Camping on the Isle of Skye
Campervan hire in Scotland
Skye is one of the ‘must see’ destinations for many of our customers – so which are the best campsites on Skye? We asked our customers about where they stayed and also visited a fair few ourselves. So here is our choice of the best campsites on Skye, as well as some tips about camping on Skye.
Why visit Skye?
Planning a road trip to Skye? You are not the only one! Skye’s popularity has soared in recent years. Despite having a population of only 10,000, Skye attracts up to 600,000 visitors annually. And for good reason. The haunting beauty of the Cullen mountains, the iconic Old Man of Storr, the beguiling Fairy Pools and Fairy Glen, waterfalls, moorland and white sand beaches. Great seafood, history, culture, wildlife and whisky; Skye has been described as “Scotland on one island”. And with two points of entry from the mainland – the ferry from Mallaig and the Skye Bridge – Skye is one of Scotland’s most accessible islands.
Book early if you want to stay in the best campsites on Skye
The consistent message we have had from campsite owners is if you are planning to visit during the summer months, book as early as you can. Camping Skye, for example, told us that they turn away 20-40 campervans and motorhomes a day during the peak Summer period. So, if you are thinking of visiting in July or August, book early to make sure you secure a spot in the best campsites on Skye.
Which are the best campsites on Skye?
There are around 10 campsites on Skye. Which of these you consider the best campsite on Skye will be partly a matter of personal taste. Do you want to be close to shops or restaurants or in the middle of nowhwere? Do you want to camp somewhere small and friendly? Camp somewhere with a waterside view? Are beautiful views the most important factor for you? Or are you looking for a campsite with particular facilities such as an onsite shop or cafe?
Most of the campsites on Skye have pretty good washing and laundry facilities, although a couple are simpler and more basic than others. Campsites on Skye range in size from only a handful of pitches to a whopping 120. Some have absolutely unrivalled views and locations. Here is our pick of the best campsites on Skye – with one to suit every taste.
Camping Skye is a community owned campsite run by the Broadford and Strath Community Company. The campsite is set in woodland on the outskirts of Broadford in the south of the island. It is just a short walk to the shops, pubs and restaurants of this waterside village. There are only 26 campervan and caravan pitches and 20 tent pitches, so competition for a pitch is fierce. Skye Camping regularly turn away hundreds of campervans and motorhomes that had not booked early enough in the summer months.
Camping Skye was only built in 2018 so its modern facilities are immaculate. It has everything you’d expect in terms of water, waste disposal, washing and laundry facilities and the site is fully accessible for disabled people. The hardstandings all have an electric hook up and an individual awning and picnic area (rock pegs are advised for your awning as this is on gravel). There is also free WiFi, an onsite shop and a communal picnic and BBQ area. The campsite operates a quiet site policy after 10pm. Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a lead at all times. The site opens to campervans from mid/late March until the end of October. Check the Camping Skye website for details and to book online.
If it is seclusion you are after, then you won’t find a more peaceful site than Kinloch Ainort on the east coast of Skye. This is a very simple site with water, electric hook up and wifi for each of the hardstanding pitches. However, there are no toilet, shower or chemical waste disposal facilities. However, what it lacks in facilities it makes up for in views and tranquility. There are exceptional views over Loch Ainort and its remote location means that most of the time the site is completely silent, save for the sound of birds of prey overhead. Make sure to stock up on provisions before you leave Broadford. BBQs are not permitted.
Staffin Campsite is in the NE of Skye between the tourist spots of The Old Man of Storr and The Quiraing. It is only 1 mile from Kilt Rock and just a short distance from An Coran Beach where you will find the famous dinosaur footprints. It’s a real family business – they have been in business over fifty years. The campsite has remained in the family for all that time. Staffin campsite welcomes tourers – caravans and campervans as well as tents. The location suits young and old and the campsite welcomes groups. All hardstanding pitches have electric hook ups. Toilets, showers and wifi are included in the price and there is a coin-operated laundry. They open at Easter and normally close mid-October. Book early to avoid disappointment.
On the west of the island, Kinloch Campsite is a family-run site in an absolutely stunning location right on the shores of beautiful Loch Dunvegan. Set on the site of a former croft, it’s a small and tranquil site with a calm atmosphere. You can camp directly on the waterfront enjoying the views of the loch and its abundant birdlife, as well as MacLeods Tables, the hills that overlook the campsite. The views alone must qualify Kinloch as one of the best campsites on Skye. Uniquely for such a picturesque and peaceful waterfront location, Dunvegan village is only a short walk away. Here you will find a range of pubs, shops, restaurants and cafes. Dunvegan Castle & Gardens, the seat of the Macleod Clan, is a 2 mile walk or short drive away, on the other side of the village.
There are hardstandings with and without electric hook up, laundry and washing up facilities, free hot showers and toilets, use of a freezer, WiFi and phone charging. Prices for a hardstanding for a van and two people with electric hook up are from 28. Kinloch Campsite is open from mid March until the end of October.
