Many of the top destinations for wild camping in the UK can be found in Scotland. With its laxer camping laws, dramatic landscapes, and diverse wildlife, the country is a haven for nature enthusiasts from all walks of life.
Now that travelling is on the upswing, we highly recommend going to Scotland for an immersive outdoor experience that can be as peaceful or thrilling as you want. This article will provide a rundown of the best wild camping spots in Scotland that you should check out.
We hope that you will find one that perfectly matches your dream wild camping adventure.
Top 10 places to go wild camping in Scotland
Your chosen camping spot can spell the difference between an enjoyable or disastrous day out in the wild. Don’t be tempted to select a place on a whim, assuming that spontaneity is the key to a wonderful trip. Instead, be a wiser traveller by reading through our list of the best wild camping spots in Scotland.
1) Kilmory Bay, Isle of Rum
Located on the west coast of Scotland—on the Inner Hebrides and near the Kinloch Castle—Kilmory Bay is ideal for campers who long for a picturesque beach with a stunning backdrop of the surrounding Skye mountains. We love relaxing on the white sands while occasionally beach combing for some keepsakes or interesting finds.
While you’re there, don’t forget to hike up Bloodstone Hill and check out the Guirdil Bothy. You can also expect the Scottish red deer roaming around the bay. Refrain from approaching them or giving them food.
Admire from afar and read through the data gathered by the Red Deer Project to understand more about those majestic animals and their habitat.
2) Vatersay, Outer Hebrides
You can find one of the finest beaches in the UK on the island of Vatersay in southwest Scotland. The white sandy beach, known locally as the Traigh a Baigh, promises a breath-taking view of peaceful blue waters where you can go swimming, kayaking, or paddle boarding.
There is also a scenic coastal walk in Vatersay. Walk through its path to see what else the island has to offer, which includes the Am Meall Hill, a few domestic cows wandering on the South Bay, and the ruins of the Eorisdale village.
If you’re bringing a campervan for the trip, we recommend staying near the Vatersay Community Hall. It has parking spaces, toilets and a café that are open to the public every day.
3) Rackwick Bay, Orkney
This curved sandy bay is situated between large cliffs on the southern part of the Orkney Islands. Though the waves can get rough, this wild camping spot is still perfect for an intimate trip because only a few people reside in the area.
In addition to the wonderful sights of the open waters and rock formations, you can also go for an educational tour of the Cra’as Nest, which provides an authentic look at this Scottish community back in the 18th century.
Another cultural hotspot in the bay is the Rackwick Bothy—also referred to as the Burnmouth Bothy. This traditional house is open to all travellers. You can stay there for free or head to the adjacent outdoor enclosure where you can pitch your camping tent for the night.
4) Glen Nevis, Lochaber
This valley bordered by the legendary Ben Nevis—the highest mountain in the UK—is a great wild camping spot, especially for those who love hiking, cycling, or photography. The rocky landscape and local wildlife of the glen by itself makes the trip worthwhile.
It serves as the home of Steall Falls, one of the highest and most beautiful waterfalls in Scotland, and the Water of Nevis, which flows from the mountains down to Fort William.
Walking through the area can be quite challenging but rewarding. If you’re lucky, you might spot red squirrels along the way. If you’re after a more relaxing affair, there are also a few fishing spots in Glen Nevis, where you can catch salmon, trout, and eels.
5) Peanmeanach Beach, Ardnish
This beautiful beach located in the deserted Ardnish Peninsula is perfect for anyone who longs for an escape and an opportunity to unplug from the world.
The last known community in the area left during the 19th century, but the place has been renovated since then. There you will find an old bothy that can be used for overnight camping. You may opt to stay there or set up your camp nearby for free.
In terms of activities, Peanmeanach Beach is a popular destination among hikers and kayakers. The coastline is also quite lovely, especially when the tide is low and you can spot various shells, seaweed, and rocks.
6) Glen Sannox, Isle of Arran
Glen Sannox is one of the best wild camping spots on the Isle of Arran, which gained popularity for being “Scotland in miniature.” We recommend this location for anyone who prefers a rugged experience filled with hiking and unique views of the Goat Fell range.
Consider going off the beaten path to see the remains of the old industrial complex, including abandoned mines and building remnants.
