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White sand beaches and turquoise blue waters in Scotland? This can’t be right! You bet it’s your bottom. These are the types of sights you can see along Scotland’s North Coast 500, also known as ‘the Scottish Route 66’ and the following North Coast 500 campsites are not to be missed.
This guide will include official North Coast 500 campsites with caravan options.
You may also find our NC500 itinerary useful.
Why Camp Along the North Coast 500?
Apart from the tropical-like scenery, you will enjoy the splendor of the Highlands with its emerald hills and lakes (ponds) while driving along this road.
What more could nature/adventure enthusiasts ask for?
With hotels, guesthouses and B&Bs booking quickly on the NC500, the campsite is ideal for those booking quickly.
If you prefer to book self-catering apartments, here is our guide.
North Coast 500 camping is economical as the most budget friendly option complies with Scotland’s wild camping rules.
Unfortunately, there are reports that some visitors have not watched it Scotland Outdoor Access Code when it comes to camping resulting in fragile Highlands being used as a base.
Please don’t do this.
Read on for an overview of what wild camping means in Scotland.
Lately, the locals have not been so welcoming to wild campers, so please be careful with those living in the Highlands.
North Coast 500 Camping
The North coast of Scotland boasts a variety of different landscapes.
Camping allows you to get up close and personal with nature, disconnecting from technology if you wish!
Highlands is equipped for campers and RVs, with its campsites offering shared bathroom facilities, recycling, hookups, trash disposal, and sometimes even WiFi.
Where should I camp?
Several fantastic NC500 campsites with modern facilities are dotted around the Scottish Highlands.
There are also plenty of private spots for those looking to get off the grid during their NC500 camping trip.
In this section, let’s explore the sites and what each one offers
1. Applecross Campsite
Applecross is a popular camping spot in the Scottish Highlands.
It is often the first main stop travelers make after the hairpin on the Bealach na Bà road.
So what’s the appeal?
Applecross offers views of the Isle of Skye and a restaurant called the Applecross Inn.
Applecross campsite is a 10 minute walk from the Inn.
The site offers large tents, free hot showers and toilets, shaving points, dishwasher facilities and free Wi-Fi around the reception area.
Applecross also caters for vans and motorhomes via ten maintained pitches and nine electric grass pitches.
Don’t like camping?
There are also glam huts on site.
Applecross was popular, now it’s off the charts in demand, so book using it online system.
2. Achmelvich Bay The Shore Caravan Site
This award-winning beach is located next to a family-friendly Shore Caravan Location, which offers free pitches but aims not to turn anyone away.
They have a campground near the RV site.
Facilities include a toilet block with shower, washing machine, on-site shop, chip shop and Wi-Fi.
Fires are allowed, but not on the grass.
The Shore Caravan Site is open from late March to mid October. Prices start from £11.
3. Camping at Clachtoll Beach
The family business Camping on Clachtoll Beach welcomes eco-friendly visitors to their campsite near the town of Lochinver.
Facilities include electric hookups, toilet and shower facilities, hair straightening points, dishwasher, washing machine, eco-friendly toilet waste disposal, hot drinks vending machine, media charging lockers and WiFi!
Prices start from £20.
4. Scourie Campsite
Scourie Campsite situated in the center of Scourie village which has a shop, hotel and restaurant.
The campsite is close to the ferry port to Hata Island where day trippers go to see the local delicacies.
Camping facilities include showers, water and waste.
Prices start from £13, and this is one of the few campsites in the North Coast 500 that is open all year round.
5. Sango Sands
At the top of the NC500 is the town of Durness.
Durness is home to Smoo Cave and Sango Sands Campsite.
Feel like you’re at the end of the world staying at this Northwest campsite.
Sango Sands is open from April to the end of October and offers 58 electric hook-up points, both hard and grass.
Facilities include toilets, showers, kitchen, waste collection, dishwasher, laundry facilities and restaurant with bar.
Furry friends are welcome at this pet-friendly campsite.
Like many of the campsites in NW Scotland there is a lack of shelter so it can be windy up there.
6. Ceannabeinne Beach
To get to Ceannabeinne Beach, take the A838 east of Durness.
