Best camping, glamping, and outdoor stays in Paisley

·

Whether you’re heading north toward Loch Lomond and the west Highlands, out to the isles, or planning to soak up a few days of culture in Glasgow without the city overnight, Paisley offers a convenient base to access most of the western Central Belt. The town that gave name to the famous textile pattern is located just 10 minutes from Glasgow, rich with history and surrounded by rolling country, offering easy public access to many sought after camping spots in the area.

94% (128) 150 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Paisley

Loch Katrine Eco Camping

1. Loch Katrine Eco Camping

95%
(113)
43km from Paisley · 22 units · Motorhomes, Glamping
Loch-side sleeping and exploring in one of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park's most historic locations
Pets
Electrical hookup
Showers
from 
£12
 / night
Troquhain Woods

2. Troquhain Woods

92%
(33)
87km from Paisley · 6 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Nearly wild camping for tents and campervans in a Scottish woodland
Pets
Campfires
Picnic table
from 
£25
 / night
King Garth

3. King Garth

100%
(9)
136km from Paisley · 1 unit · Glamping
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
from 
£80
 / night
Red Deer Village Holiday Park

4. Red Deer Village Holiday Park

18km from Paisley · 10 units · Motorhomes
Red Deer Village Holiday Park in Scotland is a 5 star holiday park, conveniently situated on the doorstep of Glasgow, just off the A80, one of Scotland’s main arterial routes to the North. The Scottish holiday park is close to a number of public transport links, with regular buses and trains into Glasgow city centre. he level and spacious caravan and campsite near Glasgow is the ideal base for a holiday in and around West Central Scotland, or as a stopover for a few days whilst touring. There are 24 hardstanding pitches with electric hookup, suitable for touring caravans and motorhomes. Our grass area has a number of spacious tent pitches, which are well served by immaculate facilities.
Electrical hookup
Pets
from 
£55
 / night
Culdees Castle Estate Glamping

5. Culdees Castle Estate Glamping

88%
(25)
66km from Paisley · 5 units · Glamping
Luxury woodland cabins, each with a private hot tub, in the grounds of a Scottish castle
Showers
Campfires
Hot Tub
from 
£140
 / night
Fernlea - Campsite & Pod

6. Fernlea - Campsite & Pod

100%
(2)
98km from Paisley · 7 units · Motorhomes, Glamping
Welcome to Fernlea. We would love to have you visit us, either on our 5 pitch campsite for motorhomes and caravans, or in 2025 to our new luxury glamping pod. Fernlea is our home in the heart of an agricultural plain called “The Carse of Gowrie,” which runs for 20 miles or so along the River Tay between Perth and Dundee. It’s a beautiful area that we hope you will love too. We are a short walk from the village of Errol, with access to lovely walks along the Tay. We are adjacent to the local bus route (just stick your arm out!), the Sustrans cycle route 77, plus only a mile or so from the A90 Perth to Dundee / Aberdeen road. We are perfect for both a short stopover and a longer break with a fascinating local area to explore. All pitches have hard standing, water on each pitch, grey waste disposal adjacent to the pitch, and a 10 or 16 amp electric supply with a chemical toilet waste tank with rinsing tap behind our garage. We are also within easy access to Fife and the southern area of the Highlands. Walkers and bird watchers will find many footpaths by the River Tay and can climb the local hills to see buzzards, hawks, ducks, and migrating geese throughout the seasons. Any visitors requiring repairs or accessories for their van will find the large Perthshire Caravan dealership nearby. Every Sunday, one of Scotland’s largest car boot sales and markets is held less than a mile away. Facilities on the CL Site: - Dog walk from the site - Information room - Recycling facilities - Battery charging - TV reception: good - 16 amp electric on 4 pitches, 10 amp on 5th - Water on all pitches - Chemical toilet disposal point - Lawned site, with gravel hardstandings - Latest arrival time: 9:00 PM - Latest departure time: 12:00 PM Shop/village of Errol within 1 mile. Errol Village shop, Pub, Lass O’Gowrie Cafe, Fish and Chip Shop, Butchers. Nearby: Cairn O’Mohr Winery, Rait Antiques Centre, Errol Sunday Market, Lass O'Gowrie Cafe, Fruit Shack - Pick your own strawberries, We look forward to seeing you soon!
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from 
£22
 / night
Port nan Gael Campsite

