While wild camping in Europe is not always allowed, Scotland welcomes wild campers with open arms.
As long as you understand the rules and guidelines, and camp responsibly, then wild camping in Scotland is something everyone should try.
Why?
Because Scotland is beautiful and full of amazing opportunities for outdoor adventures. Add the fact that you can simply choose your favourite wilderness spot and set up camp there freely, and you’ll have the adventure of a lifetime.
Follow this guide for everything you need to know about wild camping in Scotland, including the best wild camping spots in the country.
Can You Go Wild Camping in Scotland?
Yes, you can go wild camping in Scotland! The Scottish Outdoor Access Code allows for responsible wild camping on most unenclosed land.
This means you can pitch your tent in remote areas, away from houses and roads, as long as you follow certain rules. Respect the environment, leave no trace of your visit, be responsible in the great outdoors, and only choose to camp in suitable areas.
By sticking to Scotland’s wild camping guidelines, you can enjoy the beautiful Scottish wilderness at its absolute best.
Wild Camping Scotland Rules and Best Practices
Wild camping in Scotland can only be allowed if everyone respects the environment and camps responsibly.
Before even thinking about pitching your tent in the Highlands, make sure you understand these guidelines for wild camping in Scotland.
Choose the Right Location
When wild camping in Scotland, choose unenclosed land away from houses and roads. Set up your tent in a discreet spot, away from paths and water sources.
Wild camping should only be done in the wild, and you should always try to camp as remotely as possible.
Equipment and Impact
Use lightweight camping equipment to minimize your impact on the environment. Be mindful of where you place your tent to avoid damaging plants or disturbing wildlife.
When you leave your wild camping site, it should be as though nobody was ever there. So, save the camping chairs, coolers, fold-up tables, and heavy tents for dedicated campsites. Wild camping should be a far more stealthy operation.
Keep it Small and Quick
Keep your group small and avoid staying in one place for more than a few nights. This helps minimize the impact on the area and allows others to enjoy the wilderness too.
The whole idea of wild camping in Scotland is that you can spend a night or two in nature while doing something like hiking, fishing, or paddling. You shouldn’t think of it as a free campsite for the whole family over a bank weekend.
Leave No Trace
Respect the environment by leaving no trace of your visit. This is essential.
Take all your rubbish with you and leave the area as you found it. This ensures that the natural beauty of Scotland remains unspoiled for future generations. After all, the whole point of wild camping is to enjoy and appreciate nature.
Consideration for Others
Be considerate of wildlife and other campers by keeping noise levels down. This helps to maintain a peaceful and enjoyable experience for everyone in the area.
Avoid camping too close to other people, and try to blend into the environment as much as you can.
Know the Access Code
Familiarize yourself with the Scottish Outdoor Access Code for more detailed guidance on responsible wild camping. Following these rules and best practices ensures a safe and enjoyable experience while preserving Scotland’s natural beauty.
A Note On Bothies
When researching wild camping, it’s also important to mention bothies in Scotland.
These are small and simple huts scattered across popular hiking areas in Scotland. They’re maintained by the Mountain Bothies Association.
If you come across a bothy, you’re welcome to spend the night in it. Some bothies include stocked kitchens, fireplaces, and comfortable sleeping areas. Others are simply structures built to keep away the cold.
You can’t reserve bothies, and will often have to share them with other hikers. As you should have guessed, you also need to leave no trace, clean up after yourself, and leave the bothy exactly as you found it.
If you’re hiking in Scotland in winter, then coming across a warm bothy to spend the night can be a real blessing.
Top Tips for Wild Camping in Scotland
We’ve covered what you need to know about wild camping in Scotland, but if you’re going to get away and spend a few nights in nature, you need to be fully prepared. Here are a few top tips to make your Scottish wild camping experience more fun.
Choose Stoves Over Open Fires
Whenever possible, opt for a stove rather than lighting an open fire. Stoves are safer and more environmentally friendly, reducing the risk of wildfires. They also leave less of an impact.
Plus, Scotland is a wet place, so if you want to light a campfire, you’ll probably have to lug your own firewood to your wild campsite.
