As you venture into the mountainous region of northern Scotland, the landscape starts to resemble that of a fantasy novel. The hills begin to tower overhead and castles sit high above the still waters of lochs, waiting for the return of their lords or the hero to slay their resident dragons.
It is easy to see where the tales and fables of giants, witches and monsters came from as you drive along the winding road through humbling glens. This is the land where fantasy meets fact, and it is one of the most breathtaking places we have ever visited.
The North Coast 500 is one of the most popular road trips in the UK, with thousands of visitors flocking from both abroad and elsewhere on the island to see its famous beauty. With so many stunning sunsets, breathtaking mountains, golden beaches and turquoise shores to see, it isn’t difficult to see why.
By far, the most popular way of touring the NC500 is by car or campervan, with campsites being the choice of accommodation. There are so many beautiful campsites in Scotland near beaches this it is little surprise. With so much popularity and demand, there is no shortage of North Coast 500 campsites for you to choose from, however, which ones are the best for you in 2022?
This guide is here to help you plan your NC500 adventure and decide what campsites to stay at during your epic road trip.
If wild camping is more your thing, with the amazing freedom and money-saving privileges it delivers, then read our full guide to the best wild camping spots on the NC500. Please ensure that while doing so, you follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code and respect the beauty of the nature around you.
Get planning your ultimate Scotland Road Trip with our 7-day North Coast 500 itinerary
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Table of Contents
NC500 Campsites – Best Campsites along the Scotland 500 Route in 2024
If you are planning to use campsites on your way around the NC500, we recommend investing in a Camping and Caravanning club membership. A great number of the best caravan sites around the NC500 (and the rest of the UK) are part of the CCC scheme, which provides members discounted prices and access to member exclusive sites.
Memberships can be purchased from as little as £48 for a year’s membership on their website.
Planning Your Trip
We use the below booking platforms to plan our trips. We hope you find them useful too!
Don’t have your own motorhome but still want to tour the NC500 in one?
RENT YOUR MOTORHOME HERE
NC500 Motorhome and Campervan Scheme
The NC500 Motorhome Scheme, officially known as the Highland Campervan and Motorhome Scheme, was launched by the Highland Council on July 1, 2024. This innovative initiative is designed to address the growing number of motorhomes and campervans traveling along the popular North Coast 500 (NC500) route, ensuring that their impact on the local environment and communities is managed sustainably.
The scheme offers a voluntary seven-day pass costing £40, inclusive of VAT. This pass grants motorhome and campervan users access to 12 designated overnight parking locations along the NC500 route, including scenic spots like Torvean Car Park in Inverness, Nairn Harbour, Dunnet Head Car Park, and Ullapool Latheron Car Park.
These parking spots are available on a first-come, first-served basis from 10 PM to 8 AM, with a 72-hour no-return policy at each location. This ensures that the facilities are used responsibly and that a larger number of travellers can benefit from them.
Overall, the NC500 Motorhome Scheme provides a structured and sustainable approach to motorhome travel in one of Scotland’s most scenic and popular areas. We think this is a great idea and encourage everyone to take advantage of it if you are looking to explore this road trip soon.
Read all about this new scheme in our complete guide to the NC500 Motorhome Scheme here.
For more information or to purchase a membership, travellers can visit the Highland Council’s official website.
North Coast 500 Campsites
Inverness and Easter Ross (East Coast)
As you begin your NC500 road trip in the northern capital of Inverness, there are a few options for campsites both next to the city itself and further north into the road trip. We recommend spending a day in Inverness and the surrounding area as there is so much history to learn about this fascinating part of Scotland.
Inverness Campsites
Ardtower Caravan Park
Situated in close proximity to the infamous battlefield of Culloden, this campsite offers uninterrupted views of the Black Isle and even offers free wifi. The luxurious toilet blocks offer modern bathing facilities and even feature underfloor heating (fancy!). Prices for one night here with a power supply range from £36-41 for a campervan (two people) or £16 for a tent.
