Balloch O'Dee Campsite

View prices & book 9.6 97 reviews
Amazing sky
Spacious area for pitching
Room to spread out
Firepit in the main field

  • Spacious farm site 20 minutes’ drive from Galloway Forest Park
  • A 15-minute drive from Newton Stewart and 25 minutes from Stranraer
  • Quiet, simple dog-friendly pitches with dark-sky stargazing
Lochs and castles, stanes and lush landscapes… it doesn’t get much more Scottish than this. If a holiday living out romantic visions of Scotland appeals, get along to Balloch O’Dee Campsite, a family-friendly site 15 minutes’ drive from the Dumfries and Galloway town of Newton Stewart. The farm site is well placed for active forays out and about: it's a 20-minute car journey to Galloway Forest Park, where there are trails to follow, plus deer, goats and birds to spot. Mountain bikers are well placed here too, with not one but two 7stanes centres (Glentrool and Kirroughtree) within 30 minutes of base. Explores can start directly from site as well, as there are plenty of tracks through this scenic slice of countryside. After your outings, evenings can be spent together around the firepit, looking up at the stars (which are easy to see thanks to Galloway Forest Park’s Dark Sky Reserve status). This is a quiet site, so you should have plenty of peace in which to marvel at those skies.

Site type

Touring caravan pitches 20
Tent pitches 20
Lodges, cabins, pods or huts 6
Motorhome pitches 20
Open now
Opens 1 March
Please note
  • Under 18s must be accompanied by their parents or legal guardians.
  • The site does not accept breeds/crossbreeds listed in the Dangerous Dogs Act (i.e. Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, and Fila Brasileiro).
  • Group bookings of 2 or more units (e.g. tent, touring caravan, motorhome or accommodation hire) travelling together are not permitted via Pitchup.com.
  • No hen/stag parties permitted via Pitchup.com.
  • The site caters for families (immediate members) and couples only - bookings from all other forms of groups are not accepted.
  • Discount cards and gift vouchers cannot be applied to bookings made via Pitchup.com.

Languages spoken

English

Open from Sat, 1 Mar to

No availability here for your search criteria

Reviews

  • 79%
    10
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  • 14%
    8
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Location
10
Value for money
10
Accommodation
10
Facilities / Activities
9
Customer service
10
Child friendliness
10
Cleanliness
10
Wifi
7

99% would recommend this site to a friend

97% would stay here again

What customers say

Balloch O' Dee is praised for its stunning rural location, abundant wildlife, and peaceful atmosphere. Guests highlight the exceptional, quirky, and immaculately clean toilet and shower facilities. The site offers ample space, with non-designated pitches allowing visitors to choose their spot. Helpful and friendly owners contribute to a welcoming experience. Some minor issues mentioned include occasional noise from other campers and, for a few, the temperature of the showers being too hot or cold. Overall, it's considered a well-maintained and relaxing destination.

Summary AI-generated from Pitchup.com customer reviews

Reviews page 1 of 10
Arrival date (latest first)

Would/will I return? Absolutely!

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
10
Value for money
10
Accommodation
10
Facilities / Activities
10
Customer service
9
Child friendliness
9
Cleanliness
10
Wifi
No rating
Anonymous