Operating a no booking, first-come-first-served policy, and with a huge site, Glenbrittle Campsite can usually accommodate everyone that turns up. But it’s not just a backstop, this spacious, award winning site has stunning views of the Cuillin mountains and Loch Brittle with direct access to Loch Brittle’s beautiful beach. As well as the full range of washing, laundry, water and waste facilities you will find the Cuillin Coffee Cafe and shop on site. It is a warm, welcoming space that serves coffee, freshly baked goods and hot meals during the daytime and stocks a wide range of goods, including camping equipment.
There are 36 pitches with electric hook up and 120 in total. So it’s a great choice if you have left it too late to book. Whilst it is a large campsite it has so much space there is plenty of room between pitches. Glenbrittle is open between 1st April and 15th October.
Reraig Campsite is not on Skye itself, it’s 10 minutes away from the Skye Bridge on the mainland. But it’s a great little spot and makes a handy base for exploring Skye, or a good stopping off point for the NC500. Eilean Donan is a 5 min drive to the east of the campsite. The site itself is set back from the road that borders Loch Alsh and is protected by woodland on three sides. There are trees and shrubs throughout the site which give Reraig’s 36 pitches a more secluded feel. The grounds and the facilities are immaculately maintained, with little touches such as fresh flowers in the bathrooms. The campsite has a Quiet Policy between the hours of 10pm and 7am. There is a hotel and restaurant and shop a short walk away from the campsite. It will be open 28th March to 30th September in 2024 and booking is now open.
Another option if you have left it to late to book a campsite on Skye or you are travelling out of season is this park-up/aire just off the NC500 at Auchtertyre. It is open all year round and just a 10 minute drive to the Skye Bridge. The park up is on a working farm with native ponies, pigs, goats and poultry. The family who own the farm set up the park up because of the limited camping facilities for increasing numbers of visitors to the local area. You can arrive at any time and park up and there is no need to book ahead. Pay either on the website or use the on site honesty box.
Wild Camping on Skye
Wild camping with a tent on public land is legal throughout Scotland, including Skye. There is no right to wild camp with a vehicle, however. So, whilst it is perfectly possible to find an isolated spot to park up for the night on Skye, with no one minding if you aren’t bothering people, you need to take care when doing so. The main thing is to exercise care and treat the place with respect. That means no fires, noise, rubbish or human waste left behind. With the numbers of tourists now flocking to Skye you might find that parking up for the night becomes less tolerated by the locals in the coming years.
An alternative is to park up and walk to one of the bothies on the island. Bothies are simple structures where you can sleep the night for free. They are usually very isolated and rarely have any facilities. That means fuel, water, washing or toilet facilities. There may be a spade to deal with the lack of the latter but it’s not guaranteed. Anything that you need for the night – you will have to walk it in. There are three bothies on Skye open to the public. Ollisdal Bothy, on the West coast, the Lookout Bothy at Rubha Hunish on the North of the island and one at Camasunary Bay. They are all completely isolated and set in stunning surroundings, so if you are up for a challenge, it will be a unique and memorable experience. However, if choosing this option, please make sure you respect the spirit of bothies and follow the Bothy Code.
Best time to visit Isle of Skye?
Best campsites on Skye
The best time to visit Skye really depends on how important any of the following factors are to you: weather, crowds, facilities/prices and…. midges. Generally speaking, people don’t come to Skye to get a suntan, although you can get beautiful, clear, sunny days on Skye at any time of year. Even in the Summer, temperatures can be on the cool side with average highs around 16 C in July and August. But these are the busiest times, with accommodation in steep demand, more crowds, higher prices and, not forgetting, the midges!
When does it rain the most on Skye?
You can experience rain at any time of year on Skye, even on summer days. As you would expect Autumn and Winter are the wettest seasons. In the off season there are far fewer visitors to Skye. But do bear in mind but many facilities will close at the end of the high season. Most, if not all, of the campsites on Skye close in October and don’t re-open until March at the earliest. However, as long as you plan ahead and camp responsibly you can still wild camp.
When is the best month to visit Skye?
March to May are the driest months on Skye, see the most sunshine, and are less busy. So, if you don’t mind slightly cooler weather than the summer months, on balance, Spring is probably the best time to visit Skye. The dreaded midges start to make an appearance from late May onwards.
Big Sky Campers Campervans for Hire
Scotland
Skye is quite a large island – 50 miles long and 25 wide – and many of the spots you will want to visit are isolated or off the main roads. It is possible to use buses on Skye to get around between the main settlements, and there are campsites within walking distance of Portree and Broadford. However, to make the most of your trip and reach some of the best campsites on Skye, you will need to have a vehicle. Most of the roads are single track with passing places making VW campervan rental a great choice for your trip. All our campervans for hire are fully equipped with everything you will need for your camping trip to Skye. The only exception is a portable toilet you can add to your booking at a small additional charge. Everything else is included in the price, including extra sets of bedding if requested.
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