Scotland is very well known for its brilliant wild camping spots, as well the fact that it is legal to do so. Although this brings an incredible amount of freedom, there is an etiquette that you should really follow when doing so. We have outlined all of this for you in our complete guide to wild camping, which also lists all of the essentials you will need for your next trip.
Throughout our North Coast 500 road trip, we camped wild as much as we could. This saved us an incredible amount of money, which was better spent on more important things (aka beer). This blog is for you guys, highlighting our wild camping NC500 spots around the northern coast of Scotland!
For those who are not such a huge fan of the wild side of Scotland, we will also list the best NC500 campsites for motorhomes, caravans and tents in this article. We love seeing all of your adventures and can’t wait to see what beauty you discover in the north of Scotland. Tage us in your Instagram stories and pictures and we will share them with the rest of our community!
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Wild Camping North Coast 500
The 10 Best Places to Wild Camp
Below is a list of all of the best spots for wild camping the North Coast 500. All of these will be discussed in greater detail later in this article, including how to get to them and pictures of the sites.
Table of Contents
Why Wild Camp on the North Coast 500?
Although there are plenty of NC500 campsites to choose from, as budget backpackers wild camping was our top choice. This is the accommodation that we would recommend, especially if you are on the go and love a bit of adventure. Out of the countless reasons why wild camping in Scotland is the best choice, here are just a couple –
- It doesn’t cost you a penny;
- You can choose the perfect spot that you want, and not be told where to go;
- You can constantly move on without worrying about arriving at a campsite on time to check-in. There is absolutely no hurry, just pull up when you see a spot.
If you prefer the more comfortable style of camping, with showers, toilets and an onsite restaurant, read our complete guide to all of the best campsites on the NC500.
Wild Camping Essentials
Before you go on your own wild camping adventure, make sure you have these wild camping essential items to make your experience much more enjoyable.
Wild Camping Good Practice
When you are looking for a spot to pitch up for the night, you cannot just choose anywhere you wish. Some people might not take too kindly to waking up to discover you pitched up in their back garden.
The rules we follow are as follows:
- Ensure you’re out of sight of any residences, or at least 200m away from them.
- Choose a spot that isn’t going to have people walking past your tent regularly.
- Don’t pitch up right beside a campsite, this is seen as quite rude. If you find an ideal spot, head around the corner out of sight of the campsite and you will be fine.
- When you leave the camping spot as you found it. There should be no evidence that you were there, apart from footprints and good memories!
- Arrive after dark and leave before light. Do not overstay in one spot, or if you wish to use the same site make sure you leave and return to prevent the beauty of the highlands being ruined.
Around the NC500 you will see many campervans pulled over in various locations. This is proving to be quite a problem along the North Coast 500, as popularity increases. Our last piece of advice is the most important to ensure everyone can continue to enjoy the beauty of the highlands: Don’t overstay your welcome. If you find a spot and there is someone else there, move onto another location and leave this one for the night.
Read more about the best guidelines and practices for wild camping before your trip and get wild camping savvy.
How to Get Around the NC500
Due to the remote location of the NC500, the only way to get around is to drive. Renting a vehicle is, therefore, the most popular way of touring this epic road trip for overseas visitors. It is up to you whether you wish to rent a car and pack a tent for this trip to the highlands, or whether you wish to rent a campervan for a more comfortable trip.
If you are looking to rent a cosy, reliable and luxurious campervan for your trip, why not check out Motorhome Republic
Rent Your Motorhome Here
Best Wild Camping Spots on the North Coast 500
Dornoch – Dornoch Beach Wild Camping
A 5-minute drive from the small town of Dornoch lies the beautiful white sand beach of Dornoch Beach. Bustling with children and families on a warm day, it was almost eerie pitching up here at night with only the sound of the crashing waves to keep us company. This spot was pretty perfect though as it had a sheltered area that we used for cooking up our fantastic campsite meals.
Due to how remote the area is around Dornoch, Dornoch Beach wild camping spots are relatively easy to find. This is obviously so long as you follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, such as the “leave no trace” rule, and respect the beauty of the area so that other campers can continue to enjoy this incredible place. Due to how quiet this spot is, Dornoch beach is one of the best campsites in Scotland near the beach.
Best Campsite in Dornoch
If camping isn’t your deal or the weather turns on you for the night, then there are plenty of last-minute accommodation choices available around Dornoch town. Check out all of the best choices for your stay in Dornoch right here.
Our top recommendation is the Dornoch Caravan and Camping, which is located right in the centre of Dornoch.
