We are lucky here in the United Kingdom to be surrounded by beautiful countryside and plenty of opportunities to explore it while enjoying a few nights of camping. In Scotland, you can camp almost anywhere that isn’t private property, providing an additional special element to the experience.

Here at Norwich Camping and Leisure, we love a bit of camping (it’s in the name). In this post, we’ve put together some of the best spots in Scotland to set up camp in the wild, along with rules to follow and equipment to bring.

Can you wild camp in Scotland?

Yes! Unlike the rest of the UK, it is legal to wild camp in Scotland. There are rules, of course, that everyone must follow to keep Scotland beautiful and yourself safe, but as long as you abide by these, you are fine to camp on public land. 

When wild camping in Scotland, following certain rules to ensure you camp responsibly, protect the environment and respect local communities is important. Here are the key rules to follow:

1. Camp in small groups to ensure a lightweight load and less environmental impact.
2. Choose an appropriate location away from buildings, roads and private property. Ensure you’re out of sight from homes and not impacting crops, nature reserves, or livestock fields.   
3. Leave no trace behind that you were there – pick up and take away your rubbish, including food and other biodegradable items.
4. Avoid causing damage to the landscape by using existing paths and trails to minimise your impact on vegetation.
5. Don’t light any open fires. Use a portable camping stove to avoid potential wildfires and harming the ground and wildlife. 
6. Be considerate of the wildlife that calls your chosen camping spot home, especially during nesting and breeding seasons. Keep your distance and don’t leave food around that could attract them.
7. If there are no toilets, bury human waste at least 30 meters from water sources and paths. Dig deep and cover it properly.
8. Don’t outstay your welcome – move on after 2 to 3 nights to prevent overuse of an area. 
9. Follow local guidelines, as some areas, such as Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, have specific bylaws for camping due to past overuse.

Where should I wild camp?

Here are five of the best locations to wild camp in beautiful Scotland:

Rackwick Bay, Orkney

A truly stunning area of natural beauty, Rackwick Bay can be found nestled low amongst towering cliffs and hills. The beach, famous for its picturesque views and a mix of fine sands and beautiful boulders, is the perfect place to relax and soak in the scenery.

Hike to a steep spot to view the Old Man of Hoy, one of the UK’s largest and most impressive sea stacks, then visit the ruins of old World War II defences for a bit of history. The Rackwick Bay area is a beautiful place to set up for some Scottish wild camping.

Glenmore Forest Park, Cairngorms National Park

Nestled in the heart of Cairngorms National Park, you’ll find Glenmore Forest Park, an incredible example of the beauty of the Cairngorms. Here, you’ll discover centuries-old forests, dramatic mountains, and sparkling sandy beaches bordering crystal blue lochs. As much of the park is a National Nature Reserve, you’ll be witness to beautiful birdsong all day long, as well as wildlife roaming free.

One of the advantages of the park is that it is well-connected, so you can reach it easily and find your perfect, wild camping spot knowing you aren’t too far from a road if you need one. For this kind of wild camping, consider investing in a tent box for your car. These incredible bits of kit are perfect for roadside camping, with models such as the TentBox Lite 2.0 providing you with a comfortable and compact space to sleep and stargaze.

Kilmory Bay, Isle of Rum

This incredible landscape boats atmospheric scenery that will take your breath away. A small island in the Inner Hebrides, the Isle of Rum is not only home to stunning hikes and beaches, but it’s also part of the Red Deer Project, a scientific study of red deer. You’ll see these majestic creatures as you roam, enhancing your experience on these moody lands.

When wild camping, pitch your tent on the island’s northern side. From there, you will get a stunning view of a range of imposing, cloud-topped mountains called the Cuillins over on Skye across the ocean.

Barrisdale, Knoydart

A vibrant wilderness, Barrisdale is an isolated area of amazing natural beauty just waiting to be explored. Wild camping here is not for the faint of heart, as it requires a 16-mile hike or ferry to reach. After a day of adventuring through awe-inspiring scenery, why not rest at the UK’s most remote pub, The Old Forge? Enjoy some hot comfort food and a pint, then head back out to pick your wild camping spot. Make sure you’ve got a sturdy tent like the Vango Tryfan 300 to withstand the famous Scottish climate.

Ben Nevis

Yes, you can camp on Ben Nevis. Famously the highest peak in the UK at 1345 metres, this incredible mountain is climbed by over 150,000 yearly. People travel from far and wide to conquer Ben Nevis, and many enjoy a spot of wild camping on and around the impressive mountain. Enjoy the rolling grass and breathtaking views as you wild camp before, after, or even halfway through your hike.

Wild camp with Norwich Camping

Don’t forget your camping essentials when you set off for Scotland. Grab your practical tent, necessary camping furniture, portable stove and all other accessories you’ll need, and get ready for the great Scottish countryside. 

If you need help preparing for this adventure, don’t hesitate to get in touch. We are made up of generations of camping experts who are enthusiastic about all things camping. Visit us at our large Norfolk store or give us a call, and we’ll be happy to help you plan your trip and advise you on everything you’ll need to create an unforgettable camping experience.