Though St Andrews is widely known for its historic university and numerous golf courses, this Scottish town is also an excellent destination for wild campers. Whether you prefer exploring the Fife coastline or hiking up the hills, we believe that you can experience your dream nature getaway here.
Before you grab your favourite wild camping tent and pack your essential outdoor gear, we will share our top picks for wild camping in St Andrews, Scotland. Each recommendation highlights what you can expect during your stay, while the latter part deals with some critical points to keep in mind so that you can better plan for a safe and unforgettable trip.
The 8 best campsites in St Andrews, Scotland
St Andrews is a popular choice among campers yearning to escape the hustle and bustle of day-to-day life and experience Scotland’s natural beauty. Below are eight of its top-rated campsites, each with a unique charm that appeals to different types of wild campers. Go through our list to learn more about this wonderful town and discover where your ideal camping spot will likely be.
1) Craigtoun Meadows Holiday Park
Located in Mount Melville—a few minutes from the town centre—this family-friendly park offers various types of accommodations, such as lodges, caravans and camping pitches.
Craigtoun Meadows’ optimal location will give you easy access to the sandy dunes of the West Sands, where you can swim and sunbathe. For those who enjoy history and culture, the ruins of St Andrews Cathedral and St Andrews Castle stand nearby.
We also love how the holiday park provides amenities and entertainment facilities for all members of your group. You can relax in the sauna, while the children play in the game room or the swimming pool. If you’re feeling famished but don’t feel like preparing the food yourself, Craigtoun Meadows has a restaurant and a bar for its guests.
2) Sauchope Links Park
Whether you’re wild camping in St Andrews, Scotland on your own or with a group, the Sauchope Links Park can be your ideal base to explore the stunning coastline of Easy Neuk and the other surrounding attractions. It welcomes travellers who prefer to pitch their own tents and those who seek the comforts of a caravan or lodge.
This holiday park is adjacent to the world-famous St Andrews Links, so expect crowds of golfing enthusiasts to gather there. Fortunately, you have plenty of options to steer clear of them.
East Neuk has a number of beautiful harbour villages, such as Anstruther, Crail, and Pittenweem. You can also take a boat ride to the Isle of May to meet some indigenous wildlife, including various seabirds and seals.
3) Forth House Caravan Site
Even though this is relatively smaller than the other campsites on our list, the Forth House Caravan Site has our high recommendation for camping with a caravan or motorhome. It has fully serviced pitches so that you can recharge and clean your vehicle. The site also provides access to Wi-Fi, toilets, shower stalls, and dishwashing sinks.
Forth House is about 200 metres away from the main road, but you don’t have to go far to enjoy the sights of Fife. Without leaving the site, you can soak up the magnificent views of the Firth of Forth and the coast of East Neuk.
If you’re up for a half-hour drive, consider heading to the Palace of Falkland and the Scottish Fisheries Museum. We also recommend bringing a bicycle with you so that you can go cycling along the nearby Fife Coastal Path.
4) Ring Farm Camping
Ring Farm Camping is one of the best countryside camping locations in Scotland. This family-run farm spans 90 acres of grassy slopes and hills, perfect for strolling, hiking, biking, and horse riding. Guests can also join a walking or Segway tour of the surrounding greeneries.
This campsite is a 20-minute drive from St Andrews. The historic town of Cupar lies closer at around 10 minutes. Therefore, whether you’re camping to learn more about the Scottish countryside or to engage in rounds of golfing, the Ring Farm Camping site can serve as an accessible pitch for your wild camping tent, caravan, or motorhome.
5) Pillars of Hercules Organic Farm
Established in 1983, this working farm in Falkland has become a top camping destination for nature lovers from all walks of life. Aside from growing organic fruits, vegetables, and grains, the farm raises domestic animals, including cattle, chickens, pigs, and sheep.
Guests may opt for a relaxing stay-in within the grounds. Everyone can participate in gardening workshops, cooking classes, and farm tours. There is also a farm café and shop where you can purchase fresh produce and souvenirs.
Outside the campsite, campers may explore the walking and hiking trails in the surrounding countryside. It is also near the River Eden, teeming with salmon and trout.