Keep Fires Small and Controlled
If you do decide to light a fire, keep it small, controlled, and supervised at all times. This helps minimize the impact on the surrounding landscape and reduces the risk of accidents.
Avoid lighting fires during prolonged dry periods or in sensitive areas such as forests, woodlands, farmland, or on peaty ground. Always ensure the fire is properly extinguished before leaving the area.
And when you leave, there should be no trace of the fire ever having been there.
Choose the Right Land
You need to leave your campsite as you found it. An important part of this is choosing the right campsite.
Avoid digging or removing vegetation and boulders, and choose a flat, dry area to pitch your tent. If you need to do any kind of landscaping to get your tent set up, carry on until you find a camping site somewhere else.
If you really want to go minimal and make sure you don’t harm the environment in any way, consider camping with a bivvy bag.
Respect Local Residents and the Environment
If camping near houses, ask nearby residents for permission. Avoid sites that are at risk of overuse and move on to another location if you find a spot that is already busy.
Practice Good Toilet Hygiene
Use public toilets whenever possible and take care with toilet hygiene in the wild. Follow the principles of Leave No Trace to minimize your impact on the environment.
Seek Permission from Landowners
When in doubt, ask the landowner for advice or permission. They may be able to guide you to a better camping spot and ensure you’re respecting their property.
Consider Camping Parks
Yes, wild camping in Scotland is awesome. But, there are also plenty of amazing camping parks you could also try. Don’t just go wild camping for the sake of wild camping.
Explore the many camping parks across Scotland, which offer stunning locations while helping to preserve fragile ecosystems. By being considerate campers, we can ensure everyone enjoys Scotland’s natural beauty responsibly.
10 Best Wild Camping Spots in Scotland
Ready to pack your tent and head into the wilderness? While Scotland offers an abundance of amazing outdoor space for camping, here are some of our top choices for wild camping spots in Scotland.
1. Peanmeanach Beach, Ardnish
Nestled along the remote West Coast, Peanmeanach Beach in Ardnish offers a truly immersive experience in Scotland’s rugged beauty.
This uninhabited spot, steeped in history from the Highland Clearances, presents a unique opportunity for wild campers. Pitch your tent near the bothy and wake up to the soothing sound of waves crashing against the shore.
As you sip your morning coffee, take in the breathtaking views of Loch Doir a Gherrrain and Loch nan Uamh.
For the adventurous, a climb up the nearby hill unveils panoramic vistas that stretch for miles. It’s a perfect spot to reconnect with nature and soak in the tranquillity of Scotland’s wild landscapes.
2. Quiraing, Isle of Skye
Step into an enchanted world on the Isle of Skye’s iconic Quiraing.
Despite its reputation for bad weather, this otherworldly landscape never fails to captivate visitors. Setting up camp amidst the towering rock formations feels like stepping into the pages of a fantasy novel.
As the sun sets, casting hues of orange and pink across the sky, you’ll understand why this spot is beloved by photographers and adventurers alike. Take a leisurely stroll along the Quiraing circuit, soaking in the dramatic scenery at every turn. And when night falls, lie back and marvel at the countless stars illuminating the darkened sky above.
Top tip: you’ll also find some of the best hiking routes in the UK around here, so we advise you pack your hiking boots when visiting Skye.
3. Rackwick Bay, Orkney
For a true escape to the edge of the world, Rackwick Bay on Orkney’s second-largest island of Hoy offers an unparalleled wild camping experience.
Surrounded by rugged cliffs and the majestic sea stack known as the Old Man of Hoy, this remote bay feels like its own world. As you gaze out from your tent, the sight of the towering sea stack against the backdrop of the North Sea evokes a sense of awe and wonder.
Spend your days exploring the rugged coastline, perhaps spotting seals or seabirds along the way. And as night falls, listen to the sound of waves crashing against the shore as you drift off to sleep under a canopy of stars.
4. Gleann na Muice, Fisherfield
Venture into the heart of the Scottish wilderness with a wild camping trip to Gleann na Muice in Fisherfield.
