Camping guides
Wild camping Scotland: complete guide for campervans
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Wild camping in Scotland with a motorhome or campervan is probably the best way to enjoy free camping in the UK.
World-beating scenery, stunning coastline, thousands of acres of open space, rugged islands… Scotland has it all. Understandably, wild camping in Scotland has become increasingly popular in recent years , as the popularity of UK campervan and motorhome holidays rises – and there’s lots to consider!
We’ve put together this definitive guide to campervan and motorhome wild camping in Scotland , so you can have the best experience possible and enjoy all this beautiful country has to offer.
Best wild camping spots in Scotland
Scotland has thousands of acres of spectacular scenery , much of it in remote spots where you can park up and enjoy it to the max. Here are a few of our favourite places for van camping in Scotland:
Rhins of Galloway peninsula/Mull of Galloway Lighthouse
The views from this lighthouse are utterly stunning, as is the landscape around it; this is Scotland’s most southerly point. Take a guided lighthouse tour (available from Easter to October) to climb the 115 steps to the top for views towards Ireland , the Isle of Man and the Lake District, then park up on the Rhins of Galloway peninsula for an overnight stay.
Loch Assynt, Sutherland
Head for the Highlands and Loch Assynt in Sutherland, five miles from the town of Lochinver. Freshwater fishing is the main attraction here – expect to land salmon, trout and sea trout – then hike up to the ruins of Ardvreck Castle (or drive there along the A837) before an evening and night by the loch.
Cairngorms National Park
The UK’s biggest national park has enough beautiful hideaways that you could spend your entire Scotland motorhome holiday just exploring this park. Loch Miuck, the Muir of Dinnet, Glenmore, Glen Fishie and Loch Garten are all recommended and all have car parks (although the Cairngorms National Park Authority asks that motorhome wild campers use one of the several formal sites in the park for overnight stays).
Isle of Skye
The most populated island in the Inner Hebrides provides plenty of opportunities for camping and wild camping. We recommend the Waternish/Vaternish peninsula on Skye’s northwest between Loch Dunvegan and Loch Snizort – look for a coastal spot without a “no overnight camping” sign.
Pros and cons of wild camping in Scotland
Pros
The scenery! You don’t have to drive far from a city or town in Scotland to find a gorgeous place to spend the night.
The remoteness: hire a campervan or motorhome designed for off-grid stays to have a holiday well off the beaten track.
The adventure. Plan your wild camping trip a little – make sure you have enough food/fuel/water on board, for example – but otherwise Scotland is an amazing place to just get out on the road and see where it takes you.
Cons
If motorhome wild camping, some of the most beautiful and remote places won’t be accessible by road.
You need to ensure you have permission to park up (more on the legalities of Scottish wild camping below).
Scotland can be notoriously cold and can be subject to extreme weather conditions, so not best suited to winter wild camping for inexperienced travellers.
Wild camping campsites in Scotland
1.
Stunningly set site by the River Coe, with country trails, nature all around and showers, toilets and campfires allowed.
2.
In the heart of the Cairngorms National Park but only six miles from Aviemore for easy sourcing of supplies. The holiday park has live-in wardens, 24/7 laundry facilities, chemical disposal, a quiet setting and showers and toilets in heated washblocks.
3.
This Highlands and Islands campsite is on a family-run farm and woodland setting, a short drive from beaches and half an hour from the famous Culloden site. Campervan pitches are on grass and have electric hook-up.
4.
While mainly a tent camping site, this Stirlingshire park right next to the famous West Highland Way has a small number of overnight pitches available in its car park. The campsite is within the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, with walking opportunities in every direction.
Pros and cons of using campsites for wild camping in Scotland
Pros
Connect to services every night or every couple of nights – fill your water tank, empty your grey and waste water, and connect to electricity.
Meet other campervanners and swap tips on the best places to see.
Have the safety and security of staying on an established and official campsite.
Stay overnight fully legally without having to get landowners’ permission.
Cons
Lack of spontaneity, especially in popular spots or high season when it’s recommended to book ahead.
Having to continue driving to get to your designated campsite each night – not what you want if you’ve found a perfect place on the road where you’d prefer to stay.
Not being able to get fully off the beaten track and out into Scottish wilderness.
Wild camping in Scotland – what to consider
Scotland Laws
Unlike England, Wales and Northern Ireland, wild camping is legal in almost all parts of Scotland under the terms of the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 and Scottish Outdoor Access Code, which allows wild camping in areas of unenclosed land. However, it’s essential to keep in mind that this refers to backpacking/tent camping only , and therefore motorhome and campervan wild campers need to exercise discretion, respect and common sense.
In practice, parking overnight is generally tolerated in Scotland as long as it isn’t in a “don’t park” zone and motorhomers/campervanners park well away from main roads or tourist spots. If it’s clear who owns the land you want to overnight at, for example a pub car park, always ask permission, and be prepared to move on if required.
Tips
There are plenty of options available for van campers who don’t want to use an official campsite – just follow these tips:
Use a website or app like [UK Motorhomes](https://www.ukmotorhomes.net/uk-stopovers/motorhome-stopover-listing# Scotland) , Brit Stops, Camper Contact or Park4Night to find places where you can stop overnight in your motorhome or campervan.
Arrive late and leave early. Overnight stops should be just that – somewhere to sleep.
Bring enough supplies – it’s always worth stocking up on food, water, fuel and other necessities if you plan to wild camp in a remote area where shops may not be open after late afternoon.
Follow the “leave no trace” principles : don’t leave any litter, respect the local environment and don’t disturb wildlife.
Don’t unpack too much stuff for the night (outdoor table etc) in case you’re asked to move.
What van to choose
Obviously a huge RV won’t be suitable or discreet for wild camping from Scotland’s often-winding or narrow roads, but a tiny van might not be suitable either if you plan to go completely off-grid for several days.
The van you choose will also depend on whether you’re going as part of a couple or a group of friends:
Vans for couples
Are you happy with a two-berth van, or will you want something more spacious?
Which of you will do the majority of the cooking, and does the kitchen suit their requirements? Is the kitchen space big enough for you both if you’re sharing cooking duties?
If you’re hiring a two-berth van, will there be enough space for activities kit like surfboards, or warm weather gear like extra blankets and duvets?
Vans for a group of friends
How many berths will the group need, and do you want them as fixed sleeping spaces or something you can pack away?
If your combined budget only stretches to a small van, can a few of the group sleep outside the van in one or two tents? (Check that campsites you plan to stay at will allow tents pitched alongside; some don’t.)
As with couples, who will do the majority of the cooking, and does the kitchen suit their requirements? Is the kitchen space big enough to share cooking duties? Does the van come with outdoor kit like a table/chairs and a barbecue?
If you’re a large group and plan to stay at campsites, check the site allows groups (many don’t) and the maximum number of guests per pitch (usually six; sometimes eight).
Dog-friendly vans
Of course, you may want to bring your best friend along on your Scottish road trip! Check out our many**pet-friendly van rental options**.
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