Discover the best coastal campsites in Scotland with wildlife watching

United Kingdom
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Scotland

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Popular camping styles for Scotland

5 top coastal campsites in Scotland with wildlife watching

Dog-friendly getaways

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(7)

The Snug at Logie Farm

1 unit · Glamping1 acre · Falkland, Fife, Central Scotland

Luxury glamping pods with all mod cons, with an elevated position overlooking the River Tay.

Runach Arainn Glamping

3 units · Glamping1 acre · Kilmory, Scotland

A three-yurt luxury glamping site on the Isle of Arran, steps away from the beach

The Loft Glamping & Camping

12 units · Motorhomes, Tents5 acres · Kinloss, Scotland

The Loft Glamping & Camping is situated at East Grange Farm, Kinloss, Moray. It 's a working farm that has evolved over the years to include Wigwam Glamping and Camping for campervans, motorhomes and tents. A number of the old farm buildings are also perfectly appointed as venue spaces for Weddings, Events and Workshops. The "wilderness" campsite offers pitches suitable for tents and small campervans whilst the Stackyard area is suitable for motorhomes and mega tents. All motorhome pitches have electrical hook-up and we have a good number of electric tent pitches. Unfortunately we do not take bookings for caravans. Onsite, we also have Original Wigwam cabins which are wooden camping cabins (Pods) that offer all year round protection against the elements. With heating, electricity, fridge, kettle and toasters. For those wanting a bit more luxury there are also ensuite Wigwam Cabins onsite with wood fired hot tubs. We welcome families, groups, well behaved dogs and do allow campfires outside the wigwams and at pitches and can provide fire hubs on the campsite (this must be pre-arranged). The Loft Glamping & Camping looks forward to welcoming you throughout the year!

The Charcoal Huts - Isle of Bute

2 units · Glamping8 acres · Scotland

Our Huts are located within the Moss Wood area of Bute Forest - a mixed birch and alder wood that extends up the hillside to the west of the A886 that connects the Rhubodach Ferry to Port Bannatyne and Rothesay. Moss Wood has a range of facilities. Park on the shore-side where the coast can be enjoyed or at the main entrance, and take a walk up through Moss Wood along the Poetry Trail. A steep walk in places, the Poetry Trail is a loop punctuated with places to stop and read, to stop and think. Read nature poetry from throughout the ages, stop at the Blether Stane, or taking the spur to the Viewing Point back south across the Kyles. Moss Wood connects to the West Island Way – take the Poetry Trail and the spur to the Viewing Point – and then take the Stag’s Trod further up (steeply) till you reach the West Island Way. From there, head south towards Port Bannatyne or north along the boundary of the Community Forest. From the viewing point, you can also explore interesting heritage features such as the old WW2 bunker, kayak shelter, Balnakailly settlement, and the SSSI oak woodland.

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Coastal campsites in Scotland with wildlife watching guide

Overview

For a small country, Scotland packs a lot in. From the Highlands and islands in the north to the Scottish borders in the south, it's filled with spectacular views and endless opportunities for camping adventures—hiking in Glencoe; biking along the Ayrshire coast; exploring a Perthshire forest; touring and sampling whisky at the distilleries around Speyside; skiing and snowboarding around Aviemore; and playing a round on one of many famous golf courses. There's plenty of options for a camping holiday, whether you want to park in a caravan site, pitch a tent at a lochside camping site, or try wild camping someplace truly remote. This is one of the only places in the UK where wild camping is still legal, and we've got the best campsites in Scotland to choose from. Think woodland camping, luxury glamping sites on remote islands, and family-friendly campsites by the sea.

Where to go

Edinburgh and the Lothians

Scotland’s beguiling capital is packed with attractions, from its famous castle to medieval subterranean haunts. It’s also got easy access to some great hillwalking, from Arthur’s Seat in the city to the Pentlands just outside. You’ll also find yourself just a stone’s throw from coastal adventures.

Glasgow and the Clyde Valley

Known for its thriving music and arts scenes, as well as its friendly local characters, Glasgow is an endlessly entertaining city. And it’s ideally located for heading into the surrounding countryside, cruising the Clyde and exploring Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park.

Argyll and the Isles

From white sandy beaches to long sea lochs and the incredible Corryvreckan Whirlpool, the Argyll region and its 23 inhabited islands are filled with opportunities for adventure. Sample malt whiskies on Islay, spot whales on Mull, and explore Fingal’s Cave and the large puffin colony on Staffa.

Dumfries and Galloway

The national bard, Robert Burns, found inspiration in the gentle hills, rolling valleys, tall mountains, and sandy beaches of Dumfries and Galloway. Nowadays, there’s a designated Dark Sky Park (Galloway Forest Park) to add to the picture.

The Highlands

The enduring image of Scotland was formed in the Highlands with its tall mountains and misty lochs and glens. The magnificent landscapes are the perfect canvas for getting outdoors, whether by hiking the West Highland Way, summiting Ben Nevis, spotting wildlife in the Cairngorms, or taking a boat trip on Loch Lomond or Loch Ness.

The Western Isles

Clinging to the wild Atlantic edge, these islands are rich with Gaelic culture, great food and drink and history—don’t miss the 5,000-year-old Callanish Stones. The outdoor adventures are endless, from sea kayaking to walking the Hebridean Way or soaking up the sun on a white-sand beach.

Aberdeenshire

In the northeast, Aberdeenshire is home to some stunning stretches of coastline, dotted with charming fishing villages, golden beaches and precipitous sea cliffs. The region is well-known for its fine castles, 300 of which lie along the Aberdeenshire Castle Trail.

The Northern Isles

Once part of the Kingdom of Norway, the Shetland and Orkney archipelagos retain a distinct Norse identity. In Shetland, Jarlshof has relics from the Bronze, Iron, Pictish and Viking eras while in Orkney you can admire the Neolithic stone circle Ring of Brodgar and 5,000-year-old village Skara Brae. Both archipelagos are superb for hiking, birdwatching, and island-hopping.