Planning a motorhome or campervan journey across the North Coast 500 in Scotland? Listed below are among the greatest NC500 campsites for motorhome, campervans, caravans & tents to remain in a single day, together with opening time (some are open all 12 months), amenities every campsite has, route planning, plus ideas for wild tenting alongside the NC500 route.
Don’t neglect to seize your FREE Scotland guidelines that will help you keep organised.
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Are you able to camp wherever on the NC500 (North Coast 500)?
If you’re planning a North Coast 500 tour in any car, however particularly with a motorhome, caravan or campervan, the place to remain is likely one of the greatest concerns.
Let’s begin with some details.
The North Coast 500 is a sequence of public roads in Scotland, which had been there lengthy earlier than the route was created. As of 2024, it’s free to drive the NC500– however you’ll need to pay for gas, meals and campsites.
As a result of these are public roads, you can’t simply camp wherever on the NC500- there are many slender roads with solely passing locations and in case you parked in a kind of you’d trigger chaos!
The simplest possibility is to remain in one of many many campsites alongside the route- we record a few of our favourites under.
Are you able to Wild Park on the NC500 in a Campervan or Motorhome?
There are some strict guidelines about wild parking in a motorhome or campervan in Scotland. It’s not as simple as you may suppose and it’s definitely not a ‘proper’.
The quick reply is you ‘can’ wild park in some locations alongside the route, however you have to be very cautious to not block the highway or entry to buildings or farmland, not trigger injury or depart any hint and also you MUST transfer on if requested.
There has additionally been some stress between the locals and visiting vans, which remains to be simmering. After I drove the NC500 in my motorhome, I wild parked among the nights, however alongside the busy west coast I selected to remain in campsites because it made it much less worrying for me.
Greatest NC500 campsites for motorhomes
Fortunately, there are LOADS of campsites alongside or close to the route of the NC500. Some are open all 12 months spherical, however many are seasonal, opening solely close to Easter (some don’t open till July) and shut by early October.
Right here’s discover motorhome campsites close to you.
If you’re planning to drive the NC500 throughout July and August, it pays to do your analysis and e-book a web site in advance- particularly those with superb views or good amenities.
For those who’re motorhoming in Scotland exterior of peak season (which we extremely suggest), then you must have extra flexibility and never must e-book up fairly to date prematurely.
Having mentioned that, if there’s a spot you actually wish to keep at, reserving is at all times a good suggestion.
READ MORE: See our North Coast 500 motorhome itinerary right here
It’s additionally in all probability a good suggestion to affix one of many massive motorhome golf equipment to your trip- both the Tenting and Caravanning Membership or the Caravan and Motorhome Membership- or each.
Planning a visit to Scotland?
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Greatest Motorhome Campsites Alongside the North Coast 500 Route
It doesn’t matter which means you go across the NC500- it’ll at all times be one of many most scenic drives in Scotland.
To make this put up simpler to navigate, I’ve break up the route into sections going clockwise so you’ll find campsites which could be just right for you.
After all, I can’t embody each campsite right here, so listed here are a few web sites which you may discover helpful to seek out different choices:
The totally different sections of the NC500 are:
- WESTER- ROSS – Inverness throughout to the west coast and up the SW nook
- SUTHERLAND- The remainder of the west coast and a lot of the northern coast, apart from the very NE
- CAITHNESS- the highest NE Nook, round John o’Groats
- EASTER ROSS and the Black Isle Peninsula -East coast all the way down to Inverness
- INVERNESS-SHIRE- the world round Inverness
NC500 Route Map
Right here’s the map of the NC500 route, with among the most important factors on it.
You may learn extra concerning the factors and plan your North Coast 500 route right here.
