Planning a winter campervan trip is much easier when you know which campsites in Scotland open all year and what they offer during the colder months. This guide sets out the essential details you need before you set off – from facilities you can expect in winter, to the types of pitches available and booking information.
You may also need to book in advance when camping in Scotland in the winter. Please do check first rather than just turn up at a campsite in the winter months as they may have restricted opening hours and it could be a long drive to the next open campsite!
NC500 Campsites Open All Year
If you are up for the challenge of driving the NC500 in winter, you’ll need to find NC500 campsites open all year. The following section lists all the campsites along the main NC500 route (driven clockwise from Inverness) that open for at least part of the winter period.
Be prepared for fewer facilities
Some NC500 campsites restrict their opening hours or the types of vehicles allowed during the winter period. A number of the NC500 campsites listed only allow self-contained campervans as they do not have toilet and shower facilities open in the winter months.
Ardtower Caravan Park is a recently opened campsite open all year round, just a few miles outside Inverness and close to the Culloden Battle site. It is an ideal start or end point for campervans travelling the North Coast 500. The campsite sits in a peaceful hillside setting overlooking the Moray and Beauly Firths.
All the pitches for campervans are hard-standing and each comes with a 16 amp electric hook-up operated through a simple smart-card system. There are also “super” serviced pitches that include fresh-water connections and grey-water disposal points, making them especially convenient for self-contained vans.
The facilities block at Ardtower is impressive – with underfloor heating and modern showers. There’s also a laundrette with dryers, a dishwashing room and a chemical waste disposal point. Free WiFi is available across the park.
Kessock Caravan Park lies just a few minutes’ drive from Inverness, on the southern edge of the Black Isle peninsula, making it a peaceful and convenient start or finish point for anyone touring the North Coast 500. It is just under a 3 hour drive from Big Sky HQ, located just outside Edinburgh. The site is open all year round. Set within a working sheep and Christmas tree farm, the park has a tranquil, woodland feel, with hard-standing pitches spread out among trees to give campers plenty of space and privacy to relax. There is a designated fire pit area and barbeques are allowed but must be kept away from trees and off the ground.
The facilities are excellent for campervans. Each touring pitch comes with an electric hook-up and enough room for an awning. A modern service area provides fresh-water taps, greywater and toilet disposal points and clean showers and toilets. There’s also a sheltered dishwashing area and easy access for filling or emptying tanks. The park is situated close to the A9, making it easy to access the NC500 route. Inverness is just a short drive away.
This park-up/aire just off the NC500 at Auchtertyre is open all year round and a great stopping off point for anyone wanting to make a small detour to Skye. Please note: be aware that many of the facilities on Skye close for the off season. The park up is situated on a working farm which raises and trains native ponies but is also home to pigs, goats and poultry. The family who own the farm set up the park up as there was a lack of infrastructure in the area for the growing numbers of visitors. They have received hospitality on their various travels and want to offer travellers to Scotland the same hospitality.
Campers are welcome to arrive at any time that suits them and park up or just pop on to use our waste and water facilities. In the owner’s own words, “There’s no need to book ahead for anyone who is looking to park up, it’s just a case of rock up, park up then pop onto the website to pay or we have an honesty box on site for those who prefer to pay that way.”
With views over the loch and Shieldaig Island, family run Shieldaig Camping and Cabins is a little gem. This newly developed site, with purpose built (and heated!) facilities, is a 5 minute walk away from a historic fishing village. It’s a relaxed site with few rules and regulations, the main one being that the site is quiet after 10pm. You can spot sea eagles, otters, seals and dolphins from this waterside location.
Camping closes in November, reopening in March. However, their two luxury glamping cabins, with views over the Atlantic, are open all year round. You can book online via their website.
Badrallach campsite is a small, simple campsite near Ullapool. From the site, it’s just a short walk to the shores of Little Loch Broom. The campsite has just 12 grass pitches on a sloping site so it is not suitable for all vehicles and vehicles must be under 6m in length. There are 4 electric hook ups, but no grey or black water disposal facilities. There are toilets,showers and a games room on site. Filtered and sterilised mountain water is available. If you are staying in the winter, it pays to come prepared as it can sometimes freeze!
