Van Life and Wild Camping in Scotland
Scotland is one of our favourite destinations in Europe for wild camping in our van. Every time we visit we wonder why we left it so long! With its untamed landscapes, stunning mountains, and serene lochs, Scotland offers some of the most beautiful spots to park up and enjoy the great outdoors. But before you hit the road in your van, it’s important to understand the rules and best practices for wild camping in Scotland, and how to enjoy your trip without frustrating the local residents! Here’s everything you need to know for a safe and memorable vanlife adventure in Scotland.
Language: English and Gaelic (particularly spoken in the Highlands and Islands)
Currency: Pound Sterling
Credit/Debit Cards: Cards are widely accepted
Shop Opening Hours: Large supermarkets are open 24 hours, especially in larger towns/cities. In some areas of the Highlands and Islands Sunday is still considered a Sabbath day meaning shops, petrol stations and restaurants will close.
Petrol Station Opening Hours: Many are open 24 hours but in rural areas or small villages they may close in the evening until early morning.
Cost of Living: If you’re from another part of the UK you’ll find petrol and food costs are fairly similar to what you’re used too. In comparison to other areas of Europe fuel costs are relatively high.
Phone Signal: Phone signal varies greatly in Scotland. In towns and cities it’s generally fine but rural areas can be completely without phone coverage depending on your network. We have particularly struggled with 3 network in the north and in the Outer Hebrides.
Recycling: Glass, plastic and paper recycling are usually easy to find. In tourist areas especially there are usually multiple bins for recyclable and non recyclable waste.
Laundry Facilities: Again, it varies greatly depending on where you are but there’s quite an extensive network of Revolution Laundry locations that offer 24/7 facilities. In more rural areas we find it’s best to avoid the weekend as local laundry services are contracted for commercial washing (such as holiday let bedding) and therefore the machines are all occupied. We found this regularly in the islands.
Wild camping in a campervan in Scotland is not strictly speaking legal, despite popular belief! Wild camping in a tent is legal thanks to the right to Roam Act, part of the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003, but this does not explicitly mention vehicles. Despite this, you’re unlikely to have a problem in a vehicle so long as you follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, are considerate, and obey any local signage.
There are areas that have suffered significantly from an influx of campervans and have subsequently started cracking down on wild camping. The NC500 route around the north coast of Scotland has become incredibly popular with vans after a very successful marketing campaign (some would say too successful)! It’s fair to say local residents have had enough of the huge number of vans that make their way to the route in summer, often leaving rubbish, parking inconsiderately and damaging vulnerable ground.
If you do choose to visit the NC500 route (it’s stunning, I can see why you would!), be prepared for height barriers and ‘no overnight parking’ signs. Whilst you may not get moved on by the police you may be woken up by local residents or asked to move on. It’s more important than ever in this area to remain considerate. Be discreet, be responsible, and don’t leave any trace you’ve been there. In some places official camp sites are the best option.
Aside from the NC500 there are also areas, such as around Loch Lomond, that require a permit for wild camping in a vehicle during the summer months. You can apply for a permit here. There is plenty of signage to indicate where you can (and can’t) spend the night.
Wild camping in Scotland is generally far easier and more accepted than in other parts of the UK. It isn’t 100% legal though so there is still the need to be discreet and care for the places you choose to park. Don’t outstay your welcome and ideally do a quick litter pick before you leave.
Not to the same extent as you find in France, Germany, Spain etc but there are a few places popping up now that offer official camper van parking. These are often for a small fee or donation and facilities vary greatly. They’re also usually on private land as opposed to being offered by local council’s.
In popular areas there are also some great local initiatives that provide permitted wild camping areas to contain parking and limit the number of vans. The West Harris Trust for example offer wild camping locations around Luskentyre Beach for a small donation.
Forestry Scotland also offer a ‘Stay the Night’ scheme, after a successful trial period. This allows self contained vans to spend the night in selected car parks between 6pm and 10am. They ask you to stay for one night only in car parks with clear “Stay the Night” signage only. We’ve found some great park-ups using this scheme.
Ready to start planning your trip?
We find lots of inspiration in Lonely Planet: Scottish Highlands and Islands, The Rough Guide to Scottish Highlands & Islands, and The Rough Guide to the North Coast 500.
