Scotland is full of Lochs, in-fact there are over 30,000 fresh water lochs scattered thought the country. Additionally there are a hand full of salt water lochs which are mostly located on the west coast. Lochs can be an excellent place to set up camp but with an abundance of them to chose from where do you start? To help you out we have put together our top five loch side campsites below. If you would like to see all our loch side campsites you can use the campsite finder tool and apply the lochs filter.
Check our or top five below (in no particular order) of campsites we think offer the best loch side pitches in Scotand. Click the find out more on each one to explore the sites in more detail or if you would prefer to see all the loch side campsites we list then use our campsite finder tool.
Our top 5 lochside campsites
Ardgualich Farm is a family run campsite located on Loch Tummel which is a short drive from Blair Athol & Pitlochry. The campsite has a few static caravans and is located on a working farm. Just past the farm buildings your will find some stunning waterside pitches on soft grass that give direct access to the loch. What makes this one of our top loch side campsites is the ability to wild swim directly from the campsite, no launch charge for launching small boats and no licence required for fishing. The Loch is famous for being regularly visited by Queen Victoria and there are plenty of walks located nearby. The Cobbs Café is also walkable from the site where you can get your caffeine and cake fix.
Glenmore is a large loch side campsite located just outside of Aviemore, shadowed by the Cairngorm Mountains. 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 a café. . There is a Bar located at the entrance of the site where where you will regularly find live music in a cosy setting. We love this loch side campsite due to the stunning surrounding, sandy beach and easy access into the water. The water sports center also offers paddle board, kayak and canoe rental.
Sallochy Campsite is situated on the Eastern shores of Loch Lomond and offers stunning views across the loch towards the Arrochar Alps. The campsite is basic and as such offers a semi-wild camping experience (Composting toilets and drinking water are available). There are 10 loch side pitches and 10 inland pitches, fire pits are available to rent along with firewood. We love this site due to the basic feel, wild swimming opportunities, stunning views and excellent local hill walks.
Loch Chon is part of the “camping in the forest” sites scattered thought the Loch Lomond National Park and aim to give you a wild camping experience camping with nature. There are around 20 rubber matted pitches (make sure you bring a good sleeping mat) scattered thought the forest, some with direct loch access. Fires are permitted in fire pits which can be hired from the ranger’s hut where you can also purchase wood. The loch is great for wild swimming, canoes, kayaking and fishing. For those looking for something a little bit different you will find a mini-waterpark at Loch Ard which is also a great loch for water sports (short drive away). We love this site due to the semi-wild forrest setting whilst also giving great access to the loch for wild swimming.
Knoydart Long Beach isn’t the most accesable campsite in the world (2 day hike by foot or a short boat ride from Mallaig). But if you do make the effort you are rewarded with a stunning sea loch where you can pitch your tent up on beaches grass bank. This isn’t just one of favourite loch side campsites but is one of our favourite campsites in Scotland. With Jurassic Park feeling surroundings, clear swimmable water and semi-wild feel this is a must visit site for tenting enthusiasts.
All our lochside campsites
Want to see more lochside campsites? Check out the rest on the interactive map below or head over to our CAMPSITE FINDER page where you can use more filters to find that perfect campsite.
If you do visit one of these campsites we would love to hear from you. Or if you know of a campsite that didn’t make our list but is worthy of being up there. Please do let us know in the comments below.