The site is currently closed for November and most of December, due to the condition of the grass. It may reopen in January 2026 if conditions improve. Even when the site is open in the winter months you are advised to check conditions first, as entrance to the site is via a single track road that can be difficult to negotiate in freezing conditions. There isn’t a reception on-site but there is usually an attendant around. On the odd occasion that the site is unattended, they operate an honesty box system.
The next stretch of the NC500 is worth taking your time to enjoy. As you pass through Dundonnell, Braemore and Ullapool you’ll find plenty of spots you’ll want to linger in. If you are after seclusion and views and have the time, take a detour off the main NC500 route at Drumrunie and head to Port a Bhaigh Campsite. It’s a stunning drive, the road twists and turns and skirts the shoreline of Lochs Lurgainn and Osgaig. Take it easy though, this is a single track road with passing places.
The campsite sits in the grounds of the former family croft of the owners, land passed down through generations. Nestled by the shoreline, the site overlooks the Summer Isles. In summer you can launch kayaks or small boats from its little port. Facilities are good, with laundry, toilet and showers. There is even a shop, bar and restaurant on site. Dogs are welcome at no extra charge. Hardstandings are available with or without an electric hook up. The site, shop and bar/restaurant, Am Fuaran Bar, are open all year round.
Scourie Caravan & Camping Site, perched on the edge of Scourie Bay in north west Sutherland, is a well-located stopover for campervans tackling the North Coast 500 route out of season. Open all year round, the campsite has both hard-standing and well-drained grass pitches for campervans. Many of the pitches are elevated and terraced, with sea views across the bay and towards Handa Island. A footpath from the site leads to a sandy beach.
The entire site is geared up to give you a comfortable base rather than simply a place to crash. It has excellent facilities – kitchen, laundry (with dryers), shower/toilet block and free WiFi with good coverage. The campsite has a Spar supermarket with a bar(!) onsite, but is actually in the village of Scourie itself, so you also have easy access to the Hotel restaurant and a seafood restaurant. There’s no need to book in the winter time, but arrive between 12 and 5pm.
Another choice for this section of the NC500 is the award winning Sango Sands Oasis – right in the North West corner of Scotland. From here it’s a three hour drive to the unofficial halfway point of the NC500. This cliff top site overlooks the stunning white sand beach below. In the winter, this is also a perfect spot to try for a sighting of the Northern Lights.
Sango Sands is understandably popular during the tourist season and you need to book well in advance. During the winter there are touring pitches for self-contained vans (toilet and shower facilities are closed). Pitches cost £20 a night and include water, electricity, waste and household refuse disposal. No booking is required unless you need an electric hook up. Winter touring pitches are available from 1st November until 19th March when full site facilities open again for the 2026 season.
The North Coast Touring Park camping and glamping site is open until the end of November and then re-opens March 1st. The campsite has hard standing pitches with electric hook up, free WiFi, shower and toilet block, laundrette and dishwashing facilities. There are freshwater points throughout the park and also waste and chemical waste disposal facilities. There is a shop, cafe and licensed restaurant, the Halladale Inn, adjacent to the campsite.
Just down the road, you can stay on a real working farm all year round. Kirkton Farm is a family-run hill farm with sheep and cows, including two Highland cows and other animal attractions. There are only two pitches, both with electric hook up, in a secluded spot with views over the valley. In the fishing season (March to October), trout fishing is available on request. They also offer buggy tours of the farm and surrounding countryside all year round but weather dependent. Water is available but there are no showers, toilets or waste disposal facilities. Waste disposal facilities are available for a fee at the North Coast Touring Park (see listing above).
