Scotland
From the Highlands to the islands, Scotland is the perfect camping destination with its breathtaking natural beauty. Clear still lochs reflect lofty mountains enveloped in purple heather, golden gorse and bronze bracken in various seasons. Where better to explore by campervan, caravan or glampsite than Scotland with its quaint towns, imposing cities and vast isolated landscapes? Whatever you’re searching for on a camping holiday, Scotland has it in abundance!
Scotland’s camping options
Riverside campsites put you in tranquil surroundings with stunning views guaranteed. Wake up to the smell of pine forests and the sound of songbirds in your tent, chalet or bothy, usually a converted farm labourer’s hut or cottage in the countryside.
Towing a caravan or sleeping in a campervan gives you plenty of opportunity to get around and explore the diversity of the Scottish Highlands, Lowlands, bens and glens. You can go at your own hurried place, dropping in at campsites around Scotland and staying as long as you please before moving on.
For a little more comfort and space, book a glamping yurt, hut or bothy in Scotland. Many lodges have their own private hot tubs or fire pits for socialising or relaxing after dark and counting the stars.
Activities from your Scotland campsite
There’s no shortage of things to do on a camping break in Scotland. The rushing rivers are brimming with leaping salmon especially in the Borders and Galloway regions. Countless lochs, pools and freshwater lakes provide endless challenges for keen anglers to hook brown trout, lamprey and Arctic charr. While you’re casting a line, keep an eye open for other wildlife such as Eurasian beavers, otters, voles, red squirrels and birds.
Hiking is always popular in Scotland and campsites make the perfect base camp for exploring the Highlands and Lowlands. The Isle of Skye, Iona and the islands of Aran, Shetland and Orkney are best explored on foot. More challenging mountain hikes can include some of the highest peaks in Scotland, known as Munros. There are 272 Munros in Scotland over 3,000 feet (914m) so you’ll need to plan plenty of short breaks in Scotland to tackle them all. The highest of all is Ben Nevis (1344m) and is easy to reach from Fort William campgrounds.
Pack a picnic and all-weather gear just in case the weather suddenly turns misty and head off into the unknown. It’s what Scottish camping breaks are all about.
Many campsites are pet-friendly and include serviced pitches and electric hookups as well as delivered local advice - just ask! Some have small shops or local pubs while other campsites offer camper’s kitchens, picnic tables, barbecues and fire pits. After dark, look forward to some serious stargazing in Scotland from your glamping lodge or shepherd’s hut with private hot tub.
Other activities to enjoy from your Scotland campsite or serviced pitch can include mountain biking, kayaking, canyoning, abseiling, paragliding and more. The opportunities to include adrenalin-pumping activities as part of your camping trip in Scotland are endless.
Scotland city breaks
Edinburgh is the #1 hotspot for a city break in Scotland. Opt for affordable glamping accommodation on a nearby farm site or caravan park. Treehouses, yurts, pods and one-of-a-kind chalets and lodges offer affordable Scottish accommodation in some unforgettable places.
Visit Edinburgh in August when the streets are alive with entertainment, drama, music, comedy and more as part of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Today’s new talents could be tomorrow’s hottest TV stars! Edinburgh Castle, Royal Mile, the National Museum of Scotland and Holyrood House are famous sights to explore. Don’t miss Mary King’s Close, a forgotten underground part of the city best seen on a guided tour. With ghost tours, history, foodie and architecture tours, there’s something for everyone as part of your Scottish staycation.
Glasgow caravan parks and campsites put you close to Glengoyne Distillery, the Riverside Museum of Transport, Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Mackintosh architecture. Take haggis, oatcakes and other tasty Scottish food and drink back to your campsite or glampsite and enjoy a quick and easy meal on your private deck with hot tub or huddled around a cosy woodburner stove.
So whether you want to see the Loch Ness monster, climb up Arthur’s Seat, learn to play bagpipes, stay in a Scottish castle or go glamping on a remote Scottish island, a weekend break in Scotland is the perfect introduction to this incredible country.