North Coast 500 Campsites and Glamping Sites Guide & Directory

We have travelled Scotland’s North Coast 500 route numerous times in all conditions. It’s a spectacular route with epic scenery and a lot to see and do along the way.

One of the more popular ways to experience the route, especially in summer, is to camp. This might be in a tent, a motorhome, or a caravan. Or, you might prefer something a bit more luxurious, and want to stay in a furnished pod or glamping site.

Wherever you fall on the camping spectrum, we wanted to put together a detailed guide and map of all the North Coast 500 campsites. The first section will focus on more traditional campsites and caravan parks which typically have camping sites for tents, caravans, and motorhomes. The second section will focus on sites with accommodation like camping pods, static caravans, mini cottages, glamping tents, and wigwams.

Finally, we’re also going to share some tips for camping along the North Coast 500, as well as a map of all the campsites along the NC500.

We’d recommend using this post along with our other detailed North Coast 500 guides. In particular, we have a 7 day North Coast 500 camping itinerary, as well as a guide to planning a North Coast 500 road trip.

Table of Contents

North Coast 500 Campsites

The below campsite listings are for those looking for caravan parks, campsites, and holiday parks along the NC500 for both tent and motorized camping. The NC500 campsites are listed starting in Inverness and then in order as you would drive the route counter clockwise (starting up the east coast and looping back to Inverness).

It is broken into sections along the route to help you find a place in the area of the route you want to stay. If you are wondering how to breakdown your stays, we recommend checking out our camping itinerary and our general detailed North Coast 500 itinerary for some ideas of how many days you might need and where to stop along the way.

These listings include sites for those traveling with tents, campervans, motorhomes, caravans, RVs, and trailer tents. For each campsite we have included the main information you should need as well as the key facilities the site has and a link to its website. We also indicate if the site is normally open year-round or is seasonal, and if dogs are welcome.

We do our best to keep this list up to date, but do check the official website for each site, as things can change. If you notice anything incorrect, let us know in the comments and we will check and update the information.

North Coast 500 Campsites: Inverness to the Black Isle

Bught Caravan Park, Inverness. The closest campsite and caravan park to central Inverness, just a 20 minute walk away. 60 grassy pitches for caravans, motorhomes, tents and trailer tents; plus 80 grassy tent-only (no car) pitches. Electric hookup available. Seasonal.
Facilities: Toilets, showers, laundry with driers, chemical disposal, small on-site shop. Free WiFi, dogs allowed.
Torvean Caravan Park, Inverness. Caravan park on the shores of the Caledonian canal, 10 minutes’ drive or 30 minutes’ walk from central Inverness. 41 grass and 11 hardstanding pitches and 10 holiday lodges. Electric hookup available. No tents. One of the closest caravan parks to Inverness. Seasonal.
Facilities: Toilets, showers, laundry, seasonal takeaway food, dish washing area, chemical disposal, WiFi for a fee, dogs allowed.
Ardtower Caravan Park, near Inverness. Campsite and caravan park 10 minutes’ drive to the east of Inverness. 80 pitches, majority hard standing. Fully serviced pitches also available. Some grassy tent pitches. Electric hookup available for hard standing and tent pitches. Large motorhomes accommodated. Year round.
Facilities: Toilets, showers, laundry, dish washing, BBQ hut, chemical disposal. Free WiFi, dogs allowed.
Bunchrew Caravan Park, Bunchrew. Campsite on the shores of the Beauly Firth, 20 minutes’ drive from Inverness. 125 grassy pitches for tents, caravans, and motorhomes, electrical hookup available. 12 holiday caravans and 2 eco-chalets. Seasonal.
Facilities: Toilets, showers, laundry, on-site shop, catering van, bicycle hire, BBQ, WiFi, electric vehicle charging point, chemical disposal point, children’s play area, gas cylinders, dishwashing block. Dogs allowed.
Fortrose Bay Campsite, Fortrose. Campsite on the Black Isle overlooking the Moray Firth. 50 pitches for tents, caravans, and motorhomes, electrical hookup available. Seasonal.
Facilities: Toilets, showers, kitchen area, laundry, chemical disposal. Dogs allowed. WiFi for a fee.
Rosemarkie Camping and Caravanning Club Site, Rosemarkie. Campsite on the Black Isle on the Moray Firth. 65 pitches for tents, caravans and motorhomes. Electrical hookup available. Seasonal.
Facilities: Toilets, showers, dish washing, laundry, gas cylinders, chemical disposal, WiFi. Dogs allowed.
Dingwall Camping and Caravanning Club, Dingwall. Campsite a short walk from the centre of Dingwall town. 75 pitches, both grass and hardstanding for tents, caravans, and motorhomes, electrical hookup available. Seasonal.
Facilities: Toilets, showers, laundry, gas cylinders, chemical disposal, WiFi. Dogs allowed.

