Inner Hebrides
Islay Campsites
Islay is a beautiful island with many attractions, but it is not well-endowed with campsites. If you want to camp on Islay, you will need to do some advance planning to make sure you secure your spot. Our guide to Islay campsites tells you everything you need to know.
Why visit Islay?
Islay, one of the islands of the Inner Hebrides, sits off Scotland’s west coast. It is home to around 3,000 people, known for giving visitors a friendly welcome. Islay covers an area of about 619 square kilometres (239 square miles), making it one of the larger islands in the Inner Hebrides. It is approximately 40 kilometres (25 miles) long and around 24 kilometres (15 miles) at its widest point.
Islay is famous for its whisky, but it is also a place of outstanding natural beauty and will delight nature lovers. With 25% of the population being Scots Gaelic speakers, it’s a good island to visit if you want to experience Gaelic culture.
Camping on Islay
There are two official campsites on Islay: Port Mòr campsite in Port Charlotte and the South Islay Campervan Stop – a small park-up facility close to the town of Port Ellen. The normal rules that permit wild camping with a tent apply in Islay, but if you are bringing a campervan, stick to the official sites or obtain landowners’ permission.
Islay Campsites
The community-run Port Mòr campsite is open from early March until late November and accommodates tents, caravans, and campervans. There are absolutely incredible views across the water from this campsite so don’t worry about the lack of choice on the island.
Please note that there is only limited space for awnings. The site has fourteen electrical hook-ups, now available for £10 per night. Camping fees are £12.00 per adult per night, £6.00 per child (up to 15 years old), and children under 5 can stay free. Dogs are welcome at no additional charge.
The campsite has two freshwater standpipes near the hard-standing pitches. A chemical toilet and greywater disposal point are also available; non-campers can access these for a small fee. Campers have access to various facilities, including toilets (with accessible options), showers, a laundry, a café, and free internet access inside the Community Centre.
When booking, please provide a contact number (preferably a mobile) and specify your accommodation type. The latest check-in time is 5 pm when the office closes. If you are arriving on a late ferry, contact the office in advance for instructions on where to pitch when you arrive.
There are 12 pitches at this less than glamorous location behind the filling station in Port Ellen. However, there are basic facilities and even WIFI so it is a convenient place to legally stop the night if you want an Islay campsite within walking distance of shops, restaurants and bars (and the Port Ellen Distillery!).
The site offers 12 new electrical hook-up points and facilities for waste disposal and recycling, chemical toilet disposal, greywater disposal, and freshwater intake. You can also stop for shorter periods – 2 or 4 hour periods. Mobile home visitors used to be able to book by calling ahead on +44 (0) 1496 302 443 or visiting the filling station to reserve a spot. However, the site is currently closed and due to open “early in 2025” when you will be able to book online.
Things to Do while Camping on Islay
Explore Islay’s Whisky Heritage
Islay’s peaty single malt whiskies are world-famous and a draw for visitors from all around the world. There is no shortage of whisky-based activities on Islay. Choose from a wide range of tours and tasting experiences at one of the ten working distilleries on the island or drop into one (or more!) of the numerous whisky bars with extensive collections of local spirits. There’s even a special coastal footpath to link three of the Distilleries! In May, you can join thousands who come for the celebration of Islay life at Fèis Ìle, the island’s annual Festival.
For a complete guide to what whisky lovers can do on Islay, see our Whisky on Islay Guide.
Other Things to Do on Islay
Most visitors to the island come for the whisky heritage; however, even if you are not interested in whisky, Islay is still well worth a visit. If whisky is not your thing, here are some non-whisky based things to do on the island:
Explore Islay’s Beaches
Islay has some of Scotland’s most stunning beaches, such as Machir Bay, Saligo Bay, and The Big Strand. Machir Bay, in particular, is hailed as one of the most beautiful beaches on the island. Known for sweeping white sand, wild waves and sunsets, it’s a perfect setting for a romantic walk.
Visit the Islay Natural History Trust
The Islay Natural History Trust in Port Charlotte has a small museum and visitor centre where you can learn about the island’s unique wildlife, geology, and natural history with displays on Islay’s marine life, bird species, and habitats.
See the Kildalton Cross and Chapel
The Kildalton Cross dates back to the 8th century and is one of the finest examples of early Christian crosses in Scotland.
Hiking and Wildlife Watching
Islay has a range of walking trails across the island. The RSPB Loch Gruinart Nature Reserve is good for spotting rare birds like barnacle geese, corncrakes, and hen harriers. The island is home to seals, otters, and occasionally dolphins, which you may spot from one of the coastal paths.