You will receive a warm welcome at this family-run eco campsite between Thurso and John O’Groats and less than a mile from where you can catch the ferry to Orkney. The campsite, right on the NC500 is open all year round. Both hardstanding and grass pitches are available but caravans are not accepted. They also offer a ‘pit stop’ service if you want to just fill up or dispose of waste (please ring in advance and give at least 30 minutes notice).
The site has a heated toilet and shower block and laundry facilities (a small charge applies for the latter). Motorhome and campervan pitches are fenced and electric hook up is available. The site has lots of little extra touches such as the giant games like draughts and Jenga scattered around the site, as well as a communal games area and a communal fire pit. During the winter Mr. Eddy’s Pit Stop, which is in a converted bus, is open for breakfast between 8:30 and 10:30 and between 5 and 8pm for dinner. Pizzas are available every evening. Mr. Eddy’s is now fully licensed with a fabulous selection of local and Scottish beer, cider, wine & spirits. This is definitely not a site to miss out on.
In just over an hour (without stops!) along the rugged northern coastline road, and after your obligatory photo by the John O’Groats signpost, you will find the Sinclair Bay Camper and Caravan park up in the historic, picturesque fishing village of Keiss. There is no booking, you just turn up and pay at the hotel next door. Please note that there are no camping facilities here except water and electric hook up, but customers can use the toilet facilities at The Village Inn, next door.
Don’t miss the fish and chips
The food in the Village Inn is incredible, the haddock and chips being particularly good. The owners of the park up own the trawler “The Reaper” that catches the haddock and supply the Village Inn with only the freshest haddock. The Reaper lands fresh lobster and crab daily at the harbour and seafood lovers can purchase this directly at the harbourside. Open all year round and the maximum stay is two nights.
If you are looking for an NC500 campsite open all year with a few more facilities, 40 minutes down the road is the Inver Caravan Park. The park offers hard standings and electric hookups all year round. It has an underfloor heated facilities block, with private shower rooms and even a bathroom, also dishwashing and laundry. There is also a drying room where the boiler will get any wet clothes dry and toasty by the morning. Water and waste disposal are free if you stay. There is a modest £5 charge for these facilities if you are just passing through. A pub and a supermarket are nearby in Dunbeath.
Booking in advance on the Inver Caravan Park website is absolutely essential out of season.
For those interested in Scottish folk history, the harbourside village of Dunbeath has a heritage centre and croft museum. This pretty little village is an old crofting & fishing community and was the birthplace of famous Scottish writer Neil Gunn.
Camping@Golspie, in the village of Golspie, near the end of the NC500 (if travelling clockwise), is a new hardstanding site specifically for campervans, motorhomes and roof tents. The site has 18 hardstanding pitches, of which 16 include electric hook-up. The site has all the essential services you need, such as freshwater taps, chemical waste and greywater disposal points, and a certified accessible toilet block. However, it does not have showers or washing facilities.
The site is open all year round and within easy walking distance of historic Golspie village, where you’ll find shops, cafés and restaurants. There’s also an attractive harbour and a long sandy beach for a stroll after driving. Dunrobin Castle is only a mile away and it is a convenient base from which to enjoy the natural attractions of the local area such as the mountain bike trails through Balblair Woods.
Driving the NC500 in winter
Why drive the NC500 in winter? No crowds, stunning winter landscapes, a chance to see the majestic winter wildlife of the Highlands, driving the NC500 in winter is a photographer’s dream. However, now you have overcome the challenge of where to stay and have found NC500 campsites open all year, you need to be prepared for some of the other challenges.
Come prepared for the weather
First of all, the weather. It will be chilly. Make sure you are travelling in a van that is insulated and heated and you have plenty of extra bedding for a cosy night’s sleep. Take plenty of changes of clothes as not all the NC500 winter campsites will have drying facilities. Weather conditions can change rapidly and some routes will be tricky with snow. So always come prepared and have a back up plan.
Secondly, the sun rises late and sets early in the Northern Highlands. This is great for a camper that loves a lie in but you do need to make sure that you leave plenty of time for each leg of your route. You don’t want to be trying to negotiate unfamiliar single track lanes in the dying light.
