NC500 Winter Guide: The Best Campsites & Aires For Your Motorhome
So you’re planning an NC500 winter adventure in your trusty campervan? Fantastic choice! While the open road beckons, knowing where to lay your head (or, more accurately, park your wheels) is key to a truly epic journey. Forget frantic searches; we’ve scoured the route for the best aires and campsites for motorhomes that blend convenience, stunning locations, and that all-important Highland welcome!
These aren’t just parking spots; they’re springboards for unforgettable Scottish experiences, offering everything from basic comforts to full-blown overnight luxury.
Let’s jump in (or rather, park up!)
The NC500: Why a Campervan?
A campervan isn’t just a mode of transport; it’s your cosy, mobile sanctuary. Here’s why it’s the ultimate choice for a winter NC500 trip:
- Warmth and Comfort: After a day of exploring windswept beaches or scaling a wintery hill, returning to your heated, fully-equipped van is pure bliss. Make a hot chocolate, cook a hearty meal, and settle in for the evening, all without leaving your mobile haven.
- Flexibility: While you’ll want to book campsites for certain amenities, having your own kitchen and bathroom gives you incredible freedom. You can stop for lunch with a view, pull over for an impromptu photography session, or enjoy a cuppa and snack wherever the mood strikes.
- Cost-Effective: Eating out in Scotland can add up. With your own kitchen, you can prepare most of your meals, saving money for those essential local treats or well-deserved pub grub!
- Weather-proof: Scottish weather is famously unpredictable – in a campervan, you are prepared for anything. Rain, wind, or even a sudden flurry of snow becomes part of the adventure, knowing you have a warm, dry retreat always at hand.
- Front-row Seats: Park up, boil the kettle, and watch the ever-changing Highland landscape unfold before you. The views from your campervan window are often better than any hotel or hostel!
Table of Contents
Planning Your Trip
We use the below booking platforms to plan our trips. We hope you find them useful too!
NC500 Aires: Motorhome-friendly Freedom!
For those who love flexibility, the NC500 boasts a growing number of official motorhome stops, also known as aires. These designated overnight parking spots are often free or charge a nominal fee, providing basic facilities (sometimes just a bin!) and, crucially, access to some of the most breathtaking views on the route.
They’re perfect for self-sufficient motorhomes and allow you to immerse yourself in the wild beauty of the Highlands – imagine waking up to a panorama of misty lochs or dramatic coastlines right outside your window!
We couldn’t recommend it more!
Our Top Picks
- Applecross Bealach na Bà Car Park: After conquering the legendary pass, this spot offers unparalleled views across to Skye. It’s wild, exposed, and utterly magnificent.
- Stoer Lighthouse Car Park, Assynt: Perched at the world’s edge, this aire offers dramatic cliff-top views and the chance to spot whales and dolphins. Just be prepared for the elements!
- Duncansby Head, John o’ Groats: Right at the very top, offering epic views of the Stacks of Duncansby and a sense of true accomplishment.
- Lochinver Harbour Car Park: A convenient spot in a bustling fishing village, close to amenities and an excellent base for exploring Assynt.
Remember to always check for any local restrictions, respect the “leave no trace” principle, and ensure your motorhome is fully self-contained if you opt for these more rustic spots.
NC500: Campsites for Motorhomes and Adventurers
By now, you may be asking, “Guys, I have a home on wheels, why would I need a campsite if all of my amenities and perks are already onboard?”
Campsite spaces on the NC500 are just more than an allocated patch of grass or gravel.
Campsites can offer:
- Reliable Facilities: Hot showers, toilets, laundry, and often dishwashing areas are a blessing, especially after a muddy hike.
- Electric Hook-Up (EHU): Keep your batteries charged, your fridge cold, and your heating toasty.
- Security: Most campsites offer a more secure environment for your motorhome.
- Waste Disposal: Essential for black and grey water, ensuring responsible travel.
- Local Knowledge: Campsite owners are often a fount of local information, tips, and hidden gems.
Remember to book in advance during peak season!
Black Rock Caravan Park, Evanton
Location
Just off the main A9, near the start/end of the NC500, making it a perfect first or last stop!