John O’Groats – Duncansby Lighthouse
For wild camping overlooking Sandy Bay, John O’Groats, the best spot sits right on the edge of the world. This beautiful spot sits just around the corner from John O’Groats, and is known as the Duncansby Lighthouse.
This was a stunning place for a view of the sea and a perfect sunset. Just watch out for the sheep poo! In the morning, get up early and walk over the hill behind this view to watch the sunrise over the magnificent Duncansby Stacks. A sight you will not forget!
This was a popular overnight stop for wild motorhome camping spots on the NC500 and we were the only tent here.
NOTE – It has recently been brought to our attention that this spot is within a fenced area and is therefore not acceptable for wild camping. Alternative wild camping spots can be found to the south at Keiss.
Best Campsite in John O’Groats
Check out some of the best views in Scotland, all from the comfort of your hotel room at John O’Groats. If you do not fancy a night in a tent, then check out some of the more plush accommodation options on the North Coast 500 right here.
Our top recommendation is the John O’Groats Caravan and Camping Site, situated right on the northern tip of John O’Groats.
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.
Thurso – Strathy Point Lighthouse
Hidden away from the main road near Thurso is the road leading to the Strathy Point lighthouse. There were a few campervans parked up just before the car park, showing us its a perfect spot to pitch up. We pulled over onto a flat bit of grass just before that and spent the night. Another stunning sea view along with a beautiful walk to the lighthouse in the morning.
Once again, early mornings here pay off with stunning sunrise views over the sea. We walked to beside the lighthouse and started the day off with some morning, cliffside yoga.
Best Campsite at Strathy Point Lighthouse
There are no campsites near to this exact location, however, on the main road before you turn north to Strathy Point Lighthouse, you have the Strathy Inn. This cosy B&B is not the grandest accommodation in the world, however, it is the perfect place to rest your head for the night.
If you are looking for a caravan and camping site, further East of the Strathy Inn is the Hallandale Inn, which hosts its own touring park. This is perfect for motorhomes, caravans, tents, and even glampers, as it has its own glamping pods available to rent. Book your stay in advance to avoid disappointment.
Durness Wild Camping Spots –
Ceannabeinne Beach / Village Trail
Motorhome Friendly – NO
When we were choosing an area around here we wanted one that wasn’t too far a walk from the car as it had started raining, and also a spot with mobile reception. We pitched up late enough at night that there didn’t appear to be anyone coming to do the village trail. We also made sure that we were away early enough in the morning before any visitors came.
This also made for a beautiful morning walk, learning all about the struggles of the Ceannabeine villagers during the Highlands Clearances, and the fascinating history of the area.
If you are in the mood for another one of the best campsites on the NC500 near a beach and don’t mind the lack of mobile reception, the Ceannabeine Beach is perfect for you! This is slightly further away from Durness, however, it is a popular camping spot so you will not be alone.
Best Campsite in Durness
If you are looking for a Durness campsite, there is the Sango Sands Oasis Campsite just outside the town centre. However, if you fancy the wild side to life, there are lots of beautiful spots around this area for wild camping Durness.
If you are looking for a good bag for your time exploring the NC500, we can highly recommend the Wandrd Bag PRVKE 41L, especially if you are carrying camera equipment around to capture the beautiful landscapes. If you are looking for a smaller backpack, The Nest by Tropicfeel is one of the most comfortable bags I have ever owned.
Loch Laxford Wild Camping Spot
As you drive south on the road past the corner of Loch Laxford, you will see a small hut on the righthand side. Beside this hut is a generous area for parking up with plenty of space for motorhomes and tents alike. The hut is still in use, however, so it is essential that if you choose to park here, you do so respectfully.
The best way to use this camping spot is to arrive late at night and leave early in the morning, therefore minimising the disturbance of the locals who use this area regularly. As always, we as that you act responsibly and leave no trace in the area you camp in.
Scourie Campsite
By night five, we were due a shower and clothes wash. We decided to pitch up at a Scourie Caravan and Camping campsite and settled in for the night. This also allowed us to plug into electrics and charge up our many devices. It also meant we could enjoy a pint at the onsite pub and relax on an actual sofa for the night, out of our tent.
This campsite is right on the seaside, with stunning views of the nearby beach and harbour. It will cost you a very reasonable £23 for 2 people, one car and an electrical hook-up. The laundry facilities are £2 for the washing machine and £1 for 30 minutes in the drier.
If you fancy a break from the tent and need something more solid over your head then check out the hotel options in the nearby area right here. These will provide the perfect R&R from the wild camping life to refresh your sense of adventure and set you up for the rest of your trip.