As there are very few camper van parking areas there are less places to find drinking water. We rely heavily on Park4Night when looking for water. You can also find taps at visitor centres, public toilets, and ferry terminals (around the smaller islands). Some camp sites will allow you to fill up water tanks for a fee but certainly not all are happy to do so! Keep a hose adapter set handy if you fill up using a hose as tap sizes do differ.
If you’re travelling to Scotland from England there are no additional restrictions on travelling with a dog. If you are entering Scotland (or the UK) from mainland Europe or Northern Ireland your dog will require a European pet passport (or Animal Health Certificate) detailing proof of rabies vaccination. You also need to treat your dog for tapeworm prior to entry. This must be done 24 hours to 5 days prior to travel and must be verified by a vet who stamps the dog passport. The passport, worming status, and microchip will be checked prior to boarding the ferry or tunnel. If anything isn’t correct you will be refused entry and asked to come back another day.
Once in Scotland you’ll find it’s relatively dog friendly. Dogs are permitted to travel on most public transport. Depending on the size of your dog you may need a ticket for them.
Dogs are often allowed in cafes and pubs, particularly in tourist areas. Shops and restaurants usually only allow service dogs.
Scotland’s vast landscapes, including forests, mountains, and beaches, are perfect for outdoor adventures with your dog. Bear in mind some higher altitude hikes may not be suitable for dogs depending on their fitness and age. It’s also important to keep dogs on a lead around livestock.
The roads in Scotland are generally in good condition bar a few potholes. Generally, the further north you get the fewer main roads there are and there are lots of single lane roads. When driving on single lane roads be sure to let faster moving vehicles pass you by pulling into passing bays.
Whilst we obviously don’t recommend drinking and driving it should be noted the alcohol limit is lower in Scotland than in England. The limit is just 22 micrograms per 100 millilitres of breath which means just one drink can easily put you over the limit. It’s not uncommon for police to run checks close to the border.
Scotland is home to some of the most scenic driving routes in Europe, and a camper van is the perfect way to explore them at your own pace. Here are a few of the best routes for vanlifers seeking adventure and stunning scenery:
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The North Coast 500 (NC500)
This 500-mile loop around the northern coast of Scotland takes you through some of the country’s most stunning scenery, from rugged coastlines and white-sand beaches to towering mountain ranges. There are plenty of wild camping spots along the route, particularly if you venture off the main roads. We’ve only driven the road in small sections and not in one go so far. We’re slightly put off by the volume of vans that do the route and the friction it’s causing locally. We can’t deny it’s a stunning route though!
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The Outer Hebrides
We’re huge fans of the Outer Hebrides, especially Lewis and Harris. They’re peaceful, rugged, and offer some of the most beautiful beaches I’ve ever seen! There’s also some fantastic spots for wild camping and numerous permitted parking areas for a small donation.
For a more detailed guide on the Outer Hebrides head to our Visiting Lewis and Harris by Campervan article.
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The Cairngorms National Park
With its vast open spaces, high mountains, and tranquil lochs, the Cairngorms National Park is another incredible place to visit. There are plenty of remote spots for spending the night and more stunning hikes than you’ll be able to walk!
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Loch Lomond and The Trossachs
For those looking to explore central Scotland, Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park is a great destination. With its beautiful lochs, forests, and mountain scenery, it offers the perfect blend of wilderness and accessibility. Away from Loch Lomond there are some great park ups, but if you’re in the National Park ensure you grab a permit in the summer months.
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Glencoe
Famous for its hauntingly beautiful valley, Glencoe offers dramatic views and excellent hiking opportunities. It’s a must-see for anyone traveling through the Scottish Highlands, especially if you’re a fan of Outlander! There’s also Glencoe ski resort (open all year round) which offers overnight parking for a small fee.
Enjoy Scotland!
Vanlife and wild camping in Scotland offer a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world. What’s more, for many of us it’s right on our doorstep!
We hope you’ve found this information useful. We recommend always checking up to date regulations as this information was only correct at the time of publishing. If this post has helped you plan an incredible trip to Scotland we’d love to hear about it. Don’t forget to check out our other Van Life Travel Guides too!
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