Camping in South Scotland

92% (118 reviews)
Whether it be glamping or pitching up a tent, camping with your family, or finding a campsite where groups are welcome, camping in South Scotland has much to offer. Read on for Hipcamp’s list of the best campsites in South Scotland.

Together the Borders, Dumfries and Galloway, and Ayrshire, form what is more broadly known as Southern Scotland, where swathes of countryside and the rolling hills of the Southern Uplands make a prime camping destination. Campsites in Southern Scotland are not hard to come by and there is a wide choice of good campsites to be found, from traditional tent-only bolt holes to lavish glamping havens. We’ve picked out our very favourite campsites in the area so you can easily find what you are looking for.

Popular camping styles for South Scotland

Top-rated campgrounds

King Garth

5. King Garth

100%
(9)
1 unit · Glamping · Carlisle, England
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
Trash
from 
£80
 / night
Looking west at the end of the farm

7. Cleghorn Farm

100%
(10)
15 units · Glamping, Tents · Lanark, Scotland
*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
Potable water
Campfires
from 
£10
 / night
Snug 30f Narrow Boat with Fireplace

17. Snug 30f Narrow Boat with Fireplace

1 unit · Glamping · Scotland
If you fancy a staycation that offers something a little different, then you'll love this unique and romantic escape nestled among nature. There are a number of walking trails around to lead you off into the beautiful surroundings, whether it be by foot, cycle, car or kayak. Otherwise, some of Scotland's top national parks, historic monuments, golf courses, distilleries and restaurants are a short distance away. And the centre of Glasgow sits less than 7 miles away with regular bus services. The space The whole of the boat is available for guests to enjoy as well as the jetty at the side and front of the boat. Feel free to crank the BBQ at the water's edge and sit back and relax. The bow and roof also make for great dinning and relaxation areas out in the sunshine. If you’d rather be snuggled up inside then the Victorian wood burner turns Primrose into a cosy wee haven. There is a smart TV with a number of apps, such as Netflix, Amazon, I-players, YouTube, etc and board games to pass the time by, so pull out the sofa bed and get even more comfortable. Guest access Guests have full access to the boat, jetty and free car park. The surrounding towns and villages have ample amenities to offer from cafes, bakeries, restaurants, shops, etc. But if you don't want to stray too far, then the local retail park is only a 10-minute walk from Primrose. Please note that this is a static stay. Be advised that Primrose is a quirky and unique staycation. She is compact by design and best suited for the adventurous type looking to experience glamping on the canal. Due to the boat’s naturally narrow design, the bed is a small double that tapers at one end to fit the shape of the stern. There is also a double pull-out sofa available for additional sleeping space. Please note that the shower room is compact, measuring approximately 53.5 cm in width and 175 cm in height. The toilet area is also quite narrow and may feel snug for some guests, particularly those who are 6 feet tall or above, or who typically wear clothing above a UK size 14. The toilet is eco-friendly and waterless, designed to minimise environmental impact while still being functional and hygienic. Due to the snug nature of the boat, it can comfortably accommodate up to 2 adults only and a small dog.
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
from 
£99
 / night
92% (118 reviews)
Whether it be glamping or pitching up a tent, camping with your family, or finding a campsite where groups are welcome, camping in South Scotland has much to offer. Read on for Hipcamp’s list of the best campsites in South Scotland.

Together the Borders, Dumfries and Galloway, and Ayrshire, form what is more broadly known as Southern Scotland, where swathes of countryside and the rolling hills of the Southern Uplands make a prime camping destination. Campsites in Southern Scotland are not hard to come by and there is a wide choice of good campsites to be found, from traditional tent-only bolt holes to lavish glamping havens. We’ve picked out our very favourite campsites in the area so you can easily find what you are looking for.

Popular camping styles for South Scotland

Top-rated campgrounds

King Garth

5. King Garth

100%
(9)
1 unit · Glamping · Carlisle, England
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
Trash
from 
£80
 / night
Looking west at the end of the farm

7. Cleghorn Farm

100%
(10)
15 units · Glamping, Tents · Lanark, Scotland
*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
Potable water
Campfires
from 
£10
 / night
Snug 30f Narrow Boat with Fireplace

17. Snug 30f Narrow Boat with Fireplace

1 unit · Glamping · Scotland
If you fancy a staycation that offers something a little different, then you'll love this unique and romantic escape nestled among nature. There are a number of walking trails around to lead you off into the beautiful surroundings, whether it be by foot, cycle, car or kayak. Otherwise, some of Scotland's top national parks, historic monuments, golf courses, distilleries and restaurants are a short distance away. And the centre of Glasgow sits less than 7 miles away with regular bus services. The space The whole of the boat is available for guests to enjoy as well as the jetty at the side and front of the boat. Feel free to crank the BBQ at the water's edge and sit back and relax. The bow and roof also make for great dinning and relaxation areas out in the sunshine. If you’d rather be snuggled up inside then the Victorian wood burner turns Primrose into a cosy wee haven. There is a smart TV with a number of apps, such as Netflix, Amazon, I-players, YouTube, etc and board games to pass the time by, so pull out the sofa bed and get even more comfortable. Guest access Guests have full access to the boat, jetty and free car park. The surrounding towns and villages have ample amenities to offer from cafes, bakeries, restaurants, shops, etc. But if you don't want to stray too far, then the local retail park is only a 10-minute walk from Primrose. Please note that this is a static stay. Be advised that Primrose is a quirky and unique staycation. She is compact by design and best suited for the adventurous type looking to experience glamping on the canal. Due to the boat’s naturally narrow design, the bed is a small double that tapers at one end to fit the shape of the stern. There is also a double pull-out sofa available for additional sleeping space. Please note that the shower room is compact, measuring approximately 53.5 cm in width and 175 cm in height. The toilet area is also quite narrow and may feel snug for some guests, particularly those who are 6 feet tall or above, or who typically wear clothing above a UK size 14. The toilet is eco-friendly and waterless, designed to minimise environmental impact while still being functional and hygienic. Due to the snug nature of the boat, it can comfortably accommodate up to 2 adults only and a small dog.
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
from 
£99
 / night

Stories from the community

Camper favorites in and near South Scotland

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Dog-friendly getaways

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

Plentiful wildlife, sweeping countryside and dense forest are skirted by a stunning, craggy coastline and together they make a wonderful camping destination. What is more, there are plenty of good campsites to be found and we’ve picked out the best of them.

  1. South Scotland

Frequently Asked Questions

Some good campsites in Southern Scotland include those in the Borders, Dumfries and Galloway, and Ayrshire regions. You can easily find traditional tent-only bolt holes to lavish glamping havens in the area.

You can find the best campsites in South Scotland in the Borders, Dumfries and Galloway, and Ayrshire regions. There is a wide choice of good campsites to be found, catering to different preferences.

In South Scotland, you can find a variety of camping options, including traditional tent-only bolt holes and lavish glamping havens. Whether it be glamping or pitching up a tent, camping with your family, or finding a campsite where groups are welcome, South Scotland has much to offer.

South Scotland is a prime camping destination due to its swathes of countryside and the rolling hills of the Southern Uplands. The area offers a wide choice of good campsites, from traditional tent-only bolt holes to lavish glamping havens.