Best Campsites in Scotland
Whether it’s lochs, mountains, whisky, castles, cities or glens that have drawn your attention to Scotland, the next step is finding somewhere to stay that’s as sublime as the scenery. With so many opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, boating, mountain biking and canoeing, as well as touring whisky distilleries or tracking down castles, it’s no surprise that there are so many campsites scattered around Scotland to make the most of that outdoor lifestyle.
As the country has so many diverse landscapes, sites across Scotland all have their own unique appeal. There are sites that are set in the grounds of castles, pitches overlooking huge mountains, rivers or the sea and peaceful settings surrounded by miles of countryside. Some Scottish campsites welcome dogs, while others are geared towards family breaks or time away as a couple. If you’re having trouble deciding, view all sites in Scotland or keep scrolling to see some of our top choices across Scotland, recommended by previous Pitchup customers.
10 of the Best Campsites in Scotland
Hoddom Castle Caravan Park
Hoddom, Lockerbie
Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland
DG11 1AS
Why here? Pitching up in the grounds of a 16th-century fortress is quite spectacular, even by Scottish standards. There are plenty of impressive castles scattered around Scotland, but Hoddom Castle Caravan Park has one all to itself. Better yet, it’s surrounded by 10,000 acres of estate that includes a hilltop tower, an ancient churchyard and the gentlyflowing river Annan. If that doesn’t already make you feel like royalty, the facilities include an 18-hole golf course and spots to fish for salmon along the river. Dogs and families are all welcome to spend their Scottish breaks on the site; there are plenty of walks across the estate for dogs and humans to stretch their legs. Within 15 minutes’ drive of Lockerbie and two distilleries, the location is very convenient for all sorts of days out too.
Key facilities: 18-hole golf course, guided tours, playground, historic castle and buildings, fishing, barbecues permitted
One last thing… If you’re keen to cover as much of the castle’s estate as possible, book yourself onto a tour with the estate ranger, who runs tours on selected Sundays during the summer season.
Book Hoddom Castle Caravan Park
Ben Nevis Holiday Park
Camaghael, Fort William
Highlands and Islands, Scotland
PH33 7NF
Why here? With views over Ben Nevis and the Aonach Mor mountains, Ben Nevis Holiday Park is a great choice for active breaks in the Highlands and Islands. The peaceful dog-friendly site is a 25-minute walk from the Great Glen Way for those who’d like to bike or hike part of the long-distance route from coast to coast. It’s also a five-minute drive from Fort William and the Ben Nevis Information Centre for any guests looking to hike up Scotland’s highest peak. Despite being so close to all the action in Fort William, which includes museums, a whisky distillery and watersports, Ben Nevis Holiday Park is very peaceful. Alongside the river Lochy, the scenery is sublime and there’s plenty of open green space for kids to play games.
Key facilities: Coin-operated laundry, showers, toilets, shop, wifi, dogs welcome
One last thing… Although there are many shops, restaurants and eateries in Fort William, the site has a store selling basic supplies too, so you won't have to stray far.
Bunroy Caravan and Camping Park
Bunroy Park, Roy Bridge
Highlands and Islands, Scotland
PH31 4AG
Why here? Surrounded by green hills, woodlands and the river Spean, Bunroy Caravan and Camping Park is something of a wildlife haven in the Scottish Highlands. The rural setting is surrounded by opportunities for getting involved in outdoor activities such as mountain biking, canyoning or kayaking. If that’s not enough, Fort William is 20 minutes’ drive from the site and a gateway for Ben Nevis hikes, watersports and other adventurous sports. In fact, guests at Bunroy Caravan and Camping Park can glimpse the Ben Nevis mountain range from the pitches. Handily, the site welcomes dogs too, which is good news for any guests who prefer to explore a new destination with their canine by their side.
Key facilities: Train station within walking distance, pubs nearby, wifi, charging point, shared fridge-freezer, hot showers, laundry room, dogs welcome
One last thing… There are free hot showers on site along with a laundry room – convenient additions for when you return from the day’s activities a little dirty around the edges.
