The top caravanning & glamping campsite in Gartmore, Scotland

Photo by Robert Forever Ago

I’ve always wanted to go camping, but not quite like the kind you see in movies, where people just wander into the first patch of woods they find, pitch a tent, and call it a day—maybe a man and a woman, or a man and his dog, or whatever the case may be. Not like that at all. I wanted a place that felt secure, yet still embraced nature with enough space to stretch out.

After visiting Devil’s Pulpit, we drove around looking for a place called Queen Elizabeth Park. Unfortunately, the map wasn’t too clear, so we stopped to ask a lady for directions. She kindly offered us her parking spot and drove off, and that's when we noticed Cobleland. At first, we thought it was just another outdoor camping spot. But no—turns out, they have their own tents for rent and even wooden cabins covered with tent material.

We went to ask a man at the mini store, which had all the camping necessities, and he pointed us in the right direction to check out the setup. We did, and I loved it. The campsite is nestled in nature, surrounded by trees and bushes, with a river nearby. There’s even a parking lot close enough for people to park their cars right next to their tents. It felt cozy and peaceful.

While we were there, we saw a couple setting up their tent, and my partner suggested we check out their website to learn more—maybe we could come back and camp here. I agreed; it seemed like a great spot. Plus, the rooms have heaters, lamps, and everything you need—though it’s warm, it’s not too warm to go without a heater. They also provide kitchen utensils, plates, blankets, a toaster, a cooker, a mini fridge, a waste bin, and pillows. There’s even a fire pit area if you want to sit by the fire at night, right in front of the structure.

The vibe was just right. Inside, there are small camping beds—kind of like the ones I had at boarding school (haha, I’ll spare you the memories). They also have running water in the bathrooms, a drinking water tap, and a toilet area. I’ll admit, I’m not sure I could camp in winter, but if you’re into that, I’m certain it would be great. For me, I think summer would be the best time to go.

Curious to learn more, I checked out their website, and here’s what I found: it’s called Cobleland Campsite, and you can enjoy both caravan and camping options. The site sits on the bank of the River Forth, right in Queen Elizabeth Forest.

After exploring the campsite, we found out there are a few extra perks that really caught my attention. For starters, they offer a Pamper Room, so you can indulge a little while you’re out in nature. There's also a laundry service if you need to freshen up your clothes during your stay, along with towels and bed linen—though these do come at an additional cost.

For the BBQ lovers, you’re in luck! They offer BBQ facilities, along with gas hobs, and you can rent crockery and cutlery—again, for a small additional cost. They also provide electric hook-ups at many of the pitches, so you can stay connected if you need to, but it’s still very much a nature retreat.

Drinking water is readily available at various points around the park, with a filling station for motorhomes and tourers, along with waste disposal facilities. It’s clear they’ve thought of everything to make your stay comfortable.

For the little ones (and adults who love a bit of fun), there’s a play area with swings, climbing bars, and a small assault course. It’s a great spot to let off some steam if you’re not busy relaxing by the fire.

And yes, dogs are welcome at Cobleland, as long as they’re kept on a short lead and under control. So, feel free to bring your furry friends along for the adventure.

For those who need extra convenience, there’s 24-hour access to freezers where you can re-freeze your ice packs. Plus, the on-site shop has everything you might need from basic camping gear to BBQ supplies, snacks, drinks, and even local info to help you explore the area.

The washroom facilities are modern, with two purpose-built blocks that include laundry and drying services. It’s worth mentioning that these facilities are kept really clean, and they make sure you have everything you need to feel comfortable while camping.

Cobleland Campsite is beautifully located on the River Forth in Queen Elizabeth Forest Park, which is just 13 miles from Ben Lomond (remember when I shared our adventure there? That’s the place!). The park’s natural beauty is breathtaking, and there’s no shortage of outdoor activities to enjoy.

Now, if you’re someone who prefers to just sit back and relax, don’t worry—you can totally camp here and do nothing but enjoy the crackling fire. But, for those who are up for some adventure, there’s plenty to do! From seasonal events like the Easter Hunt to Springwatch for spotting wildlife like otters, wildcats, buzzards, and red squirrels, there’s always something fun happening. In the summer, they have a grand BBQ with produce from local butchers, and in autumn, you can enjoy a bonfire with a silent firework display (so your dogs don’t freak out!). There’s even an early Trick or Treat event.

Be sure to check their social media and news pages for updates on upcoming events, too!

Water activities near Cobleland are a must. If you’re into kayaking, canoeing, or paddleboarding, there are plenty of spots nearby. Loch Lomond, just 15 miles from the site, is a great place to launch your boat, and if you don’t have one, there are cruises and boat hires available. Lake fishing is also popular at the nearby Lake of Menteith, where you can hire a fishing boat.

For walkers, there are several trails directly from Cobleland. The Doon Hill and Easter Trail lead into Forestry Land Scotland, while the Aberfoyle Cycle Path is perfect for cyclists. If you’re more into relaxed strolls, the Woodland Walk is a peaceful path down to some stepping stones.

If you’re up for a bit of water fun, there’s even an open water swimming spot at the end of Loch Ard, just a short distance from the campsite.

For those into more challenging activities, there’s mountain biking, hiking, and even river fishing on the River Forth. Cobleland is also close to some incredible hill walks, with stunning views of Ben Lomond and other surrounding peaks.

When you’re ready to venture off the site, there’s plenty to explore nearby, like the Blair Drummond Safari Park, Doune Castle, and Glengoyne Distillery. Go Ape is just 10 minutes away if you want to challenge yourself with some high-wire fun.

The William Wallace Monument is only a 30-minute drive, and if you’re looking for more family-friendly activities, the Peak Sports Village and the Play Trail are nearby.

You can book your stay via Booking.com, and one of the things I really appreciate is that the photos on the website are exactly what you’ll get—no misleading edits. What you see is truly what you get, which makes the whole experience feel even more authentic.

Price per night: £125.00

So, if you're looking for a charming getaway in nature with all the comforts of home, Cobleland Campsite is definitely worth considering.

These photographs were taken on Monday, March 10, 2025, between 3:09 PM and 3:30 PM.