This remote spot is perfect for Munro bagging enthusiasts, offering access to some of the most remote mountains in Scotland.
Set up camp amidst towering peaks and dramatic vistas, and prepare to embark on unforgettable adventures. From the summit, soak in panoramic views of the surrounding wilderness, with rugged landscapes stretching as far as the eye can see.
As night falls, gather around a crackling campfire and listen to the sounds of the wilderness echoing through the glen.
5. Kilmory Bay, Isle of Rum
Experience the magic of Scotland’s Inner Hebrides with a wild camping trip to Kilmory Bay on the Isle of Rum.
Surrounded by pristine beaches and a rugged coastline, this remote bay offers a true escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life.
Set up camp on the sandy shores and wake up to the sight of deer grazing in the distance. Spend your days exploring the island’s diverse landscapes, from windswept moors to rocky cliffs plunging into the sea.
And as evening falls, gather around a campfire with fellow travellers and swap stories beneath the starlit sky.
6. Bonaly Reservoir, near Edinburgh
Escape the city and reconnect with nature at Bonaly Reservoir, just a short trek from Scotland’s capital, Edinburgh.
This tranquil spot offers a perfect introduction to wild camping for beginners, with easy access to scenic hiking trails and breathtaking views. Set up camp beside the tranquil waters of the reservoir and spend your days exploring the surrounding Pentland Hills.
Whether you’re a seasoned camper or a novice adventurer, Bonaly Reservoir provides the perfect setting for a memorable outdoor getaway.
7. Barrisdale, Knoydart
Embark on a journey to Britain’s last wilderness with a wild camping trip to Barrisdale in Knoydart. Accessible only by ferry or a challenging hike, this remote peninsula offers a true escape from the modern world.
Set up camp amidst towering mountains and pristine wilderness, and prepare to explore some of Scotland’s most rugged landscapes. Spend your days hiking through glens and valleys, perhaps spotting elusive wildlife along the way.
And as night falls, watch the sunset paint the sky in hues of orange and pink, before settling in for a peaceful night under the stars.
8. Glenfeshie, Cairngorms National Park
Discover the dramatic beauty of Glenfeshie in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park. This romantic glen is home to ancient forests, cascading waterfalls, and rugged mountain scenery.
Set up camp beside a babbling stream or beneath towering pine trees, and immerse yourself in the tranquillity of nature.
Spend your days hiking through the glen, exploring hidden valleys and secret waterfalls. And as evening falls, listen to the call of owls echoing through the forest as you gather around a crackling campfire.
9. Glen Sannox, Isle of Arran
Explore the geological wonders of the Isle of Arran with a wild camping trip to Glen Sannox.
Set up camp beneath the shadow of Goat Fell, the island’s highest peak, and prepare to be awed by the rugged beauty of your surroundings. Spend your days hiking through glens and valleys, perhaps stopping to cool off in the crystal-clear waters of Sannox Burn.
And as night falls, watch the stars emerge one by one in the darkened sky, painting a picture of infinite beauty above.
10. Inverarnan, Loch Lomond
Experience the natural splendour of Loch Lomond with a wild camping trip to Inverarnan, nestled at the northern tip of the loch.
Set up camp beside the tranquil waters and spend your days exploring the rugged shoreline and surrounding woodlands. Keep an eye out for wild goats and birds of prey as you hike along the eastern shoreline, and be sure to visit the iconic cascading waterfall at Inversnaid.
And when night falls, retreat to your tent and listen to the gentle lapping of waves against the shore as you drift off to sleep beneath the starlit sky.
Conclusion
Wild camping in Scotland is something every outdoor adventurer should experience. This country offers some of the most incredible natural beauty, and being able to simply pick a spot and freely set up camp is an absolute privilege.
Just remember to camp responsibly, be mindful of the environment, and be properly prepared for a safe camping adventure. Once you wake up in one of Scotland’s majestic landscapes, you’ll realise just how special wild camping here is.
Still new to camping? Check out our complete beginner camping guide for some helpful tips and equipment recommendations to get started.