10 Best Camping Spots In Scotland: Perfect Places To Pitch A Tent

Scotland is famous as one of the best canoeing and camping destinations in the UK. The best camping spots in Scotland are varied and span the entire country. Whether you’re hiking through the Highlands or want to explore the rugged coastline, this country offers picture-perfect camping opportunities wherever you go.

This includes well-established campsites, as well as adventurous landscapes for wild camping. Plus, there are plenty of cosy bothies scattered around the Highlands, offering a unique camping experience.

In this guide, we’ll unpack some of the best camping spots in Scotland for all kinds of campers. Whether you’re planning to canoe and wild camp across Scotland or even camper vanning, these destinations offer an ideal escape.

Camping in Scotland offers a diverse and breathtaking outdoor experience. With its rugged landscapes, pristine lochs, and lush forests, Scotland is a haven for nature enthusiasts. 

You can pitch your tent in designated campsites, often equipped with basic facilities. Or you could opt for wild camping in certain areas. This is also known as Scotland right to roam camping, or wild camping.

Be prepared for changeable weather, and don't forget to explore iconic spots like the Scottish Highlands, Isle of Skye, and Cairngorms National Park for an unforgettable camping adventure.

Scotland's camping experience is rich in natural beauty and outdoor adventures. Whether you prefer coastal camping overlooking the North Sea or the tranquillity of the Scottish Borders, there's something for everyone. 

Enjoy activities like canoeing & kayaking, hiking, fishing, and stargazing in this picturesque landscape, but always respect the environment and local guidelines for responsible camping.

Scotland's wild and untamed wilderness makes it a must-visit destination for those seeking an authentic outdoor experience.

From the dramatic Highlands to peaceful islands, Scotland truly is a camping paradise. Here are some of the best camping areas Scotland has to offer, in no particular order;

When looking for the best camping spots in Scotland, you’ll probably want to escape into the wilderness and experience the vast natural landscapes that Scotland has to offer. If this is the case, then there are few places better than the Isle of Skye for good camping spots in Scotland.

Nestled in the heart of the Scottish Highlands, the Isle of Skye is a jewel in Scotland's camping crown. It’s a well-loved playground for anyone seeking adventure.

This island, known for its dramatic landscapes, offers some of the best camping spots in Scotland. You could visit established campsites, or brave the island’s raw environment and go wild camping. The Isle of Skye is also one of the best places to go camping in Scotland if you’re RV camping.

While exploring Skye, consider setting up camp near the enchanting Fairy Pools, at the base of the majestic Black Cuillins, or with a view of the iconic Old Man of Storr. 

Don't miss the opportunity to discover camping spots at the Quiraing and Neist Point, which will leave you in awe of Scotland's natural beauty.

Of all the potential camping places in Scotland, few are as sought after as Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. 

If you’re looking for the ultimate Scottish Highlands adventure, then a trip to Loch Lomond is essential. While this vast loch is always an impressive sight, camping alongside its shores is a truly unmatched experience.

As the first national park in Scotland, Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park present a diverse range of camping places in Scotland. You can indulge in the adventure of wild camping in specific areas with a permit, or opt for the comfort of established campsites situated around the tranquil Loch Lomond or within the park's charming glens. It’s the ideal destination for scenic hiking or loch canoeing in Scotland.

This park promises an immersive camping experience in the heart of Scotland's wilderness. Plus, there are so many amazing opportunities for hiking through the national park too - something you can combine with camping for an amazing outdoor adventure.

Loch camping in Scotland doesn't get better than this.

The rugged allure of Cairngorms National Park undoubtedly offers some of the best camping in Scotland.

Here, the choices are as diverse as the landscapes themselves. You can camp near the vibrant town of Aviemore or experience the tranquillity of Glenmore. For those seeking deeper communion with nature, venturing deep into the heart of the park unveils camping opportunities that promise unbridled adventures amidst breathtaking landscapes. 

Cairngorms National Park embodies the very spirit of camping in Scotland, with its rugged grandeur and countless outdoor pursuits. This is certainly one of the best places to go camping in Scotland if you want to experience the expansive natural beauty of the Highlands.

Top tip: One of the best ways to experience Cairngorms is to embark on a multi-day trip to Canoe the River Spey.

The Red Squirrel Campsite, known for its harmonious blend of convenience and natural beauty, is a popular choice. However, for those craving an experience that transcends the ordinary, the surrounding wilderness offers endless possibilities for wild camping. 

