Pitch Up Scotland: Best Campsites in Scotland
Our favourite campsites for 2025
Our favourite campsites for 2025
As you travel around Scotland you will come across a number of really special campsites which stand out either because of their amenities or hospitality, or simply because of their exceptional location. If you’re lucky, maybe even all three.
Mainland Scotland & the Isle of Skye
Here’s our list of the best campsites to pitchup (or park up!) in Scotland. Some of these campsites are our personal faves and some we know are good because our customers recommend them again and again. If you know of a special campsite in Scotland that you think should be on the list please send us a message via our website. This article is about campsites on mainland Scotland and Skye. If you’re interested in camping on the Scottish Islands, we have separate articles about the best campsites on Skye and Scottish Island Hopping with a campervan. If you are looking for dog friendly campsites, read our article about the best dog friendly campsites in Scotland.
Luss Campsite borders the western shores of Loch Lomond. There are 52 hard standing pitches, some lochside with direct loch views. All of the pitches have electric hook ups. The campsite allows the use of BBQs or firepits if they are enclosed with a grill and off the ground. You can walk to Luss village where you will find shops. pubs etc and there is small shop onsite. Children will love the nearby Faerie Trail which also holds seasonal events for Halloween and Christmas.
This is a big campsite but one of the only ones on Loch Lomond that mixes tents, camper vans etc so it has a nice, friendly vibe. There are 160 pitches, all with great views. The campsite has a shop and all the facilities you need. as well as being right on the shores of Loch Lomond. It’s an all round great base for swimming, boating, walking or just relaxing. The West Highland Way passes the entrance to the campsite and you can rent boats nearby. If you have your own boat you can launch from the site. Kayaks, canoes, windsurfers and small dinghies that don’t require a trailer are free to launch.
Feel like you are really getting back to nature in this campsite set in 22 acres of woodland in magnificent Glencoe in the Highlands. The River Coe runs right through the campsite. The atmostphere is relaxed and all about enjoying nature. The campsite is home to woodpeckers, ducks and foxes. Campfires are allowed in existing firepits and you can buy fuel on site. You will come across deer, sheep and goats during your stay so please keep dogs on a lead. Red Squirrel allows wild camping and campervans for overnight stays but there are no electric hook ups or disposal facilities for grey water or chemical toilets. For those who want a few home comforts whilst enjoying the wild, there is a good shower block and a food truck.
Set by the sea in a large area of ground, this well set up campsite is a really lovely spot to spend some time. Great views, a small shop and just three miles from the bustle of Oban. In term times there is a twice daily bus service to Oban from the park. The campsite has recently had a facelift and been renamed (it was formerly Oban Camping and Caravan Park).
Mountains and lochs surround you at Caolasnacon. This site has a relaxed atmosphere and allow guests to pitch were they like and have campfires. Some campers arrive by canoe! There are 50 pitches, a number of which have electric hook-ups. All the facilities you require are there, including the ability to buy gas at the farm. The campsite is just a few miles from glorious Glencoe. It really is a very special place.
Set between Arisaig and Mallaig on the road to the Isles, Camusdarach has views across to Skye, Eigg and Rum. There are footpaths to a choice of three stunning sandy beaches and an on-site shop serving coffee, croissants and pizza. The views from this family-run campsite are just breathtaking.
This park-up/aire just off the NC500 at Auchtertyre is a great jumping off point for anyone wanting to visit Skye. The park up is on a working farm which raises and trains native ponies and is also home to pigs, goats and poultry. The owners set up the park up as there was a lack of infrastructure in the area for the growing numbers of visitors. There’s no need to book in advance and you can pay via the website or honesty box.
Glenbrittle Campsite is located on the shore of Loch Brittle and under the peaks of the Cuillin Mountains. This is a very popular campsite but it is large (120 pitches) so can usually fit everyone in. It operates a first-come-first-served policy and you cannot book in advance so please do not contact them and attempt to book! The campsite has a shop and cafe that offers fresh bread and pastries alongside camping and climbing equipment.