6) Silverburn Park Campsite
This 27-acre campsite in the heart of Fife offers picturesque views of the Firth of Forth. It draws in outdoor enthusiasts—from wild campers to glampers—because of its wide variety of pitches and pet-friendly facilities.
Given its location, Silverburn Park is accessible to the best sights of Falkland. Many go on walks or hikes in the River Eden Valley. You can spot wild animals, such as otters, herons and kingfishers, by taking a boat trip down the river.
For culture and history buffs, the museum within the nearby Falkland Palace should be another reason to choose this campsite. You can also go to Eden Mills, a centuries-old water mill that is key in producing Fife gin and whisky.
7) St Andrews Holiday Estate
Formerly known as the Nydie Campsite, the St Andrews Holiday Estate offers a nice balance of convenience and peaceful relaxation. Your choice of accommodations ranges from fully furnished cottages to traditional pitches for tents and caravans. It has well-managed facilities and activity areas, including its own golf course, tennis courts, jacuzzi, and sauna.
This charming campsite is one of the best for travellers who want to go wild camping in St Andrews, Scotland, given its proximity to several of the famous natural attractions in the area. We particularly loved how close it is to the Eden Estuary, which is home to diverse wildlife like dolphins, seals, and birds.
8) Silverdyke Park
Silverdyke Caravan Park feels like a home away from home because it is owned and operated by a family with a genuine love for the great outdoors. Situated on the outskirts of the resort town of Anstruther, this luxury campsite offers different accommodation options, such as touring pitches, static caravans, and lodges.
Numerous local attractions will be within your reach if you choose to stay in Silverdyke Park. The campgrounds lie along the Fife Coastal Path, so you can cycle to St Andrews or other seaside towns while admiring the Firth of Tay or Firth of Forth. You may also expect a wide variety of shops, restaurants, and beaches as you make your way through each stop.
What places in St Andrews, Scotland should you avoid?
St Andrews is generally safe for wild campers, but you should refrain from going to certain areas, especially at night.
For example, many feel tempted to spend time at the beach at night. It may seem romantic or relaxing, but some have reported getting robbed or assaulted at the beach while it was dark.
Golf courses are also not appropriate for wild camping. Those are private properties, so if you are found there without permission from the owner, you will be arrested for trespassing.
You should also avoid camping near roads and railways. Even if you are aboard a motorhome, it is best to look for a suitable camping spot with minimal foot traffic.
FAQs about Wild Camping St Andrews in Scotland
Beach camping is permitted under Scotland laws, provided you stay within the designated areas, maintain discreteness, and follow the “Leave No Trace” principles. The same rules apply to all beaches in St Andrews.
We suggest referring to the Scottish Outdoor Access Code to learn more about the guidelines on responsible camping practices to enjoy the coast and avoid fines and other penalties.
No, overnight parking is not allowed on the beach itself. The heavy weight of the vehicle can cause significant damage to the landscape when parked in one location for too long. Most car parks in the area offer spaces for a limited time only.
The only option for overnight motorhome campers is at the Petheram Bridge Car Park, but you will have to save a spot early since it is open to the public for free.
A few car parks offer designated areas for motorhomes—for example, the Murray Place Car Park, Cairnsmill Caravan Park, Coach Parking St Andrews, and the St Andrews Holiday Park.
Remember to comply with local regulations and restrictions to keep yourself safe from trouble. That means avoiding residential areas or any location marked with double yellow lines.
Pack Your Bags Now and Hit the Open Road!
Wild camping in St Andrews, Scotland is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the country’s unique landscapes and magnificent coastlines. No matter which campsite you choose, you will surely have your fill of stunning sceneries, wildlife watching, and various outdoor activities.
Even though St Andrews is a sought-after destination, the town still has places where you can find peace and feel closer to nature. That’s why you must remember to treat its residents and the environment with the utmost respect.
Finally, while selecting the ideal campsite for your itinerary, remember to consider your personal safety. Check the weather forecast and review the local regulations. Bring a reliable wild camping tent and extra sets of outdoor clothing. Only by doing these measures can you truly enjoy everything that St Andrews has to offer.