If you want to pitch on the grass, head to the northern area of the glen. Then, search for a spot near Sannox Burn so that you can take in the fantastic sights of the nearby pools and waterfalls.
7) Loch Assynt, Sutherland
Loch Assynt is best known for its fishing spots, moody atmosphere, and the remnants of the Ardvreck Castle. The latter served as a 17th-century fortress, and though it has not been restored to its former glory, climbing to its top will give you a panoramic view of the surrounding loch, greenery, and mountains.
Be careful on your way up because of its crumbling structure, and remember to bring a camera to capture the beauty of Loch Assynt.
Several wild camping spots can be found in the area. You can stay there without paying any fee, but please observe the recommended distance away from the loch to avoid polluting its fresh waters.
8) Quiraing, Isle of Skye
There is no shortage of amazing campsites on the Isle of Skye, but Quiraing is arguably the best.
This iconic land formation originated from a large-scale landslip that continues subtly to this day. Because of this event, the geography of this wild camping destination is astounding. There are soaring cliffs, beautiful plateaux, and of course, the unbeatable vistas of the surrounding greens and rocks.
Though the harsh weather can dissuade some campers from staying in Quiraing, many continue to flock to this camping hotspot. In addition to its aesthetics, this place has a wonderful trekking path that will take you to a few hidden gems of Skye.
9) Gleann na Muice, Fisherfield
Mountain hiking lovers should head to Gleann na Muice, a valley located in the Fisherfield Forest. It lies on the foot of the Fisherfield Five, which refers to a group of mountains located in one of the most remote regions in Scotland.
It may not be ideal for novice wild campers, but it surely is a dream getaway for experienced adventurers who want to challenge themselves by reaching the summits.
Gleann na Muice is an uninhabited area—ideal for an isolated wild camping experience—but the nearby Shenavall Bothy is a good alternative for those who need a sturdier shelter near the mountains.
10) The Lost Valley, Glencoe
Known locally as the Coire Gabhail, The Lost Valley is said to be a covert location where the MacDonalds Clan hid their cattle during the infamous 1692 Massacre of Glencoe. Nowadays, nothing as dramatic as that had occurred in these lands, but that does not take away anything from its appeal among the thrill enthusiast.
The hiking path in The Lost Valley can be quite challenging. It has a steep, rocky terrain so expect lots of climbing and a bit of scrambling. You will also have to cross a small river, so don’t forget to pack extra waterproof camping gear for this trip.
FAQs about where to wild camp in Scotland:
It’s a common assumption that travellers can wild camp wherever they want in Scotland. That is not the case, though According to the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, you are allowed to set up camp in any unenclosed land in the country. However, due to the immense popularity of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, a new set of byelaws prohibit camping in the camping management zones within the said areas from March to September, unless you have obtained a camping permit.
Yes, many Scottish camping spots are available free of charge. In fact, many of the best places to wild camp in Scotland do not charge a fee. We suggest creating a shortlist of the camping destinations that piqued your interest and then conducting more thorough research on how and where you can stay there for free.
While roadside camping is permitted in Scotland, you should be selective and careful when doing so. Wild camping should be somewhere discreet and unobtrusive. Avoid staying there for too long, and pick up after yourself to avoid leaving waste or damaging the surroundings. If you are aboard a campervan or RV, remember to keep off the grass or soft ground, too.
That depends on the rules of the campsite and the type of terrain it has. If the campgrounds allow vehicles outside the parking spaces, your main concern is looking for a hard spot, preferably cemented or metaled. Park your car only when you are about to sleep and leave as soon as you can.
The Best Places to Wild Camp in Scotland Await You!
The scenic yet challenging landscapes of Scotland continue to draw millions of visitors every year. Many of them are certainly not for inexperienced campers, but the seemingly inaccessible beauty of these destinations can be quite effective in incentivizing travellers to learn the ins and outs of wild camping.
Whether you relish the thrill of mountain hiking or crave a relaxing day at the beach, one of our recommended wild camping spots in Scotland will likely tick all the boxes.
If you haven’t found the right one yet, go ahead and check out our list of the best wild camping spots in England, too. Remember, the joys of camping start by choosing the ideal location for your dream outdoor adventure.
