Glencaple Quay Scotland, was the first non-campsite I stayed at in my motorhome in mid-2018 and it is an excellent spot.
Can I Stay Overnight at Glencaple Quay in a Motorhome? Yes, staying at Glencaple Quay is permitted overnight in the car park next to the river. This is a beautiful spot with some limited facilities and is cost-free, although a donation should be made.
The village of Glencaple in Dumfries & Galloway Scotland welcomes a limited number of motorhomes to stay each night. Here is how it works.
How Many Motorhomes Can Stay at Glencaple?
During the day and overnight, there are five dedicated motorhome parking spots at Glencaple. These are at the far end of the car park just off the marked tarmac and before the grassed area. The area there can take a sixth van if they are mostly smaller and park that little bit closer together.
The area is long enough for most vans and visitors are asked not to park on the grass but in the dedicated area.
If all of the dedicated slots are in use, then you are able to stay in the tarmac-marked areas of the main car park, but only after 9 p.m. and not before. In addition, you need to be within the markings and not across several spaces. There are two disabled spaces, but only use these if you have the appropriate blue badge on display. Tables and chairs should not be used in the marked car park area.
During the day, between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m., motorhomes are not permitted to use the marked tarmac area in the main car park and that includes the disabled spaces. The car park is used by the Nith Hotel, The Boathouse restaurant, and visitors, who all have priority during the day over motorhomes.
Motorhomes need to have moved from the main tarmac car park by 9 a.m. in the morning at the latest. If there is room by then on the dedicated areas, then move there – otherwise you will need to move on.
Only a single night is generally allowed here so that others can enjoy the area.
Who Runs the Glencaple Quay Motorhome Location?
The area where motorhomes park, is managed by the Caerlaverock Community Association, a volunteer group of local villagers.
The volunteer team keep the area tidy and arrange for the grass to be cut.
How Much Does It Cost to Stay at Glencaple?
The simple answer to this question is nothing.
To help with the upkeep of the area and to help to ensure that access we can continue to use this area, a voluntary donation is requested. How much you wish to contribute is up to you. Between £5 and £10 would seem reasonable. There is a box for donations in front of the motorhome spaces.
Can I Set Up an Awning at Glencaple?
There is a narrow grass area between the motorhome area and the river. No awnings, wind-break, or tents can be erected on the grass, as it is a public area and dog walking route for locals.
The space between the five motorhomes in the special area is too narrow to use roll-out awnings.
Are There Any Motorhome Facilities at Glencaple?
The Glencaple Aire is principally a place to stay overnight while you are self-contained.
There is a public toilet in the car park, which is locked overnight. Emptying your black waste is NOT permitted under any circumstances. There is a small litter bin, but it is best to take your rubbish away.
At the edge of the car park, there is a bus stop with the 6A serving the local area, along with a post-box for those all-important postcards.
There are two choices of places to eat at Glencaple. The Nith Hotel is opposite and has a public restaurant. The Boathouse Restaurant and shop is in the car park. There is an outside area for The Boathouse where you can enjoy views of the River Nith.
Dogs must be kept on a lead at all times and any poo picked up by the owner.
What is There to See at Glencaple?
The River Nith runs through the village.
Twice a day as the tide changes, there is a river bore which can clearly be seen from the bank. The bore passes in only a minute or so, meaning you need to be there at the right moment.
The area is popular with birdwatchers and there are places along the bank for fishing.
There is an attractive view across the river.
Can I Book Ahead?
No, this is a turn-up first-come-first-served location. When it’s full – it’s full.
Where to Go if Glencaple Quay is Full
The good news is that Castle Corner just down the road has is a serviced site. Here you will find grey and black waste facilities, plus fresh water. There are seven spaces at Castle Corner.
Where is the Glencaple Quay Overnight Motorhome Spot?
Glencaple
Dumfries & Galloway,
DG1 4RE
Sat nav: 55.002776, -3.574119
Picture of signs credit: Caerlaverlock Community Association