11 of the best wild camping sites in Scotland

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Undoubtedly wild camping in Scotland is an amazing experience. Because Scotland is brimming with stunning wild camping sites, and in this post we’ll show you all of our favorites that this stunning nation has to offer.

Keep in touch with a few more hints and tips to make wild camping in Scotland safer and more pleasurable.

Caerlaverock Castle Corner Camp Site

This fantastic campground is entirely free but depends on donations. You can park here and take a lovely stroll through the woodland to Caerlaverock Castle.

There is space for about 7 motorhomes, and you can fill up your water tanks and dispose of your gray garbage for free!

One of the few locations specifically designed for campervans in the South of Scotland is here.

If the parking lot is full, the community also manages a few additional RV and campervan spots in the nearby village of Glencaple.

Castle Semple Visitor Centre

This beautiful wild camping area is in Lochwinnoch, next to an old castle ruin. It is 30 minutes by car from the city center of Glasgow.

I would advise going in the evening when the walkers start to thin out because it becomes fairly crowded throughout the day.

Take one of the numerous nearby walking paths, then park your car for the night. We had no issues staying here, and it was beautiful!

There is space for 5 to 10 vehicles, but because locals frequently walk their dogs here, I would advise departing early in the morning to free up parking spots for them.

If you want to have a takeout order, you can also get there by taking a short stroll. Pollock Park should be mentioned if you really need a location that is very near Glasgow.

Tarbet Pier Parking

Because it has been designed for campers and motorhomes, this is one of Loch Lomond’s best wild camping locations. There is a donation box nearby, and this place is supported by donations.

There are on-site motorhome facilities in addition to plenty of room (up to 20 vans) to park your van with a breathtaking view of the lake. This contains a water replenishment station, gray trash disposal, and chemical waste disposal.

There are also incredibly clean restrooms here. A fantastic place to spend the night or simply stop by if you need some fresh water or to empty your toilet.

Three Lochs Forest Drives

In all of Scotland, this is perhaps one of the most popular wild camping areas. A well-known diving route called the “Three Lochs Forest Drive” effectively leads you through a forest that surrounds three lovely lochs.

The beautiful thing about wild camping here is that every place for campers, RVs, and motorhomes is marked with signs, so you always know where you may legally park.

Again, you’ll need permission from March to September, but we didn’t need it in October.

You can park in a lovely area of the woodland that offers breathtaking views of the lake below. The gates are locked when you park in the forest overnight, but the forestry commission people will give you a code to exit if necessary!

There is a restroom facility within Forest Lake Drive, and it is feasible to build a small fire there (there are already fire pits). You may approach to the Forestry Commission for permission, and they will be agreed.

The Viewpoint at Lochy Loch

This may have been my favorite Scottish location for wild camping, in my opinion.

This is a fantastic place to halt if you’re traveling between Fort William and Loch Ness because it is actually outside of Fort William and closer to the Loch Ness direction.

This location is fantastic since there is space for parking for roughly 4 campers, and there is a “beach” area by the lake where you can set up your camping chairs and just enjoy the scenery.

It was unquestionably a special time during our road journey across Scotland. Here, too, the 4G signal was excellent.

Glen Coe Mountain Resort

This is a ski resort, although the ski season hadn’t yet begun when we went.

This place has some pretty nice amenities for campervans, like a place to get rid of chemical waste and hot showers for £1 for 10 minutes.

This place used to be free to stay overnight, but now it operates on a contribution basis. If you want to stay overnight, you can contribute £10, and if you simply need to use the amenities, a donation of £3 is requested.

Rigg Viewpoint

If you want to be close to the Old Man of Storr for an early-morning hike on the Isle of Skye, this is a terrific wild camping location.

There isn’t much room for campers, maybe 2 big ones or 3 tiny ones, but you may still have a good time.

Since you are parked right next to the sea, you have amazing views; the ground is level; and there is a fire pit.

When the wind isn’t cooperating and the night isn’t calm, this will unquestionably be a very windy location to stay!

Strathy Beach Parking

This excellent overnight parking space is appropriate for all types of automobiles.

The restrooms here are really good and open 24 hours a day (DO NOT dump your chemical waste here!). There is space for more than ten cars, and if you park next to the restroom and next to the trash cans, you will be covered from the wind.

You can also get rid of your trash here. This is a wonderful camping location with quick access to the beach if you want to take a walk or perhaps go swimming!

There is also a donation box, but that is optional.

Fish Pond in Port Logan

One of the windiest places for wild camping was here. Despite the short parking space, you could easily park a few vans here.

We didn’t get much sleep because of how close it was to the lake and how exposed we were to the wind, which was really strong when we visited.

Fruit Farm in Charleton

A wonderful overnight parking location, Montrose is roughly halfway between Dundee and Aberdeen and is home to this awesome fruit farm.

Although staying here is free, it is expected that you will either get a coffee, eat breakfast, or purchase something from the farm store the next morning.

However, there are only recycling facilities. You must be completely contained.

The 4G is good, and throughout the summer, this transforms into a pick-your-own fruit farm with every kind of fruit you can imagine!

There are numerous hikes in the vicinity, as well as a sizable playpark for children that includes a tiny race track (that is free).

To stay here, send the Charleton Fruit Farm folks a note on Facebook to let them know you’re coming; they’ll then direct you to the appropriate parking area.

Parking at Galloway Lighthouse

This location is perfect for wild camping if you enjoy lighthouses and wish to see Ireland, England, and the Isle of Man.

The Galloway Lighthouse parking lot offers overnight free parking.

There is space for many campervans, but keep in mind that since you are up high and outside, the wind will pick up.

You can use the restrooms there till it closes because there is a cafe at the lighthouse. They also make delicious coffee!

RULES FOR WILD CAMPING IN SCOTLAND

Priorities come first. It’s critical to know how to wild camp responsibly because more and more individuals are doing so in Scotland.

Scotland’s Outdoor Access Code

The Scottish Outdoor Access Code serves as a kind of guide for exercising your right to roam properly. In actuality, we have the “right to responsible access” rather than the “right to wander.”

The Access Code includes guidelines on how to behave near farm animals, walk dogs in the country, cycle, hike, and tent camp.

There are a few straightforward guidelines to follow when wild camping in Scotland in order to leave no trace:

1. Do not litter! Remove and properly dispose of all of your trash. Ideally, not at some isolated bin at the end of a glen, but somewhere with good bin infrastructure.

2. Leave no trace and remove any evidence that your tent or you were present.

3. Keep pollution and environmental damage to a minimum.

4. Don’t empty your chemical toilet tank outside if you park your camper or RV in a rural area.

5. Don’t cut down trees or fences for firewood if it’s legal to make fires where you are.

6. Clean up after yourself, including any human waste. To dispose of it, either bury it or take it with you.

7. Take wet wipes and toilet paper with you instead of leaving them behind. A ziploc bag works well. (More on this in Tip 20 below.)

8. Treat others around you and the environment with respect.

9. To lessen your influence on flora and fauna, you can only spend more than three nights in any one location. Keep the number of people in your wild camping party as modest as possible.

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