Plan Ahead
Be prepared that some things will be shut. Don’t assume that shops, pubs, restaurants and campsites will be open all year round. They may have restricted opening times.
So, do your research, plan your trip in a little more detail than you might do in the summer and be prepared. It’s wise to make sure that you keep your petrol and water topped up, and your fridge full, so if you need to make an impromptu stop in a remote area, or simply just fancy staying somewhere for a while, you aren’t going to run out of supplies. It might be worth taking a portaloo along for the ride too as not all the NC500 campsites open all year have toilet facilities.
Loch Lomond campsites open all year to campervans
All year round campsites, Scotland
Whilst not all Loch Lomond campsites are open all year, a number are still open for most of the winter – even over the Christmas period. With an insulated and heated campervan, you can settle down for a cosy night under the stars in the Loch Lomond National Park.
Which Loch Lomond Campsites are Open All Year?
Scotland
Standing right on the western shores of Loch Lomond, the Luss Caravan and Campsite is an absolute gem. You can choose from one of 52 hard standing pitches, some lochside, with spectacular views. Others are tucked away in more secluded spots, so you have absolute privacy. Some of the pitches have electric hook ups, and most have good 4G reception.
Facilities at this site are very good. They have heated, upgraded shower and toilet blocks, laundry facilities, parent and baby rooms and pitches, toilets and washrooms. All of them have disability access. There is a small onsite shop for essentials, but you will find a wider selection of products, including festive gifts, at the Luss General Stores in the village. The village is directly next door to the campsite, so everything is within walking distance.
Luss Caravan and Camp Site is usually open 11 months of the year. In 2025/26 Luss Campsite is open throughout the winter, including Christmas and New Year, except the month of February. Many of the touring pitches have incredible views over the loch and some have electric hook ups, so do book ahead to ensure you get the pitch you want.
Lomond Woods is a Loch Lomond campsite open all year round and with no minimum stay between November and March. The campsite is located on the south side of Loch Lomond, a few minutes from its shores. Exploring Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park is a great little base. There are three types of pitches available for tourers. Fully serviced pitches with 10 or 16-amp electric hook-up, TV aerial, fresh water connection and waste water drainage. Some of these are by the campsite stream or secluded orchard wall. There are also campervan pitches with electric hook up (limited size so can’t accommodate an awning) and more spacious, sheltered hard standings with hook ups that are surrounded by trees or shrubs.
This is another site with heated shower and toilet facilities, family and accessible bathroom facilities. There is a laundry, children’s play area and an indoor games room. There’s no shop on site, but the site is open to supermarket deliveries until 8pm, and a wide range of shops and places to eat and drink are within walking distance of the campsite. BBQs in open spaces are permitted, but no fire pits or open fires. Pitches are priced from £33, and you can book online with 24 hours notice. If you are planning to show up sooner than that, call for reservations +44 (0)1250 878123
Wild Camping in the Loch Lomond National Park in Winter
During the summer, you can camp by the shores of Loch Lomond, but you will need a permit. Out of season, you do not need a permit to park up and camp on the shores. This map shows designated camping spots near Loch Lomond. There are two camping spots suitable designated for campervans on the western shores – at Inveruglas and Firkin Point. Please camp responsibly and leave the site as you found it. Park rangers oversee the site at this time of year, so whilst camping is permitted, you may have someone come and check that everything is ok.
Campsites in the Trossachs Open All Year
A little further away from Loch Lomond itself, but still a good base for exploring the area, is Trossachs Holiday Park. Open all year round, the campsite is near Aberfoyle and under 30 minutes from Balloch, Loch Lomond. Campervan pitches are on level ground and have both electric hook up and a clean water tap. The shower and toilet facilities are immaculate and there are family shower rooms available. You will find a play park, launderette and washing up area near the central outdoor communal area. There is also an on-site shop and coffee shop, open from 8:30am-5pm. Trossachs Holiday Park also has cute little glamping pods if you are travelling with a family or just want a little more space in the evening.