North Coast 500 Campsites: Black Isle to Thurso

Black Rock Caravan & Camping Park, Evanton. Campsite on the edge of Evanton village. 33 hardstanding touring pitches for caravans and motorhomes with water draining and electric hookup. Separate grassy tent area. Seasonal.
Facilities: Toilets, showers, laundry, dish washing area, gas refill, chemical disposal, WiFi. Dogs allowed.
Portmahomack Caravan Site, Portmahomack. Small church operated site on Portmahomack beach. Grassy area for tents, caravans and motorhomes (field, no defined pitches). Electric hookup available. Seasonal.
Facilities: Toilets, showers (fee), laundry, dish washing area. Dogs allowed.
Dornoch Firth Caravan Park, near Glenmorangie. Caravan and camping site overlooking the Dornoch Firth with space for tents, caravans and motorhomes. 30 pitches, some hard standing with water and waste. Also grassy area for tents. Electric hookup available. Year round (booking required).
Facilities: Toilets, showers, laundry, dish washing area, gas bottle exchange, chemical disposal, playground, WiFi. Dogs allowed.
Dornoch Caravan & Camping Park, Dornoch. Caravan and camping site located in the town of Dornoch. 120 defined grass pitches for tents, caravans, and motorhomes. Electric hookup available. Seasonal.
Facilities: Toilets, showers, laundry, dish washing area, gas bottle exchange, chemical disposal, playground, electric vehicle charging point, WiFi. Dogs allowed
Brora Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite, Brora. Caravan and camping site on the edge of Brora village. 63 pitches, mix of grass and hardstanding for caravans, motorhomes, and tents. Electric hookup available. Seasonal.
Facilities: Toilets, showers, laundry, dish washing area, gas bottle exchange, chemical disposal, WiFi. Dogs allowed.
Crakaig Loth Campsite, Crakaig. Simple beach side campsite on farm. Note bumpy road and low bridge for access. Grassy pitches for tents, motorhomes, and caravans. No hookup or defined pitches. No drinking water. Seasonal.
Facilities: Toilets, showers, washing up sinks, chemical disposal. Camp fires allowed. No dogs allowed.
Inver Caravan Park, near Dunbeath. Caravan and camping park just north of Dunbeath. 19 pitches, 10 hard standing for motorhomes, campervans and caravans, 9 grassy pitches for caravans, tents and campervans. Electric hookup available. Year round.
Facilities: Toilets, showers, dish washing area, laundry, chemical disposal. WiFi. Dogs allowed.
Wick Caravan and Camping Site, Wick. Note this site closed in January 2022. No news yet as to whether it will reopen. It is a large, popular, and well-located site so we hope to see it re-open with new owners for the 2022 or 2023 season.
Sinclair Bay Camper & Caravan Park Up, Keiss. Simple park-up in the village of Keiss for motorhomes, caravans, and campervans only. No tents. Five hard standing pitches with water and electricity. Year round.
Facilities: Public toilets, next door to hotel with bar and restaurant.
Morvenview Caravan Site, Bowertower. Simple campsite a little off the main NC500 in Caithness. Five gravel hard standing pitches suitable for caravans, motorhomes, and campervans only. Electric hookups and water. No tents. Note remote location with no services nearby. Year round.
Facilities: Shower, toilets, chemical disposal. Dogs allowed.
John O’Groats Caravan and Camping Site, John O’Groats. Caravan and campsite on the beach of John O’Groats. 90 pitches, mix of hardstanding and grassy pitches. Suitable for caravans, campervans, motorhomes, and tents. Electric hookup available. Seasonal.
Facilities: Shower, toilets, laundry, dish washing area, chemical disposal, gas bottle exchange. WiFi for a fee. Dogs allowed.
Stroma View Campsite near John O’Groats. Simple campsite just off the road outside John O’Groats. Gravel sites, some with hookup. Campervan, motorhomes and caravans only. Electric hookup available. No tents. Seasonal.
Facilities: Shower (fee), toilets, dish washing area.
The Crofter’s Snug, East Mey. Campsite and glamping pods near Castle of Mey. Five hardstanding pitches with water, electric hookup and grey waste points for motorhomes and caravans. No tents. Note no toilets or showers. Open most of the year.
Facilities: Free WiFi, chemical disposal, dogs allowed.
Dunnet Bay Caravan Club Site, Dunnet. Caravan and campsite on the shores of beautiful Dunnet Sands Beach. 56 grass pitches suitable for caravans, motorhomes, campervans and tents. Electric hookup available. Seasonal.
Facilities: Toilets, showers, gas bottle exchange, chemical disposal point, laundry, dish washing area, WiFi. Dogs allowed.
Murkle Caravan Park, Murkle. Small caravan park and campsite three miles east of Thurso. Around 15 grassy pitches for tents, caravans, motorhomes and campervans. Electric hookup available. Year round.
Facilities: Toilet, shower, WiFi, chemical disposal point. Dogs allowed.

