Most remote campsites in Scotland & how to get there

St Kilda is a very special place, the ruggaged island is located 70km west of North Uist in the North Atlantic where the only way to access it is via a 3-6 hour boat (when the weather is calm). The island served as an incredibly important ecological site for both birds and sea life, so important that the island’s and surrounding waters have been awarded double world heritage status. The best way to get to St Kilda is by one of the charter boats that operate from the Western Isles, Skye and the mainland or by private boat. Weather plays a very important role in getting to St Kilda, where the boat journey can take 3-6 hours and delays due to weather are frequent. So if your camping, pack supplies for a few extra days. The campsite is run by the Nation Trust who look after the island, you must book ahead and this can be done by emailing the trust on “[email protected]”. Campers can use the toilet and shower block where you will also find a fresh water drinking tap. There are no shops on St Kilda, you’ll have to bring what you need with you, including a cooking stove and all the food for your stay, plus additional supplies in case your departure is delayed. No pets are permitted onto the island and you must scrub your boots and equipment clean of mud before landing on St Kilda to help protect the local environment. Camping on St Kilda isn't easy, but a rare opportunity to camp in a double world heritage site and experience what it was like to live on this remote wild island!

Located on the Isle of Rum and opened in 2014 this semi-wild feel campsite is a great base to explore the rugged island terrain, or just relax on the beach with a couple of cold beers from the island general store. The island is accessible via the short CalMac ferry crossing from Mallaig where you will find the bunkhouse and campsite a short walk from the ferry terminal. There is a large open grass area for tents, outside washing up area (with stunning views) and a shelter / otter watching hut and solar power USB ports for charging your devices. Toilets and showers are provided around 200m from the campsite (be advised access to the bunk house is not possible for campers). A short walk from the campsite is the General Store where you will find all your camping needs including alcohol. Be aware that you can’t take your car to the island and the ferry is pedestrian access only, for those arriving by private boat there are moorings available in the bay. Along with the campsite are various glamping pods and for those looking for something bigger, the bunkhouse offers a lounge and kitchen along with the bedrooms.

Super small, semi-wild feel campsite located on Shetlands Main Island looking out onto the water. The site operates on a first come first serve basis and payment is made via an on-site Honesty Box. There are 4 hard standing fully serviced touring pitches with chemical disposal and a decent sized flat grassy area for tents. The site has multiple shower and toilet rooms, utility room and laundry facilities (+free wifi). Nearby you will find the stunning Minn Beach where wild swimming is possible and further afield you will find lots of stunning landscapes, historical sights & friendly villages. The campsite is located on the Main Island, around a 20-minute drive from Lerwick.

Carry Farm is a semi-wild feel small campsite where pitches are limited to those who don’t arrive by car. Be it walking, cycling, kayaking, sailing or public transport Carry Farm likes to reward eco-friendly campers who make the effort with some stunning camping pitches. You are free to set up your tent on the shore where you can enjoy the morning sounds of oystercatchers, eider ducks and waves lapping on the pebbles. Being next to the shore allows for some wild swimming during the day and a campfire at night to keep you warm. A short walk away is a modern toilet and shower block, washing and laundry area. With very little light pollution the sky can be awash with stars on a clear night, but we do recommend you bring a torch as getting to the toilet block can be rather dark. Prices are £10 per night (single occupancy) with £5 extra per person. There is a coffee shop on-site where you can buy locally roasted coffee, a textile shop and a sailing school where sailing lessons are possible. If you fancy a hike there is a stunning sandy beach (Kilbride Bay Beach) where wild swimming is possible around 3 miles away.

Small semi-wild campsite located on the Isle of Eigg which is one of the Small Isles within the Inner Hebrides. The site is located on a working croft where you are free to pitch-up on any spot and take in the stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean out towards Rum and the Outer Hebrides (the sunsets here are incredible). There is only one caveat, no cars are permitted on the island (unless for disabled access) so be prepared to hike 3.7 miles from the Ferry port to the campsite (it should take just over an hour). The site has a composting toilet, a flushing toilet, shower room, washing up sink and fresh drinkable water from the sites well. The island has its own brewery (no tours I’m afraid), lots of sandy beaches where you can swim and a coastal walk right round the island. The ferry runs from Mallaig and stops off at each of the Small Isles (Eigg, Rum, Muck & Canna) where you can island hop across them all or just stick around on Eigg and relax in its peacefulness. The site also has Yurts available for rent for those who prefer to leave the tent at home and unfortunately dogs are not permitted due to free roaming livestock.