Non-electric grass pitch

Liked As a solo female camper with dog I felt really comfortable at Balloch O' Dee. The campsite is approximately 2miles along a single track road in rural Dumfries and Galloway shared with local sheep however, there are plenty passing places and a quiet road so not a problem. The camp provides useful written directions incase you have no sat nav (or if your sat nav is not entirely accurate). The sign outside the camp is obscured until you get quite close to it, so take your time to ensure you don't overshoot. The campsite itself was lovely, the welcome party of chickens strolled across the entrance, 'check in on arrival' was a brief ID of who I was and how long staying for. Facilities were briefly pointed out and then invited to to pitch where ever I wanted on the tenting side of the camp.
There are some fire pits dotted across the site, these are not always obvious from the vehicle until you are practically on top of them, so drive carefully and pick the spot that suits you best. I was told it would be very busy over the weekend but although busier it never felt crowded there was ample space between pitches. Unfortunately, some campers did not observe 'rules' re quiet hours or keeping dogs on the lead although, to be fair the dogs were better behaved and quieter than their owners! Personally, I wasn't disturbed by chatting and laughing that went on to the early hours of the night from a group of 3-4 tents but my immediate tent neighbour chose to leave a day earlier due to lack of sleep. Perhaps it would be worth reminding campers to respect the wellbeing of others and that quiet time for sleeping is very much appreciated.
The camp has great toiletting (quirky and colourful decor), shower and wash up facilities although, the lack of hand drying facilities in the toilets surprised me (note to self: bring a small hand towel in addition to larger towel). The site provides areas where you can socialise (if you wish) and the same areas provide additional shelter if it's raining. One of these areas provides opportunity to recharge electronic devices, a kettle, a freezer to re-freeze ice blocks for coolers, microwave and gas hob - an honesty box invites you to deposit something towards the gas if used. There is no free run or obvious toiletting area for dogs, but there are parts of the site that are not used for camping that can be used for dog toiletting also, the roads into the site and  running past the site are mostly quiet so pooch can toilet there too. There are no bins dotted around the campsite but there is an area near the toilets where bagged garbage can be deposited and if you wish to separate and bag garbage into different categories, the main collection bins are at the camp entrance.
There are lots of wild plants and flowers around the edges of the camp this includes nettles, I did hear children talking about lots of spots and itching because they had been running through these areas (there was a mini notice in the shower area advising campers to keep out of the long grass/wildlife areas because of potential for adders but so small that few would notice and certainly not young children). I suspect the kids were unfamiliar with nettles so if you camp with children, it's best to point out what nettles look like and pack some cream to sooth possible itching. Although the weather was hot and dry there were some midgies but not particularly bothersome.
Lots of great towns and places to visit, beaches, wood walks, waterfalls etc within 1hr radius of Balloch O Dee.
My standout memory of the campsite: the nearby sheep who were quite vocal and at times seemed to be shouting the lambs home for their dinner (if you needed a reminder that you were in the heart of the countryside).

Recommend to friends Visit again

The site was well maintained very…

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
9
Value for money
10
Accommodation
No rating
Facilities / Activities
8
Customer service
10
Child friendliness
No rating
Cleanliness
10
Wifi
7
Anonymous

Non-electric grass pitch

Liked The site was well maintained very accessible and had a individual charm.

Disliked No complaints.

Recommend to friends Visit again

Balloch O'Dee campsite , was exactly…

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
10
Value for money
10
Accommodation
No rating
Facilities / Activities
No rating
Customer service
No rating
Child friendliness
No rating
Cleanliness
No rating
Wifi
No rating
Alva G.

Non-electric grass pitch

Liked Balloch O'Dee campsite , was exactly what was described, quiet, peaceful remote with beautiful views, walks friendly clean and pretty straightforward to find.

Recommend to friends Visit again

We loved this campsite, attention had…

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
10
Value for money
10
Accommodation
No rating
Facilities / Activities
10
Customer service
10
Child friendliness
No rating
Cleanliness
10
Wifi
No rating
Helen H.

Non-electric grass pitch

Liked We loved this campsite, attention had been taken to every detail and the family that owned it were so kind and helpful to us when my husband was taken ill there. They are really lovely people. The toilets were amazing and beautifully decorated and the shower was wonderful. There was a comfy kitchen / communal area where you could cook and make coffee. The sky at night was amazing and we loved the whole area. 10/10. We will definitely be going back.

Recommend to friends Visit again

We stayed for a night before…

Overall

9 out of 10
Location
10
Value for money
9
Accommodation
No rating
Facilities / Activities
9
Customer service
10
Child friendliness
No rating
Cleanliness
9
Wifi
No rating
John P.

Non-electric grass pitch

Liked We stayed for a night before a short hop to the ferry at Cairnryan. Beautiful site with lovely outlook in all directions. Judy our hostess was friendly and helpful. Toilets clean and quirky. Some other communal spaces we didn't use but looked good Wish we could have ahad a little more time here.

Disliked Rubbish disposal area a bit haphazard and no recycling facilities

Recommend to friends Visit again

Clean site and facilities. Suits geriatric campers. Felt unwelcome.

