Woodland camping near Lockerbie
Though often overlooked, Lockerbie is an attractive town with a convenient setting.
- Lockerbie
Popular camping styles for Lockerbie
Dog-friendly getaways
12 top forest campsites near Lockerbie
Woodland camping near Lockerbie guide
Overview
The small town of Lockerbie is in the Dumfries and Galloway region of southwest Scotland, not far from the English border. The town lies on the main road and rail routes between Glasgow and Carlisle over the border, but those who stop rather than passing through will find plenty to explore. The attractive town is largely made up of red sandstone buildings and its home to one of the UK’s oldest ice skating rinks, which continues to host top-flight curling events. Those wishing to set up camp nearby will find plenty of options.
Where to go
Lochmaben
Just to the west of Lockerbie, the small town of Lochmaben is home to the pretty Kirk Loch, which is home to a variety of bird life including coot and swan and is a popular spot for canoeing, rowing and windsurfing. In winter, ice-skating is possible. Kirk Loch Caravan Park offers pitches by the water.
Moffat
A 20-minute drive north of Lockerbie, Moffat is a designated Dark Sky Town and popular with walkers following the Southern Upland Way long distance footpath and exploring the surrounding hills. Just a few minutes’ walk from the town centre, Moffat Camping and Caravanning Club has grass and hardstanding pitches.
Caerlaverock National Nature Reserve
Situated where the River Nith meets the Solway Firth, a 35-minute drive southwest of Lockerbie, the mudflats and saltmarsh of Caerlaverock National Nature Reserve are home to plentiful wildlife, from barnacle geese to natterjack toads, which visitors can see from a network of paths with raised boardwalks. Nearby, the small site at Caerlaverock Castle Corner has pitches for campervans.
When to go
With its promise of good weather and guaranteed long days, summer is the most popular time to visit Lockerbie and the surrounding Dumfries and Galloway region. This is the best time to visit if you are planning to take advantage of the walking and watersports opportunities nearby. Alternatively, if it’s stargazing you’re interested in, October to March is the best time of year for visiting the Dark Sky Town of Moffat and heading into Galloway Forest Park, which is a designated Dark Sky Park.
Know before you go
- Wild camping is legal throughout Scotland as long as you follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.
- There is a train station in Lockerbie with direct connections to Edinburgh and Glasgow, and over the border to Carlisle and Liverpool
- You can pick up the essentials in Lockerbie’s small shops but for bigger purchases, head west to Dumfries.
