About Woodside

Get back to nature...

Off grid camping within 10 acres of beautiful natural woodland. Camping areas are well spaced, often with patches of woodland in between meaning that there is a lovely feeling of seclusion. Within the whole 10 acres we currently only have a handful of camping areas. Each area is of a good size and could easily provide for more than one tent if you are a family with teens or a couple of families or small group wanting to camp close together and willing to share the same toilet. We'd love you to let us know your family/group set up so we can give you a personalised price (see Tariff for examples).
 
Each camping area has its own compost toilet. Where possible the toilet houses are made with locally reclaimed and natural materials, except for the loo itself which is plastic for cleanability.
 
The woodland is a beautiful naturally seeded woodland with an old feel to it. Lots of sallow (goat willow), plenty of hawthorn, some birch, rowan, elder and good sized oaks and sycamore. We have worked hard to help the land between the trees recover from damage from the hooves of straying cows from the neighbouring fields and are now seeing the return of grass and wildflowers where there was only mud and marshy grass.
All around the woodland are open fields with distant views to the rolling mountains typical of this area. You are never too far from the mossy stone walls that surround the woodland if you wish to look out and admire the view.
It is also worth noting the views when you look up at night...we are in an area which has some of the darkest skies in Europe, with the local Galloway Forest being named the first Dark Sky Park in the UK. So on a clear night there's a lot to admire up there. 
 
Camp fires are allowed in the fire pits provided. Locally sourced fire logs are available at fair prices (please do not burn wood from the woodland, fallen or not).
 
You will also find selections of logs and sticks available for den building and creating your own rainwater catchment structures, or even using for a game of giant pick up sticks!
 
Please be aware that as an off grid/wild camping site mains water is NOT available. Even our croft is off grid and relies on rainwater collection. So, if it rains you get to try catching water, if it doesn’t you’re having a great holiday anyway! Our site is aimed at providing an escape for real campers and nature lovers, and perhaps a chance to practise your survival skills, collecting your own rain water and reconnecting with the great outdoors. It is essential that you are able to provide your own water.
 
The local town, 5 miles from site, provides many local shops including two well known supermarkets. There are three fuel stations and a few cafes and pubs.
 
There is lots to do in the surrounding area, espcially for those who love the great outdoors. Beaches, forests, hills, rocks, mountains, burns, rivers and lochs gallore! Plus a chocolate factory and Wild Goat Park nearby and the towns of Kirkcudbright and Stranraer for a more seasidey feel. 
 
Vehicle access is limited to the car park area near the gate only. All your camping equipment will need to be taken to your camping area on foot. For those bringing a larger amount of camping equipment/camping trailer/trailer tent, these can be towed to your camping area with our compact tractor for an additional charge.
 
We apologise that we cannot accept caravans, campervans or motorhomes on site due to the access into the woodlands.
 
Dogs are allowed by prior arrangement. Please let us know about your dogs when enquiring.
 
As with wild camping we ask that you take your rubbish away with you when you leave, however we are happy to provide a container, for food waste only, to make your rubbish less messy.