Durness is famous for its rugged yet stunning coastline dotted with sea caves and cliffs. It also serves as a home to diverse wildlife, including various seabirds, seals, dolphins, and whales. As such, numerous travellers head to this remote corner of Scotland every year, equipped with wild camping tents and other outdoor essentials.
If all that sounds appealing, this guide will show you where the best wild camping spots near Durness are to help you plan a memorable outdoor adventure. You will also find recommendations for an enjoyable exploration of the area and the answers to a few common questions you might also have while preparing for the trip.
The 7 best camping spots near Durness
Despite being sparsely populated, the northwest coast of Scotland has no shortage of fantastic camping spots for travellers from all walks of life. Whether you’re backpacking alone or experiencing nature with your family and friends, the lands around Durness offer different camping spots. You will surely find one that fits your needs and budget while allowing you to live out your dream nature getaway.
1) Durness Beach Wild Camping
Durness Beach lies beside its namesake village, thus making this sheltered bay a convenient base in this remote wild camping destination. The view opens to the northern Atlantic Ocean, and because of its isolated location, you can expect a quiet and peaceful time there.
Reaching Durness Beach may take up to 7 hours of driving from Edinburgh, so be sure to pack for wild camping well. Motorhomes and caravans aren’t allowed on the shore, but you can park at the nearby campsites and make your way to the beach on foot. It will all be worth your effort because of the stunning scenery and relaxing vibes await you there.
2) Sango Sands Caravan and Camping
If you want to visit Durness and experience the award-winning beaches of Sango Bay, this cliff-top campsite on the NC500 should be at the top of your list. It offers plenty of space for backpackers and hardstanding pitches with electric hook-ups for campervans and motorhomes. You will also have access to facilities, such as toilets, showers, and laundry rooms, to maintain your hygiene and comfort during the trip.
Staying in Sango Sands makes it easier to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Durness. We particularly enjoyed hiking and cycling in the hills around the village. Popular tourist destinations, including the Smoo Cave and the Old Man of Stoer, are also only a few minutes away from the campsite.
3) Bayview Caravan And Campsite
Situated on the shores of Talmine Bay near the hamlets of Melness, Bayview is an intimate, family-run, and dog-friendly campsite open to travellers from April to September. Pitching your tent or parking your caravan on this campsite will give you spectacular panoramic views of the sea and interesting rock formations that made Durness famous among nature lovers. It’s also perfect for campers who enjoy wildlife watching, fishing, or hiking.
Campers on Bayview can use its toilet block with showers and chemical waste disposal area. Though electric hook-ups for camping vehicles aren’t available yet, you can head to the nearby townships for more amenities while also getting the chance to try the local pubs and restaurants.
4) Kyle Of Tongue Hostel And Campsite
This hostel on the banks of the Kyle of Tongue offers more than just private rooms and shared dormitories. It also has camping pitches and facilities that are adequately maintained by its friendly staff. We truly appreciate the views of the sea loch, mountains, and greeneries afforded to us during our stay. But what made it special for us was its central location to numerous hiking trails, such as the Tongue to Durness trail, Ben Loyal trail, and Kylesku Ridge trail.
The proximity of this wild camping destination to the sea loch ensures that water sports enthusiasts and avid anglers can fill their days with their favourite outdoor activities. We recommend sea kayaking down the Kyle of Tongue and spot the indigenous birds, dolphins, seals, and whales of Durness.
5) Kinlochbervie Loch Clash Motorhome Stopover
Kinlochbervie is more than just a stopover in Sutherland, Scotland. It’s also an amazing place to wild camp for those who want to explore Durness. Though relatively small, it has five serviced pitches facing an open pier. Expect fantastic views of the sea, but make sure to double-check the weather forecast for your trip to stay on the safer side.
Overnight motor campers may also park in Kinlochbervie at an affordable rate. Note that this stopover does not feature a toilet or shower. Fortunately, it is located near Durness, where you can find such facilities and more amenities. Several tourist hotspots in the area are also adjacent to this campsite. Our favourites include the Inverpolly National Nature Reserve, Kylesku Bridge, and the Old Man of Stoer.
6) Shegra Beach Honour Campsite
This beach-side wild camping destination is perfect for backpackers whose itineraries include hiking and coasteering on the northwest corner of Scotland between the months of May and September. It offers five tent pitches only, so you can rest assured that your stay there will be quiet and private.
Using Shegra as a base for visiting Durness is also a practical choice. It only takes a 10-minute drive to reach the village. On your way there, you will be treated to the beautiful sights of the Highlands and the sea. If you prefer trekking or hiking, you can challenge yourself by taking on the different nature trails in the area.
7) Scourie Caravan & Camping Site
As a well-loved NC500 stopover, it’s no surprise that Scourie ranks among our top choices for wild camping in Scotland. It has pitches for traditional tents, caravans, and motorhomes. The latter may also avail of the electric hook-ups offered by this campsite. Other amenities include a laundry room, a children’s play area, and a small shop selling basic camping supplies.
In addition to Durness, Scourie is close to the Handa Island Wildlife Reserve, a tiny island where you can find various animals, such as otters, puffins, and seals. We also encourage travellers to check out the clear waters of Oldshoremore Beach and Sandwood Bay, where you can relax during the day and stargaze at night.
Wild Camp in Durness and Discover Its Natural Wonders
With some planning and preparation, you can determine the best place to pitch your wild camping tent near Durness. We hope our guide will help narrow your search and allow you to choose the right one to meet your needs and expectations. As you have learned, it has plenty to offer, no matter if you are a backpacker or a car camper.
For a safe and enjoyable trip to Durness, we implore everyone to remember and comply with the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. The campsites in the area welcome guests from all over the world, but they also expect everyone to remain respectful of the environment and the locals. When in doubt, feel free to check out other guides to guarantee your peace of mind and let you focus more on reconnecting with nature.
FAQs about Wild Camping in Durness
Yes, camping is permitted on Durness Beach. However, you are required to abide by the applicable rules that protect the beach and its inhabitants. You must also secure permission from the landowner beforehand—which, in this case, is the National Trust for Scotland. Don’t forget to research the weather conditions so that you will be ready for anything.
That depends on whether or not you have permission from the landowner. To seek their approval, you must reach out to them directly before your requested stay. If you don’t have their contact information, call or drop by the local tourist information centre to find out. Skipping this step is not advisable because you can be charged with trespassing and receive penalties and fines if caught red-handed.