Areas of interest nearby the campsite include dolphin watching at the Cromarty Firth, monster hunting at Loch Ness and history lessons at the Culloden Battlefield.
Book your stay at Ardtower Caravan Park here.
Torvean Caravan Park
A quiet caravan park on the Caledonian Canal in the perfect location exploring the city of Inverness. There are 53 pitches available for caravans and motorhomes as well as 11 lodges that can be rented. Tent pitching is not available at this caravan park. Torvean Caravan Park is open between March and October and prices range from £34-36 a night for a fully serviced pitch including electricity, wifi and water.
Food is available onsite from Black BX Food serving delicious take-away food and drinks from 9am – 8pm, Wednesday to Sunday.
Book your stay at Torvean Caravan Park here.
Bught Park Caravan and Campsite
This campsite is within walking distance into the city of Inverness and sits directly across from Ness Island. It is open from Easter till mid-September to tents, caravans and motorhomes. Bught Park is dog friendly to those travelling in a caravan or motorhome however there is a £2 additional charge per night. All the facilities you need are available onsite including a small on-site shop.
Book your stay at Bught Park Caravan and Campsite here.
Inverness Glamping
Start your trip off in style at the Inverness Glamping grounds, with comfortable wooden glamping pods and a private decking area with fire pit. Inside each pod, there is a shower and bathroom, and outside of this private space, there is a communal “bothy” kitchen area to cook your romantic dinners.
Book your stay at Inverness Glamping here.
Bunchrew Caravan Park
As well as the traditional touring sites, the Bunchrew Caravan Park also features 12 fully- equipped static caravans and 2 eco-friendly chalets. Spend your first days of the NC500 in comfort before you set off to explore the beautiful and rugged Scottish highlands.
Touring sites at Bunchrew Caravan Park range in price from £24-35 for caravans and motorhomes, or from £13.50-25 for tents.
Dingwall Campsites
Dingwall Camping and Caravanning Club Site
A pretty campsite on the outskirts of the Dingwall town centre, this site offers a comfortable and affordable place to stay to kick off your NC500 journey. Overlooking the Cromarty Firth, the site is a peaceful and well-equipped camping ground, with free wifi, shower and toilet facilities and easy access to the northern capital of Inverness with the nearby train station.
Book your stay at the Dingwall Camping and Caravanning Club Site here.
Riverside Chalet and Caravan Park
In the heart of the quaint, highland village of Contin is the beautiful campsite known as the Riverside Chalet and Caravan Park. This peaceful campsite sits on the banks of the River Blackwater and is locally famous for the resident Heron that fishes here.
The tranquillity of the surrounding countryside in this part of the NC500 is far removed from the rush of the main road leading north. It is the perfect place to stay if you prefer a more off-the-beaten-track place to camp on your North Coast 500 road trip.
Choose between onsite chalets, glamping tents of touring sites as your method of accommodation on the Riverside Chalet and Caravan Park, and spend the evenings watching the sunset over the river. Prices start from £70 per night for the chalets and from £20-28 for two persons in a tent or campervan.
Book your stay at the Riverside Chalet and Caravan Park here.
Black Rock Caravan Park
Just 15-miles north of the city of Inverness is the Black Rock campsite, named after the huge Black Rock gorge in the River Glass. The park offers static and touring caravan pitches, as well as a bunkhouse for those who prefer four solid walls for the night. There are free shower and bathroom facilities and power supplies for caravans and campervans.
Prices here range from £40-120 for the glamping pods for 2 people and the bunkhouse costs £17 per person per night. For touring caravan and campervan costs, contact the Black Rock Caravan Park and enquire the seasonal rate directly from them.
Black Isle Campsites
Portmahomack Caravan Park
A small caravan park with fantastic views across the Dornoch Firth. There are no defined pitches on this site and tents are welcome if there is space. There are facilities on site, the showers costing a small fee per use. The cost is £17 without EHU or £20 with EHU per night and no arrival or departure is available on a Sunday.
Book your stay at Portmahomack Caravan Park here.