North Coast 500 Campsites: Thurso to Durness

The Halladale Inn & North Coast Touring Park, Melvich. This is a licensed cafe/bistro which has a caravan/camping park and glamping pods available. 16 hardstanding pitches for caravans and motorhomes, 8 grassy pitches for tents. Electric hookup available. Seasonal.
Facilities: Toilet, showers, licensed bistro/cafe, small shop, laundry, chemical disposal point, dish washing area, children’s play area, WiFi. Dogs allowed.
Craigdhu Caravan and Camping Site, Bettyhill. Basic campsite with 90 grassy pitches for campervans and tents. Electric hookup available. Good views and close to local pub. Note recent review suggest no toilets, water or shower facilities available (likely due to pandemic measures), so best if you are self-contained. Seasonal.
Facilities: Dogs allowed.
Bayview Caravan and Campsite, Talmine. Small, family run campsite on the shore of Talmine Bay. 15 grassy pitches suitable for tents, caravans and motorhomes. No electric. Seasonal.
Facilities: Toilets, shower (contact in advance as availability seems to vary). Dogs allowed.
Choraid Croft Caravan Club Certified Location, Laid. A small 5 pitch caravan and motorhome club members only site near Loch Eriboll. Hardstanding sites with hookup, no tents. Seasonal.
Facilities: Toilets, shower. Dogs allowed.
Sango Sands, Durness. Very popular site by the beach in Durness village. Restaurant and bar next door, shops nearby. Approximately 82 pitches, mix of marked hardstanding with electric and unmarked grass. Booking for electric highly recommended. Non electric grass pitches are unmarked and on first come first serve. Year round but limited facilities in winter.
Facilities: Toilets, showers, chemical disposal, kitchen, dish washing area, breakfast bar. WiFi, dogs allowed.

North Coast 500 Campsites: Durness to Lochinver

Kinlochbervie Loch Clash Campervan Stopover, Kinlochbervie. Basic stopover spot on an open pier in Kinlochbervie. 5 serviced sites with hookup, 10 sites without hookup. Campervans and caravans only. No tents. No toilets or showers on-site but public toilet nearby. Year round.
Facilities: Water. Local shop. Chemical disposal point. Dogs allowed.
Scourie Caravan Park, Scourie. Caravan and campsite in Scourie village by the sea. Mix of hardstanding and grass pitches for tents, caravans, campervans, and motorhomes. Electric hookup available. Seasonal.
Facilities: Toilets, showers, laundry, chemical disposal, dish washing area, cafe/bar, WiFi. Dogs allowed.
Clachtoll Beach Campsite, Clachtoll. Lovely campsite by gorgeous Clachtoll beach, 5 miles from Lochinver. 38 grassy pitches suitable for tents, caravans, motorhomes, and campervans. Electric hookup available. Books out well in advance. Seasonal.
Facilities: Toilet, shower, laundry, dish washing area, BBQ area, kitchen area, shop, chemical disposal. WiFi. Dogs allowed
Shore Caravan Site, Achmelvich. Another lovely campsite, this one by beautiful Achmelvich beach. 60 grassy unmarked pitches for caravans, campervans, and tents. 20 pitches have electric hookup. Very family friendly. Can book out a long time in advance. Seasonal.
Facilities: Toilet, shower, laundry, dish washing area, on-site shop and chip shop, WiFi. No pets allowed.

$Achmelvich Beach\$

North Coast 500 Campsites: Lochinver to Gairloch

Port A Bhaigh Campsite, Altandhu. Camping and caravan park in Altandhu township. 42 hardstanding pitches for caravans and motorhomes, 26 with electric hookup. 50 grassy tent pitches. Year round.
Facilities: Toilet, shower, laundry, dish washing area, chemical disposal point. Bar opposite, shop on-site. WiFi. Dogs allowed.
Ardmair Point Caravan & Camping Park, near Ullapool. Waterfront campsite a few minutes drive north of Ullapool. 45 grassy pitches for caravans and motorhomes with electric hookup. Separate sheltered grass tent area. Seasonal.
Facilities: Toilets, showers, laundry, dish washing area, gas exchange, chemical disposal point, children’s play area, shop, coffee shop, WiFi. Dogs allowed.
Broomfield Holiday Park, Ullapool. Campsite on the edge of Loch Broom in Ullapool. 14o grassy pitches for tents, caravans, and motorhomes. Electric hookup available. Can be busy but doesn’t take bookings so advise arriving early, especially for electric hookups. Seasonal.
Facilities: Toilets, showers, laundry, dish washing area, chemical disposal point, play area. Dogs allowed.
Badrallach Campsite, Badrallach. Small 12 pitch campsite for tents and vehicles under six metres. No caravans or large motorhomes. Grassy pitches, some with electric hookup (booking advised for EHU). Note no chemical disposal. Seasonal.
Facilities: Toilets, showers, washing up area. Dogs allowed.
Northern Lights Camping and Caravan Park, Badcaul. Small basic 12 pitch site on Little Loch Broom. Grassy and gravel sites for tents, motorhomes and caravans. Electric hookup available. Seasonal.
Facilities: Toilet, shower (fee). Dogs allowed.
Gruinard Bay Caravan Park & Camping, Laide. Campsite in Laide village on Gruinard Bay beach. 35 pitches, a mix of hardstanding for motorhomes/caravans and grass for tents. Electric hookup available. Seasonal.
Facilities: Toilet, shower, laundry, dish washing area, chemical disposal point, gas exchange. WiFi (fee). Village shops and cafes nearby. Dogs allowed.
Inverewe Gardens Camping and Caravanning Club Site, Poolewe. Campsite by Poolewe village. 55 pitches, a mix of hardstanding and grass pitches. Suitable for tents, caravans, and campervans. Seasonal.
Facilities: Toilet, shower, laundry, dish washing area, chemical disposal point, gas exchange. WiFi. Dogs allowed.
Gairloch Caravan Park, Gairloch. Campsite in Gairloch village. 80 pitches, 16 hardstanding the rest grassy. 35 electric hookups. Suitable for tents, caravans and motorhomes. Seasonal.
Facilities: Toilets, showers, chemical disposal point, dish washing area, WiFi, gas exchange. Dogs allowed.
Sands Caravan and Camping, nearr Gairloch. Expansive 250 pitch campsite by the beach, 10 minutes’ drive west of Gairloch. Grassy pitches for caravans, tents and motorhomes. 120 electric hookups. Seasonal.
Facilities: Toilets, showers, laundry, chemical disposal point, dish washing area, kitchen area, gas exchange, games room, play area, licensed shop, cafe/restaurant. WiFi. Dogs allowed.