For those who’re travelling in a motorhome or camper, learn our NC500 motorhoming information too
We’ve damaged this put up up into the next sections:
- greatest NC500 campsites on the west coast
- campsites for motorhomes and campers on the north coast
- greatest NC500 campervan and motorhome campsites on the east coast and close to Inverness
We’ve picked a collection of campsites, from massive vacation parks with indoor swimming pools, to smaller websites with primary amenities however a extra tranquil setting.
You can even see an interactive map of one of the best campsites alongside the North Coast 500 route right here:
NC500 Books & Maps
For those who get pleasure from researching earlier than a visit, you may discover these books helpful:
Scotland Street Journey Planner
By in style demand, we’ve created an interactive Scotland Street Journey Planner, that will help you plan your journey whether or not you’re touring in a motorhome/campervan or travelling by automotive or bike. Discover out extra right here:
Don’t neglect to seize your motorhome logbook to file your whole superb adventures!
Greatest NC500 Campsites for Motorhomes on the West Coast
The Wee Campsite
The Wee campsite is small however has unbelievable views of the loch. The fundamental amenities embody showers, bathrooms, wash-up and electrical hook-ups.
| Web site: | Wee Campsite |
| Handle: | Croft Street, Lochcarron, Highland, Scotland, IV54 8YB |
| What3Words: | ///earth.nourished.clashing |
| Opening Dates: | April till October |
| Value Information: | Enquire at Campsite |
| Canine Allowed: | Sure |
| BBQ & Fires Allowed: | Sure |
| Dimension Restrictions: | The utmost van size is 7.5m. |
| Checkout Time: | 12:00 Midday |
Applecross Campsite
Applecross is a small however in style village, set on the shores of a peninsula proper within the SW nook.
There are solely two routes to get there- one alongside the northern coast of the peninsula and one over the tops of the encompassing hills- often called the Bealach na Bà- one of many steepest and highest roads within the UK. The campsite at Applecross has spectacular views of the Isle of Skye and the western shoreline.
| Web site: | Tenting – Go to Applecross |
| Handle: | Applecross, Strathcarron, Ross-Shire, UK – IV54 8ND |
| What3Words: | ///resemble.traders.tailwind |
| Opening Dates: | March till October |
| Value Information: | From £15 – primarily based on 1 grownup |
| Canine Allowed: | Sure |
| BBQ & Fires Allowed: | Free-standing BBQ allowed, no campfires |
| Dimension Restrictions: | None Acknowledged |
| Checkout Time: | Ask when reserving |
Sands Caravan and Tenting Park
Sands Campsite has an enviable location proper on the coast, near the city of Poolewe and the mountains of Wester Ross. There’s a store promoting contemporary bread, groceries, fuel and alcohol, laundry amenities, children’ playground plus an onsite cafe in excessive season and many to do within the space.
| Web site: | Sands Campsite |
| Handle: | Sands Caravan & Tenting, Gairloch • Wester Ross • IV21 2DL |
| What3Words: | ///cake.limbs.forwarded |
| Opening Dates: | March till October |
| Value Information: | £28 for a motorhome with 2 adults |
| Canine Allowed: | Sure |
| BBQ & Fires Allowed: | Sure |
| Dimension Restrictions: | None Acknowledged |
| Checkout Time: | Ask when reserving |
Broomfield Vacation Park
For those who fancy a little bit of nightlife, Ullapool is an effective stopping level and Broomfield Vacation Park is likely one of the few campsites close to Ullapool. It’s additionally an ideal base in case you’re getting a ferry to the Isles. They’ve electrical hookup, children play space and bathroom blocks.
| Web site: | Broomfield Vacation Park |
| Handle: | West Lane, Ullapool, IV26 2UT |
| What3Words: | ///unstable.flick.deflated |
| Opening Dates: | April till September |
| Value Information: | £26/ evening for a motorhome with 2 adults |
| Canine Allowed: | Sure |
| BBQ & Fires Allowed: | Sure |
| Dimension Restrictions: | None Acknowledged |
| Checkout Time: | Ask when reserving |
Shore Caravan Web site
Shore Caravan Web site is family-friendly campsite is on the award-winning Achmelvich Bay and is simply 4-miles from the small village of Lochinver. The seashore is the primary attraction and you may look forward to finding households browsing, swimming and rockpool looking. There are additionally mountaineering routes close by.