Fortrose Bay Campsite
Fortrose Bay Campsite is a seasonal site with spectacular views and 50 pitches. It has all the service points that you need and well behaved dogs are welcome. This campsite is open between April and September and prices differ depending on what season you visit. You can expect to pay around £28 per night for a pitch with hook up.
Book your stay at Fortrose Bay Campsite here.
Rosemarkie Camping and Caravanning Club Site
This site is part of the Camping and Caravan Club and has incredible beachfront views. It has all the amenities you need and dogs are also welcome. You can expect to pay around £34 per night here.
Book your stay at Rosemarkie Camping and Caravanning Club Site here.
Riverside Chalet and Caravan Park
In the heart of the quaint, highland village of Contin is the beautiful campsite known as the Riverside Chalet and Caravan Park. This peaceful campsite sits on the banks of the River Blackwater and is locally famous for the resident Heron that fishes here.
The tranquillity of the surrounding countryside in this part of the NC500 is far removed from the rush of the main road leading north. It is the perfect place to stay if you prefer a more off-the-beaten-track place to camp on your North Coast 500 road trip.
Choose between onsite chalets, glamping tents of touring sites as your method of accommodation on the Riverside Chalet and Caravan Park, and spend the evenings watching the sunset over the river. Prices start from £70 for the chalets and from £20-28 for two persons in a tent or campervan.
Book your stay at the Riverside Chalet and Caravan Park here.
Black Rock Caravan Park
Just 15-miles north of the city of Inverness is the Black Rock campsite, named after the huge Black Rock gorge in the River Glass. The park offers static and touring caravan pitches, as well as a bunkhouse for those who prefer four solid walls for the night. There are free shower and bathroom facilities and power supplies for caravans and campervans.
Prices here range from £40-120 for the glamping pods for 2 people and the bunkhouse costs £17 per person per night. For touring caravan and campervan costs, contact the Black Rock Caravan Park and enquire the seasonal rate directly from them.
Dornoch Campsites
Dornoch Firth Caravan Park
Continuing north from Inverness, overlooking the peaceful banks of the Dornoch Firth is the Dornoch Firth Caravan Park. Nearby the quaint Scottish towns of Tain and Dornoch, the Dornoch Firth Caravan Park is the perfect place for day trips. It is also the perfect place to stock up before you continue north to the remote highlands, with large shops such as Tesco and Aldi nearby.
The campsite offers touring sites, its £30 per night for caravan and motorhomes, and £16.50-27.50 for a tent and a vehicle.
Book your stay at the Dornoch Firth Caravan Park here.
Dornoch Caravan and Camping Park
Closer to the town of Dornoch is the Dornoch Caravan and Camping Park, which sits right on the shores of the awards winning beaches of Dornoch. This is the perfect caravan site if you wish to explore the small town of Dornoch, visit the local cathedral or sample the “world’s best hot chocolate” at the Cocao Mountain cafe.
Touring pitches for caravans, motorhomes and tents are available here, with prices ranging from £17.50 for single persons without EHU to £29.50 for up to 4 people with EHU.
Book your stay at the Dornoch Caravan and Camping Park here.
If you would prefer a more isolated night in Dornoch, you are sure to find a space on the beach that you can wild camp on. This may require you to park your car and walk down to the beach before you pitch up your tent, however, the beach views are absolutely worth it.
Read more about the wild camping spots on the NC500 in our full guide.
Grannie’s Heilan’ Hame Holiday Park
Further north of Dornoch, en-route to the beautiful Dunrobin Castle (one of the grandest castles on the NC500), is Grannie’s Heilan Hame Holiday Park. Don’t worry about the correct pronunciation, all you need to know is that at this caravan park there are activities for the whole family.
From the indoor pool and sandy adventure playground for the kids to the spa and sauna facilities for the adults, Grannie’s Heilan Hame Holiday Park has everything you need. Accommodation includes static caravans from £100/night and touring pitches for tents, caravans and motorhomes.
Book your stay at Grannie’s Heilan’ Hame Holiday Park here.