North Coast 500 Campsites: Gairloch to Inverness

Kinlochewe Caravan and Motorhome Site, Kinlochewe. 61 pitch campsite in Kinlochewe village. 56 hardstanding gravel pitches for caravans and motorhomes, 5 grassy tent sites. Electric hookup available. Shop and pub in village. Seasonal.
Facilities: Toilets, showers, washing up area, gas exchange, chemical disposal, laundry, WiFi. Dogs allowed.
Torridon Campsite, Torridon. Tent only 30-pitch campsite in Torridon village. Free but donations appreciated (and highly recommended to keep site running!). Can be boggy when raining. Year round.
Facilities: Toilets, showers, washing up area. Dogs allowed.
Shieldaig Camping and Caravans, Shieldaig. Small campsite in Shieldaig village. 20 hardstanding pitches with electric hookup for campervans and caravans. Additional grassy area for tents. Seasonal.
Facilities: Shower, toilet, washing up area, laundry, WiFi. Dogs allowed.
Applecross Campsite, Applecross. Large, popular site on the Applecross peninsula, next to beach. Mix of hardstanding with electric for caravans and motorhomes plus separate grassy area for tents, motorhomes and caravans. Advance booking recommended for hardstanding / electric. Seasonal.
Facilities: Toilets, showers, washing up area, laundry, chemical disposal, cafe. WiFi. Dogs allowed.
The Wee Campsite, Lochcarron. Small campsite in Lochcarron village. 30 pitches. Around 12 hardstanding for motorhomes and caravans with hookup (maximum size 7.5 metres). Grassy pitches for tents. Booking advised for hard standing pitches. Seasonal.
Facilities: Toilet, showers, dish washing area. Dogs allowed.
Riverside Chalets, Caravan & Camping, Contin. Found in the village of Contin on the North Coast 500. Small riverside site with 30 grassy pitches, 12 with electric hookup. Seasonal.
Facilities: Toilet, showers, laundry, WiFi. Dogs allowed (fee).
Beauly Holiday Park, near Beauly. 10 miles / 30 minutes drive west of Inverness, near Beauly. 75 camping / touring pitches, mix of hardstanding and grass for tents, caravans and motorhomes. Electric hookup available. Seasonal.
Facilities: Toilets, showers, laundry, play area, WiFi, small bar (summer), gas exchange. Dog allowed.

North Coast 500 Campsite Map

This is a list of all the campsites we’ve found on the North Coast 500 for quick reference. You can also see this map on Google Maps here.

North Coast 500 Glamping Sites

The below listings are for those looking for furnished camping and glamping sites along the North Coast 500. These are perfect for those looking for a bit of rusticity but who don’t want to pack a bunch of camping gear. The list below includes glamping tents, static caravans, pods, shepherd’s huts, yurts, furnished tents, and wigwams.

The NC500 glamping sites are listed starting in Inverness and then in order as you would drive the route counter clockwise (starting up the east coast and looping back to Inverness). It is broken into sections along the route to help you find a place in the area of the route you want to stay.

If you are wondering how to breakdown your stays, we recommend checking out our general detailed North Coast 500 itinerary for some ideas of how many days you might need and where to stop along the way. You might like to mix these in with more traditional forms of accommodation, in which case check out our guides to the best B&B’s on the North Coast 500, and our favourite North Coast 500 hotels.

For each glamping site we have included the main information you should need as well as the key facilities the site has and a link to its website or booking page. We also indicate if dogs are welcome.

Note that these facilities vary from basic wooden structures with minimal facilities through to high-end luxury offerings with hot-tubs, kitchens, and more. Most, but not all, include basics like bed linens and towels. Some include en-suite sink, toilet and shower, whereas others have shared facilities. Be sure to check what is included when booking.

Many of the glamping sites are open year-round but some are seasonal and close during the winter months.

Many of the glamping pods are of a similar spec, so here are some photos of the inside of the camping pods at Ben Loyal Hotel in Tongue to give you an idea of what to expect. However, specifications vary.

We do our best to keep this list up to date, but do check before booking as things can change. If you notice anything incorrect, let us know in the comments and we will update the information.

