Campsites near Edinburgh

·

Scotland’s capital is awash in history and architecture, from the cobblestone streets and lanes of the medieval Old Town to the wide squares of New Town. The city is a magnet for travellers with its cosy pubs, cocktail bars, and thriving arts scene, but it’s also home to a number of green spaces, from the Meadows to Holyrood Park and Calton Hill, from where you can enjoy views over the city. A more energetic climb gets you up the extinct volcano of Arthur's Seat, where panoramic views are superb. The nearby Pentland Hills also promise great hillwalking. Those wanting to base themselves close to the city will find plenty of nearby camping options.

96% (210) 266 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Edinburgh

Secluded Rural Farm Hideaway

1. Secluded Rural Farm Hideaway

100%
(16)
46km from Edinburgh · 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
Muiredge

2. Muiredge

100%
(17)
52km from Edinburgh · 8 units
Rural glamping in a converted railway carriage, shepherd's hut, or bell tent in blissful Scotland
Pets
Showers
Campfires
Beirhope Alpacas

3. Beirhope Alpacas

99%
(175)
74km from Edinburgh · 9 units
A small, off-grid campsite with alpacas in the historically rich southern Scottish borders
Pets
Campfires
Showers
Loch Katrine Eco Camping

4. Loch Katrine Eco Camping

95%
(116)
83km from Edinburgh · 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
Troquhain Woods

5. Troquhain Woods

93%
(37)
110km from Edinburgh · 6 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Nearly wild camping for tents and campervans in a Scottish woodland
Pets
Campfires
Picnic table
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
King Garth

7. King Garth

97%
(15)
114km from Edinburgh · 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
Walkmill Campsite

8. Walkmill Campsite

98%
(134)
119km from Edinburgh · 10 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Refreshingly understated private camping in the unspoiled Northumberland countryside
Pets
Campfires
Showers
Otter Moss Accommodation

9. Otter Moss Accommodation

100%
(17)
124km from Edinburgh · 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
Cairn Meadow Pods

10. Cairn Meadow Pods

99%
(45)
124km from Edinburgh · 3 units
Glamping pods in Cumbria's secluded Eden Valley with views of the Pennines
Pets
Showers
Potable water
St Conan's Escape

11. St Conan's Escape

100%
(13)
126km from Edinburgh · 2 units
Dog-friendly lodges on a Scottish mountainside with incredible loch views
Pets
Showers
Potable water
Howbeck Lodge

12. Howbeck Lodge

95%
(30)
136km from Edinburgh · 24 units · Tents, Motorhomes
A dog-friendly farm campsite on the northern edge of the Lake District
Pets
Showers
Water hookup
Cairngorms Glamping and Campsite

13. Cairngorms Glamping and Campsite

95%
(62)
137km from Edinburgh · 10 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Pitches and pods in the Cairngorms National Park
Pets
Campfires
Showers
Runach Arainn Glamping

14. Runach Arainn Glamping

100%
(10)
139km from Edinburgh · 3 units
A three-yurt luxury glamping site on the Isle of Arran, steps away from the beach
Pets
Showers
Campfires
Tyne View Camping

15. Tyne View Camping

100%
(34)
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
Staddlestones Paddock

16. Staddlestones Paddock

93%
(7)
33km from Edinburgh · 1 unit · Tent, Motorhome
Quiet green area on the edge of town. Easy walk to town centre with cafes, shops etc. Accessible by public transport. Space for bikes/canoes/horse. 5 minutes’ walk across park to River Tweed. We aim to offer an exclusive enclosed quarter acre pitch and would let you know if sharing with someone else.
Electrical hookup
Water hookup
Potable water
Pirnie Lodge Farm

17. Pirnie Lodge Farm

100%
(2)
39km from Edinburgh · 3 units
Lodges with hot tubs in peaceful countryside near Falkirk
Pets
Showers
Hot Tub
Dod Mill Fishing Hut

18. Dod Mill Fishing Hut

41km from Edinburgh · 1 unit
Artistic riverside cabins in the grounds of a 17th-century watermill
Pets
Showers
Campfires
The Snug at Logie Farm

19. 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
Bowie Wood

20. Bowie Wood

49km from Edinburgh · 1 unit
Escape to the Woods Tucked away amongst the trees at Bowie Wood, our spacious 6m bell tent is a secluded woodland retreat designed for slowing down, switching off and reconnecting with nature. Set on its own raised timber platform, the tent looks out into the woodland, with a covered awning creating a sheltered spot to sit outside with your morning coffee or simply listen to the forest around you. Inside, natural coir flooring, a king-size bed and the warmth of a wood-burning stove create a cosy retreat whatever the Scottish weather decides to do. This isn't a manicured campsite. You're staying within our woodland, surrounded by mature trees, mossy ground, ferns and wildlife. Red squirrels, roe deer, woodpeckers, buzzards and bats are all visitors to Bowie Wood, and after dark the woodland becomes wonderfully peaceful. Follow the woodchip path back to your tent, light the stove, make a hot chocolate and settle in for the evening. On clear nights, step outside and look up — away from the bright lights of town, the woodland is a beautiful place for stargazing. Although it feels hidden away, Bowie Wood is close to Stirling and makes a wonderful base for exploring central Scotland, from Stirling Castle and Bannockburn to the Ochil Hills, Loch Lomond and The Trossachs. Bowie Wood is an ongoing rewilding project, where we’re working to restore and enhance the woodland while allowing nature to flourish. You may notice areas of ongoing work around the wider site as we continue to improve habitats, paths and facilities. We aim to keep any disruption to guests to a minimum. Come here for the quiet, the trees and the chance to experience something a little different. Slow down. Light the fire. Sleep amongst the trees.
Pets
Showers
Campfires

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

Edinburgh camping 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

The weather in Edinburgh is most pleasant between May and September. July and August can get uncomfortably crowded with tourists, especially during the Edinburgh festivals. 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. Edinburgh is a year-round destination, but the weather is most pleasant between May and September.

A 15-minute drive northwest of the city centre takes you to the shores of the Firth of Forth, where you can find plenty of pitches for motorhomes and caravans, as well as a few tent pitches. 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. Just south of the city, the sprawling Pentland Hills Regional Park offers a taste of the great outdoors on Edinburgh’s doorstep. Some private area campsites are seasonal, so check opening dates before travelling. You can also explore different options for camping near Edinburgh on Hipcamp.

The sprawling Pentland Hills Regional Park just south of the city offers more than 62 miles of waymarked paths and is a great place for walking, cycling, and horse riding. The nearby Pentland Hills also promise great hillwalking. Those wanting to base themselves close to the city will find plenty of nearby camping options.

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.

Scotland’s capital is awash in history and architecture, from the cobblestone streets and lanes of the medieval Old Town to the wide squares of New Town. The city is a magnet for travellers with its cosy pubs, cocktail bars, and thriving arts scene, but it’s also home to a number of green spaces, from the Meadows to Holyrood Park and Calton Hill, from where you can enjoy views over the city. A more energetic climb gets you up the extinct volcano of Arthur's Seat, where panoramic views are superb. The nearby Pentland Hills also promise great hillwalking.

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