Despite its relatively diminutive area, the resort town of Oban draws in thousands of tourists every year. It perfectly blends dramatic landscapes with a rich history that can be traced back to the early days of Scotland. Surrounded by towering mountains and the breathtaking sea, this charming town can please sightseers and culture seekers alike.
With so much to offer its guests, Oban is also a prime destination for wild campers. Find out in this guide the top campsites to serve as a convenient and comfortable base for exploring the beauty of this town and the Scottish Highlands. We will also help shed light on some questions about Oban and the wild camping laws you must keep in mind.
The 7 best camping spots near Oban
Looking for the ideal place to pitch your wild camping tents or park your motorhome around Oban? This section lists our selection of the top seven destinations you should strongly consider while planning the trip. Each recommendation promises something different, so be sure to go over every one of them to learn which will be the best option for you and your camping companions.
1) Clach Thoull
If you’re dreaming of beach camping, check out the area near Clach Thoull, a raised rock arch on Port Appin, a tiny fishing village only half-hour away from Oban. We like pitching our tent in the grassy area because of its remoteness and magnificent views of Airds Bay and the Morvern Hills, among others.
Given its proximity to Oban, choosing this campsite will allow you to take day trips to the town and be back by evening to go stargazing beneath the clear Scottish night skies. Many wild campers also like this camping spot for its proximity to the world-famous Loch Ness, where they can try chasing legends or engage in their favourite water-based pastimes.
2) Ben Cruachan Wild Camping
Located in the southern Highlands, Ben Cruachan is highly recommended for avid mountaineers and hikers. This mountain is 1,126 metres tall, making it the highest peak near Oban. On a clear day, it will likely take up to eight hours to reach its summit, where you can admire panoramic views of the adjacent hills, forests, and Loch Awe.
Aside from scaling the mountain, you can do plenty of other activities while camping at Ben Cruachan. Drive to Oban and taste the town’s cuisine and whisky. The latter is produced in Oban Distillery, one of Scotland’s oldest distilleries that still offers a tour of the historic plant.
3) Loch na Droma Buidhe
Reaching this amazing wild camping spot on the Movern peninsula is an adventure already. Starting from the mainland, you would have to take the multiple, drive to the next point, and finish the trek on foot. Everything will be worth your while, though, because Loch no Droma Buidhe is considered one of Scotland’s most breathtaking bodies of water.
We recommend looking for a suitable camping spot on the southern end of the loch, where you will find vast expanses of flat ground. If the weather is fine, go ahead and enjoy the calm lake aboard a kayak. Then, head to Oban for some whisky and Highland culture.
4) Leacraithnaich Bothy
This stone hut on the Ardtonish Estate is ideal for an off-the-grid wild camping experience. It was built in the 19th century for the farmers and shepherds in the area. Nowadays, the Mountain Bothies Association (MBA) takes care of it to preserve its structure and authenticity, so we encourage seeking permission from the landowner through the MBA to wild camp safely in this bothy.
It’s critical to pack for wild camping if you want to stay there during your trip to Oban. There is no electricity or running water there, so you will have to rely on your supplies and the nearby stream. Going to Oban from Leacraithnaich Bothy can be quite challenging because it also involves ferry rides, but we believe that only serves to enhance the overall experience of wild camping around Oban.
5) Calgary Bay
On the northwest coast of the Isle of Mull, you will find Calgary Bay, a beautiful beach with machair that bursts with colours because of the multitude of wildflowers on its grassy plains. This campsite is an excellent choice for wild campers who enjoy swimming or sunbathing. We also suggest taking on the hiking trails on the island.
Oban is one hour away from Calgary Bay. The best way to reach it is by boat because it also serves as an opportunity to admire the vistas and spot the native animals in the area. If you go to the town on a Friday, we highly encourage dropping by the local market, which is only open during that day of the week. You can replenish your camping supplies there and discover the specialities of Oban.
6) Roseview Caravan Park
Staying in this campsite in Glenshellach feels like a home away from home because it is owned and managed by a family of outdoor enthusiasts. It offers a wide variety of accommodations, such as tent pitches, caravans, and camping pods. The camping facilities include toilets with showers, a laundry room, a barbecue pit, a supply shop, and a children’s play area.
Roseview is a convenient campsite for travellers who wish to spend their days in Oban. It is located 2 miles away from the town so getting there is no trouble at all. You can also have more time to visit the historical places there—for example, McCraig’s Tower, which offers a beautiful view of the town’s landscape.
7) Gylen Castle Beach
Named after the ruins of the Gylen Castle, this beach on the Isle of Kerrera is characterized by its moody atmosphere and stunning views of the coastal areas of Oban. Wild campers may pitch their tents on its grassy plains beside the beach but remember to double-check the weather that day because the currents can become too strong for your safety.
Though swimming and most water sports are not recommended, you can still have an enjoyable time on Gylen Castle Beach by having a picnic and sunbathing by the shores. We also liked wildlife watching, especially because numerous seabirds flock on the island to nest every year.
Experience the Best of Oban Through Wild Camping
From stunning coastlines and lush greenery to cultural hotspots and historic buildings, Oban is truly an essential stop when wild camping in the Scottish Highlands. Planning your trip there involves careful planning, so we hope our rundown of the recommended places to wild camp near Oban could be a valuable resource to you.
Selecting the ideal campsite for you depends on your camping skills and expectations for the trip. Nevertheless, we believe that at least one of our suggested campsites would be a perfect match for you. Take your time evaluating these options to ensure that you will have a restful and safe haven after spending your days immersing your senses in the sights, sounds, and tastes of Oban
FAQs about Wild Camping in Oban
In line with the laws on wild camping in Scotland, Oban allows travellers to pitch their tents or park in most areas not enclosed by walls or fences. Your chosen camping spot must also be no less than 100 metres away from the roads, buildings, and important structures. Wild campers should also exercise care and moderation to ensure they will not endanger the environment and its inhabitants.
The list shared in this guide consists of the top seven campsites based on our personal experiences and judgment. Other highly rated camping spots are in the area, but we can vouch for our picks to be accommodating, clean and safe for wild campers. If you wish to evaluate other options, we suggest checking out the reviews and recommendations of fellow outdoor enthusiasts who have already visited Oban.