Callander Woods Holiday Park sits on the edge of the Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park. Open all year, the campsite offers fully serviced and hardstanding touring pitches for caravans and motorhomes up to 8.5 m. Fully serviced pitches include 16-amp electric hook-up, water connection and wastewater drainage, while hardstanding pitches have 10- or 16-amp electric hook-up with easy access to modern facilities.
The park has refurbished toilet and shower blocks, accessible bathrooms, laundry and dishwashing areas. Families and pets are welcome, with a children’s play area and scenic dog walks nearby. Arrival is from 1 pm to 8 pm, using a contactless number-plate barrier system, and guests can choose any pitch of the booked type upon arrival.
Surrounded by forest and hills, Callander Woods offers a quiet base within walking distance of the town’s shops, pubs and restaurants. It’s perfect for year-round touring, with access to walking, cycling and water sports across the Trossachs.
Cobleland Campsite in the Trossachs National Park and a 45 minute drive from Loch Lomond is open all year round. The campsite setting is idyllic – surrounded by trees and with riverside walks. Its proximity to outdoor pursuits, serene atmosphere and great facilities, including a wood-fired sauna in the woods, makes this a good all round choice. It also has disabled access and is dog-friendly but dogs must be kept on a lead in the park. Cobleland is only an hour away from Big Sky Campers so a great choice for a first or last night stay before collecting or dropping off your van.
West Coast & Hebrides
South of NC500 route
Portavadie Marina & Motorhome Site, part of a modern marina complex situated on the shores of Loch Fyne in Argyll, makes for a splendid campervan stop with a seriously impressive leisure twist. Hardstanding pitches, with space for awnings, have amazing views over the water and come with water and electric, chemical/grey-water disposal and free WiFi. Campers also have access to the marina’s toilet and shower block.
What really sets this place apart, though, is the access to the leisure and spa facilities. Residents at the motorhome site can purchase sessions at the Leisure Experience, which features a 16-metre indoor pool, a toddlers’ splash pool, one of Scotland’s largest heated outdoor infinity pools, spa pools, a Scandinavian sauna, and a fully equipped gym. If you want to unwind (or warm up) after a long day on the road, this is the place to do it. When it comes to food, Marina Restaurant & Bar, serving seasonal dishes and fresh seafood, gives you uninterrupted views of the marina and loch from its floor-to-ceiling glass frontage.
Port nan Gael Campsite on the Isle of Mull is a standout choice for campervans seeking a scenic spot to stay during the winter months. The site lies above the shore of Loch Scridain with uninterrupted views of Ben More, offering a dramatic Highland backdrop. With west-facing views, it is a perfect place to enjoy a stunning sunset.
The site is open until January 2nd. Site facilities include electric hook-ups, fresh water, grey and black water disposal, WiFi, a laundry and dishwashing station. Toilets/shower facilities are available until 21st December. There is also a children’s playpark, dog run and dog washing station. The pub/restaurant onsite is open daily; but booking is advised in the winter months. There is also a very well stocked licensed shop, selling a wide range of provisions and local produce.
Pennygown Farm is a well-kept, family-run touring park centrally located on Mull near Salen, making it a very practical stop for campers planning to explore the island in any direction. Set alongside the River Forsa with views of the Sound of Mull, the site combines a rural feel with excellent facilities. Its stunning setting and central location make it a good choice as a base to explore Mull in any direction. Open all year round, it’s one of the few Mull campsites available outside the peak season, offering a base for spring and autumn visits as well as busy summer stays.
The touring area consists entirely of hard-standing pitches with electric hook-ups, many of which are spacious and take advantage of the views across the water. Alongside these, there are modern toilet and shower blocks with disabled access, a laundry room with coin-operated washing machines and tumble dryers, and a shared kitchen area with kettle, fridge, freezer and microwave. It has chemical waste disposal, fresh water points, Wi-Fi across the site and even a small shop which sells the farm’s own Highland beef.