Book Bunroy Caravan and Camping Park
Riverside Caravan Park
Contin, Strathpeffer
Highlands and Islands, Scotland
IV14 9ES
Why here? Minutes away from munros to bag and mountain biking trails, Riverside Caravan Park is a dream destination for hill walkers and cyclists. Even so, the site takes relaxation seriously. There are reiki, reflexology, and other wellness workshops available to book with the site’s holistic therapist, as well as the option for peaceful days spent fishing for salmon and trout from the river Blackwater running alongside the site. Drumming and meditation are some of the other activities you’ll have the chance to book on site, so this is just as much a creative and spiritual getaway as it is a base for activities in Scotland’s big outdoors.
Key facilities: Fishing (including catch and release on the Blackwater), holistic and creative workshops, village shop nearby, fresh bread and pastries available, showers, toilets, wifi, chemical disposal, barbecues permitted, dogs welcome
One last thing… If you’re looking for a quick and easy breakfast before you head out for the day, pick up pastries and fresh bread from the site entrance. They’re available most mornings during high season, but if there aren't any on that particular day there’s a village shop outside the entrance to the site too.
Bonnybridge Eco Camping and Glamping
Bonnybridge
Stirlingshire, Scotland
FK2 2ET
Why here? Out in the green landscapes of Stirlingshire, it’s easy to forget that Bonnybridge Eco Camping and Glamping is just a 10-minute drive from Falkirk and 30 minutes from Glasgow. On top of that, this dog-friendly site has a full set of eco-friendly credentials. The site is off-grid, technically-speaking, getting all of its power from solar panels and wind turbines. When you use the washing-up stations or showers, you’ll also be using harvested rainwater. Feel free to greet the site’s Shetland ponies while you wander around or search for toads, deer and pheasants. Food-wise, there are plenty of Scottish eateries in nearby Falkirk and a shop on site that sells free-range eggs and other essential items.
Key facilities: Eggs and essentials for sale, rainwater shower and washing-up station, ponies to meet, large playing field, dogs welcome
One last thing… Families with high-energy kids will be happy to find that the site has a large playing field for casual ball games or playing with the site’s badminton racquets and giant dominoes.
Book Bonnybridge Eco Camping and Glamping
Balloch O’Dee Campsite
Kirkcowan, Newton Stewart
Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland
DG8 0ET
Why here? A farm site in Dumfries and Galloway, Balloch O’Dee Campsite is a thoroughly rural getaway with plenty of options for outdoor exploring. It’s surrounded by fields and farm animals, as well as plenty of countryside trails – and any keen cyclists can track down mountain biking centres 30 minutes’ drive away. Other guests might like to head into the nearby Galloway Forest Park for activities such as canoeing, sailing, kayaking, paddleboarding and deer spotting between the birch and aspen trees. The dog-friendly site is also well-based for nights around the firepit counting constellations, as it’s part of the Dark Sky Reserve in Galloway Forest. The rural setting is peaceful and spacious, so there’s plenty of room to spread out and unwind.
Key facilities: Showers, toilets, wifi, ice pack freezing, drying room, chemical disposal, barbecues and campfires allowed, dogs welcome
One last thing… When you feel like swapping the countryside for the sand, the nearest beach is 25 minutes’ drive from Balloch O’Dee Campsite. There are also activity centres within half an hour’s drive of the site.
Isle of Iona Campsite
Cnoc Oran
Isle of Arona, Argyll
PA76 6SP
Why here? On a car-free island just off the Isle of Mull in Argyll, the Isle Of Iona Campsite is a particularly peaceful spot for a getaway in Scotland. In its yesteryears, the isle was occupied by monks and used as a burial site for kings. Nowadays, there’s a no-cars rule, except for residents on the island. So, once you’ve left your car at the Fionnphort ferry port, you’ll need to walk 20 minutes’ walk to the site. The pitches are designed around the traditional camping experience, with a designated firepit and barbecue area, and toilets and showers newly appointed for the added convenience of guests. You might want to set yourself the goal of walking the whole length of the island, which is three and a half miles long, or simply relax on the back-to-basics grassy pitches.