Overall

2 out of 10
Location
10
Value for money
10
Accommodation
No rating
Facilities / Activities
3
Customer service
1
Child friendliness
No rating
Cleanliness
10
Wifi
1
Anonymous

Non-electric grass pitch

Liked The area is stunning with plenty of lovely walks

Disliked It was advertised as wild camping it’s not, a geriatric couple pitched their tent right next to our then complained that it was late and they could hear us talking. We didn’t sleep well as old man was snoring in text next to us.
We are always considerate of our neighbours. And are never make loud noise.
The next morning the owners came and asked us not to use speakers, I explained we don’t have any speakers, I feel we were not welcomed

Recommend to friends Visit again

wow there is so much I…

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
10
Value for money
10
Accommodation
No rating
Facilities / Activities
10
Customer service
10
Child friendliness
No rating
Cleanliness
10
Wifi
No rating
Perry R.

Non-electric grass pitch

Liked wow there is so much I could say. The booking of site was amazingly simple.
The welcome I received was awesome, from hello to a walk around the site to show us the facilities. The views on site and immediately offsite was fabulous.

The wildlife (birds) were everywhere on my visit.
The fact that the staff created areas that they feed them was my favorite points

I normally do adventure type vacations and this was my first lets just within reason do nothing and relax. Balloch O'Dee site was perfect for this.

Recommend to friends Visit again

We loved the space and the…

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
10
Value for money
10
Accommodation
No rating
Facilities / Activities
10
Customer service
10
Child friendliness
No rating
Cleanliness
9
Wifi
No rating
Paul W.

Non-electric grass pitch

Liked We loved the space and the views here. It wasn’t very busy and there were plenty of clean facilities for us to use. The environment was absolutely glorious - there were views in every direction and the campsite was incredibly well-kept, clean and cared for. We stayed as a couple but there were also lots of families on site. There was also a huge chalkboard listing places to eat and visit and you could purchase logs from reception for camp fires. This campsite was a real find and we are so glad we were able to stay here. It is very close to Glentrool and Kirroughtree for any mountain bikers out there!

Recommend to friends Visit again

Fabulous location. Stayed before and after…

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
10
Value for money
10
Accommodation
No rating
Facilities / Activities
10
Customer service
10
Child friendliness
No rating
Cleanliness
9
Wifi
8
Fergal H.

Non-electric grass pitch

Liked Fabulous location. Stayed before and after Ferry to/from Belfast. Good for walks and trails runs from the site. Facilities spot on and all included.

Recommend to friends Visit again

Will definitely be back again.

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
10
Value for money
10
Accommodation
No rating
Facilities / Activities
10
Customer service
10
Child friendliness
10
Cleanliness
10
Wifi
No rating
Karen W.

Non-electric grass pitch

Liked Absolutely lovely campsite. Lots of quirky added extras. Very clean toilets and showers. Plenty space to pitch up. Fire pits and benches dotted all over for everyone to use.
Glamping facilities available too... including Bothies, yurt and cabins. Definitely worth it. Not far from the local shops too.

Recommend to friends Visit again

Honestly everything, it was peaceful and…

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
10
Value for money
10
Accommodation
No rating
Facilities / Activities
10
Customer service
10
Child friendliness
No rating
Cleanliness
10
Wifi
No rating
Anele S.

Non-electric grass pitch

Liked Honestly everything, it was peaceful and well-managed

Recommend to friends Visit again


Features

Leisure on site

Bar or club house Cycle hire Evening entertainment Fishing Fitness centre Games room Indoor swimming pool Kids' club On-site restaurant/cafe Outdoor swimming pool Play area TV room Take away Tennis Watersports

Amenities on site

Bath available Car parking by pitch/unit Composting toilet Dog park Drying room Food shop Free wifi Ice pack freezing Internet access Launderette Local produce Parent & baby washroom Pick-up from public transport Picnic table Portable toilet Pub toilets Public telephone Shower available Toilet block Washing-up area Wifi

Groups welcome

D. of E. welcome Family friendly Motorcycle friendly Rallies welcome Single-sex groups welcome Student groups welcome

Rules

Barbecue provided Barbecues allowed Campfires allowed Commercial vehicles allowed Dogs allowed Dogs allowed all year

Themes

Peaceful Remote location Spectacular scenery Walkers' paradise Wild camping Wildlife haven

Utilities

Charging facilities Chemical disposal Electric car charging point(s) Gas cylinders available Recycling available Renewable energy

