Though wild camping is legal in Scotland, the same rights do not necessarily apply if you are travelling in a motorhome or campervan. That didn’t keep the popularity of motorised camping from soaring in the country, though.
This activity has become so desired among campers that some locals have voiced their dissatisfaction with the ignorance of some visitors.
If you’re eager to try wild camping in Scotland aboard a motorhome, pay attention to the following tips and reminders. We will fill you in on the do’s and don’ts so that you can enjoy the great Scottish outdoors without breaking the rules or annoying the locals.
Is wild camping in a motorhome in Scotland legal?
The answer depends on three laws enacted to preserve nature and protect the interests of the citizens. Much like when wild camping in the UK, you should be extra careful in observing these rules to avoid being driven away or getting fined for violating them.
We will summarise each law and describe how it relates to travellers with motorhomes or campervans.
Scottish Outdoor Access Code
This set of guidelines lays out the proper way to wild camp, which it defines as a lightweight affair involving only a few individuals who stay in one place for around two to three nights.
Given this, motorised vehicles such as caravans and motorbikes should not be used for wild camping, technically speaking. Many turn a blind eye to this, provided the visitors remain respectful of their surroundings and other people.
Land Reform Act (2003)
This legislation is the primary reason for Scotland’s welcoming approach toward wild camping. According to this Act, the public may access any unenclosed lands in the country.
Further, the Act specifies how parking a vehicle should be done to avoid causing damage to the environment and structures and prevent the obstruction of other individuals or vehicles in the area.
Road Traffic Act (1988)
This law protects all private lands, with or without a fence, from the unauthorised driving or parking of vehicles. That means you cannot just go anywhere on your motorhome and park it in any space of your choosing.
If you want to park off-road, you must observe the prescribed distance from the road and obtain explicit permission from the involved landowner.
So, can you wild camp in a motorhome in Scotland?
You can use a motorhome or campervan to wild camp in Scotland. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean that you can enjoy the same legal rights as you would have if you opted for a traditional camping trip with a tent instead.
To stay on the safe side of the law, we recommend looking for a parking space that allows overnight stays for motorised camping vehicles. Several campsites provide the proper facilities for such occasions.
5 tips for motorhome wild camping in Scotland
If you are planning to use a motorhome or campervan while wild camping in Scotland, here are five helpful tips to keep in mind. The following points cover the most critical aspects that travellers should understand to avoid breaking the law and have a lovely time alone or with fellow nature lovers.
1) Be respectful of locals
Wild camping in campervans has gotten negative press recently in Scotland. The government has actively promoted several tourist spots as camping destinations, attracting the attention of more people than they expected.
Though tourism is great for the economy, many locals felt short-changed when they were left to deal with the hassle and waste generated by reckless campers.
Remember, when you go camping, you are a visitor. The locals expect you to honour the rules and respect their privacy. When in doubt, gather the courage to approach them and ask questions. You might be surprised—some might even share more tips on how to best enjoy your stay there.
2) Avoid other groups of motorhomes or campervans
Overcrowding can significantly harm the environment, especially when you are bringing heavy machinery for your wild camping trip. For instance, parking a motorhome on a grassy patch of land or soft ground will violate the leave-no-trace rule.
There will also be a higher risk of polluting the surroundings because of the emissions and waste from these vehicles.
Further, most wild campers seek an escape from their day-to-day lives and feel closer to nature. Achieving this goal can be difficult if you park in spaces filled with other travellers in their motorhomes or campervans.
3) Fill up your fresh water tank whenever you get the chance
Scotland has numerous campgrounds equipped with fresh water facilities. However, there’s a good chance that your wild camping itinerary will take you to remote destinations with little to no source of potable water.
To avoid being stuck in the middle of nowhere without sufficient water supply, you must take every chance you get o refill the water tank of your campervan. While planning for the trip, research the area to locate fresh water sources.
This typically includes campgrounds, travel centres, and RV dump sites. Don’t forget to pack the water hose, water can, or other attachments to fill the tank.
4) Dispose of your waste tanks appropriately
The freedom of operating a motorhome comes with the responsibility of disposing properly of the sewage and wastewater in its tanks. For example, using the toilet will lead to the build-up of black water, while grey water comes from the sink drain.
Most models come with a separate cassette-type holding tank for these wastes. The limited capacity determines how far you can go without dumping its contents and cleaning it thoroughly. Some ignorant travellers do it wherever they want without a second thought, failing to consider how it can pollute the environment.
Be a responsible camper by draining and cleaning the waste tanks only in the designated dump sites. You can usually find them in campgrounds, truck stops, and travel centres all over Scotland.
