Dog-friendly glamping near Thornhill

In the heart of Dumfries and Galloway, Thornhill is a small town with a long history, having been founded in the 1600s. The town is home to attractive broad streets and Victorian villas. Just north is Drumlanrig Castle, one of Scotland’s grandest 17th-century renaissance buildings, which, although a private residence, is open to the public. There are numerous opportunities for outdoor activities, such as exploring waymarked walking trails, cycling on mountain bike trails and golfing on Thornhill’s 18-hole golf course. Land Rover tours of the Nithsdale countryside and wildlife spotting are other popular activities.

100% (83) • 136 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Thornhill

In the heart of Dumfries and Galloway, Thornhill is a small town with a long history, having been founded in the 1600s. The town is home to attractive broad streets and Victorian villas. Just north is Drumlanrig Castle, one of Scotland’s grandest 17th-century renaissance buildings, which, although a private residence, is open to the public. There are numerous opportunities for outdoor activities, such as exploring waymarked walking trails, cycling on mountain bike trails and golfing on Thornhill’s 18-hole golf course. Land Rover tours of the Nithsdale countryside and wildlife spotting are other popular activities.

100% (83) • 136 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Thornhill

1. Lake District Herdwick Huts

100%

(1)

101km from Thornhill · 5 units · Glamping

You will not find a more stunning place to stay and explore within the UK. Set in the very heart of the Lake District National Park, there is good reason why this magnificent location inspired the poet William Wordsworth to commit some of his most world-renowned poetry to paper. These beautiful huts are nestled underneath the Fairfield horseshoe mountain range and Nab scar, so there is no need to drive anywhere for the finest mountain hikes. With Rydal Lake, a wild swimmers hot spot, and waterfalls and plunge pools on site, it really is hard to beat! You will not find a more stunning place to stay and explore within the UK. Set in the very heart of the Lake District National Park, there is good reason why this magnificent location inspired the poet William Wordsworth to commit some of his most world-renowned poetry to paper. Grasmere is on the doorstep, voted one of the top places to visit in the Lake District, with the famous '‘Coffin route’ walk offering a spectacular lake and mountain view stroll straight from your hut door. With low level to high level walks exploring the Lakes from Rydal caters for everyone. Ambleside and Grasmere are both walking distance for cafes, restaurants and cinemas and Rydal offers scenic off-road strolls to arrive by. Each with fresh linen, wood burning stove and cast iron gas hob, you are sure to be comfortable even in the thick of winter.

2. The Charcoal Huts - Isle of Bute

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(3)

113km from Thornhill · 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.

3. Damson View Glamping

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(55)

118km from Thornhill · 5 units · Glamping

Self-contained glamping pods in the Lake District's beautiful Lyth Valley

4. Rowan Retreat

91km from Thornhill · 1 unit · Glamping

Shepherd's hut in idylic location with extensive views under dark skies,set on its own in a private 5 acre field amidst nature,semi off grid,decking under a canopy,firepit area, centrally located for Lake District,Yorkshire Dales, Northumberland and Scottish borders.

5. Pirnie Lodge Farm

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(2)

77km from Thornhill · 3 units · Glamping

Lodges with hot tubs in peaceful countryside near Falkirk

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

S

Simon

August 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to The Charcoal Huts - Isle of Bute

Beautiful views up the Loch. Quite a steep climb but easily achievable. Fire pit, bbq and seating area ideal. Even the compostable toilet had a great view!

M

Meron

June 2025

2 nights at The Charcoal Huts - Isle of Bute

The Charcoal Huts were so magical. We stayed in Birch and it had amazing views, was quite private and had everything we needed - including things we forgot. It was beautiful and cosy inside and the fire kept us so warm. I really loved this place.

Dan

January 2025

2 nights at Pirnie Lodge Farm

From the minute we arrived Anne was welcoming and gave us all the information to do with the lodge, the lodge itself was spotless and felt homely from the minute we walked in. Anne also left a welcome pack which was an added bonus, the hot tub was ready on arrival and Anne also shown us how to use this before leaving Anne gave us recommendations on places to visit and where we could go for days out, we were recommended the milk barn which was delicious, the ice cream and milkshakes were perfect! We would also recommend going there! Thank you Anne, we love our stays

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Dog-friendly glamping near Thornhill guide

Where to go

Around Town

Staying in Thornhill puts you within easy reach of such attractions as Caerlaverock Castle and Ae Forest. Just south of town, set amid rolling hills and minutes from the 7stanes mountain biking centre, Oakbank Farm Campsite has pitches for tents, caravans and motorhomes, as well as a self-catering cottage.

Dumfries

A 30-minute drive south of Thornhill, attractions in the busy town of Dumfries include the Robert Burns Centre, home to the poet’s manuscripts and belongings, and Sweetheart Abbey where he composed some of his best poems. Just a few minutes west of the town centre, Barnsoul Caravan Park offers camping, glamping and touring in wildlife-filled woodland.

Wanlockhead

Under a 30-minute drive north of Thornhill, Wanlockhead is Scotland’s highest village. The Southern Upland Way long distance footpath passes through the village as it travels from Portpatrick in the west to Cockburnspath in the east. A few minutes north of the village, the small campsite at Lettershaws Farm has pitches set in rolling hills.

When to go

The long daylight hours and promise of good weather of the April through August period makes it the most popular time to visit Thornhill and the surrounding Dumfries and Galloway region—make site reservations in advance if travelling during school summer holidays. If you are planning to hike the Southern Upland Way, which passes nearby, spring or autumn is best for avoiding the biggest crowds.

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 Dumfries (15 miles or 24 kilometres away) with direct connections to Glasgow and over the border to Carlisle.
The weather in Scotland is always changeable, even in summer. Come prepared with warm, waterproof clothing.
Don’t worry if you forgot something, Thornhill has plenty of well-stocked shops. You’ll find bigger supermarkets and a few outdoor gear shops in Dumfries.