Brora Campsites
There are currently four Pods on site at the Brora NC500 pods. One luxury Honeymoon Pod and three regular pods (that still feel luxurious, just a different layout). A small sauna is also available to use onsite with a glass window and fantastic view towards the coast.
If the weather is nice, a BBQ in the communal area is the perfect place to and relax in the serenity of your surroundings. Each pod also has a large bean bag outside for your comfort when watching the sunrise from outside your deck. An excellent place to stay in Brora.
Brora Caravan Club Site
North of the small town of Brora, the Brora Caravan Club Site sits on a peaceful stretch of land, adjacent to the famous local beach. Whether you choose to use this beach for swimming, sailing or any other water sports, or simply want to relax and watch the local wildlife pass you by, this is a very tranquil site to do it on.
The Brora Club Site offers touring pitches for caravans and motorhomes, as well as non-electric pitches for tents. Prices start from £15.40 for one adult.
DON’T FORGET
Your trip to Scotland will be a lot more comfortable with a midge net and midge spray. These little biting bugs can be enough to ruin a trip if you don’t have the equipment to protect yourself from them. A repelling candle can also be helpful if you are sitting oustide.
North Coast 500 Campsites
Caithness (North East Coast)
Continuing north into the remote highlands of Scotland, we begin to see more of the isolated and beautiful sights that the northeast has to offer. On this side of Scotland, the main highlights are the cliffs along the coast and the ancient castles that once ruled these lands. Here are the best campsites in northeast Scotland that you should check out.
Wick Campsites
Wick Caravan and Camping Site
This family-run campsite sits right on the banks of the River Wick and is just a 5-minute walk into the town centre of Wick itself. Despite its close proximity, the site is a tranquil and beautiful location, perfect for a relaxing camping trip in the north of Scotland. Prices range from £12-29 for tents and motorhomes/caravans with the option of EHU or not.
Nearby activities include the town of Wick, a local golf course, the 3-miles of beautiful beaches along Wick Bay, as well as distilleries, castles and cultural centres.
Read all of the local activities and book your stay at the Wick Caravan and Campsite Site here.
John O’Groats Campsites
John O’Groats Caravan and Camping Site
As we approach the most northern area of mainland UK, we reach the beautiful campsite of the John O’Groats Caravan and Camping Site. This famous town sits as a bucket list destination to many travellers, some of whom have it in their sights as the finishing line for the 874-mile journey from Lands End in the south of Cornwall.
The campsite sits adjacent to the “last house in Scotland”, directly on the banks of the Pentland Firth. From here, you can relax with stunning views of the northern horizon, decorated with the Isle of Stroma and the distant outlines of the Orkney Islands. Also, with a clear sky and the right conditions, this is also the best place in the UK to view the beautiful phenomenon of the Northern Lights.
Powered pitches on this campsite cost roughly £29 and can be booked on their website.
Book your stay at the John O’Groats Caravan and Camping Site here.
Dunnet Bay Caravan and Motorhome Club Site
Continuing along the isolated north coast of Scotland, you will eventually reach the small town of Thurso. Just outside of this quaint town, sitting right on the edge of Dunnet Bay is the Dunnet Bay Caravan and Motorhome Club Site. This site is perfectly located for checking out the local wildlife, climbing Dunnet Head to admire the view and taking a boat to the Duncansby Stacks to see the local bird populations.
Prices on this site start from £20.50 for one adult for tents and £24.50 motorhomes/caravans.
Book your stay at the Dunnet Bay Caravan and Motorhome Club Site here.
For a cheap night camping in the Northwest corner of the mainland, head to the Duncansby Lighthouse and spend the night under the stars here for free. We wild camped here in our tent and were joined by a number of other vanlifers.
Read about all the best wild camping spots on the NC500 in our full guide.
North Coast 500 Campsites
Sutherland and Assynt (North West Coast)
If you are driving anti-clockwise around the NC500, then this is where the route begins to get interesting. Don’t get me wrong, the northeast of Scotland is stunning, however, it pails in comparison to the rugged terrain, twisting, narrow roads and towering mountains of the west coast.
