Discover the best beach campsites in Glen Nant National Nature Reserve with campfires

United Kingdom
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Scotland
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Glen Nant National Nature Reserve

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Popular camping styles for Glen Nant National Nature Reserve

3 top beach campsites in Glen Nant National Nature Reserve with campfires

Dog-friendly getaways

Mongolian Yurt in Stunning Highland

1 unit · Glamping1 acre · Lochearnhead, England

When travelling in Scotland, you will want to have the confidence in the quality of your accommodation, knowing that it will play a big part in the whole pleasurable experience of your holiday. Our location in Lochearnhead provides an ideal base for walking, water-sports, cycling, with flora & fauna and wild life in abundance. There are many local historic places to inspire you and bring the history of the highlands to life. Or perhaps you'd simply choose to curl up with a good book and enjoy the peace and tranquillity of a slower pace of life. Wester Auchraw is located on the A84, Cycle Route 7 and the much loved walk 'Rob Roy Way'. It sits amongst spectacular scenery in Highland Perthshire yet is only 1 hour's drive from Glasgow, Edinburgh and Perth.

Runach Arainn Glamping

3 units · Glamping1 acre · Kilmory, Scotland

A three-yurt luxury glamping site on the Isle of Arran, steps away from the beach

The Charcoal Huts - Isle of Bute

2 units · Glamping8 acres · Scotland

Our Huts are located within the Moss Wood area of Bute Forest - a mixed birch and alder wood that extends up the hillside to the west of the A886 that connects the Rhubodach Ferry to Port Bannatyne and Rothesay. Moss Wood has a range of facilities. Park on the shore-side where the coast can be enjoyed or at the main entrance, and take a walk up through Moss Wood along the Poetry Trail. A steep walk in places, the Poetry Trail is a loop punctuated with places to stop and read, to stop and think. Read nature poetry from throughout the ages, stop at the Blether Stane, or taking the spur to the Viewing Point back south across the Kyles. Moss Wood connects to the West Island Way – take the Poetry Trail and the spur to the Viewing Point – and then take the Stag’s Trod further up (steeply) till you reach the West Island Way. From there, head south towards Port Bannatyne or north along the boundary of the Community Forest. From the viewing point, you can also explore interesting heritage features such as the old WW2 bunker, kayak shelter, Balnakailly settlement, and the SSSI oak woodland.

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Beach campsites in Glen Nant National Nature Reserve with campfires guide

Overview

In the rain shadow of mighty Ben Cruachan, a portrait-posing peak between Loch Awe and Loch Etive, lies the woodlands of Glen Nant—and it brims with possibilities. Nature lovers and birdwatchers can take to the forest paths to spot deer and red squirrels, warblers, and woodpeckers, while those wanting to work up a sweat can tackle the steeper 2-mile hiking trail, or extend a visit by bike to include part of the National Cycle Route 78, which passes the nature reserve’s gates. For families and those exploring at a slower pace, the woodland attracts multiple species of butterflies and is a haven for an Ark’s-worth of insects and bugs. Campsites can be found within minutes of the reserven, some riverside with touring and motorhome pitches.

Tips for snagging a campsite

With close proximity to Oban and the ferry terminal for sailings to the Inner Hebrides, campsites across Argyll get busy in summer. Advanced bookings are recommended.
Some smaller sites are only open from April to October.

When to go

Glen Nant National Nature Reserve is open year-round. Most wildlife in the reserve is active in May and June, while autumn sees the forest floor carpeted with a spectrum of colorful leaves and needles, creating the perfect habitats for smaller creatures and bugs. For stunning views of the surrounding mountaintops, climb up through the glen at last light in summer. The woodland is a sanctuary for rarely seen lichens and moss, which are spectacular during the winter’s frost.

Know before you go

Finding the nature reserve using GPS can be tricky. The car park is on the west side of a minor road (B845) between Taynuilt and Kilchrenan.
Despite Glen Nant’s remoteness, the bus service between Oban and Dalavich passes the entrance. Check the timetable before travel or speak to the bus driver to make sure you can get back in time.
There are no services or toilet facilities at the nature reserve. Bring food and drink with you, or plan a stop in nearby Taynuilt, home to public toilets and places to eat and drink.