Nearby amenities

Bar nearby Dog walk nearby Nearby farmers' market Public transport nearby Shop nearby

Type

Small (11-25 pitches)

Nearby leisure

Canoeing/kayaking nearby Climbing nearby Cycle hire nearby Cycling nearby Fishing nearby Golf nearby Horse riding nearby Indoor pool nearby Mountain biking nearby Restaurant nearby Sailing nearby Tennis nearby Watersports nearby

Touring and motorhomes

Motorhome service point Seasonal pitches Water hook-up points for tourers

Location

Balloch O'Dee Campsite

Kirkcowan

Newton Stewart

Dumfries and Galloway

Scotland

DG8 0ET

Directions

Timezone

Europe/London BST (GMT+01:00)

GPS

54.95354°N
4.66269°W

Nearest transport

Coach
7.1 mi Dashwood Square
7.9 mi Town Hall
7.9 mi Town Hall
Rail
11 mi Barrhill Rail Station
14.7 mi Stranraer Rail Station
21.5 mi Girvan Rail Station
Ferry
14 mi Cairnryan P&O Ferry Terminal
14.7 mi Stranraer Ferry Terminal
15 mi Cairnryan Stena Line Ferry Terminal

Please note: All distances on this page are calculated "as the crow flies" - please check actual distance depending on your mode of travel using the Get directions button above.

Local attractions

Anyone drawn here by the possibility of active stays will be well chuffed by proximity to Laggan Outdoor (half an hour’s drive away) where there are zipwires to zoom along, archery to perfect, Segways to zip around on and slingshots for flinging self and friends through the air. Prefer splashier days? It’s 50 minutes to Galloway Activity Centre to have a go at watersports (and mountain biking and climbing). Other watery options are much closer at hand too – the nearest beach (Sandhead) is about 25 minutes from the site, as is the coastal/loch-side town of Stranraer. Stick around in Stranraer to explore the handful of museums, take a turn on the boating lake and visit the Castle of St John. Literary types should make the next chapter a stop at Wigtown – designated Scotland’s National Book Town – where well-timed stays should coincide with the annual book festival. For a taste of that classic image of Scotland, make sure to round out stays with a tour of the ruined Threave Castle, the Edwardian Broughton House and Garden (the one-time home of artist EA Hornel), and the hulking, stunning Culzean Castle, all between 45 minutes and an hour and 15 minutes from base.

Water quality at nearby bathing waters

Name Distance Type 2020201920182017
Mossyard 18 mi Estuary N/AGoodGoodGood
Carrick 19.6 mi Sea N/AN/AGoodGood
Girvan 21 mi Sea N/AN/AN/AN/A
Brighouse Bay 24.4 mi Sea N/APoorPoorPoor
Dhoon Bay 24.8 mi Estuary N/APoorPoorPoor

Data source: European Environment Agency

Must see

Culzean Castle & Country Park 28.2 mi

Cycle routes

Find local routes on the National Cycle Network - over 12,000 miles of cycling routes.

Other

Wells of the Rees and Laggangarn Standing Stones 5.4 mi

Moor of Drannandow 6.2 mi

Wood of Cree 6.3 mi

Around Newton Stewart 6.6 mi

WOOD OF CREE (CURRENT BOUNDARY FROM 14/03/2006) 6.7 mi

Please note: All distances on this page are calculated "as the crow flies" - please check actual distance depending on your mode of travel using the Get directions button above.

Want to know more about camping in Dumfries and Galloway?

Frequently asked questions

  • Does Balloch O'Dee Campsite have a swimming pool? No View all features
  • Is Balloch O'Dee Campsite dog friendly? Yes View all features
  • What attractions are near Balloch O'Dee Campsite? Anyone drawn here by the possibility of active stays will be well chuffed by proximity to Laggan Outdoor (half an hour’s drive away) where there are zipwires to zoom along, archery to … Read more
  • When can I check in and check out of Balloch O'Dee Campsite?
    Camping and touring
    Arrive:  1 p.m. –  10 p.m.
    Depart by:  11 a.m.
    Read more
  • How much does it cost to stay at Balloch O'Dee Campsite? From £20 (for 1 night, 2 adults) - prices may change depending on your dates and party.