Destinations
5 best John o' Groats camping spots
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Who’s up for some John o’ Groats camping? A trip to this famous landmark will have you among Scotland’s most northerly coastline, plus be on the world-famous North Coast 500 route taking in some of the most spectacular scenery on the planet!
Get your Scottish road trip off to a flying start by booking a top spot to stay – you’re sure to find what you need among our top five John o’ Groats camping sites. This roundup includes the location, price, features and nearby attractions for each campground! Read on to get planning.
Best campgrounds around John o' Groats: 5 places to sleep under the stars on Scotland’s north coast
1. John o’ Groats Caravan & Camping Site
County Road, John o’ Groats KW1 4YR
Price per night: from £20.50 (one person, one pitch; additional guests £3.50 ages 10 and up)
Only 0.4 miles from the famous signpost, John o’ Groats Caravan & Camping Site sits on Scotland’s most northerly coastline. Set up camp and enjoy views across the Pentland Firth to the Orkney Islands. It’s also on the North Coast 500 route, so is an ideal early stop on any NC500 road trip.
This John o’ Groats camping ground is a top spot to stay overnight or use as a base for a few days: a booking office for ferry day trips is at the entrance of the site for trips to the Orkneys, and wildlife tours leave from the harbour just 100 metres away.
Campsite features:
NC500 campsite with Pentland Firth sea views
Ideal for couples and families with older children
Within easy walking distance of John o’ Groats village for access to a grocer’s, petrol station, cafés and a hotel for meals and drinks
90 generously-sized pitches on a choice of grass or hardstanding; electric hook-up available
Showers, toilets, shaver points, hairdryers, disabled-access toilet and launderette
[Book online](https://www.johnogroatscampsite.co.uk/# contact)
2. Wick River Campsite
Price per night: from £19
This lovely little John o’ Groats camping site is, as the name suggests, on the banks of the River Wick. Although it’s in a peaceful and sheltered setting, it’s conveniently set for getting out and about, with Wick village within 10 minutes’ walk and John o' Groats 25 minutes’ drive away.
Riverside trails for strolling and family-friendly bike rides start just outside the campsite, while golfing, fishing and beach days are all popular with guests.
Wick River Campsite is community run, so by staying here you’ll help support local projects to benefit residents and visitors.
Campsite features:
Family-friendly community-run campsite
Very quiet, secluded setting surrounded by mature trees
A 10-minute riverside walk from Wick and its harbour, marina, heritage centre and Pulteney Distillery; indoor pool also close by
90 pitches, most on level grass; electric hook-up available
Toilets, showers, dishwashing sinks and chemical disposal points
Dog friendly
3. Thurso Bay Caravan & Camping Park
Smith Terrace, Scrabster Road, Thurso KW14 7JY
Price per night: £14 per pitch; £5pp; children under 10 free
Thurso Bay Caravan & Camping Park is a family-run campsite site on the outskirts of Thurso, overlooking Thurso Bay and the Pentland Firth. Access to John o’ Groats is easy at 30 minutes’ drive along the coast, while the Orkney Isles are an hour and a half by ferry via Scrabster, Gills Bay or John o’ Groats.
Kids will love this family-friendly John o’ Groats camping site, with a beach just 200 metres away and a restaurant on site serving burgers, fish and chips and award-winning homemade ice cream.
Campsite features:
Family-run and family-friendly caravan park on the outskirts of Thurso
Riverside walk to Thurso Beach
Set over 4.5 acres with 63 pitches on grass and hardstanding, most with electric hook-up
Toilets, showers, disabled-access toilet and shower, dishwashing and laundry facilities
Book online
4. Dunnet Bay Club Campsite
Price per night: from £26.80
“Locations don’t get much better than this” is just one five-star review of Dunnet Bay Club Campsite, at the spectacular destination and NC500 highlight of Dunnet Head, 11 miles west-northwest of John o’ Groats. Even better than the panoramic views is the campsite setting, among sand dunes on the edge of a long sandy beach.
Have a day on the sands, climb Dunnet Head for views over the Pentland Firth to Orkney, or take a birdwatching boat trip around the Stacks of Duncansby to spot puffins and other seabirds. Anglers are spoilt for choice with fishing from the beach, sea fishing by boat from Scrabster and freshwater fishing nearby. The site is dog friendly and has a dog walk in the grounds.
Campsite features:
John o’ Groats camping in a spectacular beach setting
Excellent amenities including showers, toilets, a dishwashing area, laundry and facilities for wheelchair users
Motorhome service point on site
Gas sales available
Charcoal, gas and electric barbecues all allowed
Book online
5. Ferry View Night Stop
Gauze Cottage, Canisbay, Wick KW1 4YB
Price per night: from £20 (pitch and up to four people)
Don’t be put off by “night stop” in the site name – this acclaimed John o’ Groats camping site is a fully-fledged campground with plenty of facilities and a warm and friendly vibe. Halfway between Wick and Thurso, Ferry View is five minutes’ drive from John o’ Groats and under a mile from Gills Bay ferry services to Orkney.
It’s set up for peaceful and relaxing stays for all types of guests, on a small site surrounded by trees and with views over to the Orkneys. Be sure to linger on site long enough to try the food: takeaway is available at Mr Eddy's Pit Stop, or you can opt to eat in the converted bus dining area. The campsite is open all year.
Campsite features:
Scenic family-run North Coast 500 campsite at Gills Bay
Five minutes’ drive from John o’ Groats; Wick and Thurso both within 30 minutes
Communal play area with games including giant Jenga, giant draughts and swingball
Communal fire pit
Bathrooms, dishwashing area, laundry facilities and grey water/chemical disposal points
Dog friendly: dogs stay for free
Hire a van for your John o’ Groats camping holiday
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