Services embody a rest room block with showers, launderette, on-site store, chip store and WiFi. They’re strict about their amenities being for visitors solely. Additionally be aware that the electrical hook-up is ONLY 6amps.
| Web site: | Shore Caravan Web site |
| Handle: | 106 Achmelvich, Lochinver, Sutherland, IV27 4JB |
| What3Words: | ///barefoot.treetop.partied |
| Opening Dates: | April till October |
| Value Information: | From £15.50 – primarily based on 1 grownup |
| Canine Allowed: | No |
| BBQ & Fires Allowed: | Sure |
| Dimension Restrictions: | None Acknowledged |
| Checkout Time: | 12:00 Midday |
Clachtoll Seashore Campsite
This was one among my favorite campsites in the entire of the NC500 route- it was implausible. The campsite has electrical hookup, showers, rest room blocks (with hairdryers) and laundry amenities. There’s even a heated canine bathe, toaster and WiFi.
This family-run web site could be very environmentally aware and actively encourages campers to make use of eco-friendly chemical compounds in waste tanks when disposing of onsite as properly. There’s an incredible fish and chip down and somewhat store inside simple strolling distance.
| Web site: | Clachtoll Seashore Campsite |
| Handle: | 134 Clachtoll, Lochinver, Sutherland, IV27 4JD |
| What3Words: | ///greet.miss.painters |
| Opening Dates: | April till September |
| Value Information: | From £20 – primarily based on 1 grownup |
| Canine Allowed: | Sure |
| BBQ & Fires Allowed: | Sure |
| Dimension Restrictions: | None Acknowledged |
| Checkout Time: | Ask when reserving |
Scourie Campsite
Scourie Campsite is on the sting of Scourie Bay, with breathtaking views throughout the bay and islands. They’re additionally close to the ferry which runs to Handa Island so you possibly can see the puffins. They’ve laborious standing pitches, plus rest room blocks, dishwashing and waste.
PLEASE NOTE: No reserving reservation is required for stays from 18th October to thirty first March 2025. Simply please arrive betweeen 12-5pm.
| Web site: | Scourie Campsite |
| Handle: | Scourie, Lairg, IV27 4TE |
| What3Words: | ///overhear.workbench.inhaler |
| Opening Dates: | Open All Yr |
| Value Information: | From £14 – primarily based on 1 grownup |
| Canine Allowed: | Sure |
| BBQ & Fires Allowed: | Sure |
| Dimension Restrictions: | None Acknowledged |
| Checkout Time: | Ask when reserving |
Gairloch Vacation Park
Gairloch Vacation Park overlooks Strath Bay and boasts beautiful water views. The small village has some outlets, pubs and a leisure centre.
Word: 2 evening minimal keep, no awnings
| Web site: | Gairloch Vacation Park |
| Handle: | 1 Mihol Street, Gairloch, Ross-shire IV21 2BX |
| What3Words: | ///beans.mammoth.blotting |
| Opening Dates: | April till November |
| Value Information: | From £14 – primarily based on 1 grownup |
| Canine Allowed: | Sure |
| BBQ & Fires Allowed: | Sure |
| Dimension Restrictions: | None Acknowledged |
| Checkout Time: | Ask when reserving |
Gruinard Bay Caravan Park
Gruinard Bay Caravan Park sits on the water’s edge,close to the city of Gruinard Bay. The village gives a variety of actions and companies. An incredible location to both be as chilled or as energetic as you need.
| Web site: | Gruinard Bay Caravan Park |
| Handle: | Laide, Wester Ross IV22 2ND |
| What3Words: | ///hyperlink.stiletto.magnets |
| Opening Dates: | April till October |
| Value Information: | From £21 – primarily based on 1 grownup |
| Canine Allowed: | Sure |
| BBQ & Fires Allowed: | Ask at Reception |
| Dimension Restrictions: | None Acknowledged |
| Checkout Time: | Ask when reserving |
NORTH COAST & CAITHNESS NC500 Campsites for Motorhomes
Sango Sands Oasis
Sango Sands Oasis campsite is perched above the sandy Sango Sands seashore and is likely one of the hottest campsites on the North Coast 500 route.