North Coast 500 Glamping Sites: Inverness to the Black Isle

GlamNess Luxury Shipping Containers, Inverness. Luxury adults-only pods made from recycled shipping containers, 10 minutes’ drive south of Inverness. Pods have en-suite toilet/shower, kitchenette and TV. Free WiFi. No pets. No children.
Ardtower Caravan Park, near Inverness. Campsite and caravan park is located 10 minutes’ drive to the east of Inverness. 1 glamping pod. Ensuite bathroom, double bed, seating area, fridge, tv, tea and coffee facilities and free wifi. No pets.
Black Rock Caravan & Camping Park, Evanton. Campsite on the edge of Evanton village. Various pods available from no frills basic pods for two with no en-suite, to more luxury en-suite pods for up to 6 with kitchen, TV and sitting area. Dogs allowed in some pods.
Black Isle Pods, Black Isle. Peaceful camping pods in the countryside just 10 minutes’ drive from Inverness on the Black Isle. Three fully insulated glamping pods, each with hot tub. Self-contained pods have en-suite shower, double bed, sofa bed, and kitchenette. Laundry on-site. Dogs allowed on request for a fee. WiFi.
Black Isle Yurts, Black Isle. 8 individually finished yurts found in woodland on a farm just outside Rosemarkie. Yurts sleep between two and five, have wood burning stoves, beds with linen, gas cookers and crockery, a coolbox and outdoor seating area. No water or power. Separate on-site toilets, showers, and washing up facilities. Dogs allowed on request for a fee. WiFi at central location.

North Coast 500 Glamping Sites: Black Isle to Thurso

Delny Glamping, near Invergordon. Rural glamping just 8 minutes from Invergordon on the North Coast 500. Variety of accommodation, including “bothies” for up to six, and 2 person pods made out of whisky barrels. Accommodations have beds with linen, en-suite facilities, fridge, complimentary tea/coffee, WiFi, fire pit, and private seating. Dogs are allowed in some of the accommodation for a fee.
The Pod at Hollingwell House, near Edderton. One pod in a rural setting overlooking the Dornoch Firth. Double bed with linen, en-suite, sofa bed, fridge and kettle. Outside seating area, free WiFi, dogs allowed.
Evelix Pods Dornoch, Everlix. Camping pods just off the North Coast 500 in the village of Evelix, near Dornoch. All pods feature WiFi, underfloor heating, en-suite, kitchenette and beds. Pets not allowed.
Pitgrudy Holiday Park, near Dornoch. Self-catering accommodation on a holiday park five minutes’ drive from Dornoch. Static caravans with en-suite, kitchens, bedrooms Pets allowed in certain rooms.
North Coast 500 Pods, Brora. Premium glamping pods next to the village of Brora. Pods feature voice-controlled lighting, Bluetooth speakers, fast WiFi, smart TVs, underfloor heating, en-suite, double bed, fold out sofa bed and fully equipped kitchenettes. Dogs allowed.
Tall Pines Yurt, Gartmore. Traditional yurt on a hillside in the village of Gartmore. Fully insulated with a wood burning stove, double bed, sofa bed, kitchen area with cooker and grill. Outdoor dining and BBQ area. Solar power lighting. Separate composing toilet and shower. Free WiFi. Dogs allowed.
North Star Glamping, near Lybster. Two luxury glamping pods on the edge of Lybster village on the NC500. Pods have underfloor eating, dining table and chairs, flat screen TV, electric outlets, kitchenette. En-suite, double bed + sofa-bed. No pets allowed.
Camster Glamping Pod, near Lybster. Rurally located glamping pods five minutes drive from Lybster. All pods have a private hot tub. Pods have en-suite facilities, equipped kitchenette, linen, flat screen TV and linen. No pets.
North Coast Escapes, near Thrumster. Luxurious cabin just south of Thrumster. Double bedroom, en-suite facilities, separate living area with kitchenette and dining area. Private hottub, free WiFi, pets allowed for a fee.
Secret Glamping Caithness, near Thrumster. Large bell tent on farmland just south of Thrumster on the NC500. Large comfortable bed with bedding, wood burning stove, carpet throughout, cooking stove, table and chairs. Fire pit outdoors as well as toilet tent. Check regarding pets.
Caithness Camping Pods, near Watten. Simple, no frills camping pods on a croft near Watten. Note the site makes it clear these are not glamping pods, they are more of an alternative to a tent which happen to be insulated. Pods come with a comfortable mattress but bedding is not provided. No cooking equipment. High end composting toilet on site. No Wifi or electricity. Cooking area provided. Pets allowed.
Bower Wigwams and Pods, near Bowermadden. Rural camping location near Bowermadden. Choice of basic pods where you need to bring your own bedding, or deluxe en-suite pods. Pods have kitchenettes and free WiFi. Pets allowed.
Hillside Camping Pods, near John O’Groats. Luxury camping pods and shepherd’s hit 10 minutes drive south of John O’Groats. Pods have bedding and kitchenette, with separate private bathroom. Pets allowed in pods on request.
The Crofter’s Snug, East Mey. Two glamping pods and a Shepherd’s hut near the Castle of Mey. All with free WiFi, ensuite, kitchenette and fire-pit. One is pet friendly.
North Point Pods, Scarfskerry. Camping pods near the Castle of Mey in the hamlet of Scarfskerry. Self-catering pods have en-suite bathroom, kitchenette, dining area and sofa as well as double bed with bedding. Pets allowed for a fee.
Braeside Retreats, near Thurso. Luxury bespoke glamping pods a few minutes’ drive from Thurso. All pods have a private hot tub, Kingsize bed, double sofa bed, heating, bedding, free WiFi, flat screen TV, outdoor patio and fully equipped kitchen with dining area. Dogs allowed in some pods.

