There’s likely no better way to experience the Scottish Munros than heading to the Outdoor Capital of the UK and pitching your dependable wild camping tents near the historic town of Fort William. Travellers worldwide flock there on weekends or holidays to escape from the pressures of day-to-day living and feel closer to nature.
Picking the best wild camping spot near Fort William can be a delightful yet challenging affair because of the vast array of choices. We’re here to help you through this process.
In this article, we will share our top recommendations for those who want to wild camp in Fort William. Check out each location to learn more about what to expect and some valuable tips to create a memorable itinerary for you and your companions.
The 7 best camping spots near Fort William
With hundreds of choices available, finding the ideal camping spot around Fort William can take a lot of time and effort to go through. We can help quicken your preparations with this rundown of the top seven camping spots based on our previous escapades in the area.
These recommendations have something different to offer, so read through our list to find out which will best match your idea of a perfect wild camping trip in Fort William.
1) Glen Nevis Caravan & Camping Park
This wild camping spot is only a short walk from Ben Nevis, the tallest mountain in the British Isles. As such, it is a popular choice among mountaineers, hikers, climbers, and outdoor sports enthusiasts.
In addition to Ben Nevis, they use it as a base to explore the Highlands and other attractions, including but not limited to the Nevis Range Ski Resort, Fort William, and River Nevis.
Note that this camping park is only open to guests from March to November. During that time, you will have access to various facilities and amenities, such as toilets with showers, a laundry area, electric hook-ups, a children’s playground, and an on-site restaurant. We also appreciate how well-maintained and comfortable Glen Nevis is, all made possible by the family operating this park.
2) Bunree Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite
As a member of the Caravan and Motorhome Club (CMC), Bunree guarantees a high-quality camping experience. From its beautiful setting on the shores of Loch Linnhe to its proximity to Fort William, this wild camping spot is perfect for first-time campers and seasoned travellers alike. In addition to the typical facilities expected from a caravan park, Bunree also provides guests with a motorhome service point and Wi-Fi connection.
Using this campsite as your base will make it easier for you to plan your outdoor activities. The area has several hiking trails where you can take casual strolls or challenge yourself to a climb. Anglers will also enjoy a day on the loch teeming with salmon, trout, and pike. We also suggest boating on Loch Linnhe or boarding a cruise to the Isle of Skye.
3) Ben Nevis Holiday Park, Highland Holidays
Wild camping near this holiday park in Fort William feels like a treat to the senses and spirit. The park offers accommodations, including caravans, lodges, and hot tub pods. It also provides entertainment options so you won’t have to leave the campgrounds or travel far away to let loose and have fun. For example, many guests enjoy playing in its laser tag room or mini golf area and unwinding at the on-site sauna.
Outside the holiday park, you will have quick access to Ben Nevis and its selection of nature trails. Experienced hikers should consider doing the Ben Nevis summit hike or the Devil’s Staircase hike. Don’t forget to pay attention to your surroundings because different local wildlife, such as golden eagles, red deer, and mountain goats, resides in Fort William,
4) Bunroy Park
What we love the most about camping in this family-owned holiday park near Fort William is the scenery. Bunroy Park is situated on the banks of River Spean, close to the Roy Bridge. And with the Nevis Range as its backdrop, the views offered by this park can be tough to beat.
Guests may choose from different types of accommodations. If you pack for wild camping, there are camping pitches available all over the place. The park also has lodges and caravans for those who prefer something more comfortable.
Regarding activities, consider visiting the West Highland Museum to learn about the geology and history of the area or the Nevis Range Ski Resort if you’re a fan of exhilarating outdoor sports.
5) Great Glen Yurts
If you want to try Mongolian yurts as an alternative to traditional camping tents, check out this campsite on a flowery meadow in Torlundy, just outside Fort William. Each yurt is spacious and has the essentials, including beds with comfortable bedding, cooking utensils, and a wood-burning stove. Shared facilities like a communal fire pit, toilet block, and shower stalls are also available for all guests.
Wild camping in the Great Glen Yurts is perfect for those who want to experience star gazing in the Scottish Highlands. When the sun sets, the skies over these lands become so dark that you can clearly map out the different constellations. The remote location also lends a sense of peace, thus making it the ideal resting place after a full day in the mountains.
6) Linnhe Lochside Holidays
For a touch of luxury up in the Highlands, we suggest camping at Linnhe Lochside Holidays Park. Your choice of accommodation includes caravans, chalets, and caravans. Each room is furnished with cosy beds, TV, and Wi-Fi. Expect the view from the comfort of your room to be breathtaking as green landscapes, mountains, hills, and Loch Linnhe surround the park.
As for activities, we recommend booking a boat trip or fishing trip on the nearby loch. Fort William is only a short drive from the park, so you’d have easy access to the town whenever you want to explore it. To round up your trip, visit the whisky distilleries in Fort William for a tour and sample the local brands.
7) Gairlochy Holiday Park
Last but not least, the Gairlochy Holiday Park is one of the best camping spots to help you realize your dream nature getaway in Fort William. A family of avid campers run this place, so you can rest assured that you will be in good hands. Accommodations offered range from camping pitches to spacious lodges and caravans. Regardless of your preference, expect spectacular views wherever you are in the park because it overlooks the River Spean.
To soak in more of the admirable scenery, consider boarding the Jacobite Steam Train or the Glenfinnan Viaduct. Fans of the Harry Potter series will surely recognize the latter for its appearances in its films. However, if you prefer something more low-key, Gairlochy has a swimming pool, sauna, and steam room within the campgrounds and various hiking trails to the surrounding mountains and hills just outside its perimeters.
Plan your next wild camping trip in Fort William!
Fort William in Scotland draws in thousands of campers every year because of its convenient location to the most popular destinations in the Highlands. That said, the town offers visitors stunning landscapes, a rich culture, and reinvigorating ambience. You also won’t feel bored or disappointed because there is so much to do while exploring and learning about this tourist hotspot.
If you wish to discover Fort William and its natural beauty, please familiarize yourself with the rules for wild camping in Scotland. Doing so will give you peace of mind during your trip and allow others to partake in outdoor activities in the country with the same liberties and immerse themselves in its magnificent scenery for the years to come.
FAQs about Wild Camping in Fort William
Yes, you can pitch your tent on the wild camping spots around Fort William. However, remember to comply with the Scottish Outdoor Access Code guidelines to guarantee a peaceful and enjoyable outdoor adventure. Doing so entails travelling in small numbers, camping away from roads and buildings for two to nights only, and leaving no trace of your campsite afterwards.
The answer varies depending on the individual’s needs and expectations for the wild camping trip. Fort William and its surrounding areas have plenty to offer, ranging from off-the-grid hiking destinations to relaxing campgrounds near rivers or beaches. Regardless of your preference, be sure to research the weather conditions and reminders from fellow campers to ensure that it is the best wild camping spot for you.