Ullapool Wild Camping Spot
When it comes to wild camping near Ullapool, it was a bit harder to find a flat spot to wild camp on that was far enough from the town. If you are entering from the north there is a flat spot up a hill where we managed to heave our car up to camp away from the road. This spot is right beside the main road so it can be quite noisy during the night, however, it is very hidden so you won’t be bothered.
The sunset over Ullapool Harbour is definitely one of our North Coast 500 highlights. The pinks and blues dancing across the surrounding mountains, coupled with the stillness of the water make for a magical evening. Then, after that, head to the local pub for some casual live music with the locals.
Best Campsite in Ullapool
If you want to enjoy the small-town nightlife without having to drive back to your tent, have a look at the hotels in the area and bunk down on the harbourside. As for campsites, Broomfield Holiday Park sits right in the centre of town, the perfect spot to pitch up and head to the local pub.
Poolewe Wild Camping Spot
This was definitely one of my favourite spots on the trip. About 4 miles north of Poolewe we managed to pull in down an old, dead-end dirt track and find a flat bit to pitch our tent with another spectacular sea view. This is definitely the best camping spot we have ever experienced, and the best part? It was completely free!
As it is further back from the road, you shouldn’t be bothered by the traffic too much, leaving you to enjoy the serenity of the Scottish highlands all around you. This spot is in high demand, however, as we had about 3 people coming looking after us. Try and get there before 5pm to bag the spot before anyone else.
Find the exact coordinates to this incredible wild camping spot in our complete NC500 infographic guide. Including a full summary of the route, the top sights to see, where to shop, top tips to make your trip as smooth as possible, and so much more, this guide is a must have before you set off on your trip.
Read more about this North Coast 500 downloadable e-book here.
Best Campsite in Poolewe
If you are stuck for the night with a spot to pitch up, then have a look at the local accommodation and treat yourself to a roof over your head for the night. As for campsites, the Inverewe Gardens Camping and Caravanning Club Site is within walking distance of the town centre.
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.
Applecross Wild Camping Spots
Motorhome Friendly – NO
For one of the most stunning drives in Scotland, a trip through to Applecross is a definite on your NC500 itinerary. The Bealach Na Bah pass is a winding, hair-raising, jaw-dropping experience that must be seen in person to be believed. The camping spots around this area are also amongst the best campsites on the west coast of Scotland, so don’t miss out!
Although there are not many Applecross campsites, there are loads of wild camping spots on the outskirts of the town. We saw plenty tents pitched along the beach that looked set up to be spending at least a few days there, so it is a very casual affair. There are utilities such as toilets and water taps in the town centre, just a quick walk away, so these spots really are ideal.
We pitched up on the other side of the town, within walking distance to the pub! Yet again, another great sea view.
Best Campsite in Applecross
Sitting right in the centre of Applecross is the Applecross Campsite. This site has room for about 60 tents, allows for campervans and caravans and even has glamping huts available to rent. The site overlooks the bay and is a beautifully peaceful spot to finish your NC500 adventure.
Planning Your Trip
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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.
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.
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.
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. It rains in Scotland on average 250 days a year, meaning that during your 5-day Heart 200 road trip 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).
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.
It is also important to stay hydrated, especially when you are out exploring in the marvellous landscape of Scotland. We use Water to Go water bottles to fill up with water from running streams when we are hiking.
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 10 Best Places to Wild Camp. 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 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:
- North Coast 500 Highlights – 19 Best Sights Along the NC500
- 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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Both Ceannabeinne and the clearance village are in fact private land where wild camping is not aloud. Ceannabeinne in particular has been a hot spot where the land has seen so much activity that it the smell of piss and the volume of poo above the carpark has become a health hazard. Rangers now patrol these areas and ask campers to move on. These open areas are unfenced crofting lands. Please just use the campsite when visiting Durness.
Hi Neil thanks for reading the post and checking in. Unfortunately, that is not factually correct as these areas fall under the category of locations that allow access rights, which under the Outdoor Access Code, allows for camping to be done here. What you are stating is also simply not true, ew have spent a lot of time in this part of the country and have never witnessed it in the situation that you above describe. Rangers are also not in the business of “moving people on” as they have no legal right to do so and it is also not in their interest. They are instead (like ourselves) with the correct mentality that education is the best tool to prevent future issues. By burying your head in the sand, making up false stories and “laws” and not opening a discussion as to why people do this and how it can be done responsibly, the issue will never go away.