Reception opening hours are generally in the morning and early afternoon, with arrivals outside these times arranged by prior contact, so it’s worth checking in advance if you expect a later arrival. The site is pet-friendly, welcoming dogs on leads. Other nice touches include picnic benches, a shore walk, and on-site barbecue fire pits.
Galson campsite on Lewis is in the heart of the scenic Galson Estate enjoys both sea and moor views. The Estate is only a short drive from the Butt of Lewis Lighthouse, Port of Ness harbour, numerous white sandy beaches and remote coastal trails. The nearest bar/restaurant is 3 miles away.
The site, which opened in 2022, is open to campervans all year round, offering just four hardstanding pitches with electric hook-ups. Facilities offered are hot showers, toilets, dishwashing, water, waste disposal and chemical waste disposal. Facilities on the campsite are open all year round. They are also available to people not camping there at a small charge. No minimum booking in the winter, book Galson Campsite online.
You will struggle to find campsites on Skye during the winter, as the island tends to shut down to recuperate from the hectic tourist season. However, on the beautiful Sleat peninsula, South Skye Motorhome Park at An Crùbh is a practical stopover for motorhomes and campervans all year round (maximum length 8.5m). It costs £27.50 per pitch, per night.
There are five designated hardstanding pitches, each offering electric hook-up and access to a fresh-water tap. Guests can add grey and black water disposal for a small additional fee. These facilities are also available if you aren’t staying there, contact the staff to arrange). Showers and toilet facilities are available 24/7. You must book in advance and only via their website. Following payment you will be sent the code to access the site through an electronic gate. There’s a café, post office and small shop next to the campervan site. There are no on-site staff available after cafe and shop closing. In winter this is around 4.30pm
Loch Ness
Tucked into a serene Highland setting, on the Great Glen Way, with sweeping views across the Great Glen and the surrounding forest and river falls, Forest Glen Holiday Park is a quiet and scenic campsite on 16 acres. Currently it is for self-contained campervans only, but they are planning to add toilets and showers in the near future.
Just a short stroll from the village of Invermoriston and within arm’s reach of Loch Ness, the park remains open throughout the year. While this site keeps things simple, it does so very well. There are grass or gravel pitches, some of which have electric hook-ups. The site provides fresh water, recycling and waste disposal, grey water and septic tank friendly waste disposal. Please note: the campsite does not accept bookings with children under 12 years old. It is a dog friendly site, but limits this to two dogs per booking.
Loch Ness Shores Camping and Caravanning Club Site sits right on the banks of Loch Ness and is open for part of the winter for campervanners exploring the Highlands. It is open until January 2nd 2026, closing on the 3rd and re-opening on 18th March. The site provides direct access to the loch, wooded surroundings and has panoramic views of the Highlands beyond. There are hard-standing and gravelled pitches for campervans, and the site is equipped with full services including chemical disposal and water supply.
In addition to the practical essentials, Loch Ness Shores offers excellent facilities that surpass the average campsite. The amenity block boasts modern showers, underfloor heating, and accessible facilities, while there’s a dishwashing area, laundry services, and a shop on site. The setting allows you to literally spill out of the campervan and into forest trails, as well as water-based activities such as canoeing and kayaking, and walks where you can spot abundant wildlife.
There are a range of other activities available onsite, including archery sessions, geocaching, and guided hill walks. If you want to explore further afield, the South Loch Ness Trail passes close to the site. This is a long-distance route that stretches from Fort Augustus to Inverness, providing miles of stunning walking and cycling opportunities directly from your pitch, along forest paths, open moorland, and loch-side tracks.
Glencoe & Ben Nevis
Feel like you are really getting back to nature in this all year round campsite set in 22 acres of woodland in magnificent Glencoe in the Highlands. The River Coe runs right through the campsite. The campsite is home to woodpeckers, ducks, foxes and deer. Campfires are allowed in raised bowls and you can buy fuel on site. Red Squirrel allows wild camping and campervans for overnight stays but not motorhomes. There is a shower block but no electric hook ups or disposal facilities for grey water or chemical toilets.