We highly recommend that as you reach this side of the country, start to slow your trip down a little and spend more time exploring the national parks, hidden coves and beaches, and the ancient castles that lie hidden around this part of the NC500.
Durness Campsites
Sango Sands
The award-winning Sango Sands Oasis sits high above the spectacular, golden Sango Sands beach, one of the most popular north-west Scotland campsites. With an onsite bar and restaurant, stocked full of all the best Scotch Whisky, this cosy campsite is ideal for your stay in the north-west of Scotland.
Nearby sights and attractions include the ancient and fascinating Smoo Cave, Faraid Head, Cape Wrath and Loch Eriboll. From the vantage point of the campsite, it is also not uncommon to see the odd whale, seal and even bottlenose dolphin cruising past the bay.
Prices on Sango Sands are £12.00 per adult plus additional costs for children and electricity.
Scourie Campsites
Continuing south along the west coast of Scotland, you will eventually reach the peaceful spot of Scourie Caravan and Camping campsite. This campsite sits on the edge of Scourie Bay, with spectacular views towards Handa Island and beyond. This bay is extremely popular with sea kayakers as it is the ideal location to for camping north-west Scotland and to set off out to the open ocean.
The campsite will cost you a very reasonable £23 for 2 people and one vehicle. You can add electrical hook-up for £7. The laundry facilities are £2 for the washing machine and £1 for 30 minutes in the drier.
Destination North Coast Map
If you are planning an adventure to the North Coast of Scotland, make sure you have all the resources you need to make the most of your trip. Our Destination North Coast Map is the perfect addition to any traveller’s toolkit. With detailed information on all the best spots, along the NC500, this map is your ultimate guide to exploring the rugged beauty of Scotland’s north coast.
Lochinver Campsites
Clachtoll Beach
Located roughly 5-miles north of the busy fishing village of Lochinver is the family-run campsite know as Clachtoll Beach. Renowned for its stunning coastal views and beautiful mountain scenery, the Clachtoll Beach campground offers a selection of serviced and unserviced camping spots.
The campsite also has free showers, toilets and washing up facilities, including even hairdryers and curling tongs for the ladies. Clachtoll Beach is constantly striving to be an eco-friendly camping ground, with environmentally friendly washing powders and soaps used onsite. They also encourage campers to use eco-friendly chemicals in waste tanks when disposing of onsite as well.
Pitches on the Clachtoll Beach start from £26 for 2 adults on an unserviced pitch.
North Coast 500 Campsites
Wester Ross (West Coast)
Nearing the end of our North Coast 500 adventure, the final region is the mountainous lands of Wester Ross. If you are driving anti-clockwise then you are truly saving the best for last as this region is an absolute treat. Wester Ross is home to our favourite sights on the NC500, from the wild camping spots near Ullapool to the winding, single-track roads of the Bealach na Ba.
Get ready for some serious beauty!
Ullapool Campsites
Broomfield Holiday Park
The only campsite in the town of Ullapool, Broomfield Campsite is perfectly located for those wanting to spend the night in the buzzing town centre. With loads of bars, restaurants and shops to explore and try along the seafront of Ullapool, we highly recommend this campsite for during your visit to the port town.
As the sun sets over the nearby mountains, the local pubs come to life with live music, great atmosphere and fantastic company of locals and tourists alike.
Prices at the Broomfield Holiday Park start from £23 for 2 adults in a tent or £25 in a caravan or motorhome, without EHU.
Book your stay at the Broomfield Holiday park here.
Badrallach Campsite, Bothy and Holiday Cottage
Sitting on the banks of the bonnie Loch Broom, the Barallach Campsite offers space for camping, a stone bunkhouse for backpackers and even a holiday cottage for a more luxurious trip. The campsite itself has 12 spaces for both vehicles and tents, with prices ranging from £7 per adult, £3 per car and £3 per caravan/campervan/tent.
It is possible to either share the bothy as a communal space for £10 per adult or alternatively you can rent the entire building with your friends for £100/night. The cottage is available all year round, with prices ranging from £55-65/night, with a 3 night minimum.
