Dog friendly campsites in scotland
Hi and welcome to CampingScotland.com, in this blog post we explore the best campsites in Scotland that have a dog friendly policy.
Dogs and camping come hand in hand, what could be better than sharing your outdoor adventure in Scotland at a great campsite with your favourite non-human friend!
Lucky for dog owners Scotland is a very pet friendly camping country. Throughout our research we have found that around 85% of all the campsites we list allow dogs. With such a vast number of campsites to chose from we thought it would be best to stick them all on a map so you can easily pick one based on location.
We also know that some people want to know our favourite dog friendly campsites, so we have included a top 10 that every dog owner should add to their camping bucket list.
to lead or not to lead
All of the campsites in the map below are dog friendly but it’s not one rule for all when it comes to how free you dog can be. This applies not only to the campsite’s specific rules them self but also to how your own dog behaves around others.
Some campsites are based on a working farm, for this reason they might stipulate that dogs must be kept on leads at all times.
Some campsites may be very family focused and as such will have lots of small children running around. For this reason some stipulate that dogs must be kept on leads.
And some dogs are just naturally curious where they could disturb fellow campers, for this reason it’s best to keep curious dogs on leads.
So when it comes to keeping your dog on or off the lead please make sure you read up on the specific campsite rules and use common sense when you asses the surroundings once you arrive at the campsite.
The Map
Click on any of the icons on the map to find out more about each campsite or apply “our top picks” filter to see all of our favourite dog friendly campsites in Scotland.
If you want to narrow your search by applying filters or explore all the campsites in Scotland on a bigger map then head over to our Campsite Finder section.
TOP 10 dog friendly campsites in scotland
Everyone loves a top 10, it makes finding that perfect campsites so much easier. So let us take the leg work out of finding the best dog friendly campsites and visit one of these great sites below. We have picked these 10 campsites because they are located in areas that your dog will love. From endless sandy beaches to woodland and hill walks were sure your four legged friends will be delighted.
Red Squirrel Campsite (Glencoe)
Located at the foot of the Glencoe mountains the Red Squirrel campsite is a perfect base to explore the local Munros. Why not hike up to the hidden valley or take a chairlift up Glencoe Ski Resort. The campsite is located next to the Glencoe river with a safe natural swimming pool where you can cool off and enjoy a wild swim and with campfires aloud you can warm up after around the fire. There is also a pub (Clachaig Inn) located a short 30min walk from the campsite which serves food and alcohol.
Lochranza Campsite and Golf
Friendly, laid back campsite located in the village of Lochranza with an onsite Par-3 golf course on the Isle of Arran. The campsite has various hard standing and grass pitches for tents and campervans with electrical hook up available. The site also has a small selection of glamping pods available for rent, toilet block, shower, washing machines and campers wash up area. The site is flanked by some stunning mountains and lush greenery making it a great site for those looking to walk the local area or enjoy the views by their pitch. The site has a 9-hole Par-3 golf course which is great fun for all abilities and The Stags Pavilion Restaurant is located at the entrance of the site offering some great local produce and vegetarian dishes. Lochranza Distillery, which produces Arran Whisky is located just around the corner where tours and tastings run daily (there are also 2 cafés and a bar at the distillery). This a great site for those looking to explore Arran, those who fancy a game of golf, families or anyone wanting an easy stumble back to your tent after a whisky tour.
Killegruer Caravan Site
Killegruer Caravan Site is located on the west coast of the Kintyre Peninsula, 12 miles north of Campbeltown and 24m south of Tarbert. Situated right on a stunning sandy beach with views out to the Atlantic Ocean towards the isles of Gigha, Islay & Jura where swimming is possible. The site has various grass pitches for tents and campervans (electrical hook up available) with a toilet and shower block available for all to use. Dogs are permitted and if your camping a strong tent is recommended, it can get a little windy on Kintyre. Glenbarr café is a 20-minute walk away where you will find fresh coffee, a farm shop selling local produce and a garden centre. Further afield you will find Campbeltown, the home of Glen Scotia Distillery, this small town used to be home to over 20 whisky distilleries at one point but only 3 remain today. Fires are permitted on the beach and logs are available to purchase on site, there is also a bus stop outside the site with busses to Cambeltown. Killegruer campsite is a great stop over for those looking to explore Kintyre or those looking to take the ferry out to Arran, Islay or Ardrossan (ferry terminal near by).
Glenmore Campsite
Large loch side campsite located just outside the outdoor adventure village of Aviemore at the foot of the Cairngorm Mountains. Glenmore campsite caters for campervans and tents on grass hard standing pitches in a woodland setting with electrical hook up available. A short walk through the woods takes you out to a golden sandy beach at Loch Morlich where you will find a water sports rental centre and café. A short walk near the entrance of the site is the Pine Marten Bar where you will find live music and plenty booze. A short drive away is Cairngorm Mountain Resort where you can ski, sledge and snowboard in the winter or hike in the summer. A drive further down the mountain you will find the village of Aviemore with bars, restaurants, shops and cafes.