Set on the shores of Loch Leven with the mountains of Glencoe rising all around, Invercoe Highland Holidays is a peaceful, family-run site in one of the most breathtaking locations in Scotland. Invercoe is a small, friendly holiday park with a mix of self-catering lodges, cottages and glamping pods, alongside a dedicated touring area for campervans, motorhomes and caravans. The facilities for campervanning are open all year except for the Christmas period; in 2025 they will be closed between December 15th-28th.
The touring pitches are level with electric hook-ups, and there’s WiFi across the park (included for self-catering guests and available for a small fee for tourers). The atmosphere here is relaxed and quiet. You won’t find late night noise or a packed programme of activities, just a peaceful spot where people come to unwind, read a book by the water, or head out walking into the glen. Glencoe village is a short stroll away, and Fort William is around half an hour’s drive if you need supplies.
Ben Nevis Holiday Park in Fort William is a well-equipped and conveniently located site for anyone exploring the West Highlands in winter. It sits beside the River Lochy with direct views of Ben Nevis and is only a short drive from Fort William for supermarkets, pubs, cafés and restaurants. The location works well as a base for hiking, climbing, or touring, with easy access to the A82 and routes towards Glencoe, Glenfinnan and the Road to the Isles.
The park has a mix of accommodation, including glamping pods, static caravans and lodges alongside campervan pitches. Touring pitches are a combination of grass and hardstanding with electric hook-ups. Facilities are modern and well maintained, with shower and toilet blocks, a laundry room, Wi-Fi, a small on-site shop and a café and takeaway serving hot food.Overall, this is a clean, modern and practical site with great views and strong connections to all the main attractions around Fort William.
At the foot of Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest peak, this Highland gem is open all year roujnd and offers a truly unforgettable camping base for adventurers and scenic-trip seekers alike. Surrounded by soaring mountains and the tranquil Glen Nevis landscape, the site spreads across spacious, well-kept fields perfect for tents, caravans and motorhomes, with options ranging from basic grass pitches to electric and fully serviced spots. On-site amenities include clean showers and laundry facilities, a handy shop, and a restaurant on-site, making it easy to grab a bite after a long walk or climb. With Ben Nevis and countless trails right on your doorstep, this campsite is an ideal base from which to tackle the summit, explore forest paths or to simply soak up the Highland views and atmosphere.
Campervans are permitted to park overnight in the Ben Nevis Visitor Centre car park, which is right next door to the Visitor Centre. It is a reasonably priced pay car park. There are toilets in the Visitor Centre but no other camping facilities available so this is really only an option for self-contained vehicles.
The Cairngorms
Faskally Woods Holiday Park, located just outside Pitlochry, is surrounded by forest and makes an ideal base for a quiet winter break, allowing you to explore local walks or the Cairngorms, while still having easy access to bars, restaurants, and shops.
Hardstanding touring pitches have electric hook-ups and some are supplied with water and waste facilities. There are good communal facilities – heated toilet and shower blocks, laundry, dishwashing areas and waste disposal. There’s also a bar, bistro and even a pool and sauna on site, though it’s worth checking winter opening times before you arrive.
It’s a peaceful spot, especially in the off-season, with plenty of woodland trails straight from the park. Pitlochry is only a few minutes’ drive away if you need supplies or a meal out. Arrivals are from 1 pm to 8 pm, and dogs are welcome, so it’s a good option for those travelling with pets.
Set in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park, just outside Aviemore, Glenmore Campsite is a beautiful, peaceful campsite in a woodland and lochside setting, with easy access to Loch Morlich, ski slopes and hill trails nearby. You’ll be tucked amongst the pine trees, just a short walk through the forest to Loch Morlich’s sandy beach.
There are both traditional hard-standing pitches with electric hook-ups or forest pitches, near the loch and surrounded by trees. The campsite is open all year round with toilets, showers, dishwashing and laundry facilities. Next door to the campsite is the Pine Marten Bar and there is a cafe just across the road from it.