7. Port nan Gael Campsite

95%
(11)
115km from Paisley · 75 units · Tents, Motorhomes
A lochside campsite on the Isle of Mull
Pets
Showers
Full hookups
from 
£20
 / night
West Highland Way Hotel & Campsite

8. West Highland Way Hotel & Campsite

82%
(36)
17km from Paisley · 46 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
A welcoming campsite on the West Highland Way
Pets
Campfires
Full hookups
from 
£30
 / night
Camping at Cardewlees

9. Camping at Cardewlees

99%
(47)
142km from Paisley · 37 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
A welcoming, family-run farm campsite between the Lake District and Hadrian's Wall
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from 
£16
 / night
Cleghorn Farm

10. Cleghorn Farm

100%
(11)
45km from Paisley · 15 units · Tents, Glamping
*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
Campfires
Potable water
from 
£10
 / night
Beirhope Alpacas

11. Beirhope Alpacas

98%
(137)
135km from Paisley · 11 units · Tents
A small, off-grid campsite with alpacas in the historically rich southern Scottish borders
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£20
 / night
Muiredge

12. Muiredge

100%
(16)
64km from Paisley · 8 units · Glamping
Rural glamping in a converted railway carriage, shepherd's hut, or bell tent in blissful Scotland
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£100
 / night
Collierhall Farm

13. Collierhall Farm

81%
(21)
48km from Paisley · 5 units · Tents
Very quiet and easily accessible from the motorway (1 mile) The farm is set in 100 acres and has a mixture of caravans, motorhomes and tents. There is a golf course across the road and the world heritage site of New Lanark only 7 miles away. Edinburgh and Glasgow are also easily reached by car or train.
Pets
Showers
Potable water
from 
£20
 / night
Esk Yurt

14. Esk Yurt

100%
(5)
74km from Paisley · 1 unit · Glamping
Adult only yurt glamping in the Scottish Borders with exceptional views, hiking trails, and wild swimming
Showers
Potable water
from 
£130
 / night
The Charcoal Huts - Isle of Bute

15. The Charcoal Huts - Isle of Bute

100%
(3)
45km from Paisley · 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.
Pets
Potable water
from 
£85
 / night
Grinsdale Campsite

16. Grinsdale Campsite

138km from Paisley · 1 unit · Tent, Motorhome
Wild camping with water and toilets on site, also the King Charles coastal path, just 2 minutes from Hadrians Wall and next to the River Eden.
Pets
Campfires
Picnic table
from 
£16
 / night
Pirnie Lodge Farm

17. Pirnie Lodge Farm

100%
(2)
40km from Paisley · 3 units · Glamping
Lodges with hot tubs in peaceful countryside near Falkirk
Pets
Showers
Hot Tub
from 
£152
 / night
Bachilton Farm Holidays

18. Bachilton Farm Holidays

100%
(4)
79km from Paisley · 2 units · Glamping
A pair of yurts with hot tubs on a farm between Perth and Crieff
Pets
Showers
Hot Tub
from 
£155
 / night
Organic Welltree

19. Organic Welltree

100%
(2)
94km from Paisley · 2 units · Glamping
Welcome to Organic Welltree's beautiful eco-friendly yurts. Looking for a place to stay in the heart of Scotland, Perthshire for that perfect organic, vegetarian or vegan holiday? Come and enjoy our unique rooms in Scottish design or try luxury glamping and back-to-nature living in our well equipped yurts like a Home from home no matter where you’re from, a place to relax, enjoy nature and escape from the city.
Pets
Showers
Potable water
from 
£100
 / night
Cragdhu Log Cabin

