Mountain campsites near Kenmore
Poised on Perthshire’s most popular loch, Kenmore is a country escape ideal for boaters and hikers.
Popular camping styles for Kenmore
Under £50
Dog-friendly getaways
12 top mountainous campsites near Kenmore
Mountain campsites near Kenmore guide
Overview
On the north shores of Loch Tay just 10 kilometres south of Aberfeldy, Kenmore is a charming destination for holidaymakers near and far. It has all the basic amenities, including small cafes, a corner shop, and watersports outfitters. Sailboats bob at anchor in the calm waters next to the town beach, while cottages and luxury lodges line the River Tay where it meets the loch. Open country lays at your feet—whether south along the loch toward the Trossachs, north into the Cairngorms or the rolling hillsides of Perthshire in between. The impressive neo-gothic Taymouth Castle stands at the edge of town amid 180 hectares of green space.
Where to go
Drummond Hill
Just north of Kenmore, Drummond Hill is part of Tay Forest Park and its forest was originally planted by order of the cut-throat Laird of Breadalbane, Black Duncan. Today, the hill is an excellent playground for walkers and cyclists. Be sure to stop at the Black Rock viewpoint to savour the landscape over Loch Tay and the surrounding hills and forest.
Loch Tay
The largest loch in Perthshire is hemmed in by the peak of Ben Lawers and the remote Tarmachan Ridge to the north. From the woodland walk along the Falls of Acharn to the Crannog Centre’s Iron Age settlement and the scenic byway and national cycle route of South Loch Tay road, the area is one of central Scotland’s delights. Campsites can be found near the villages of Killin and Kenmore at either end of the loch.
Glen Lyon
Dubbed by Sir Walter Scott as the “longest, loneliest and loveliest glen in Scotland,” Glen Lyon runs for some 50 kilometres between Keltneyburn and Bridge of Orchy. From Kenmore, walk over Drummond Hill to Fortingall, where one of the oldest living things in Europe, the Fortingall Yew, sits in the village churchyard as it has for roughly 3,000 years. In Glen Lyon you’ll feel a world away from busier village life. Campsites can be found back in Kenmore and along the north side of Loch Tay.
When to go
With its enviable location on the shores of Loch Tay, Kenmore is a favourite summer getaway for those in the area as well as farther-flung tourists. Book well in advance if you’re planning a peak-season camping trip. Early autumn often brings Scotland’s best weather as well as the colourful foliage of Scotland’s “Big Tree Country.”
Know before you go
- Public transport around Loch Tay and Glen Lyon is near non-existent. The best way to get around without a car is by local taxi, and many of the companies are used to offering pick-up and drop-off services for walkers.
- Adventure tours in Kenmore and the area tend to book up quickly in summer months, so it’s best to book in advance.
- If you are without a car, catch the train from Glasgow or Edinburgh to Dunkeld and connect via bus or taxi to Kenmore.
