Top Picks: Exceptional NC500 Campsites Suitable for Motorhomes and Campers Reviewed
Exploring Motorhome Campsites Along Scotland's North Coast 500
The North Coast 500, a scenic drive through Scotland, offers a variety of motorhome campsites for travelers to enjoy. Here are some notable options to consider:
- Searchforsites.co.uk, Campsites.co.uk, Pitchup.com, and park4night are popular websites to find motorhome campsites near you.
- Sands Caravan and Camping Park boasts an enviable location right on the coast, close to the mountains of Wester Ross, and offers plenty of facilities.
- Scourie Campsite is situated on the edge of Scourie Bay, providing breathtaking views across the bay and islands. It also has hard standing pitches, toilet blocks, dishwashing, and waste facilities.
- Broomfield Holiday Park is a campsite near Ullapool with electric hookup, a kids play area, and toilet blocks.
- Dunnet Bay Caravan and Motorhome Club Site offers breathtaking views and a nearby beach, close to the town of Thurso.
- Gruinard Bay Caravan Park is situated on the water's edge, near the town of Gruinard Bay.
- Shore Caravan Site is a family-friendly campsite on the award-winning Achmelvich Bay with facilities and a strict policy about using facilities for guests only.
- Sango Sands Oasis campsite is perched above the sandy Sango Sands beach and is one of the most popular campsites on the North Coast 500 route.
- Clachtoll Beach Campsite is a family-run site with eco-friendly policies, facilities, and a great fish and chip shop nearby.
- The Wee Campsite is a small campsite with incredible views of the loch and basic facilities.
- Applecross Campsite is a small, popular village campsite with spectacular views of the Isle of Skye and the western coastline.
- Gairloch Holiday Park overlooks Strath Bay and offers stunning water views. It has a 2 night minimum stay and does not allow awnings.
Wild Camping Rules and Regulations
While tent wild camping is permitted with responsible behavior and away from private property or areas with specific restrictions, wild camping in campervans or motorhomes is not legally allowed outside official campsites or authorized overnight parking. Overnight parking and wild camping restrictions are increasing along the NC500, so planning and booking campsites in advance is advisable. Respect for nature, minimal impact camping, and local rules is crucial to preserve access.
Wild parking is allowed in some places, but you must not block the road, access to buildings or farmland, cause damage, leave any trace, and must move on if asked. There has been tension between locals and visiting vans, so it's best to be careful when wild parking.
Arrival at Scourie Campsite should be between 12-5pm during the mentioned period. No booking reservation is required for stays from 18th October to 31st March 2025 at Scourie Campsite.
As of 2024, it's free to drive the NC500, but you will need to pay for fuel, food, and campsites. It's a good idea to join one of the big motorhome clubs (Camping and Caravanning Club or the Caravan and Motorhome Club) for your trip.
The North Coast 500 is one of the most scenic drives in Scotland and is becoming increasingly popular. However, with this popularity comes stricter regulations and bylaws in some places to protect the environment and manage traffic. Therefore, it is highly recommended to plan ahead and use official campsites or designated overnight parking spots. Many campsites exist along or near the NC500 offering proper facilities and safe spots for tents, campervans, and motorhomes. Ignoring these restrictions risks fines or conflicts with locals.
For travelers seeking alternative accommodations beyond campsites, browsing home-and-garden websites like Airbnb could offer unique lifestyle experiences in nearby homes or cottages. To enhance your sports activities, you might consider a visit to a local golf course or sports facility, with popular options including Golspie Golf Club and Royal Dornoch Golf Club. While wild camping in motorhomes isn't legally allowed outside official campsites, it's essential to be mindful of wild parking regulations and respect local rules to maintain a harmonious lifestyle for everyone enjoying Scotland's North Coast 500.