20. Cragdhu Log Cabin

123km from Paisley · 1 unit · Glamping
Escape to the tranquility of Cragdhu, a charming two-bedroom self-catering log cabin perched high on a scenic hillside, offering breathtaking 360° mountain views. With a private setting and rustic charm, Cragdhu is a favorite among returning guests who come for the peace, comfort, and natural beauty. The cabin comfortably sleeps up to 5 guests, with two bedrooms - a cosy double with ensuite shower room/WC and a twin bedroom - plus a fold-down single futon in the living room for additional flexibility. Inside, you’ll find an open-plan living and dining area with comfy sofas, ideal for relaxing after a day of exploring. The fully equipped kitchen includes a hob with fan oven and grill, microwave, full-size fridge/freezer, washing machine, kettle, toas
Showers
Hot Tub
Wifi
from 
£126
 / night

Whether you’re heading north toward Loch Lomond and the west Highlands, out to the isles, or planning to soak up a few days of culture in Glasgow without the city overnight, Paisley offers a convenient base to access most of the western Central Belt. The town that gave name to the famous textile pattern is located just 10 minutes from Glasgow, rich with history and surrounded by rolling country, offering easy public access to many sought after camping spots in the area.

94% (128) 150 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Paisley

Loch Katrine Eco Camping

1. Loch Katrine Eco Camping

95%
(113)
43km from Paisley · 22 units · Motorhomes, Glamping
Loch-side sleeping and exploring in one of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park's most historic locations
Pets
Electrical hookup
Showers
from 
£12
 / night
Troquhain Woods

2. Troquhain Woods

92%
(33)
87km from Paisley · 6 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Nearly wild camping for tents and campervans in a Scottish woodland
Pets
Campfires
Picnic table
from 
£25
 / night
King Garth

3. King Garth

100%
(9)
136km from Paisley · 1 unit · Glamping
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
from 
£80
 / night
Red Deer Village Holiday Park

4. Red Deer Village Holiday Park

18km from Paisley · 10 units · Motorhomes
Red Deer Village Holiday Park in Scotland is a 5 star holiday park, conveniently situated on the doorstep of Glasgow, just off the A80, one of Scotland’s main arterial routes to the North. The Scottish holiday park is close to a number of public transport links, with regular buses and trains into Glasgow city centre. he level and spacious caravan and campsite near Glasgow is the ideal base for a holiday in and around West Central Scotland, or as a stopover for a few days whilst touring. There are 24 hardstanding pitches with electric hookup, suitable for touring caravans and motorhomes. Our grass area has a number of spacious tent pitches, which are well served by immaculate facilities.
Electrical hookup
Pets
from 
£55
 / night
Culdees Castle Estate Glamping

5. Culdees Castle Estate Glamping

88%
(25)
66km from Paisley · 5 units · Glamping
Luxury woodland cabins, each with a private hot tub, in the grounds of a Scottish castle
Showers
Campfires
Hot Tub
from 
£140
 / night
Fernlea - Campsite & Pod