Camping Skye is a community owned campsite in woodland and within walking distance of Broadford on the east side of the island, south of Portree. run by the Broadford and Strath Community Company. It was only built in 2018 and is disabled friendly with disabled parking and wheelchair adapted toilets and showers. There are 26 pitches for campervans or caravans with electric hook ups and 22 for tents. There is always more demand than pitches, so book very early if you want to stay here.
This family-run site on the west of the island is in a stunning location on the shores of Loch Dunvegan. You can camp directly on the waterfront. Dunvegan village is only a short walk away and has pubs, shops, restaurants and cafes. Dunvegan Castle & Gardens is a 2 mile walk away. It is open from 20th March until the end of October. Booking is absolutely essential. If you want to stay here in the peak months of July and August or on a bank holiday the owners advise you to book at least a month in advance.
Applecross is a special village, with a lovely pub, walks and views towards Raasay, Rhona and Skye. The campsite is large and a mix of tents, shepherd huts, static caravans, tents and electric hook ups. There are lots of showers and a wee shop. There are stone circles and plenty of red deer. Don’t forget to arrive via the famous hairpin road Bealach na Ba. Applecross is on the NC500 route.
This campsite sits on the rocky land that is as west as you can go in Britain. Approach is via the Corran ferry and single track road. Once you arrive you have wonderful views down the Sound of Mull to Morven. Once an old croft it nows boasts just 20 tent pitches and 4 campervan hook-ups plus facilities. Choose from either terraced or shoreline pitches. They all have amazing views. There are no vehicles over 6.5m, caravans or campfires allowed. You can stroll to the village pub or well-stocked village shop from the site.
This beautiful family-run site has views over the loch and Shieldaig Island. It is a 5 minute walk away from a picturesque fishing village with shop and fine restaurant. It’s a relaxed site with few rules except that the site should be quiet after 10pm. Great for wildlife watching, you will be able to see sea eagles, otters, seals and dolphins.
We stumbled across this campsite one November afternoon. There was no reception and nobody telling you where to pitch. Just a sweet, small campsite with an honesty box, showers, a bothy and a small cottage. There is a campsite attendant who will be around during the day, but we didn’t see them ourselves. Set on the shores of Little Loch Broom and surrounded by beautiful wild countryside this is a stunning wee spot to find yourself. There are only 12 pitches in total and only 4 with electric hook ups so it is best to book ahead or phone before arrival to check there is space. There are no hardstanding, grey or black water disposal facilities. The facilities have been built using local materials and the water is fresh from the surrounding hills.
Take a short detour away from the main NC500 route at Drumrunie and head to Port a Bhaigh Campsite. The single track road twists and turns along the shoreline of Lochs Lurgainn and Osgaig. It’s a stunning drive but you need to take it slowly!
The campsite is in the grounds of the owners’ former family croft that has been passed down through generations. Right on the shore, there are fabulous views of the Summer Isles. You can go boating or kayaking from its own little port. There are good facilities, a shop, bar and restaurant on site. Hardstandings are available with or without an electric hook up and dogs are free.
100 metres from the beach, sea and hill views surround this site. Clachtoll is just an hour north of Ullapool and perfect for a night on the NC500 tour. This is a family run and award winning campsite. You will need to book as it is very popular.
Scourie Campsite sits in an elevated position overlooking the sea. The site is in the village so there is a mini supermarket, hotel and restaurant, as well as the Shorehouse Seafood Restaurant. The village is near the ferry which runs daily in the season to Handa Island, a must for wildlife lovers. The best months to see puffins are May, June and July. Scourie is a great campsite if you doing the NC500.
Four miles from Lochinver this lovely family run campsite is in a beautiful spot. The site is pretty informal and they try and fit everyone in but it is worth booking ahead. It won’t come as a surprise, given the site’s name, that you are right on the white sand beach. Shore Caravan Site has great facilities – hot showers, disabled toilet, laundrette, on-site shop and even a fish and chip shop!