Services embody electrical hookup, laborious standing and grass pitches, rest room blocks, waste disposal, laundry amenities and a restaurant with bar.
It’s a implausible campsite, though we did have an fascinating scenario right here the place I used to be requested to go away in the course of a storm, regardless of me asking the day earlier than if I might lengthen my keep a few hours!
You may watch the entire story right here:
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Smoo Cave is simply down the highway and the views over the North Sea are spectacular. Ceannabeinne Seashore and the Golden Eagle zipline are nearby- the zipline was epic and I extremely suggest it. There’s an onsite bar and restaurant, stocked filled with all one of the best Scotch Whisky, this cosy campsite is good to your keep within the north-west of Scotland.
You solely must e-book if you would like electrical hook-up. Non-serviced and grass pitches are first come, first served. Truthful warning: it could get windy alongside this coastline- it’s very uncovered.
Tenting out of season: Chances are you’ll keep right here in a single day for simply £20 with electrical hookup. You can even use their water replenish. The bathrooms are closed however there are public bathrooms out there subsequent to the native grocery store.
| Web site: | Sango Sands Oasis |
| Handle: | Sango Bay, Durness, Sutherland, IV27 4PZ |
| What3Words: | ///villager.flinches.delays |
| Opening Dates: | April till October. |
| Value Information: | From £34 for two adults.
Out-of-season (no bathrooms or showers) is £20 per evening to self-contained automobiles solely. This consists of energy, water, waste disposal and family refuse. |
| Canine Allowed: | Sure |
| BBQ & Fires Allowed: | Ask at Reception |
| Dimension Restrictions: | None Acknowledged |
| Checkout Time: | Ask when reserving |
Dunnet Bay Caravan and Motorhome Membership Web site
Dunnet Bay is one other campsite with breathtaking views and a close-by seashore. Near the city of Thurso, it’s in a superb location to go to John o’Groats and Orkney.
That is the place we left our motorhome for the day once we visited Orkney on our motorbikes (it’s also possible to take your motorhome or camper to Orkney, even when only for the day.)
Dunnet Bay is a Caravan and Motorhome membership web site and there are amenities to match- rest room blocks, laundry, electrical hookup and loads of issues to do close by.
| Web site: | Dunnet Bay |
| Handle: | Dunnet, Thurso, Highlands, KW14 8XD |
| What3Words: | ///liked.squashes.actually |
| Opening Dates: | March to start out of November |
| Value Information: | From £26 (members) |
| Canine Allowed: | Sure |
| BBQ & Fires Allowed: | Ask at Reception |
| Dimension Restrictions: | None Acknowledged |
| Checkout Time: | CAMC is normally 10am |
John O’Groats Caravan and Tenting Web site
If you wish to camp proper subsequent to John o’Groats, that is the campsite to do it. The views are great and the amenities are good- electrical hookup, rest room blocks and laundry amenities.
| Web site: | John O’Groats Caravan and Tenting Web site |
| Handle: | County Street, John o’ Groats KW1 4YR |
| What3Words: | ///lodge.favor.snuggled |
| Opening Dates: | Closed for refurb – reopens March 2025 |
| Value Information: | From £20.50 primarily based on 1 grownup |
| Canine Allowed: | Sure |
| BBQ & Fires Allowed: | Sure |
| Dimension Restrictions: | None Acknowledged |
| Checkout Time: | Ask when reserving |
EAST COAST NC500 campsites for motorhomes and campers (inc BLACK ISLE and Inverness)
Wick River Campsite
The Wick River campsite is a sheltered campsite on the banks of the River Wick and solely a 5-minute stroll into the city of Wick. Close by are outlets, eating places, swimming, golf and seashores.
