Camping & Caravanning

Balloch O'Dee Campsite and Trekking Centre

Located on the edge of the Galloway National Forest Park, Balloch O’ Dee is a lovely small farm nestled in stunning countryside.

Balloch O'Dee Campsite and Trekking Centre is located 15 minutes from the coast and has numerous wonderful beaches nearby. Children say it has some of the best crab fishing in the world. It is surrounded by forests and mountains and sits at the foot of Cullvenan Fell.

**** OPEN ALL YEAR ****

The site is an amazing base for wildlife enthusiasts. It lies on the edge of a 4,000 acre forest. Rare birds are never far away. Sometimes Deer wander through the farm. There is an abundance of wildlife all around you.

THE CAMPSITE

The main camping field covers about 4 acres so there is plenty of space and you won't be squashed in. There are lots of stone fire pits for you to use in the main camping field and you are welcome to have a campfire whenever you like. Each fire pit has a pot stand for you to use to cook on and firewood is always available on site. This is 'Proper' camping!

If you love your night skies and star gazing then there are few better places to come than Balloch O Dee. We are on the edge of the Galloway National forest Park which has been declared one of the few places in Europe to have zero light polution and has been granted 'Dark Sky Status' The very best time to view the stars and planets is from September through to March and on a good clear moonless night the big night skies at Balloch O Dee are wall to wall white with stars! Plus,  the milky way stretches clear across the middle of the camping field.

ROSE HIPPY VINTAGE CARAVAN

Rose Hippy is a beautiful old Royal Caravelle Touring caravan. In its day, it was known as the 'Rolls Royce' of touring caravans.

Rose Hippy sleeps two people, with a similar double bed as you get in most touring caravans. Its slightly smaller the a standard double but perfectly fine for two adults and it can be converted into additional seating if required. The cooker, fridge and toilet have been removed to create more space and extra seating so guests would use the facilities on site.

One of her special features is that almost the whole of one side has been converted into opening double doors so that on a nice day or a clear night you can open her up completely to the elements and enjoy the view to its full.

BLUEBELL

Bluebell is a wooden vintage caravan which has been built from scratch. It has proven to be very popular with campers and we hope it will continue to be a lovely asset to our site for many years to come. It has a full king size bed raised off the floor with another double futon mattress underneath, ideal for kids or even another couple.

THE ROUND HOUSE

This sleeps 4 in one King size bed and two fold away camp beds and is lovely and cosy with a large log-burning stove, wooden floors, rugs, comfy old chairs and lots of bits and bobs.

Like our other accommodation, all you need to bring for sleeping is a sleeping bag or quilt and towels as beds, mattresses, pillows and sheets are all provided for you.

The Round House is totally eco-friendly and is completely off-grid. This means there is no electricity in the building so you will need to bring candles or tea lights or other forms of lighting with you, like you would if you were camping. It has a big log burner to keep you warm though so don't panic! Being candle lit makes it incredibly cozy and romantic! There is a large open fire with pan stand outside and a seating area so most people cook on the open fire or you could bring a camping stove or similar if you prefer.

THE BOTHY

The Bothy will sleep 5 comfortably and has everything you need for a lovely relaxing stay. All you need to bring are sleeping bags or duvets as sheets and pillow cases are provided. There is one double bed with a single bunk above it on one side of the room and two single bunks on the other side.

The heart of The Bothy is a large log burning range cooker with oven and hot plates for you to cook on and it keeps The Bothy really cosy even in the depths of winter. It also has a large rustic dining table and chairs, old oak dressers and comfy armchairs.

THE RANCH HOUSE

The Ranch House sleeps 6 people. It has a hand-built superking size 6 poster bed and two sets of bunk beds dowstairs with stairs leading to another double bed upstairs.

It has its own wetroom with shower, toilet and sink. There is a large log burning range cooker in the main room with a full-size oven and three hot plates to cook on. There is also a second log burner with cooking hot plate in the small conservatory at the front. It has a microwave kettle etc. plus usual sheets, pillows etc - Just bring your own sleeping bag/duvet and towels.

NEW FOR 2019 - BRING YOUR OWN HORSE!

From 2019 you will be able to bring your own horse when you stay at Balloch O Dee. We will provide a stable and bedding and food if you wish. You will also be able to use the horse arena to work with your horse while you are hear.

THINGS TO DO

Three Lochs Park, where the park runs the trekking centre from, is just down the road. It is set in stunning scenery around the 3 great lochs and offers a wonderful array of activities. You can enjoy fishing, shooting, stalking, archery, mountain biking and golf. It also features a small indoor heated swimming pool, a cafe and a small shop.

The Trekking Centre is a big attraction for the campsite but if you want to do something else on your stay then you couldn’t be in a better place.

• Fishing: Surrounded by beautiful Lochs, full of exquisite trout and Coarse fish and encircled by magnificent Salmon rivers; and wonderful coast line, Balloch O' Dee is a fantastic base if you are a fishing fan.

• Photography: Balloch O' Dee is a photographers paradise. Everywhere you look there are stunning photo opportunities for landscapes, seascapes and wildlife.

• Mountain Biking: We last saw a car down this way in 1957! so if you are looking for somewhere that has miles of perfect tracks for mountain biking through some of the most un-spoilt landscape in the country then there is no finer place.

• Astronomy: Just a few miles away is the Galloway National Forest Park which is one of only four sites in the world that has been granted 'Dark Sky Status' Due to its zero light pollution. There is no better place to see the spectacular night skies than Balloch O' Dee.

OUT AND ABOUT

Balloch O' Dee

Situated on the very edge of the National forest park Balloch O' Dee is the perfect place for exploring the 300 square miles of beautiful unspoilt forrest. The zero light polution ensures that even in the dead of night the views are stunning!

Portpatrick

Portpatrick is well worth a visit. It has developed into a golfing, yachting leisure resort. Just one of the highlights is to taste the fish and chips at the harbourside Crwon Hotel, people drive for miiles to enjoy them. Boats, golf, cafes, art galleries and gift shops too, it’s all there in Portpatrick. A day trip here should definitely include a visit to the Mull of Galloway lighthouse, the most southerly point in Scotland.

Port William

Port William or “the Port” as it is known is the nearest village. It is built around a working harbour where you can watch the fishing boats coming and going.

Whithorn

Scotland’s first recorded place of civilization and in addition the birthplace of Christianity and so it is a very important “city” in the history of Scotland. There are a good range of shops in Whithorn and Priory Antiques is a must see! The Whithorn Experience is an exhibition which gives a fascinating insight into the birthplace of Christianity and St Ninian who is credited with bringing Christianity to Scotland in the 4th Century. South-west of Whithorn, St Ninian’s Cave at Physgill on Luce Bay is said to be where Ninian retreated periodically for contemplation. The cave is definitely worth a visit.

Isle of Whithorn

A few miles from Whithorn is the Isle of Whithorn which is a fishing village also popular with yachties. It boasts the nationally renowned Steam Packet Inn. It is also home to St Ninian’s Chapel.

Wigtown

Wigtown is Scotland’s National Book Town and is the location for the annual Wigtown Book Fair which is held in late September and attracts writers and book aficionados from all over the UK. For the rest of the year it boasts about 20 second hand book shops.

 Click the Balloch O'Dee Campsite and Trekking Centre link for more details

Balloch O'Dee Campsite and Trekking Centre

Balloch O Dee Campsite and Trekking Centre

Kirkcowan

Newton Stewart

Dumfries and Galloway

DG8 0ET