6. Fernlea - Campsite & Pod

100%
(2)
98km from Paisley · 7 units · Motorhomes, Glamping
Welcome to Fernlea. We would love to have you visit us, either on our 5 pitch campsite for motorhomes and caravans, or in 2025 to our new luxury glamping pod. Fernlea is our home in the heart of an agricultural plain called “The Carse of Gowrie,” which runs for 20 miles or so along the River Tay between Perth and Dundee. It’s a beautiful area that we hope you will love too. We are a short walk from the village of Errol, with access to lovely walks along the Tay. We are adjacent to the local bus route (just stick your arm out!), the Sustrans cycle route 77, plus only a mile or so from the A90 Perth to Dundee / Aberdeen road. We are perfect for both a short stopover and a longer break with a fascinating local area to explore. All pitches have hard standing, water on each pitch, grey waste disposal adjacent to the pitch, and a 10 or 16 amp electric supply with a chemical toilet waste tank with rinsing tap behind our garage. We are also within easy access to Fife and the southern area of the Highlands. Walkers and bird watchers will find many footpaths by the River Tay and can climb the local hills to see buzzards, hawks, ducks, and migrating geese throughout the seasons. Any visitors requiring repairs or accessories for their van will find the large Perthshire Caravan dealership nearby. Every Sunday, one of Scotland’s largest car boot sales and markets is held less than a mile away. Facilities on the CL Site: - Dog walk from the site - Information room - Recycling facilities - Battery charging - TV reception: good - 16 amp electric on 4 pitches, 10 amp on 5th - Water on all pitches - Chemical toilet disposal point - Lawned site, with gravel hardstandings - Latest arrival time: 9:00 PM - Latest departure time: 12:00 PM Shop/village of Errol within 1 mile. Errol Village shop, Pub, Lass O’Gowrie Cafe, Fish and Chip Shop, Butchers. Nearby: Cairn O’Mohr Winery, Rait Antiques Centre, Errol Sunday Market, Lass O'Gowrie Cafe, Fruit Shack - Pick your own strawberries, We look forward to seeing you soon!
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from 
£22
 / night
Port nan Gael Campsite

7. Port nan Gael Campsite

95%
(11)
115km from Paisley · 75 units · Tents, Motorhomes
A lochside campsite on the Isle of Mull
Pets
Showers
Full hookups
from 
£20
 / night
West Highland Way Hotel & Campsite

8. West Highland Way Hotel & Campsite

82%
(36)
17km from Paisley · 46 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
A welcoming campsite on the West Highland Way
Pets
Campfires
Full hookups
from 
£30
 / night
Camping at Cardewlees

9. Camping at Cardewlees

99%
(47)
142km from Paisley · 37 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
A welcoming, family-run farm campsite between the Lake District and Hadrian's Wall
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from 
£16
 / night
Cleghorn Farm

10. Cleghorn Farm

100%
(11)
45km from Paisley · 15 units · Tents, Glamping
*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
Campfires
Potable water
from 
£10
 / night
Beirhope Alpacas

11. Beirhope Alpacas

98%
(137)
135km from Paisley · 11 units · Tents
A small, off-grid campsite with alpacas in the historically rich southern Scottish borders
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£20
 / night
Muiredge

12. Muiredge

100%
(16)
64km from Paisley · 8 units · Glamping
Rural glamping in a converted railway carriage, shepherd's hut, or bell tent in blissful Scotland
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£100
 / night
Collierhall Farm

13. Collierhall Farm

81%
(21)
48km from Paisley · 5 units · Tents
Very quiet and easily accessible from the motorway (1 mile) The farm is set in 100 acres and has a mixture of caravans, motorhomes and tents. There is a golf course across the road and the world heritage site of New Lanark only 7 miles away. Edinburgh and Glasgow are also easily reached by car or train.
Pets
Showers
Potable water
from 
£20
 / night
Esk Yurt

14. Esk Yurt

100%
(5)
74km from Paisley · 1 unit · Glamping
Adult only yurt glamping in the Scottish Borders with exceptional views, hiking trails, and wild swimming
Showers
Potable water
from 
£130
 / night
The Charcoal Huts - Isle of Bute

15. The Charcoal Huts - Isle of Bute

100%
(3)
45km from Paisley · 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.
Pets
Potable water
from 
£85
 / night
Grinsdale Campsite

16. Grinsdale Campsite

138km from Paisley · 1 unit · Tent, Motorhome
Wild camping with water and toilets on site, also the King Charles coastal path, just 2 minutes from Hadrians Wall and next to the River Eden.
Pets
Campfires
Picnic table
from 
£16
 / night
Pirnie Lodge Farm