Poolewe Campsites
Inverewe Gardens Poolewe Camping and Caravanning Club Site
Sitting in the peaceful glen of Loch Ewe, you will find the unique Inverewe Gardens Campsite. Named after the tropical gardens that were opened in the mid-19th-century, the Inverewe Gardens campground is just walking distance from this botanist paradise.
Aside from the gardens, other sights in this peaceful part of the world include the small village of Poolewe, which has a small shop, tearoom and hotel, is the Rubha nan Sasan, an artillery stronghold that defended the mouth of Loch Ewe during WWII.
Prices at the Inverewe Club site start from £8.55/night for tents, motorhomes and caravans, with and without electricity.
Book your stay at the Inverewe Gardens Caravan and Camping Club site here.
Sands Caravan and Camping Park
Looking out towards the Isle of Skye and the Outer Hebrides, the Sands Camping and Caravan Park is a beautiful place to camp. The location of this campsite is ideal for those who prefer a coastal view, with easy access to the town of Poolewe and the breathtaking mountains of Wester Ross.
Accommodation options here include touring pitches for caravans, campervans and tents, static wigwam cabins for those wanting something a little different, and luxurious cottage available for rental. Prices for these start from £26 for two adults (depending on the season) for camping or £130 for the camping pods for two people.
Book your stay at the Sands Caravan and Camping Park here.
Kinlochewe Campsites
Kinlochewe Caravan Club Site
Hidden away on the towering slopes of Beinn Eighe, the peaceful setting of the Kinlochewe Caravan Clube Site makes it a very popular choice of accommodation in the Bein Eighe National Nature Reserve. With beautiful lochs, rugged mountains and an abundance of local wildlife, this campsite are far removed from the hustle of the main NC500 route.
Residents of the campsite have access to the onsite BBQ area, the shower, toilet and dishwashing facilities and the amenities of the local town, which is just a short walk away. Here you will find a shop, cafe, hotel and petrol station.
Prices on the Kinlochewe Caravan Site start from £17 for one adult in a tent, and £19.70 for one adult in a caravan/motorhome.
Applecross Campsites
Applecross Campsite
Our final campsite on the North Coast 500 route lies in one of our favourite parts of the country, the small village of Applecross. Far removed from the rest of the UK, this tiny village has only two entrances, one along the northern coast of the peninsula and one that wide its way directly up the ridge of Beinn Bhan, also known as the Bealach an Ba. This drive is definitely one of the highlights of the NC500.
The white-knuckle drive of the Bealach an Ba pass (translated to Pass of the Cattle) takes you up the highest road in Britain, reaching 2053ft, before dropping back to sea-level. It is not a route that is recommended for unsure or beginner drivers and is absolutely not suitable for large motorhomes or caravans. If you are any of these, please take the longer (but still very scenic) route around the north of the peninsula.
Once you reach Applecross, the campsite sits on the road that winds its way down from the Bealach an Ba viewpoint. The campsite sits above the town of Applecross and delivers spectacular views of the distant Isle of Skye and its iconic Cullin Mountains.
Prices at the Applecross Campsite range from £10-12 for a tent and £13-15 for a campervan/caravan without EHU.
Where does the North Coast 500 start and finish?
The official starting point (and ending point) of the North Coast 500 circuit is at the beautiful city of Inverness. It is, of course, is entirely up to yourself where you wish to join the circle, so long as you make sure you see as much of it as possible. We recommend starting on the East coast and saving the incredible West coast for last.
Before You Leave for the North Coast 500
Before you head off on your trip around the NC500, there are certain things you will need to get organised to ensure a smooth trip. These include how to get around the route, including being aware of single track roads, etc., what to pack for Scotland, where to stay along the route and what travel insurance to book.
How Do I Get Around?
Given the remote location of the NC500 and the majority of the sights along the route, the best way to get around this road trip is by driving. There are of course other methods that are still popular, such as cycling and hiking, however, if you have a short amount of time on the route, neither of these are very suitable.
