Discover Campsites in Dumfries and Galloway

Camping in Dumfries and Galloway is perfect for all campers. Whether you like exploring the outdoors or taking part in thrilling activities, you can do it all in the southeast of Scotland. Here are some incredible things to do while camping in Dumfries and Galloway.

Enjoy the outdoors

Dumfries and Galloway is renowned for its scenic coastlines, sandy beaches, rolling hills, and the stunning Galloway Forest Park. During your visit, you can explore numerous walking and cycling trails through the forest park, stargaze under the clear night sky, and observe the incredible wildlife that calls the park home.

Horse riding is also a popular activity in Dumfries and Galloway. Several horse riding centres, such as Barstobrick Riding Centre and Livery, offer various classes and opportunities to ride horses in the picturesque countryside.

Play a round of golf

Dumfries and Galloway is one of the best golfing destinations in Scotland. Several dozen golf courses are spread across the southwest of Scotland, so your campsite will be in close proximity to one. Some golf course favourites include:

• Southerness Golf Club
• Powfoot Golf Club
• Portpatrick, Dunskey Golf Club
• Stranraer Golf Club
• Colvend Golf Club
• Thornhill Golf Club
• Wigtown & Bladnoch Golf Club
• Peebles Golf Club
• Cally Palace Golf Course
• Wigtownshire County Golf Club
• Dumfries & County Golf Club

Take on the Scottish waters

Whether you want to cool down on a hot day or test your limits and try something new, Dumfries and Galloway is a great place to take on water sports activities. Some fun water sport activities you’ll find in the southeast of Scotland include:

• Sailing
• Windsurfing
• Kayaking
• Canoeing
• Wild swimming
• Rowing
• Paddleboarding
• Canyoning
• River tubing
• Gorge scrambling

You can book an excursion if you’re new to some watersport activities. These excursions provide all the equipment you’ll need, and they’ll walk you through how to use the equipment and take part in the activity safely. Check out Galloway Canyoning and Galloway Activity Centre for more information.

Fishing in Dumfries and Galloway

If you love the peace and serenity that comes with fishing then you’re definitely in the right place. While on your camping trip in Dumfries and Galloway, take your fishing gear down to the River Nith. This river is regarded as one of Scotland's most active rivers, popular for salmon and sea trout. While waiting for your fishing rod to snag, take a moment to breathe in the fresh air and watch the incredible wildlife.

Explore the coast

Dumfries and Galloway has a 320-kilometre scenic coastline with rocky shores and sandy beaches. Rockcliffe Beach is one of the most popular beaches on the coast, with several National Trust areas nearby. This sandy beach is a favourite for walkers and families. Other popular beaches to visit on the coast include:

• Sandyhills beach
• Luce Sands beach
• Dhoon beach
• Carrick bay
• Southerness beach
• Monreith beach

Spend time with local wildlife and animals

If you enjoy hanging out with farm animals, seeing highland cows or trekking with alpacas, here are some great family-friendly days out in Dumfries and Galloway which you’ll enjoy.

• Galloways Alpacas: Enjoy a unique experience of trekking with alpacas where you also get to feed, hug and play with them.
• Jacksons at Jedburgh: Experience the day in the life as a farmer. Get the chance to feed lambs, get up close and personal with highland cows and meet the rest of the farm animals at Jacksons at Jedburgh.
• Kitchen Coos and Ewes: See Highland cows and Beltex sheep in their natural environment.
• Wilson’s Farm and Kitchen: Spend the day at Wilson's Farm, viewing the phenomenal scenery and spending time with the much-loved animals who call the farm home.

Explore castles

Dumfries and Galloway has some incredible castles and castle ruins waiting to be explored. As the region sits on the border between Scotland and England, it was incredibly important to both countries during The Wars of Scottish Independence. During this time, many castles were built in the area as a way for both countries to gain control.

Some incredible castles to visit when camping in Dumfries and Galloway include:

• Caerlaverock Castle
• Drumlanrig Castle & Gardens
• Morton Castle
• Kenmure Castle
• MacLellan's Castle
• Carsluith Castle
• Lochmaben Castle