Surrounded by some of Scotland's most iconic landscapes, Glencoe presents one of the top camping spots in Scotland, where adventurers can immerse themselves in the sheer majesty of the Scottish Highlands. 

Definitely one of the best camping spots Scotland has to offer for all kinds of campers and outdoor enthusiasts.

This isn't so much one of the best camping spots in Scotland as much as it’s a bunch of different camping spots.

The West Highland Way is a long-distance trail of extraordinary beauty. The route offers an epic camping experience for those who love to traverse the wilds of Scotland. 

This iconic route guides you through a mesmerizing array of terrains, promising both established campsites for a more comfortable night's rest and the thrill of wild camping opportunities that allow you to become one with the untamed Scottish landscape.

The West Highland Way isn't just a trail; it's an odyssey through the heart of Scotland's enchanting landscapes.

So, if you want to experience the Scottish Highlands up close while camping in a variety of the best spots in the Highlands, then the West Highland Way should certainly be high up on your list of Scottish camping destinations. 

The best camping spots in Scotland aren’t all about green rolling hills, mountains, and lochs. You can also enjoy magnificent coastal camping in this country.

The remote and windswept Outer Hebrides beckon those in search of isolation and serenity in a coastal camping setting. 

Among the jewels of this region are Harris and Lewis, known for their pristine beaches and untouched beauty. Here, tranquillity reigns, and the sounds of nature replace the bustling of everyday life. 

The Outer Hebrides rank among the best camping spots in Scotland, where you can lose yourself in the unspoiled landscapes of these remote islands

Looking for cool camping in Scotland that offers a slightly different experience? Then Glen Etive is the ideal place.

Situated in proximity to the iconic Glencoe, Glen Etive stands as a breathtaking glen with exceptional wild camping spots along its picturesque riverbanks. Its beauty is so profound that it found its way into popular culture through the James Bond movie "Skyfall." 

This location promises a camping experience that transcends the ordinary, allowing you to immerse yourself in some of Scotland's most stunning landscapes. Besides the amazing camping, it’s also one of the best places for canoeing in Scotland.

If coastal camping is your preference, the East Neuk of Fife beckons with a truly captivating experience. 

This charming region, marked by its quaint fishing villages and pristine beaches, offers a range of choices for camping. Whether you opt for well-appointed campsites or the thrill of wild camping, you'll find the best places to go camping in Scotland near the water's edge. 

The East Neuk of Fife is the ideal destination for those seeking a harmonious blend of coastal beauty and camping adventure.

Camping near the UK's highest peak, Ben Nevis is a remarkable experience for any camper.

The Glen Nevis Campsite, a popular choice among adventurers, provides convenient access to the myriad hiking trails that meander around this iconic mountain. 

Alternatively, you can embark on your adventure by seeking out wild camping spots that offer breathtaking vistas of Ben Nevis and the surrounding Highland landscapes. 

Ben Nevis encapsulates the very essence of camping in Scotland, blending adventure with the raw grandeur of the great outdoors. Camping Ben Nevis Scotland is a highlight for any hiker in the country, but you can still appreciate the majesty of this mountain by just camping in the base camp.

Looking for a camping adventure that includes the UK's highest peak? Why not sign up to hike Ben Nevis and Canoe across Scotland?

The Isle of Mull, adorned with its diverse landscapes and teeming wildlife, unfolds as a paradise for camping enthusiasts. 

The captivating Calgary Bay, with its sweeping beauty, is a prime spot for camping. Additionally, the Fidden Farm Campsite has captured the hearts of many campers, offering not only a delightful camping experience but also easy access to a wide array of outdoor adventures. 

The Isle of Mull exemplifies the best camping locations in Scotland, a place where nature's wonders are yours to explore and cherish.

As you embark on your camping adventure in Scotland, always adhere to Scotland's outdoor access laws and the principles of "Leave No Trace," ensuring that you leave the environment as pristine as you found it.

Additionally, be sure to check for any local restrictions or requirements before camping to ensure a seamless and enjoyable outdoor experience. Camping in Scotland is more than an adventure; it's an odyssey through some of the most awe-inspiring landscapes on Earth.

So, get out there are enjoy these amazing Scottish camping destinations. Each one will be sure to offer unforgettable experiences for any outdoor enthusiast.