Best campsites in scotland
What are the best campsites in Scotland? Well with so many to pick from it’s not an easy question to answer. From stunning scenery to friendly campsite owners you are spoilt for choice in Scotland. But we did manage to highlight a small handful which we think are the best of the best.
Well, when I say a small handful I actually mean a bag full. Because we only list great campsites anyways, out of the 200+ on our website around 80 are what we call “our top picks”. These are campsites that stand out from the crowd and we highly recommend visiting. To make it easy to navigate the 80 sites we put them all on an interactive map, to skip right to that map and get past the top 10, click on the “Skip To The Map” button below (we know theres nothing worse than scrolling through a blog post to find that bit of info you came for in the first place).
Our top 10 campsites in scotland
But what are our top 10? Well it was hard but we managed to pick ur 10 campsites that we believe are exceptional. Read on about each one and find out why you should be adding these sites to your camping bucket list (click on each to find out more).
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.
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).
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.
Large campsite set within sandy grass on the edge of a stunning sandy beach with crystal clear waters. There are plenty pitches available to set up your tent or campervan and there are some basic facilities (toilet and shower) located onsite. The beach is perfect for water sports, wild swimming or ball games on the sand and offers stunning sunsets if the weather permits. There is a small shop and a summer burger van available on site and plenty of beach walks nearby. A short drive away you will find the Isle of Harris Distillery where Gin and Whisky tours are possible. Campfires are possible on the beach however you must bring your own wood.
Award winning campsite located on the Isle of Skye and voted best campsite in the UK by the Daily Telegraph and best coastal campsite from The Great Outdoor magazine and it is easy to see why. The campsite sits on the stunning Loch Brittle beach where wild swimming and water sports are possible and it is shadowed by the dramatic Cuillin mountains behind which are excellent for hikers and mountain climbers. The site has 120 pitches on a mixture of hard standing and grass, a toilet and shower block, electrical hook up and onsite café. From the café you can order freshly baked bread and croissants to enjoy each morning whilst you soak in the views from your pitch. Fires are not permitted within the campsite however are permitted on the beach, BBQ’s must be on raised surface to prevent damage to the grass. Locally you will find the Cuillin mountains, fairy pools and a raft of coastal and inland walking trails. For whisky drinkers, the closest distillery would be Talisker which is 9 miles north of the site where you can join one of the daily tours (book a tour in advanced during summer months).
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.
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.
Fidden Farm Campsite is a semi-wild stunning campsite located on the Island of Mull, it is reached by first getting to Oban where a frequent boat service will take you on the short crossing to Mull. The pitches are on semi rough grass next to a picturesque beach looking out to the small Island of Iona, there is a simple toilet block and the site caters for campervans and tents. This is a great base to either relax and enjoy the stunning beach and clear waters or explore the island of Mull. With Ben More nearby for those looking for a Munro to hike, Tobermory Distillery is a short drive away and Iona boat service is located next door to the campsite where day trips or overnight trips are possible.
Clachtoll Beach Campsite is a quiet family run touring caravan and camping site in Sutherland, in the North West of Scotland. It’s beach is made of golden sands with wooden walkways through the dunes to the safe shallow beach. Along with the geological wonder of Split Rock it is a truly stunning location. The beach is one of a select few on the award winning snorkel trail hosted by the Scottish Wildlife Trusts with a clarity of water that has to be experienced to be believed. It is also on the whale and dolphin trail as well as sitting directly on the North Coast 500 route.
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.
The best campsites in scotland
Out of the 200+ campsites we list we believe these 80 are some of the best camping Scotland has to offer. Click on each one to find out more including how to book.
See every campsite in scotland
If you want to see every campsite we list in Scotland then head over to our CAMPSITE FINDER section. Just click the image below where you can apply multiple filters to find that perfect campsite (campfires, beachside, loch side, pub nearby etc).
Did we miss something?
Did we miss your favourite campsite in Scotland? Let us know in the comments section below.
