Lake camping in Scotland
A landscape built for camping, Scotland is where wilder adventures await.
- Scotland
Popular camping styles for Scotland
5 top lakeside campsites in Scotland
Dog-friendly getaways
Lake camping in Scotland guide
Overview
For a small country, Scotland packs a lot in. From the Highlands and islands in the north to the Scottish borders in the south, it's filled with spectacular views and endless opportunities for camping adventures—hiking in Glencoe; biking along the Ayrshire coast; exploring a Perthshire forest; touring and sampling whisky at the distilleries around Speyside; skiing and snowboarding around Aviemore; and playing a round on one of many famous golf courses. There's plenty of options for a camping holiday, whether you want to park in a caravan site, pitch a tent at a lochside camping site, or try wild camping someplace truly remote. This is one of the only places in the UK where wild camping is still legal, and we've got the best campsites in Scotland to choose from. Think woodland camping, luxury glamping sites on remote islands, and family-friendly campsites by the sea.
Where to go
Edinburgh and the Lothians
Scotland’s beguiling capital is packed with attractions, from its famous castle to medieval subterranean haunts. It’s also got easy access to some great hillwalking, from Arthur’s Seat in the city to the Pentlands just outside. You’ll also find yourself just a stone’s throw from coastal adventures.
Glasgow and the Clyde Valley
Known for its thriving music and arts scenes, as well as its friendly local characters, Glasgow is an endlessly entertaining city. And it’s ideally located for heading into the surrounding countryside, cruising the Clyde and exploring Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park.
Argyll and the Isles
From white sandy beaches to long sea lochs and the incredible Corryvreckan Whirlpool, the Argyll region and its 23 inhabited islands are filled with opportunities for adventure. Sample malt whiskies on Islay, spot whales on Mull, and explore Fingal’s Cave and the large puffin colony on Staffa.
Dumfries and Galloway
The national bard, Robert Burns, found inspiration in the gentle hills, rolling valleys, tall mountains, and sandy beaches of Dumfries and Galloway. Nowadays, there’s a designated Dark Sky Park (Galloway Forest Park) to add to the picture.
The Highlands
The enduring image of Scotland was formed in the Highlands with its tall mountains and misty lochs and glens. The magnificent landscapes are the perfect canvas for getting outdoors, whether by hiking the West Highland Way, summiting Ben Nevis, spotting wildlife in the Cairngorms, or taking a boat trip on Loch Lomond or Loch Ness.
The Western Isles
Clinging to the wild Atlantic edge, these islands are rich with Gaelic culture, great food and drink and history—don’t miss the 5,000-year-old Callanish Stones. The outdoor adventures are endless, from sea kayaking to walking the Hebridean Way or soaking up the sun on a white-sand beach.
Aberdeenshire
In the northeast, Aberdeenshire is home to some stunning stretches of coastline, dotted with charming fishing villages, golden beaches and precipitous sea cliffs. The region is well-known for its fine castles, 300 of which lie along the Aberdeenshire Castle Trail.
The Northern Isles
Once part of the Kingdom of Norway, the Shetland and Orkney archipelagos retain a distinct Norse identity. In Shetland, Jarlshof has relics from the Bronze, Iron, Pictish and Viking eras while in Orkney you can admire the Neolithic stone circle Ring of Brodgar and 5,000-year-old village Skara Brae. Both archipelagos are superb for hiking, birdwatching, and island-hopping.