North Coast 500 Glamping Sites: Thurso to Durness

The Halladale Inn & North Coast Touring Park, near Melvich. 6 simple camping pods with memory foam mattresses, heating, fridge, crockery, kettle, cutlery and TV. Bedding not supplied. On-site bistro / cafe as well as shower and toilet block. One dog per pod is allowed for a fee.
Strathy Bay Pods, near Strathy. Three en-suite pods overlooking peaceful Strathy Bay. Two with king-size bed and pull-out sofa, one with pair of bunk beds. Also feature kitchen area and access to communal picnic area and fire pit. WiFi and bed linen included. Pets not allowed. Note, there are three pods each with their own Booking page: Orca Pod, Selkie Pod and Risso Pod.
Wee Hoose Glamping, Skail. Camping pods on a working croft found a short detour off the northern stretch of the NC500, six miles from Bettyhill. Pods sleep two people and are fully equipped. Kitchenettes and en-suite bathroom with shower. Breakfast ingredients provided. One pod is dog friendly for a fee. No WiFi but good mobile reception.
Ben Loyal Hotel and Glamping Pods, Tongue. Glamping pods found as part of the Ben Loyal hotel, offering lovely views to Castle Varrich and easy access to hotel restaurant / pub. All pods are self-contained units with king-size bed and their own bathroom facilities as well as a small kitchenette. Pets are not allowed.
Island View Glamping Pods, Talmine. Comfortable glamping pods with king size beds, en-suite bathrooms and kitchenette area. No WiFi. Pets allowed.

North Coast 500 Glamping Sites: Durness to Lochinver

Eco Crofters Wagon, Oldmoreshore. Found in the village of Oldmoreshore, a short detour from the NC500. Simple shepherd’s hut accommodation with double bed, kitchenette and dining / sitting area. Wood burning stove and separate composing toilet. No wifi, electricity or running water. No pets allowed.
The Little Abodes, Clachtoll. Luxury glamping pods in Clachtoll, each with private hot tub. Double bed, kitchenette, en-suite, sofa and dining area. Free WiFi. Dogs allowed for a fee.
North Coast 500 Pods, Achmelvich. Well-equipped heated and insulated glamping pods with fully equipped kitchenette, including hob. Double bed + sofa bed, en-suite shower/toilet bluetooth speakers. A dog friendly pod is available.
Suilven View Pod, Lochinver. Pod situated opposite Lochinver village. Features double bed, private hot tub, kitchenette, en-suite bathroom, BBQ area, free WiFi, free laundry. Can accept one small dog.

North Coast 500 Glamping Sites: Lochinver to Gairloch

The Elphin Bothy, Elphin. Comfortable cabin suitable for up to four people in a private garden. Has kitchenette + double bunk bed. Separate flushing toilet and shower. Electric heating (pre-pay electric meter). No WiFi or mobile signal. No dogs.
The Sleepy Crofter Glamping, Achiltibuie. Glamping pods in peaceful Achiltibuie overlooking the summer isles. Rooms have double bed, dining area, seating area, private en-suite toilet/shower and kitchenette with microwave. Free wifi. Pets allowed.
Ardmair Point Caravan & Camping Park, near Ullapool. Just 10 minutes north of Ullapool this caravan and camping park has a number of self-catering lodges and chalets. These have private en-suite facilities, separate bedrooms, linen, free WiFi and fully kitted kitchens. Dogs allowed in chalets for a fee.
The Highland Bothies, near Ullapool. Glamping pods four minutes drive / 30 minute walk from Ullapool on a working croft. Pods feature underfloor heating, double bed plus a sofa bed, kitchenette with hob, and hot tub shared between two pods. Dogs allowed in one of the pods for a fee. Free WiFi.
Sands Caravan and Camping, near Gairloch. 12 heated wooden wigwam pods. Electric lights and sockets, panel heater, kettle. No bedding provided. No en-suite or cooking in wigwam, facilities available nearby. Fire-pit and picnic area outside. Pets allowed.

North Coast 500 Glamping Sites: Gairloch to Inverness

Wuthering Heights Shepherd’s Hut, Gairloch. Shepherd’s hut overlooking Gairloch golf course and beach. Double bed, kitchenette with gas hob, seating area, and dining area. Free Wifi. No pets allowed.
Sheildaig Camping and Caravans, Sheildaig. Campsite with three glamping cabins. One more basic cabin with double bed and kitchenette, but no linen or ensuite. Two luxury cabins with en-suite shower and toilet, full kitchen, underfloor heating, and provided linen and towels. Dogs allowed in basic cabin.
Applecross Campsite, Achiltibuie . Simple camping huts on Applecross campsite on the Applecross peninsula. Huts have mattresses, heating, lights and socket. No bed linen or kitchen so you will need to bring your own equipment. Dogs allowed.
Riverside Chalets and Caravan Park. Campsite with bell tent glamping option in Contin. Bell tent with double bed, wood burning stove, kettle and electric in private garden. A number of chalets are also available. Dogs allowed on campsite but check for chalets.

North Coast 500 Glamping Map

This is a list of all the glamping options we’ve found on the North Coast 500 for quick reference. You can also see this map on Google Maps here.

North Coast 500 Campsite and Glamping Site Map

This map lists all the North Coast 500 campsites and glampsites along the route (so all those mentioned in this post), for those of you who would like both maps in one.

