Campsites near a train station in Scotland
Hi and welcome to CampingScotland.com, in this blog post we explore the best campsites in Scotland that have a train station nearby allowing you to easily explore Scotland and camp without a car.
This post will be mostly aimed at those camping in a tent since taking your campervan on the train can be a bit problematic.
The campsites are all within around a 30 min walk from a train station, the exception to this was the campsites in Oban where they are about 45 minutes but well worth the extra hike.
Scottish Train Network
We created this blog post for those people who are looking to travel by foot to Scotland. Whether you are traveling a short distance or planning a camping trip from the south of the UK the train can be a great way to get you there.
The easiest way to explain the rail routes within Scotland is illustrations, so in the images above you will find the train routes available.
Rail Operators
These are Correct at time of blog post in 2025 however check National Rail website for latest operators as these can change. The easiest way to book a train is to use Trainline.com which will search all trains (except the sleeper).
- ScotRail – National train line and best one to use for travel within Scotland given they cover all the train routes.
- Caledonian Sleeper – Overnight train running from London (and a few English cities) to Aberdeen, Inverness, Fort William, Glasgow, and Edinburgh.
- London North Eastern Railway (LNER) – London King’s Cross to Edinburgh, Dundee, Aberdeen, and Inverness, with stops at various intermediate stations
- Avanti West Coast – Various trains from England to Glasgow & Edinburgh.
- CrossCountry – Various trains from England to Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, and Dundee.
- TransPennine Express – Trains from Manchester to Glasgow & Edinburgh.
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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 the select few we love.
Search every campsite?
If traveling by rail you don’t necessarily need to be confined to campsites within a short walk of a train station. Scotland boasts a great bus network where lots more campsites can be reached by local bus services (Google maps can give more information on how to reach other campsites that have caught your eye).
Additionally the train network allows you to access some great hiking trails, Speyside Way and West Highland Way to name a few. Or you could get the train to Mallaig, jump on the tiny passenger ferry to Knoydart and stay at the remote Long Beach campsite.
Click below to see all the best campsites in Scotland and apply filters to find the perfect one.
TOP 5 Campsites near a train station
Check out out top five campsites in Scotland that are within walking distance of a train station.
Click on the campsite names for the full details on each one.
Tyndrum Lower Station
2 mins
By The Way is a small campsite located on the West Highland Way at the entrance of the Glencoe Mountains and caters for small tents only (no larger than 2 man) and is a perfect stop for walkers on the West Highland Way or hiking the local mountains. There are glamping pots to rent and a communal indoor cooking area for when the weather turns a little rainy. The site has toilets and showers with WIFI covering the full site. The site is conveniently located in the village of Tiyndrum where there is a train station, pubs, restaurants and shops. There is plenty to explore in the surrounding area from waterfalls, lochs and mountains to hike. Dogs not permitted into Hostel, Hobbit Houses or Chalets but can go everywhere else. NOTE, online booking for tents is not possible, you must phone to book if you are arriving with a tent.
Blair Atholl Station
8 mins
Set at the entrance of the Cairngorm National park and within the stunning grounds of Blair Athol Castle is a family and dog friendly campsite for campervans, tents & glampers. The site has excellent facilities with conveniently located pitches of varying sizes on grass and hard standing with electrical hook up if required. The site is located in the town of Blair Athol and a short drive to Pitlochry, there are ample walks in the surrounding area and you are free to explore the castle estate located a short stroll away. Next door to the site is a lovely bakery, café and chip shop at the “Blair Athol Watermill “and for those a little parched you will find some freshly brewed beer a 10-minute walk away at “Wasted Degrees Brewing” with BBQ’s run during the summer weekends. For other food and drink options there is also the “Athol Arms Hotel” within 5 minutes-walk of the site. This is a great spot for those exploring distilleries with both the Blair Athol Distillery, Edradour Distillery & Aberlour Distillery a short drive away but also a great location for family camping trips and those looking for excellent local walks.
Carnoustie Station
14 min
Woodlands Caravan Park is a small family run campsite located in the coastal golfing town of Carnoustie, a short walk to the town center. There are around 50 pitches (mix of grass and hard) all ranging in sizes, some with electrical hook up and some without for both Campervans and Tents. The site has a modern toilet and shower block with laundry room and vegetable prep area. The local town is a short 10 minute walk where you will find a train station, bars, restaurants and shops. For golfers there the local championship golf course is a short walk from the site along with many other great courses. Booking can be made online via the official campsite website. The local town also has a sandy beach where wild swimming is possible.
Dunkeld & Birnam Station
25 mins
Family run riverside campsite located a short walk to the town of Dunkeld catering for campervans and tents on a mixture of hard standing and grass pitches (electrical hook up available). The site is bordered by the River Brann and even has its own small beach, there is also a large toilet, shower, laundry and washing up block available for campers use. A short walk away you will find the historic town of Dunkeld that is home to cafes, riverside bars, restaurants and various historic sites including Dunkeld Cathedral. There is also a golf course, lots of scenic walks and wild life reserve all nearby. For those looking for whisky the town of Blair Athol is a short drive North which is home to both Blair Athol Distillery. Note, for tent bookings you do not need to pre-book, online booking of tents is not possible and instead is based on a first come first serve basis on the day.
Aviemore Station
34 mins
Small woodland campsite located just outside of Aviemore in the Cairngorm National Park with hard standing and grass pitches for both campervans and tents. This is a modern site conveniently located with plenty to do nearby, the village of Aviemore is a short 20-minute walk where you will find shops, cafes, bars and plenty of outdoor activities. The Cairngorm Mountain is around a 20-minute drive or it can also be reached by the regular bus service that operates through the village. For those looking for a boozy adventure both Cairngorm Brewery and Kinrara Gin Distillery are within walking distance.
