10 of the best coastal campsites in Scotland

To help you, we asked Pitchup.com – the outdoor accommodation specialists – for help, and they gave us their list of the best coastal campsites in Scotland. From traditional tent pitches to full glamping, we’re sure you’ll find your perfect camping getaway.

Wildlife lovers will be right at home at this forest campsite in the forests of the Findhorn Valley. There are both camping and glamping possibilities on this site, with a trendy bell tent, shepherd’s hut or your own tent of your choice.

There are a variety of activities available on-site, including rafting, paintball, canoeing, Frisbee, and golf.

Nairn Beach is just over eight miles from the site and is a great place to take a stroll. If you are lucky you may spot a pod of dolphins or friendly seals.

Other places of interest include the local town of Forres and Brodie Castle.

Live the Scandinavian lifestyle at this campsite, as you can rent a charming log cabin, complete with its own sauna and plunge pool. Beyond the site there are only trees and fields, and sometimes the sky is illuminated by the Northern Lights.

There is no electricity at this site, nor running water, so this is the perfect place to get out of the modern world. That doesn’t mean you’ll be bored though – guests can have fun horseback riding, fishing, biking, rock climbing, sailing, and bird watching during their stay. .

There is also a restaurant and swimming pool nearby if you have a thirst for modernity.

Very family-friendly, this caravan site has received five stars from the tourist office for the quality of its accommodation. It is just a mile from the beach and has a heated indoor swimming pool, game room, recreation center and kids’ club to keep the family busy.

Nearby, Wigtown and Luce Bay are great places to visit, especially for a stroll along the coast.

Galloway Forest Park, Britain’s largest forest park, is also nearby, covering an impressive 300 square miles. In the park, you can follow forest trails, cycle by the lake or visit one of the wildlife centers. There are also possibilities for horse riding and mountain biking.

History buffs won’t want to miss Cardoness, Carsluith and Threave Castles, or Dundrennan Abbey.

Spring is the best time to stay at Glenwhan Gardens, in their romantic Shepherd’s Hut. There are spring flowers everywhere, and the view over the lake and towards the sea is sublime.

Take a walk along the Moorland Walk this time of year and you may spot some interesting bluebells or birds.

Galloway Forest Park is just 20 miles away, where stargazing is a popular activity. Luce Bay is even closer, just a mile from the site, and nearby Dunskey Castle is also worth a visit.

On the shores of West Loch Tarbert is this charming campsite, located just three kilometers from Tarbert on the Kintyre Peninsula. The village lies between Loch Fyne and West Loch Tarbert, and is also close to ferry services to Isla and Jura.

Water sports are popular activities here, as are sailing, canoeing, and fishing.

Walkers and cyclists can join the 160 km long distance route called Kintyre Way, which starts near the village.

There are no cars on Canna Island, so if the traffic is still getting you down, this is the place. The views are spectacular, as are the wildlife. You can see golden eagles circling overhead, puffins and razorbills on the cliffs, or dolphins and whales in the ocean.

The lack of light pollution means the sunsets and stargazing are incredible, and they’re best enjoyed while cooking outdoors, using the on-site barbecues and fireplaces.

You can stay in a tent, log cabin, or caravan, and there are plenty of washing facilities for all guests.

For a link with the modern world, go to the site’s café and take advantage of the free wifi.

Archaeological sites are everywhere on Canna, including the famous Celtic cross and the Viking tomb.

This holiday park is located by the sea, on the Moray Firth coast. There are miles of sandy beach right on your doorstep, or a tent flap, as well as a picturesque lighthouse.

The kids’ club, evening entertainment, bar, indoor pool, fitness center and sauna are sure to keep the whole family busy and happy.

One of Scotland’s best 18-hole golf courses, the Moray Golf Club, is just a few miles from the site. Lossiemouth is also worth a day trip, because of its fishing museum, shops and restaurants.

Balvenie Castle, one of Scotland’s oldest, and Inverness Castle are nearby, as is historic Aberdeen.

This holiday park is tucked away in a secluded corner of Dumfries and Galloway and is the perfect base for enjoying woodland walks in Dalbeattie Forest. Keep an eye out for birds and animals on your walks, or visit the RSPB reserve in Mersehead to make the most of the wildlife.

The pleasure village of Kippford is nearby, as are the famous 7stanes mountain bike trails.

The site itself is equipped with a grocery store, free wifi and a playground, and you just have to walk a few steps to reach an 18-hole golf course, an equestrian center and an indoor swimming pool.

Perched on top of a cliff, this spacious campsite offers fantastic views over the Solway Firth and the Lake District. It is also close to Scotland’s southernmost golf course.

There are swimming pools, jacuzzi, sauna, cafe, bar, free wifi, kids club and TV room on site, giving you plenty to have fun.

Angling and fishing are popular activities, as are bird watching and stargazing. Guests can also visit the Bladnoch Distillery, Galloway Forest Park, Wigtown and Cream o ‘Galloway Amusement Park.

You may not be aware that the nearby village of Burrowhead was where parts of The Wicker Man were filmed.

The name of this campsite means “Secret Arran” in Gaelic, due to its peaceful atmosphere and privacy. You will stay in yurts equipped with heated stoves. Also, there are beaches within fifteen minutes of the site.

Goat Fell Mountain is a big challenge for climbers, and wildlife watchers will enjoy keeping an eye out for golden eagles, red squirrels, and otters.

The historic Brodick Castle is just 35 minutes from the site and the Arran Brewery is also accessible.