It is located in a small bay with a north side towards the island of Eilean Hoan.
The Golden Eagle Zipline at Ceannabeinne Beach is one for adventure lovers.
The nearest campsite is Sango Sands Oasis.
7. Thurso Caravan and Camping
Thurso Caravan and Camping is a large campground with individual lots, shared bathroom facilities, and public picnic tables.
The showers are hot and the location is opposite a supermarket.
The site has views of Orkney and a nice path along the coast.
Prices start from £9.
We have stayed here.
8. Sandy Bay near John o’ Groats
As you arrive at the John o’Groats Tourist Information Centre, stop by to pick up a map of the area and on it, you’ll see a marked Sandy Bay.
It is a 10 minute drive from the center and when you arrive you will see off road, grassed parking.
John o’Groats Caravan and Campsite is the nearest park with facilities.
Prices start from £12.
9. Ardtower Caravan Park
A very busy campsite all year round in Inverness, Ardtower books up fast so book early.
This site has a shared shower and toilet, a shop and a shared cleaning area.
Charming atmosphere, plus views of Kessock Bridge.
Prices start from £16.
We have stayed here.
North Coast 500 Wild Camping
The beauty of camping in Scotland is that you can camp anywhere, to a certain extent.
The Scotland Outdoor Access Code states that it should:
- Respect the interests of the locals – this is especially true when camping on land
- Care for the environment – leave the land as you find it, no digging or fires on cultural sites
- Take responsibility for your actions – be safe, stay away from buildings, farms and roads
- Here are tips for how to deal with camping emergencies;.
The gray area with NC500 wild camping is that the main way to get around the route is by car and wild camping in other parts of Scotland is often used by walkers. See our West Highland Way guide for more details on walking the West Coast of Scotland.
Since you shouldn’t wild camp near roads, you’ll need to leave your car as you hike to your campsite.
That said, these rules are in place to protect you, the locals and the environment and not infringe on your rights to explore the Highlands, so be smart but have fun.
Camping gear list
Before you start your NC500 adventure, you’ll need to get your gear in order.
So what exactly will you need?
Everyone’s packing lists may vary, but here’s what a list of essentials might look like:
- A quality tent that will protect you from wind and rain
- Flat
- Waterproof jacket and trousers
- Comfortable footwear such as hiking shoes such as these Salamon trek shoes US / United Kingdom
- Personal hygiene products and sunscreens
- Portable refrigerator
- Plus phone battery packs like Anker US / United Kingdom (you’ll need it for maps)
- Garbage bag – leave nothing behind
- Strong stomach, you should not use the toilet in a public place
- Don’t forget to bring plenty of money for gas/gas and food/water!
The best time for camping
In case you didn’t know, the weather in this area is unpredictable and some would say you can experience several seasons in one day.
However, some months are better than others when it comes to camping.
Late spring to late summer is the best time to go here.
May is often a great time to visit Scotland before the dreaded blizzards take hold.
Daylight lasts about 16 hours a day during the summer, giving you plenty of sunlight to enjoy the scenery.
North Coast 500 Motorhomes
Camping not drinking your tea?
Motorhome or motorhome hire for the NC500 is very common and a relatively easy way to get around.
You’ve got the winding roads of the Bealach na Bà to contend with and Scotland’s single track roads make driving the other side a bit of a challenge, but fellow drivers are kind if you are too.
There are several “crossing points” to pull into to let other drivers pass.
If you see a lot of caravans together, it’s not a sign that it’s a good overnight stop.
It’s a signal to move on and find somewhere else…
There are many benefits to traveling with a North Coast 500 motorhome, including flexibility with your itinerary, avoiding hotels that book up quickly and the fact that camper vans offer a bit more luxury than tent camping!
The North Coast 500 caravan sites tend to run alongside the camping sites listed in this article.
The facilities available in each have been discussed above.
conclusion
This NC500 camping guide details where to stay in the NC500 if you are camping or camping.
If camping isn’t your thing, I’d recommend checking out this road and all it has to offer as you can find plenty of decent accommodation here too.