This campsite is the most northwesterly campsite in Scotland. Sango Sands is set directly by the sea and the views and skies are so open you can watch the sun rise and set. Amid a windswept, clifftop landscape, the site has 120 pitches and plenty of facilities, including a kitchen that everyone can use. No campfires allowed. Great for the NC500.
A family-run eco campsite between Thurso and John O’Groats, the ferry to Orkney is less than a mile away. There are hardstanding and grass pitches but caravans are not allowed. There is a heated toilet, shower and laundry block. You’ll find lots of special touches such as giant games like draughts and Jenga in nooks around the site. There is also a communal games area and fire pit. There is an on-site bar and restaurant serving breakfast and dinners, including pizza some nights. It is housed in a converted bus which is a fun touch.
The northern most corner of the British mainland with views to Orkney from Hoy and towards Flotta, Swona and South Ronaldsay. It’s a great spot for wildlife spotting, including puffins and grey seals. The nearby Sandy Bay is beautiful. Ideal for the NC500 and obligatory photo opportunity. With 90 pitches, there is plenty of space and open sea views. The site has good facilities which include a laundrette. Right next door you can enjoy a pint in the ‘last pub in Britain’, the John O’Groats Brewery and Last pub.
This is a big campsite on the outskirts of Thurso and overlooking the Pentland Firth and on towards Orkney (90 mins away). There is a lovely beach and path along the coast. The town is a short walk away and good place to stock up while on the NC500. You will also find a good selection of restaurants and pubs here.
The Sinclair Bay Camper and Caravan park up is in the historic fishing village of Keiss. It’s a park up rather than a campsite. You just turn up and pay at the hotel next door. There is a water supply and electric hook ups, but there are no other facilities. Customers can use the toilet facilities at pub next door. The owners of the campsite own a trawler and supply the pub with haddock, so be sure to have the fish and chips while you are there. The park up is open all year round and there is a maximum stay of 2 nights.
With beautiful views over the Moray Firth seaside campsite makes a good place for either your first or last stop on the NC500. The campsite sits alongside the proper seaside village of Fortrose and a lovely beach. It is a quiet campsite and does not allow large groups. BBQs and beach fires are allowed as long as you follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.
One of ‘Camping in the Forest’ campsites, Glenmore is a well-run site in the most idyllic spot on the edge of Loch Morlich. The Loch has a sandy beach and there are open views to the Cairngorm mountains. A sandy pitch under the trees is lovely and peaceful. You can’t stay here without spending some time in the Pine Marten Bar which is also a wee shop and the place to hire ski gear when it snows. Most evenings a local will rouse the punters with some tunes.
Set on the South shore of Loch Ness this is the perfect spot to stop over if you are after views of Loch Ness or do a spot of fishing. A great site from which to start or finish your NC500 tour, as well as drink in the scenery. The site is nicely landscaped and has a good shop. If you fancy a bar supper or something more fancy then the Foyers Lodge Hotel looks over the campsite from the hill side and is worth the walk.
GG & Belles is probably the most dog friendly campsite in Scotland. The glamping spaces have secure, fenced private gardens and you can opt for one of their fenced camping pitches. The site, complete with its own doggy recreation ground for hire, is set in 38 acres of land just outside of Blairgowrie at the foot of the Cairngorm mountains. Unsurprisingly dog lovers book ahead to get a spot at this campsite. It’s about a 1.5 hour drive from Edinburgh.
Based in Queen Elizabeth Forest Park and on the banks of the river Forth, Cobleland is a remarkable natural site from which to explore the Trossachs. There are lots of walks along the river which flows along the side of the campsite. You can start woodland walks directly from the campsite. Cobleland Camping isn’t too far from Big Sky Campers base so great for a relaxed stay on the last night of your holiday.
Edinburgh
All our campervans for hire come fully equipped with everything you will need for your campervanning holiday in Scotland, with the exception of a portaloo that you can add to your booking at a small additional charge. Everything is included in the price, including extra sets of bedding if requested.
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