Why it’s great for winter
This well-established park offers excellent hard-standing pitches, electric hook-ups, and modern, heated facilities. The nearby village has shops and pubs, and it’s a fantastic base for exploring the Black Isle or venturing into the dramatic Fyrish Monument area. The owners are incredibly welcoming and often share local tips and recommendations.
Sands Caravan & Camping Park, Gairloch
Location
Perched on the shores of Gairloch, with panoramic views across to Skye and the Torridon mountains.
Why it’s great for winter
Sands is renowned for its fantastic facilities, including a well-stocked shop, excellent showers, and a campers’ kitchen – all essential for a comfortable winter stay. They offer many hard-standing pitches with electric hook-ups. The village of Gairloch is nearby, providing access to pubs, cafes, and local amenities, making it a convenient and picturesque stop on the west coast!
Scourie Campsite, Scourie
Location
A friendly, family-run site overlooking Scourie Bay, a short drive from the iconic Kylesku Bridge.
Why it’s great for winter
Scourie Campsite is known for its warm welcome and excellent facilities, including a drying room – a true lifesaver on a winter trip! They offer a good selection of hard-standing pitches with electric hook-ups, and the views from the campsite are superb!
It’s an excellent base for exploring the dramatic north-west coast, including Handa Island (though boat trips are seasonal, the views from the mainland are still breathtaking).
In Need of a Trusty Highland Steed?
The Wee Campsite, Durness
Location
A small, friendly site in Durness, the most north-westerly village on mainland Britain, close to Smoo Cave and Balnakeil Beach.
Why it’s great for winter
True to its name, this is a cosy and welcoming spot. The owners are often on-site and happy to help – it’s perfect for those who appreciate a more personal touch. Hard-standing pitches and electric hook-ups are standard, and being in Durness, you’re perfectly placed to explore some of the NC500’s most iconic natural wonders, which are even more impressive without the summer crowds!
Dornoch Caravan & Camping Park, Dornoch
Location
A picturesque site just a short walk from the historic town of Dornoch and its beautiful sandy beach!
Why it’s great for winter
This award-winning park consistently receives high praise for its facilities and cleanliness. It offers superb pitches with electric hook-ups, modern heated shower blocks, and a warm reception.
Dornoch itself is a charming town with a magnificent cathedral, shops, and places to eat, providing a perfect blend of convenience and scenic beauty, making it an ideal stop towards the end of your winter adventure.
The NC500 in Winter: Top Tips
Book Ahead: While winter is quieter, some popular campsites still fill up, especially those with good winter facilities. Always book your pitches in advance to avoid disappointment.
Check Opening Times: Many attractions, restaurants, and even some smaller shops operate on reduced hours or close entirely in winter. Always check ahead to avoid a wasted journey!
Be Prepared for All Weather: Pack layers, waterproofs, sturdy boots, and plenty of warm clothing. Snow chains or winter tyres might be advisable for higher passes, depending on conditions.
Road Conditions: Monitor local weather forecasts and Traffic Scotland for road closures or warnings, particularly on exposed sections.
Embrace the Darkness: With shorter daylight hours, you’ll experience more of the night sky. Head away from light pollution for incredible stargazing opportunities and a chance to see the Northern Lights.
Camera Ready: The winter light is simply magical for photography. Golden hours last longer, and the stark beauty of the landscape is amplified!
Wintering on the NC500: Good Luck!
The NC500 in winter is not just a run-of-the-mill road trip; it’s an immersive experience that challenges, inspires, and utterly captivates you from beginning to end.
With your trusty campervan and these excellent campsites and aires at hand, you’re not just passing through the Highlands – you’re moving in!
So, no excuses! Don your thermals, grab your waterproofs and fill up your hot water bottle: an unforgettable Scottish adventure awaits you this winter!
Happy travels!
Useful Links
- CalMac Ferries – book ahead for inter-island travel.
- North Coast 500 – the official website.
- Traffic Scotland – for route warnings and changes.
- Met Office – check the weather!
- walkhighlands – for well-reviewed, detailed hiking trails.
- Highlands 2 Hammocks (that’s us!) – check out our online shop, other blogs and brand-new campervan rental service!