It’s separated into more traditional campsites which normally have tent pitches, motorhome pitches, and caravan pitches; and then glamping sites which normally have pods or other types of accommodation.

Some sites might have both types of accommodation, see our full listings for more details. You can also see this map on Google Maps here.

Tips for a Camping Adventure on the North Coast 500

To help you plan the perfect camping trip around the NC500, we wanted to share some tips to help you plan.

Where to Rent a Campervan for the NC500?

There are lots of options for campervan rental in Scotland. The widest choice is likely in Edinburgh, however for the NC500 you might want to look for options in Inverness. This is the easiest city on the route to get to from other parts of the UK, being well served by both flights and trains.

If you are doing a longer trip, or want to see more of Scotland, then Edinburgh is a good starting point. It’s only three hours’ drive from the start of the NC500 in Inverness.

Either way, if you are planning on hiring a motorhome for the North Coast 500, then we recommend comparing prices across a range of providers using a service like Motorhome Republic. You can see their UK listings here. We can also recommend checking out Spaceships for camper rental, you can check their prices here.

Another option is to rent via a peer-to-peer service, where you rent a motorhome from an owner. A number of websites exist to facilitate rentals like this, we recommend checking out GoBoony UK.

If you’d like a more robust camper vehicle, check out the four wheel drive camper trucks from Wild Camper Trucks. See their Scotland options here.

When comparing prices, always check what’s included. Look for things like unlimited mileage, the costs of extra drivers, and so on.

If you’d prefer to rent in Inverness there are a number of campervan rental options in the city. In Inverness, you can rent a campervan from companies including Highland Campervans, Loch Ness Motorhomes, and Rover Rentals.

In terms of age, to hire a car or motorhome in Scotland most companies will require you to be at least 21, although some will require you to be older than this. There may also be a surcharge for drivers under 25.

You will also normally need to have held a license for at least a year. You can rent a motorhome on a standard driver’s license. Always check with the rental agency to see what their policy requirements are before planning a trip.

We generally recommend renting the smallest size you think you will need, as the roads are narrow and winding. Larger size motorhomes can be difficult to navigate on small single-track roads and may not be suitable for certain roads and some campsites.

Can I Wild Camp on the North Coast 500?

In Scotland, wild camping is legal, but the definition of wild camping is away from a road, and not in a motorized vehicle. So really it is aimed a hikers and backpackers who are setting out into the wilderness.

Here is a link to the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, plus guidance from Visit Scotland on wild camping.

The majority of the sites we list in the above directory of campsites around the North Coast 500 are paid sites which come with a variety of facilities.

There are places around Scotland and the North Coast 500 where you can park up your motorhome. However, of course you should not park overnight where it is clearly stated that you are not allowed to, blocks road or farm access, or is near a private residence or business.

We’d also add it’s a lot less stressful to do a trip if you have your accommodation booked, especially in the busier summer months. Trying to find a spot to park up can detract from your experience, and staying in a campsite both alleviates that stress and contributes to the local economy.

What Facilities are there at North Coast 500 Campsites?

Facilities vary at sites, from very basic where you basically get a spot to park, through to more comprehensive facilities. Things to check include:

Toilets (usually free, but not always).
Showers (check if there is an additional fee)
Pitch type. Usually grass of hardstanding. The former is best for tents and small motorhomes, the latter is normally gravel or similar and better for motorhomes and caravans.
Chemical Disposal Point (black water). If you have a motorhome or caravan with a toilet you can empty the cassette here. Note many sites require the use of green chemicals to be allowed to use the disposal point.
Grey water disposal. This is for other water disposal, like shower water or washing up water. Most motorhomes and caravans with built-in facilities with have two separate tanks. Some sites have drive up points, where you drive your motorhome over a drain for the grey water. More luxury sites have water and drainage at each pitch, but this is fairly rare.
Electric Hook Up (EHU). This will allow you to plug your vehicle into the sites power. Sites normally have an amperage value which will indicate how much power you can draw. There is also normally an additional charge for sites with EHU.
Gas bottles / gas exchange. Some sites will let you swap and empty gas bottle for a full one. Usually this requires a bottle to swap. A small number of sites might sell bottles without exchange but this is less common.
Dish washing. Primarily for tent-based campers, this will be a sink area where you can do your dishes.
Kitchen. Again, primarily for tent-based campers. Facilities will vary from full kitchens with ovens, to more basic amenities like a microwave and kettle.
Freezer / fridges. Some sites also have freezer and fridge facilities for guests to use.
Drinking water. The majority of sites will provide drinking water, but this is not guaranteed.
WiFi. Many sites provide WiFi, either for free or for a fee. Be aware that internet (and mobile phone reception) in the highlands can be slow. WiFi might be site wide, or only available in certain locations.

Are Dogs Allowed at Campsites on the NC500?

The majority of campsites on the North Coast 500 are dog friendly, with just a few exceptions. Camping, whether tent camping or in a caravan or campervan, is probably the most popular way to travel the North Coast 500 for pet owners.

Some sites charge a small fee extra for dogs. Nearly all sites will require dogs to be on a lead at all times. Owners should not leave dogs unattended for any long period of time.

