Best Camping Near Edinburgh and Glasgow

Edinburgh and Glasgow have something that most UK cities don't — legal wild camping within an hour's drive. Scotland's right to roam means you can camp freely (and legally) across most of the country, and both cities sit on the doorstep of spectacular landscapes.

From Edinburgh

The Pentland Hills

Edinburgh's southern skyline is the Pentland Hills — a compact range of rolling hills that offers wild camping within 30 minutes of the city centre. The hills reach 579m and offer genuine moorland camping with views over the Firth of Forth.

The Pentlands are an excellent first wild camp location for Edinburgh residents — close enough for a Friday evening escape, high enough to feel genuinely wild.

Getting there: Bus to the Flotterstone car park area, or drive in 20-30 minutes.

The Scottish Borders

South of Edinburgh, the Borders offer rolling hills, deep valleys, and remarkably few visitors. The Eildon Hills, Cheviot foothills, and Tweed valley all provide excellent camping.

The Borders feel different from the Highlands — gentler, greener, and steeped in history. It's wonderful walking and camping country that rarely features in guidebooks.

Getting there: 45-90 minutes by car. Train to Galashiels or Tweedbank.

East Lothian Coast

The coast east of Edinburgh has long sandy beaches, dramatic headlands, and coastal camping opportunities. The John Muir Way follows the coast, and there are several campsites near the sea.

Wild camping on quieter beaches is possible — choose spots away from towns and popular areas.

Getting there: 30-60 minutes by car. Train to North Berwick or Dunbar.

The Trossachs (from Edinburgh)

Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park is accessible from Edinburgh in about 90 minutes. The eastern side (Callander, Loch Lubnaig, Balquhidder) is the most convenient approach.

Note: The national park has camping management zones around certain lochs where wild camping is restricted or requires permits between March and September. Check the current bylaws.

From Glasgow

Loch Lomond and the Trossachs

Glasgow's nearest national park starts at the city's northern edge. Loch Lomond is under an hour away, and the Trossachs beyond offer mountains, lochs, and forest.

Important: Camping management bylaws apply around the east bank of Loch Lomond and certain other lochs during the main season (March to September). These require permits for overnight stays in specific zones. Check the national park website for current rules.

The Arrochar Alps — the mountains at the head of Loch Long — are accessible from Glasgow in about an hour and offer proper mountain camping.

Getting there: A82 or A81. Train to Balloch or Arrochar & Tarbet.

Glen Coe — 2 Hours

Glen Coe is just about within weekend range from Glasgow — about 2 hours by car. This puts some of Scotland's most dramatic mountain camping within reach for a Friday-evening departure.

Getting there: A82 all the way. One of Scotland's great drives.

The Campsie Fells and Kilpatrick Hills

Immediately north of Glasgow, these lower hills offer accessible camping without a long drive. They're not dramatic but they're close and convenient.

Getting there: Under 30 minutes from the city centre.

Arran

The Isle of Arran — "Scotland in miniature" — is accessible from Glasgow in about 2.5 hours including the ferry from Ardrossan. The island has mountains, coastline, and excellent camping.

Getting there: Train to Ardrossan, ferry to Brodick. About 2.5 hours total.

The Galloway Hills

Southwest Scotland is often forgotten but offers superb wild camping. The Galloway Forest Park has dark sky status and remote, forested hills. It's about 90 minutes from Glasgow.

Getting there: M77 southbound. Remote but rewarding.

Legal Wild Camping

Both Edinburgh and Glasgow benefit from Scotland's right to roam, which includes wild camping. The main conditions:

• Camp in small numbers
• Stay no more than two or three nights in one spot
• Avoid enclosed fields, near buildings, and land where you'd cause damage
• Leave no trace
• Follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code

Camping management bylaws in specific areas (particularly around Loch Lomond) add local restrictions — always check before heading to these zones.

Campsites Near Both Cities

For those who prefer facilities:

Near Edinburgh

• Sites in the Borders offer rural camping with good facilities
• East Lothian coast has several campsite options
• The Pentland Hills area has limited but good options

Near Glasgow

• Loch Lomond's western shore has excellent campsites
• The Trossachs have numerous options around Callander and Aberfoyle
• Ayrshire coast for something different

Seasonal Advice

Spring (March to May): Excellent camping weather developing. Check for camping management zone dates.

Summer (June to August): Best weather but midges arrive. Coastal camps and exposed spots are the midge defence.

Autumn (September to October): Beautiful colours, fewer midges, quieter campsites. Shorter days.

Winter (November to February): Legal camping continues year-round. Mountains require winter skills. Low-level camps in forests and valleys are more sheltered.

Weekend Planning

The Friday-Evening Escape

From Edinburgh:

• Leave at 5pm, reach Pentland Hills by 5:30pm
• Or drive to the Borders, pitched by 7pm

From Glasgow:

• Leave at 5pm, reach Loch Lomond side by 6pm
• Or drive to the Arrochar area, pitched by 7pm

The Full Weekend

• Friday evening: camp near the city (Pentlands, Campsies)
• Saturday: walk and move camp to a wilder location
• Sunday: pack up and head home

Recommended Gear for Weekend Escapes

Quick Friday-evening escapes from the city need gear that's ready to go.

Both cities offer camping escapes that most UK city dwellers would envy. The combination of legal access and stunning landscapes within an hour makes Edinburgh and Glasgow the best cities in Britain for campers.