Please bear in mind when reserving that the primary entrance of the campsite has a top restriction of two.89 meters on account of a low railway bridge. You’ll get a welcome e-mail that has directions and instructions on enter the location by way of the Various route alongside the riverside.
| Web site: | Wick River campsite |
| Handle: | Riverside Drive, Wick, Caithness KW1 5SP |
| What3Words: | ///racks.scouting.optimists |
| Opening Dates: | Could till September |
| Value Information: | From £23 – primarily based on 1 particular person |
| Canine Allowed: | Sure |
| BBQ & Fires Allowed: | Ask at Reception |
| Dimension Restrictions: | None Acknowledged |
| Checkout Time: | Ask when reserving |
Brora Caravan Membership Web site
The Brora Caravan Membership Web site is on a reasonably sheltered stretch of shoreline, but is simply 300m from the seashore.
It’s a well-liked web site with birdwatchers, because the Arctic Tern nest on the seashore. Close by are lochs and the ocean for swimming or fishing- you may even see whales, seals or dolphins. Brora village is just a few miles away and has outlets and a few eating places.
| Web site: | The Brora Caravan Membership Web site |
| Handle: | Dalchalm, Brora, Highlands, KW9 6LP |
| What3Words: | ///canoe.spaceship.powering |
| Opening Dates: | March till November |
| Value Information: | From £17.40 (members) |
| Canine Allowed: | Sure |
| BBQ & Fires Allowed: | Ask at Reception |
| Dimension Restrictions: | None Acknowledged |
| Checkout Time: | CAMC is normally 10am |
Dornoch Caravan and Tenting Park
The Dornoch Caravan and Tenting Park sits proper on the award-winning Dornoch seashore and near the small city of Dornoch.
It’s solely a 5 minute stroll to Dornoch Cathedral and there’s Dunrobin Fort (probably the greatest castles on the NC500) and a golf course close by.
| Web site: | Dornoch Caravan and Tenting Park |
| Handle: | The Hyperlinks, Dornoch, Sutherland-shire IV25 3LX |
| What3Words: | ///digestion.valve.drive |
| Opening Dates: | March till October |
| Value Information: | From £21.50 primarily based on 1 grownup |
| Canine Allowed: | Sure |
| BBQ & Fires Allowed: | Ask at Reception |
| Dimension Restrictions: | None Acknowledged |
| Checkout Time: | Ask at Reception |
Grannie Heilan Hame Vacation Park
As websites go, it is a good one. There are such a lot of amenities, together with loopy golf, a jacuzzi, children membership, zipwire, bowling, indoor pool, tennis courts- and that’s earlier than you even get to the seashore and the unbelievable views.
The positioning sits on the white sand seashore of Embo and is near the historic city of Dornoch.
Onsite there’s a store, bar and restaurant. It’s a Park Dean resort, so it’s not quiet- or low-cost, however if you would like leisure, that is the place for you.
| Web site: | Grannie Heilan Hame Vacation Park |
| Handle: | Dornoch, Sutherland, IV25 3QD |
| What3Words: | ///tailing.watches.momentous |
| Opening Dates: | Feburary till November |
| Value Information: | From £34. Min 2 evening keep |
| Canine Allowed: | Sure |
| BBQ & Fires Allowed: | Ask at Reception |
| Dimension Restrictions: | None Acknowledged |
| Checkout Time: | Ask at Reception |
Dingwall Tenting and Caravanning Membership Web site
This Dingwall campsite overlooks the well-known Cromarty Firth and is a peaceable place to unwind. Pitches are stage and there’s a mixture of grass and hard-standing, many with electrical. There are rest room blocks and washing amenities.
