Forest campsites near Rutherglen with climbing
On Glasgow’s doorstep, Rutherglen offers easy access to outdoor adventure.
- Rutherglen
Popular camping styles for Rutherglen
5 top forest campsites near Rutherglen with climbing
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Forest campsites near Rutherglen with climbing guide
Overview
Immediately south of Scotland’s biggest city, Rutherglen can be easily missed by visitors to Glasgow and the surrounding area. However, this attractive South Lanarkshire town set on the south bank of the River Clyde has a lot to offer visitors. The town’s broad Main Street is filled with interesting architecture, including Rutherglen Town Hall, which hosts arts and cultural activities, and Rutherglen also has a challenging moorland golf course, Cathkin Braes. It’s also a good base for heading into nearby countryside or starting the West Highland Way. Campers will find plenty of options within easy reach of the town.
When to Go
The summer months are the best time to visit the area. While sunshine can never be guaranteed in this part of the world, you can, at least, long daylight hours. Winters can be chilly but relatively moderate: expect 4 p.m. sunsets, however. If planning to hike the West Highland Way, visiting in spring or autumn lets you avoid crowds.
Where to go
Strathclyde Country Park
A 15-minute drive south of Rutherglen, kayakers and windsurfers flock to Strathclyde Country Park to get in on the action at the Watersports Centre and on Strathclyde Loch. Within a short walking distance of the park, Strathclyde Country Park Caravan and Motorhome Club site has room for tents and tourers.
Stepps
Northeast of Glasgow City Centre, and a 20-minute drive from Rutherglen, Red Deer Village Holiday Park enjoys a countryside setting on the city’s doorstep. The site is well-placed for exploring the nearby Seven Lochs Wetland Park and has hardstanding pitches for caravans and motorhomes, a grass area with spacious tent pitches, and chalets and static caravans for hire.
West Highland Way
Travelers wishing to embark on the 96-mile (154-kilometer) West Highland Way trail can set up camp in the West Highland Way Campsite, situated directly on the route, 35 minutes north of Rutherglen. The site has grass and hardstanding pitches for caravans, motorhomes and tents, as well as a hut and furnished bell tents for hire.
Know before you go
- Some campsites in the area are seasonal: check opening dates before traveling.
- Wild camping is permitted throughout Scotland, as long as you follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.
- The weather in Scotland is changeable, even in summer. Come prepared with warm, waterproof clothing.
- Frequent trains connect Rutherglen with Glasgow in under 10 minutes. Glasgow itself is well-connected to the rest of Scotland (and England) by rail and bus.
- From groceries to camping gear, you’ll find anything you need in Glasgow’s shops. Start on Buchanan Street and the intersecting Sauchiehall Street.