17. Pirnie Lodge Farm

100%
(2)
40km from Paisley · 3 units · Glamping
Lodges with hot tubs in peaceful countryside near Falkirk
Pets
Showers
Hot Tub
from 
£152
 / night
Bachilton Farm Holidays

18. Bachilton Farm Holidays

100%
(4)
79km from Paisley · 2 units · Glamping
A pair of yurts with hot tubs on a farm between Perth and Crieff
Pets
Showers
Hot Tub
from 
£155
 / night
Organic Welltree

19. Organic Welltree

100%
(2)
94km from Paisley · 2 units · Glamping
Welcome to Organic Welltree's beautiful eco-friendly yurts. Looking for a place to stay in the heart of Scotland, Perthshire for that perfect organic, vegetarian or vegan holiday? Come and enjoy our unique rooms in Scottish design or try luxury glamping and back-to-nature living in our well equipped yurts like a Home from home no matter where you’re from, a place to relax, enjoy nature and escape from the city.
Pets
Showers
Potable water
from 
£100
 / night
Cragdhu Log Cabin

20. Cragdhu Log Cabin

123km from Paisley · 1 unit · Glamping
Escape to the tranquility of Cragdhu, a charming two-bedroom self-catering log cabin perched high on a scenic hillside, offering breathtaking 360° mountain views. With a private setting and rustic charm, Cragdhu is a favorite among returning guests who come for the peace, comfort, and natural beauty. The cabin comfortably sleeps up to 5 guests, with two bedrooms - a cosy double with ensuite shower room/WC and a twin bedroom - plus a fold-down single futon in the living room for additional flexibility. Inside, you’ll find an open-plan living and dining area with comfy sofas, ideal for relaxing after a day of exploring. The fully equipped kitchen includes a hob with fan oven and grill, microwave, full-size fridge/freezer, washing machine, kettle, toas
Showers
Hot Tub
Wifi
from 
£126
 / night

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Best camping, glamping, and outdoor stays in Paisley guide

Where to go

Loch Lomond and the Trossachs

A short drive northwest of Paisley is Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. Forest and nearly two dozen lochs offer endless adventure. Scotland’s most famous walking route, the West Highland Way, follows the shores of Loch Lomond, Scotland’s largest body of freshwater. For views stretching across the loch to the Ailsa Craig in the Firth of Forth, hike the accessible munro of Ben Lomond. From the peak of the smaller Conic HIll, you’ll get an excellent perspective over the Highland Boundary Fault. Campsite and wild camping permit areas are scattered throughout the park. 

West Coast and Arran

The seaside villages of Largs, Troon, Prestwick and their surrounds are popular escapes for Glasgow residents on a summer day. This stretch of coast also serves as the access point to the isles of Arran, often called Scotland in miniature, Greater Cumbrae, Bute, and even the remote Kintyre Peninsula. Camping on a Scottish island is an experience not to miss, and the mainland coast offers plenty of campsites and caravan parks to enjoy. 

Dumfries and Galloway

In the quiet southwest of Scotland, Dumfries and Galloway benefits from being off the traditional tourist route due to the limited public transport to the region. Countryside surrounds the Galloway Forest, a designated International Dark Sky Park, and the coast faces south toward the Isle of Man and Ireland. Four world-class mountain bike parks are spread across the area, and campsites can be found next door and throughout the entire region.

When to go

The traditional tourist season for most of Scotland is May through October. During these peak months you’ll enjoy the benefit of extra daylight hours and warmer weather, but book campgrounds well in advance and be prepared to deal with crowds--especially on the isles. In March, April, and October you’ll have more of the stunning West coast to yourself, but be prepared for wetter and colder weather.

Know before you go

  • Paisley benefits from great public transport links, but be sure your end destination does. For places like Dumfries and Galloway, you’ll be best having access to your own vehicle or hire car.
  • Waterproofs are an essential packing item for any season in Scotland, as are plenty of layers and thick socks. 
  • In a west of Scotland summer, bring a midgie net and spray to keep the biting beasties at bay.

Top towns near Paisley