Small, isolated, well sheltered campsite located within a walled garden to the west end of the island which has 20 tent pitches and a couple of campervan pitches. This is located on a working farm and they do not accept dogs because of this. Electrical hook up is available and the owners state if they are not in, just pitch up and they will catch you later in the day. There is a wet room, toilet, setting area, bb1 area and fridge available for use by campers. We have classed this site as a semi-wild site due to its remote location and laidback feel. Located 5 miles from the ferry terminal and around 5-minute drive to various stunning sandy beaches. Be warned that large motorhomes may find access difficult due to overhanging trees and a narrow track to the campsite.

Quiet, remote campsite located on the small island of Sanday (short ferry from Orkney Mainland) overlooking a pebble beach that is suitable for campervans and tents. The campsite has a mixture of hard standing and grass pitches, some with electrical hook up, there is also glamping pods available for hire which are fully insulated, have electricity and heating. There is a shower and toilet block with washing machine facilities located in the main hostel building. The site offers a great base to explore the stunning island of Sanday with an abundance of sandy beaches nearby and the possibility of spotting otters and seals from your tent. There is a pub around 45 min walk from the site or you could call the local taxi (01857 600410) to take you home after a few pints. There are plenty of archaeological sites to explore, walks, cycling, golf and fishing available on the island. Campfires are possible below the high tide mark on the beach.

Located on South Ronaldsay and connected via a causeway to Orkneys mainland you will find the organic farm and campsite Wheems, run by famer and artists Christina and Mike. The site is located on an elevated field, only a 5-minute walk to a stunning beach with crystal clear swimmable water. Catering for campervans and tents with a verity of glamping options from Yurts to glamping pods. Campfires are possible on an elevated surface or on the beach below the low tide mark. There is a communal toilet, shower and washing up area with hard standing electrical hook up available if required. A small dining area is also provided with an honesty box selling organic foods and in season farm produce. Tent pitches are on grass and along the sea view side of the field so vehicles don’t block the stunning views. Orkney is a stunning island with a huge amount of world famous historic sites and for those who drink there are a vast array of whisky distilleries, breweries and gin distilleries that are sure to keep you topped up with alcohol (Highland Park is one probably one of the most stunning distilleries in Scotland).

Campsite on a grass pitch next to Vatersay hall (carpark for campervans), this site is run by the local community where there is a toilet block and shower facilities available for use. The café sells food and drink and site is next to the stunning beaches of Vatersay. Payment is taken on arrival at the hall and no pre-booking is required. To get to Vatersay you first have to get to Barra and then drive across the causeway.

Located on the small island of Iona which is a short boat ride from Mull is Iona Campsite, here you will find stunning beaches and crystal clear water. The site has showers and toilets and the pitches are semi-wild style. There is a pub and restaurant within walking distance, a 9 hole wild golf course and plenty of beaches to explore. Note, the island is accessible via a passenger ferry only so remember to pack light as the site is a short walk from the ferry port.

Located on the isle of Canna which is one of the small islands off the west coast of Scotland. Take the ferry from Mallaig to gain access to the island where you will find stunning beaches, clear blue water and local wildlife. The campsite offers tent pitches and glamping pods where wild swimming is possible at the local beaches.

Assessable only by boat from Mallaig or by hiking overland for 2 days the Knoydart Long Beach campsite is worth the effort. One of those bucket list campsites for adventurers where you will be greeted by a swimmable beach, incredible Jurassic park style surroundings and a lovely small village with a pub and restaurants. Base yourself here for a couple of days to hike the local hills or spend a couple relaxing days after the hard hike in. This is one of our top 10 campsites in Scotland.