It’s near the market city of Dingwall which has a variety of outlets, a grocery store and eating places. It’s additionally an incredible place to go away the motorhome and catch a practice into Inverness or to Kyle of Lochalsh on the West coast; a shocking route taking in a few of Scotland’s most stunning surroundings.
The Dingwall Heritage mountaineering Path passes the campsite and follows the River Peffery to a picnic space on the Cromarty Firth.
Wildlife lovers can hopefully spot dolphins at Cromarty, or see Purple Kites on the Black Isle. Ospreys may be seen in close by Udale Bay. For native tradition, go to the Victorian village of Strathpeffer or go to the Black Isle Brewery, Munlochy for excursions and tastings.
NOTE: TV and Wifi indicators could also be poor.
| Web site: | Dingwall campsite |
| Handle: | Jubilee Park Rd, Dingwall IV15 9QZ |
| What3Words: | ///scrambles.rehearsed.examined |
| Opening Dates: | April till October |
| Value Information: | From £11.30 |
| Canine Allowed: | Sure |
| BBQ & Fires Allowed: | Sure |
| Dimension Restrictions: | None Acknowledged |
| Checkout Time: | Ask at Reception |
Ardtower Caravan Park- close to Culloden
If you wish to go to Culloden, Ardtower Caravan Park is a superb possibility. 95% of pitches have an uninterrupted view in direction of the Black Isle and the views past. There’s first rate Wi-Fi and a brilliant fashionable facility block that’s heated all through.
| Web site: | Ardtower Caravan Park |
| Handle: | Culloden Street, Inverness, IV2 5AA |
| What3Words: | ///employed.these.obliging |
| Opening Dates: | Open All Yr |
| Value Information: | From £38 – primarily based on 2 folks |
| Canine Allowed: | Sure |
| BBQ & Fires Allowed: | Sure |
| Dimension Restrictions: | None Acknowledged |
| Checkout Time: | Ask at Reception |
Planning a visit to Scotland?
We’ve achieved the laborious be just right for you!
Seize our full Scotland journey planner and get:
- 80+ concepts for locations to go to
- Maps and itinerary options
- Routes and issues to see alongside the best way
- Ideas, customs and far rather more!
NC500 Motorhome Campsites Open All Yr Spherical
Listed below are a number of campsites we all know of alongside the NC500 that are open all 12 months. (Please do verify in advance- simply in case they’ve modified their phrases since we wrote this).
Waste Disposal Factors for Motorhomes and Campervans on the NC500
While I’m an enormous fan of wild parking in my motorhome, it sickens me how ceaselessly the information has tales of idiots who’ve determined to simply dump their waste (human or in any other case) in conjunction with the highway, or in a nook of a automotive park- with completely no regard for the injury their actions are having each on the atmosphere and on the general public notion of motorhomers and campervanners.
WARNING: Locals have began a NC500 ‘watch’ to report troublemakers and individuals who depart behind injury or waste- and you would end up banned from every other campsites on the route, so please act responsibly.
It’s true that the NC500 route has some areas the place disposing of waste may be tricky- particularly out of season when many locations are closed.
Nonetheless, there are alternatives round, and the federal government is working to place extra choices in place, so please do use them. The simplest possibility is to e-book right into a campsite and use their waste disposal factors and replenish on freshwater.
There are even a few campsites alongside the route the place you possibly can get rid of gray and black waste hygienically, even in case you select to not keep on that campsite (you’ll need to pay a cost for utilizing their facilities- as they must pay to get your waste handled and eliminated.)
A few these are:
One other smart way discover these locations is SearchforSites app/web site. If you recognize of any extra NC500 motorhome campsites you’d suggest, be happy to go away them within the feedback so others can profit. Protected travels!
Final replace on 2025-03-23 / Affiliate hyperlinks / Photos from Amazon Product Promoting API