For glamping sites, about half of sites allow pets and about half do not. Many charge a pet fee for extra cleaning.

Always check before booking if dogs are allowed to avoid disappointment on arrival. Somes sites require you to pre-book and request permission for a pet to be on-site. Others have restrictions on size, number, and type of pets allowed.

How Much Does it Cost to Camp on the NC500?

Campsite fees vary, and depend on a number of factors. If you are cycling the North Coast 500 with a tent for example, the fees will be lower than if you are in a motorhome and would like a fully serviced pitch with power.

In general, expect to pay between £10 and £25 per night for a couple in a tent or motorhome. You can normally save by skipping on electric every now and again, especially if you are in a self-contained vehicle.

Glampsite prices also vary depending on the type of unit. Expect to pay from around £40 to over £100 per night for a couple in a pod.

Are North Coast 500 Campsites Open all Year?

Whilst the North Coast 500 is most popular from May through to September, the route can be driven all year. However, not all the campsites are open all year.

From our list, we found the following NC500 campsites which indicate they are open year-round on the route. Always check before arriving if the site is open and note that booking might be required.

Ardtower Caravan Park
Dornoch Firth Caravan Park
Inver Caravan Park
Sinclair Bay Camper & Caravan Park-Up (no tents)
Morvenview Caravan Site
Murkle Caravan Park
Sango Sands
Kinlochbervie Loch Clash Campervan Stopover
Port A Bhaigh Campsite
Torridon Campsite (tents only)

As well as the above, consider the glamping and other accommodation options along the route, which might be an option for a night or two. We also recommend you ensure you are fully prepared for all conditions. Snow is a possibility through winter, as are cold, wet and wintery conditions.

Do I need to Book Campsites in advance for the North Coast 500?

We highly recommend booking campsites in advance for your trip if possible, especially if you are travelling between July and September. This is especially the case if you want a pitch with hookups or hardstanding, as these can be harder to come by.

Not all campsites accept reservations, and some might only accept reservations for specific pitches or during the busier time periods. But for those that do accept reservations, we definitely recommend you book. If you don’t book, plan for a backup option or two for each night, so you have a fall back if your main option is full when you arrive.

Before 2020, a lot of the campsites in Scotland did not accept reservations. Starting in 2020, due to the pandemic, many campsites started taking reservations and many required pre-booking. While this is more lax now, a few of the campsites still require reservations.

For glamping sites, many of the glamping sites require reservations and we recommend all those planning to stay in pods, yurts, static caravans, etc. to book in advance if possible.

Tips for Responsible Travel when Camping on the North Coast 500

The North Coast 500 runs through one of the most beautiful parts of Scotland, and it will hopefully remain that way for many years to come. However, this is also a environmentally fragile area with more limited infrastructure than many other parts of the country.

Of course, the popularity of the route has brought more people to the area, which puts a bit of a strain on the local infrastructure, especially during the Spring and Summer months. There have also been reports of folks traveling a little irresponsibly.

To help out, we wanted to share some tips for responsible travel on the North Coast 500, to help you minimise your impact and contribute to a positive experience for everyone.

Chemical Toilets: Dispose of your chemical toilets (and other waste) at proper dump points only. Don’t dump them out anywhere else, they contain highly toxic chemicals and will cause serious damage to the environment if not disposed of properly. Also, please note that some campsites, especially the more remote ones, may only accept Green eco friendly toilet chemicals like this.

Single Track Roads: Driving on single-track roads might be a new experience for you, and it can be a little daunting. Read up on our guide to driving on single track roads to master the proper etiquette, and don’t forget to use passing place to allow faster traffic to pass you.

Overnight Camping: We definitely recommend you use official campsites. If you choose to wild camp, make sure you do so in a zero impact way, leaving no trace behind, and only doing so where you are allowed to. Be careful not to block access roads or gates when you park up.

Litter: If there are no litter bins, just take your garbage with you until you find somewhere you can legally dispose of it.

Fires: You are welcome to have a fire or gas BBQ of course, but only if it is safe to do so and you extinguish it fully before you leave.

What to Pack for a Camping Trip on the North Coast 500

We have a general packing list for London and the UK that covers many of the essentials you need, so here we will add in just those items you may specifically want for a NC500 camping trip:

Sunscreen
Midge repellent – absolutely essential if travel from late May through to the end of September.
Camping gear (tent, sleeping bag, roll mat etc)
Cooking equipment (gas fire, pots, pans, cutlery, plates etc)
Glamping gear (bed linens, towels, kitchen basics, etc. if needed)
Toilet paper / soap or hand sanitizer (the toilets are sometimes out of paper or don’t have hot water and/or soap)
Water bottles
Road map of Scotland and North Coast 500 map (these maps are available from most Visit Scotland Tourism Information Centres along the NC500). You can also sometimes buy a copy of it online here.
Garbage / trash bags for your litter
Gear for outdoor activities (hiking, cycling, climbing, kayaking etc.)
GPS or offline maps on your phone
Duct tape (so useful!)
Winter gear: extra antifreeze, snow chains, emergency blankets, a collapsible snow shovel
The Rough Guide to the North Coast 500, as well as Rick Steves Scotland book

We have also put together two lists on Amazon which contain many of the above items in one place for ease of reference. You can see those on Amazon UK here, and Amazon US here.