Key facilities: Toilets, showers, firepit and barbecue area, dogs welcome
One last thing… The island is a small place, but it's handy to know that there’s a Spar shop for any snacks and essentials, as well as a pub and a tearoom for coffees, meals, and snacks.
Lilliardsedge Holiday Park
Jedburgh
Scottish Borders
TD8 6TZ
Why here? With views for miles, a string of tall trees and 100 acres to explore, Lilliardsedge Holiday Park is an excellent choice for holidays on the Scottish borders. The site is within walking distance of lochs and five minutes’ walk from St Cuthbert’s Way, a long-distance trail that takes in the peaceful countryside, rivers, castles and coast. When you’re not tracking down splendid landscapes, golfing fans can practise their putting skills on the site’s nine-hole golf course or the 18-hole putting green. There’s a bar-restaurant and playground on site to cater to families too. If you’re looking for ways to investigate the Scottish borders’ food scene, there are eateries in Jedburgh, 15 minutes’ drive away, or Galashiels, 25 minutes’ drive away.
Key facilities: Golf course, putting green, bar-restaurant, playground, woodland walks, evening activities, dogs welcome
One last thing… The Tavern, the bar-restaurant at Lilliardsedge Holiday Park, serves a classic Sunday carvery on Sundays and hosts regular entertainment such as bingo nights and pub quizzes.
Book Lilliardsedge Holiday Park
Linwater Caravan Park
West Clifton, East Calder,
Lothian, Scotland
EH53 0HT
Why here? 12 miles from Edinburgh, Linwater Caravan Park is a quiet, peaceful site that’s well connected to the city, countryside and the towpaths of the Union Canal. Owners Katie and Alaistair have lovingly created a site that has plenty of convenient facilities for a stopover or a longer holiday. These include a toilet block with a disabled loo, showers, laundry facilities, waste disposal and a washing-up area. Guests who are making their way north or south might want to choose this site as a stopover, since Edinburgh Airport is five miles from the site and the M8 and M9 are very close by. It’s also a great base for visiting attractions in Edinburgh – such as Edinburgh Castle, Arthur’s Seat and the Old Town – or relaxing in the fresh country air around the Pentland Hills Regional Park, a short drive away.
Key facilities: Toilets, showers, washing-up facilities, launderette, food shop, dogs welcome
One last thing… The Livingston Designer Outlet is 10 minutes’ drive from the site for any guests who’d like to go bargain hunting.
Blair Drummond Caravan Park
Cuthil Brae, Blair Drummond
Stirlingshire, Scotland
FK9 4UP
Why here? Centrally positioned in Stirlingshire, Blair Drummond Caravan Park has all the hallmarks of a peaceful getaway. The pitches are part of an old walled garden with access to a well-maintained facilities block with toilets and modern shower cubicles and there are plenty of country lanes and footpaths nearby for guests and their dogs to stretch their legs. If that works up an appetite, there’s a communal barbecue shelter with a gas barbecue on site too. Add in a shop selling the basics and a playground and you'll see the site has a great selection of facilities. The cherry on top might just be the location, which is five miles from Stirling, 25 minutes’ drive from Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park and 45 minutes from Glasgow.
Key facilities: Modern shower and toilet block, laundry facilities, shop, play area, barbecue shelter, dogs welcome
One last thing… There’s a designated dog exercise area for your canine companions to play, as well as a great dog walk in the local area.
Book Blair Drummond Caravan Park
If you can’t quite find what you’re looking for or you’d like to browse all your options before you make a final decision, Pitchup has a huge selection of campsites across Scotland for all styles and budgets - just follow the link below to check out where you could end up.