Take a Boat Trip to the Gulf of Corryvreckan
The Corryvreckan Whirlpool between Jura and Scarba is the third largest whirlpool in the world, famous for its standing waves. Take a boat trip from Port Askaig for stunning views of the island, dramatic seascapes and a chance to see marine wildlife like seals and seabirds up close. The trip only runs when the tidal conditions are right so is not always available.
Explore Finlaggan, the Seat of the Lords of the Isles
Remote Finlaggan is a historical site where the Lords of the Isles ruled between the 12th to the 15th century. The site includes the ruins of an ancient hall and chapel.
Visit Islay Woollen Mill
The Islay Woollen Mill has been producing traditional Scottish tartans and tweeds on Islay since 1883. The Mill has supplied fabrics for Hollywood movies such as Braveheart. You can take a tour of the mill and see the historic looms in action and purchase unique woollen items made on-site.
Cnoc Rhaonastil Hike for Panoramic Views
Cnoc Rhaonastil is a lesser-known hill on the Rhinns of Islay but offers one of the best vantage points on the island. On a clear day, enjoy views across Islay and to Jura or even to Ireland. The hike isn’t well-marked, so it’s more of an adventurous day out than some of the more well-trodden paths.
Discover the Hidden Caves of Proaig
Along the remote coastline near Proaig, you can explore hidden caves once used by smugglers. This stretch of coastline is only accessible by a rough track from Ardtalla so bring sturdy boots, as the path can be challenging. For the more adventurous traveller, it’s a chance to immerse yourself in Islay’s rugged, isolated beauty and its history of smuggling.
Museum of Islay Life
On a rainy day, pay a visit to the Museum of Islay Life, which tells the story of Islay’s history through its extensive collection of artefacts, photographs, and documents. Housed in a former church in Port Charlotte, the volunteer-run museum brings the island’s past to life with exhibits about everything from prehistoric settlements to the whisky industry, farming, fishing, and everyday island life.
Best Time to Visit Islay
If you are a whisky lover, the best time to visit Islay is in late May, during the Fèis Ìle, the annual Islay celebration of island culture and whisky. You must book well in advance as ferries and accommodation book up. Spring (April–early May) and Autumn (September–October) are also excellent times to visit.
In Spring, the wildflowers come out and the weather can be mild. Distilleries tours and tastings are also easier to book outside of the peak season.
Autumn is a fantastic time to enjoy the island’s natural attractions in the daytime before settling down in front of a fire in one of the island’s many bars in the evening. Bars and restaurants remain open in the Autumn but are less busy, so it’s an opportunity to mix and mingle with members of the island community. Winter is peaceful, and you will find bars and restaurants open, but some distilleries may have reduced hours or limited access. It can be cold and windy in Winter and even fewer camping facilities are available, so it is probably not the best time to visit in a campervan.
Getting To Islay
Take a Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac) ferry from the Scottish mainland at Kennacraig, on the Kintyre Peninsula, to Port Ellen or Port Askaig. It will take around two hours. Book ferry tickets in advance on the CalMac website. Islay is an increasingly popular destination for tourists, so we advise you to book ahead. It’s absolutely essential to book well in advance during the summer and whisky festival season particularly if you are taking a vehicle.
Travelling to Islay in a Campervan
When taking a campervan to Islay, please plan ahead and travel responsibly:
Ferry Reservations
Book your ferry well in advance, especially during peak seasons, as spaces for vehicles, particularly larger ones like campervans, are limited. There are no standby arrangements for campervans travelling to Islay – without an advance ticket, you will not be able to board.
Campsite Availability
There are a limited number of official Islay campsites. Reserve your campsite well ahead of travel.
Wild Camping Regulations
Scotland’s Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 permits wild camping, but this right does not extend to motor vehicles, including campervans. Do not park in car parks, laybys or on private land without permission. Always seek landowner consent if considering parking outside designated areas.
Road Conditions
Many of Islay’s roads are single-track with passing places. Drive carefully and considerately, being prepared to reverse if necessary to allow oncoming traffic to pass. For more information about driving in Scotland, see our guide.
Protect the Environment
Islay’s unspoilt, natural beauty is what brings people to the island. Please do your bit to preserve this environment, always dispose of waste responsibly, use designated disposal points for waste, and avoid parking on fragile landscapes like machair (coastal grasslands).
Local Amenities
Islay has limited facilities such as water refill stations and waste disposal points. Plan your journey with this in mind, and make use of the services provided at official facilities when you have the opportunity.
Big Sky Campers Campervans for Hire
Scotland
Travelling to the Highlands or Islands? Big Sky Campers are based just outside Edinburgh and offer a pick up service from local transport stops. We are on the route of the airport bus and are a short local train ride from Edinburgh Waverley or Haymarket stations. All our campervans for hire come fully equipped with everything you will need for your road trip in Scotland. Everything is included in the price, including extra sets of bedding if requested.
Got a question? Give us a call.
+44 (0)7768 973804