As for public transport, the use around the NC500 is understandably difficult due to how remote each location is, however, with the increasing problem of congestion along the route, this is a good option to research if you have time. If it is something that interests you, you can read a public formed itinerary of how to get around the NC500 by public transport over here.
If you are looking to rent a cosy, reliable and luxurious campervan for your trip along the NC500, we recommend hiring through Motorhome Republic.
Browse the full range of vehicles on offer at Motorhome Republic over here.
Where to Stay on the NC500
There is a wide range of accommodations around the NC500 route, so you will not be short on options. Depending on how long you are spending in each area will depend on how long you spend in that location. It is worth bearing in mind that some accommodations will require you to stay a minimum number of nights so it is worth researching this when you are planning your North Coast 500 itinerary.
Our new book North Coast 500 Where to Eat and Stay shares the best places to eat and stay around the NC500 and includes whether places are dog friendly, accessible, have wifi and EVC ad whether they cater to dietry requirements.
The remoteness in the highlands of Scotland will leave you with little choice of accommodation in each location along the NC500, however, there are still enough options to choose from to ensure a comfortable trip. These are mostly in the shape of B&Bs, Airbnbs, converted cottages and other quirky accommodations.
Depending on how adventurous you are, there may be more accommodation choices than just the above, often with an even better view. Caravan and camping sites are abundant along the NC500, drawing camping enthusiasts from all over the world. For some of the most spectacular bedside scenery along the North Coast 500, we recommend packing a tent and getting in touch with nature for the week.
We travelled along the North Coast 500, camped in our trusty Vango tent, on a mixture of campsites and wild sites. Wild camping is a fantastic way to enjoy the beauty of the highlands, however, it must be done respectfully. Read our full guide to Wild Camping if you wish to give it a go so you know everything you need to for a comfortable and sustainable trip.
What Should I Pack?
When it comes to packing for a trip to Scotland there is one item of clothing that you are going to need all year round: a waterproof jacket. It rains in Scotland on average 250 days a year, meaning that you will probably experience at least a drizzle of rain. Due to this, the number one item on any Scotland packing list is a good waterproof jacket (men’s / women’s).
It’s also a good idea to take comfortable, waterproof walking boots (men’s / women’s) for hiking the Scottish landscape.
As for the rest of the year, the temperature in Scotland and the central heartlands is reasonably mild for most of the year. During the winter months, you will most likely experience snow, however, temperatures usually sit around freezing, so it is not too cold. For your reference, the average temperatures in Scotland are listed below during each season.
Spring (March, April, May) – 5-10 degrees C
Summer (June, July, August) – 15 degrees C
Autumn (September, October, November) – 5-10 degrees C
Winter (December, January, February) – 0-5 degrees C
As you can see, the weather never really gets above the teens, with anything over 25 degrees C considered a heatwave. The best way to pack for your trip to the highlands is with layers that can be added and removed as you need them. You will definitely need a hat and gloves during the colder months and will most likely need sunscreen to protect you on the long days in the open.
We would also recommend taking our NC500 guidebooks with you on your journey. This will help you plan your itinerary and ensure that you don’t miss out on any of the best places to go on the NC500. Our Destination NC500 guidebook is well paired with NC500 Where to Eat and Stay and you can buy the combo here.
Given the beautiful sights and scenery that you are no doubt going to see around Scotland, we highly recommend packing a good camera for your trip. If you want to read more about the cameras we use and why we love them, check out the link below.