5) Stay away from touristic areas
Wild camping in Scotland using a campervan can be challenging enough, given the restrictions you need to consider. Things will become more complicated if you factor in the sheer number of tourists in the country, especially during the summer months.
For instance, the best campsites in the Isle of Skye tend to struggle to keep up with the volume of backpackers. Imagine how much harder it will be to find a suitable parking space for your motorhome amidst all that.
Since you have a faster means of travelling, we recommend looking at areas with fewer visitors so that you can better manage your motorised vehicle. If you insist on heading to the tourist hotspots, consider timing your trip during the off-season. After all, Scotland’s natural beauty is worth seeing no matter what month it is.
3 things not to do when campervan wild camping in Scotland
As explained earlier, Scotland has implemented restrictions on wild camping using motorhomes and campervans because of their impacts on the environment and the locals. While there are many rules to remember, we condensed them below so that you can easily remember the things you should never do during the trip.
1) Don’t leave any mess behind
The primary rule of leaving no trace behind applies to travelling in Scotland. The Code contains several rules centred around this principle and reinforced by the new byelaws on the National Park.
As explained earlier, a motorhome or campervan should be parked on hard, stable ground—never on grass or peat soil. Use the kitchen inside your vehicle or a portable stove rather than open fires since the latter can cause irreparable damage to the plants and animals nearby.
Gather your litter, bury human wastes away from bodies of water, and dispose of the wastewater in appropriate dump sites.
2) Don’t park in front of a house or block their view
Respect the locals by choosing a parking spot away from their homes. Imagine how disconcerting it is to have strangers staying overnight in front of your driveway. It’s a hassle for everyone involved and can be considered a violation of privacy in certain instances.
Houses in tourist areas tend to have spectacular views of the coastline, mountains, or forest. You will likely be asked to move away if the motorhome blocks that view, so save yourself from trouble by looking for a more suitable parking spot.
Try to inquire with the residents about where that could be, or settle for the official parking spaces for RVs in the area.
3) Avoid places which say ‘no overnight parking’
Be observant of your surroundings by reading the signs before deciding to park your motorhome or campervan and rest for the night. For instance, not all laybys can be used for overnight parking. Don’t assume it does if you don’t see signage. Look for the owner and ask for their permission instead.
Again, the locals are typically the best sources of information when it comes to places that allow overnight parking for motorised vehicles.
Scotland also has a network of establishments, such as pubs, restaurants, and shops, that offer such provisions for free or with a small charge. Consider tapping that network while planning your wild camping trip.
FAQs about Wild camping in Scotland in a Motorhome:
Yes, you can use a motorhome or campervan to wild camp in Scotland. However, you should be mindful of the relevant environmental and traffic laws that could get you in trouble if you ignore them. Remember, careful research and preparations are the keys to a safe and memorable outdoor adventure.
There is a wide array of choices for free motorhome parking in Scotland. The National Parks have designated areas within its perimeter, as well as the various lochs and isles in the country. Some locals also offer free parking spaces if you first ask permission from the owner. Learn to manage your expectations, though. These come for free because they might not have or be located near the camping facilities you need.
Scotland has several spots that can be occupied by motorhomes and campervans overnight. You can find them as you drive through the roads since most are marked with the appropriate signage. A more efficient way to go about this is to check out the various online resources, such as apps, websites, and social groups, dedicated to listing down the places you can park overnight.
It can be if the driver has sufficient skills and patience to safely traverse narrow lanes and tight corners. We believe it’s worth the extra effort. The Scottish Tourist created the NC500 motorhome tour to provide visitors with cars, motorhomes or campervans a driving route that will take them to the scenic yet typically off-the-beaten-path destinations along its north coast.
Yes, but you must remain mindful of the laws and regulations that apply to vehicles of this size. Pay attention to the traffic signs, and don’t force your way into the roads, pathways, or lands that cannot accommodate motorhomes and campervans. Scotland also has plenty of stops where you can replenish your supplies and maintain your vehicle’s cleanliness and personal hygiene.
Bring Your Motorhome to Wild Camp in Scotland
We love the freedom and convenience afforded by motorhomes and campervans. While they come with some caveats when used for wild camping in Scotland, they can truly make the trip feel more spontaneous and give you more time to spend with nature.
You don’t have to invest in a motorhome to experience the wonders of wild camping on wheels. Numerous rental shops offer different models, so you can pick and choose one that matches your budget and goals for the trip.
We hope this article will help you plan an unforgettable campervan adventure across Scotland. For more ideas on where to head next, please check out our guide to wild motorhome camping in England.