Beinglas Farm Campsite
Beinglas Farm Campsite is located at the top of Loch Lomond below Ben Glas that has pitches for campervans, tents and glamping pods for hire. The site is located on the West Highland Way and is a popular stop of spot for those taking on the trail. There is a toilet, shower and washing up block with a communal kitchen and eating area available which offers great shelter when the weather isn’t favourable. The site also has its own pub, shop and restaurant offering fresh pints and hearty food after a long day of adventuring. A short walk away you will find The Drovers inn, which is a stunning hotel, bar and restaurant. A little bit further (2 miles) you will reach Loch Lomond where you will find various water sports including paddle boarding, wakeboarding, ferry services and a train station.
Sango Sands Campsite
Sango Sands is a popular campsite for those on the NC500 and it is easy to see why! Located on the cliff tops above award winning beaches, Sango Sands Oasis Camping and Caravan site provides amazing sea views on the North-West tip of Scotland in the village of Durness. Beside the campsite you will also find the Oasis restaurant and bar where you can get a food and a dram whilst enjoying the stunning views (you may even see some Dolphins). There is plenty to do nearby from wild swimming, surfing, zip wiring, sea life spotting or just quiet walks. The site caters for tents and campervans with electrical hook up requiring pre-booked, smaller non-electric pitches are on a first come first serve basis.
Sandend Caravan Park
Small campsite located in the North-East of Scotland, beside a stunning golden sandy bay that caters for campervans and tents. The site is located near a historic fishing village which can be explored by foot from the site. The beach located at the site has a water sports hut where you can book paddle boarding, surfing, boggy boarding, pier jumping or just go wild swimming. Glenglassaugh distillery is also within walking distance where tours and tastings are possible, further afield there is an abundance of distilleries scattered within a 30 mile radius. The site also sits on the NE250 driving route and is a great stop off for those taking on the 250-mile route through the NE of Scotland, it is also dog friendly.
Salen Bay Campsite
Small family run campsite with pitches on elevated ground on the upper tier of the site with stunning 360-degree views overlooking the Sound of Mull, Salen Bay and the picturesque coastline of Morvern, Ardnamurchan and the central ‘Mull massive’. There are a verity of hard standing and grass pitches, some with electrical hook-up and a modern toilet, shower and washing up unit available for campers use. The site has direct access to the sea with paddleboards and kayaks available to rent or if you fancy just going for a dip wild swimming is free. With an abundance of wildlife to keep your eye out for this is a great site for those looking to see some Bog cottons, Rare Orchids, Otters, Eagles, buzzards, Hen harriers, Oyster Catchers to name a few. The village of Salen is a short walk away where you will find a bus stop that runs from the ferry in the south to Tobermory in the North. Also in the village is the Salen Hotel with its beer garden, a Co-op, a couple of very nice coffee shops that serve home-made cakes and the outdoor food hut “the taste of Mull” where you can get your fish and chips fix. Day trip to Tobermory are possible using the bus service where you can spend the day exploring the town, drinking whisky at the distillery and make it back in time for a BBQ. For those looking for something a little different we recommend taking the 40-minute walk or short drive to Glenforsa Hotel which is a stunning log cabin hotel, restaurant and bar with its own private runway.
Tigh-Na-Mara Campsite
Tigh-Na-Mara Campsite is located down a quiet single track road near the village of Arisaig with sunning coastal views of the Small Isles and the Isle of Skye. The campsite has its own small golden sandy beach directly beside the campsite which is perfect for wild swimming or launching your kayak. There is a mixture of hard standing fully serviced pitches for campervans with the front pitches having stunning uninterrupted views. A large flat grass area is dedicated to tents and there are a couple of glamping pods available for hire. The site has a new purpose build toilet, shower and washing up area (very clean and very modern). Campfires are permitted so long as they are raised from the grass, alternatively there are beaches nearby where campfires are possible (so long as you bring your own wood and ensure the fire is below the high tide mark). Locally you will find an abundance of stunning beaches, a few golf courses, the village of Mallaig (where boat tours are possible and ferry services operate). The village of Arisaig is around 2 miles away which has a shop, restaurant and bar. Tigh-Na-Mara is a fantastic campsite for those looking for a quiet, laid back, friendly site with stunning views and clear swimmable water, we highly recommend a stay. Booking is possible by phoning the campsite directly, one thing to note is the campsite only accepts cash or bank transfer for payment (no card machine).
Speyside Gardens Caravan Park
Speyside Gardens is a well kept, modern campsite set in the heart of Scottish whisky with an abundance of distilleries nearby. The site is set within beautiful Victorian Walls and home to lots of wildlife including red squirrels, the River Spey is only a short walk across the road from the site. Catering for campervan and tents on a variety of hard standing and grass pitches all with electrical hook up. There is also a modern and clean toilet/shower block with washing up facilities available for use. A shop is also located on the site for those needing essentials, like beer, whisky, gin and snacks! The village of Aberlour is only a short walk away where you will find some incredible whisky bars, restaurants, local shops and a butcher for you BBQ essentials. Also within walking distance is Aberlour Distillery & John Dewar & Sons Distillers, further afield you will find an abundance of distilleries where local taxi services can transport you between. This is one of our top whisky camping trip sites here at Camping Scotland and highly recommend you visit.