Photography Equipment
Main Photography Camera – Sony A7v Mirrorless Camera and Sony A7iii Mirrorless Camera
Microphone – Sony Mic ECM-B1M
Main Lens – Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8
Zoom Lens – Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8
Camera Tripod – ZOMEI Z669C Camera Tripod
Gorilla Pod – JOBY JB01507-BWW GorillaPod
Action Camera – GoPro Hero 11 and Insta 360 One RS
Drone Camera – DJI Mavic Pro 3
Camera Bag – Wandrd PRVKE 41L and The Nest by Tropicfeel
Phone Tripod – Manfrotto MKPIXICLAMP-BK, Mini Tripod with Universal Smartphone Clamp
Sturdy Phone Tripod & Selfie Stick – ATUMTEK 61″ Selfie Stick Tripod, Sturdy Phone Tripod Stand with Wireless Remote
Hard Drives – LaCie Rugged Mini, 5TB, 2.5″, Portable External Hard Drive
SSD – SanDisk Extreme Pro 1TB Portable NVMe SSD
Travel Adapter –Worldwide Travel Adapter Universal Travel Plug with 4 USB Ports+Universal AC Socke
What is the Best Travel Insurance for the North Coast 500
I know travel insurance is the least enjoyable thing to purchase and look at when you’re planning a trip, however, you wouldn’t want to be without it in the event that something happened. Accidents can happen anywhere and the extortionate medical bills will ruin your trip if you are not covered.
To ensure you have a stress-free trip with no worries about potential medical bills, make sure you cover yourself when you travel. We can recommend using SafetyWing, a backpacker-friendly and cheap insurance company that provides good coverage and support. It is also nomad-friendly, unlike most other insurance companies, meaning you do not need to worry about being out of your home country for too long.
Get a quote for your travel insurance right here and get covered!
FAQs on the NC500
Where can I Camp on the North Coast 500?
There is a huge selection of campsites spread along the length of the North Coast 500 road trip, all of which are perfect for anyone wanting a comfortable sleep with showers, toilets and power. However, if you fancy a trip a little more on the wild side, it is legal to wild camp in Scotland and there are a lot of wild camping spots along the NC500 route as well.
Is Wild Camping Allowed in Scotland?
It is generally legal to wild camp around Scotland, with the exception of some specific areas due to bye-laws. For example, it is not legal to camp on the western shores of Loch Lomond due to overuse and lack of respect. When you are wild camping in Scotland, the most important thing to remember is Leave No Trace.
Where Can I Wild Camp NC500?
The best spots to wild camp on the NC500 are those listed in greater detail in this article:
- Dornoch – Dornoch Beach
- John O’Groats – Duncansby Lighthouse
- Thurso – Strathy Point Lighthouse
- Durness – Ceannabeine Beach / Village Trail
- Scourie
- Ullapool
- Poolewe
- Applecross
How Long Does it Take to Drive the North Coast 500?
A very popular and important question when it comes to the Nc500 driving experience. The answer to this is a simple one; it can take however long you want it to. Some people race around it in one day, and some people slow travel it for over a month.
For us, 7 days was the answer, with no two nights spent in the same place, although plenty of time to see lots of sights. You can pitch up in a spot here and explore the surroundings for two of three days before moving on, or you can make some quick pit stops at each one and get going.
Is the North Coast 500 Suitable for Motorhomes and Caravans?
In short, yes it is. Touring the NC500 in a caravan or motorhome is a very popular choice, given the freedom that it brings. Given the additional size that these vehicles possess, I can only say that you should take extra care while driving the roads around this route, especially on the western coast.
There is one road, however, that is NOT suitable for larger vehicles and that is the Bealach na Ba pass towards Applecross.
So there you have it, your ultimate guide to the campsites of the North Coast 500. If you have been to Scotland recently, let us know how you found it in the comments below. What were your favourite sights? What did you think of the castles? Where was your favourite stop? Let us know in the comments below.
If you are planning a full trip to Scotland, make sure you check out the rest of our guides and Scotland content to ensure a stress-free adventure. We will gladly answer any questions you have with regards to your trip, so either DM us or send us an email.
Don’t forget that sharing is caring! Be sure to share this article with your family and friends to let them know all about your big plans. Maybe even inspire them to visit the NC500 castles themselves! Catch up with us on social media and see what we are currently up to. Tag us in your photos from your North Coast 500 adventure on Instagram so that we can share them with the rest of our community.
Read Now:
- Wild Camping North Coast 500 – The 10 Best Places to Wild Camp
- Castles of the North Coast 500 – The Best of Scotland’s History
- North Coast 500 Budget – How Much Does the NC500 Cost?
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