Cairngorms Glamping, just inside the Cairngorms National Park, is surrounded by stunning views in every direction. Its peaceful location and open outlook make it an excellent spot for stargazing. There are 30 pitches for tents and campervans, and a further 6 with electric hook-ups.
Facilities include toilets, showers, water and waste disposal, as well as a small shop and seasonal food hut on site. One extra perk: the site runs a “Critter Corner” with alpacas, goats, donkeys and other animals.
Grantown-on-Spey Caravan Park is open all year and offers excellent facilities, a friendly atmosphere, and a well-cared-for site in a stunning Highland setting. Sitting right on the edge of the Cairngorms National Park, it’s a popular choice with campervanners (so popular that it is already fully booked for Hogmanay). It’s just a short walk into Grantown-on-Spey, where you’ll find cafés, shops and places to eat, yet it still feels tucked away and surrounded by nature. The park has a peaceful, sheltered feel and has a mix of hardstanding and grass touring pitches with electric hook-up and WiFi across the park.
Facilities are excellent. There are modern, heated washrooms with underfloor heating, powerful showers and two fully equipped laundry rooms. Dogs are welcome throughout the year.
If you’re exploring the Highlands by campervan in winter and looking for somewhere dramatic to park up, you can use the Coire na Ciste Car Park on Cairngorm Mountain. Perched high in the Cairngorms National Park at the foot of Cairn Gorm, it sits right beside the ski centre road, overlooking Loch Morlich and surrounded by pine forest and snow-capped peaks.
Throughout the tourist season, there is an official motorhome on the mountain with bookable hardstanding pitches, water, and waste disposal facilities. In winter, the motorhome site closes. But Coire na Ciste car park is open (used as overflowing parking), and you can stay overnight if your campervan is fully self-contained. A shuttle bus runs from the car park up to the slopes.
If you are staying the night, please leave no trace of your visit. Take all rubbish and waste away with you. You can find locations of chemical toilet waste disposal points on the Campervan and Motorhome Professional Association website. It’s an exposed spot, and even small bits of litter can blow far in the wind, so keep rubbish inside the van.
Because this site is situated at such a high elevation, it’s advisable to check the weather forecast and road updates before heading up – conditions can change rapidly, and there may be snow or ice on the road. If you’re set up for off-grid winter camping and want to experience the stillness of the Cairngorms during the season, this is an unusual place to park up and wake to mountain views.
Planning a Scotland winter roadtrip?
Here’s what you need to know
There are many reasons to take a Scotland winter road trip – most tourists have gone home, you will see majestic wildlife and beautiful landscapes and, there are no midges! But please do come prepared. Some places to stay or visit, shops, bars and restaurants close down or offer reduced opening hours after a busy summer. You may need to do a little more planning than if you are visiting in the summer.
A word about Scotland winter temperatures. You can have beautiful, crisp, clear sunny days, but they will be chilly, so make sure you are travelling in a well-insulated and heated campervan. The weather can change rapidly in the Highlands, so bring plenty of changes of clothes and wet weather gear. Please plan your route and ensure that you have adequate fuel or electric charge to get you to your next refuelling stop, and keep some provisions in the van, just in case.
Big Sky Campers Campervans for Hire
Scotland
Our campervans are fully insulated and heated with high quality heaters. If you want a self-contained campervan then choose on of our deluxe off grid campervans. These VW Crafters are larger than the other vans and have their own bathroom with a hot shower and w.c. If you are renting one of our VW T6.1s, you can hire a portaloo as an optional extra (with a small additional charge). Aside from that, our campervans for hire come fully equipped with everything you will need for your Scotland winter road trip. We will supply extra bedding sets and blankets if requested.
Got a question? Give us a call.
+44 (0)7768 973804















































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