facilities were more than adequate and the water was always nice and warm. Thank you for a perfect stay and we look forward to coming back soon. Ally and Lee x
See moreE
Eleanor
August 2025
Tent
A simple but friendly camping experience. A very attentive host!
See more
Campsites near Edinburgh guide
Where to go
On the West Coast
A 15-minute drive northwest of the city centre takes you to the shores of the Firth of Forth. Just a stone’s throw from the waterfront are plenty of pitches for motorhomes and caravans, as well as a few tent pitches. From here you can visit the tidal island of Cramond (check tide times first), have a stroll on Cramond Beach, or head out on a sightseeing cruise from Queensferry.
On the East Coast
Heading east of Edinburgh’s city centre, a string of lovely beaches line the coast, from the popular Portobello and Musselburgh to the less-visited Gullane. The coastline takes you all the way to the charming town of North Berwick, from where campers can take boat trips to the Isle of May puffin colony and the gannet colony on the Bass Rock. Coastal holiday parks offer views over the Firth of Forth, some with extra perks like golf courses and heated indoor swimming pools to go along with hardstanding pitches for tourers and motorhomes, plus static caravans to rent.
Inland
Just south of the city, the sprawling Pentland Hills Regional Park offers a taste of the great outdoors on Edinburgh’s doorstep. It has more than 62 miles (100 kilometres) of waymarked paths and is a great place for walking, cycling, and horse riding. Area caravan and camping parks have space for tents, motorhomes, campervans, and caravans on grass and hardstanding pitches. Wigwam glamping pods are also available.
When to go
When to Go
Edinburgh is a year-round destination, but the weather is most pleasant between May and September. July and August can get uncomfortably crowded with tourists, especially during the Edinburgh festivals, when you may even find yourself shoulder to shoulder with other visitors on the Royal Mile and surrounding streets. Hogmanay (the 4-day-long New Year’s celebration) is also a busy time. To enjoy the city in relative peace, aim for May or late September. The winter months are typically cold, wet, and dark with sunset around 3:30pm in December.
Know before you go
Know Before You Go
- Some private area campsites are seasonal, so check opening dates before travelling.
- Weather in Scotland is changeable, even in summer. Be prepared with warm, waterproof clothing.
- Edinburgh is well-connected to the rest of Scotland (and England) by rail and bus. The city is very walkable, although there is a good city bus (and less useful tram) system as well.
- If arriving in Edinburgh by air, consider taking the frequent, 24-hour bus service that connects the airport to the city centre within 30 minutes.
- You’ll find anything you need in Edinburgh’s shops. Start on Princes Street for essentials.