REVIEWED: The Best NC500 Campsites for Motorhomes & Campers

Planning a motorhome or campervan trip around the North Coast 500 in Scotland? Here are some of the best NC500 campsites for motorhome, campervans, caravans & tents to stay overnight, including opening time (some are open all year), facilities each campsite has, route planning, plus tips for wild camping along the NC500 route.

Don’t forget to grab your FREE Scotland checklist to help you stay organised.

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Can you camp anywhere on the NC500 (North Coast 500)?

When you’re planning a North Coast 500 tour in any vehicle, but especially with a motorhome, caravan or campervan, where to stay is one of the biggest considerations.

Let’s start with some facts.

The North Coast 500 is a series of public roads in Scotland, which were there long before the route was created. It’s free to drive the NC500– but you will need to pay for fuel, food and campsites.

Because these are public roads, you cannot just camp anywhere on the NC500- there are plenty of narrow roads with only passing places and if you parked in one of those you’d cause chaos!

There easiest option is to stay in one of the many campsites along the route- we list some of our favourites below.

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Can you wild camp on the NC500 in a campervan or motorhome?

There are some strict rules about wild camping in a motorhome or campervan in Scotland. It’s not as easy as you might think and it’s certainly not a ‘right’.

The short answer is you ‘can’ wild camp in some places along the route, but you must be very careful not to block the road or access to buildings or farmland, not cause damage or leave any trace and you MUST move on if asked.

There has also been some tension between the locals and visiting vans, which is still simmering. When I drove the NC500 in my motorhome, I wild camped some of the nights, but along the busy west coast I chose to stay in campsites as it made it less stressful for me.

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Best NC500 campsites for motorhomes

Luckily, there are LOADS of campsites along or near to the route of the NC500. Some are open all year round, but many are seasonal, opening only near Easter (some don’t open until July) and close by the end of September. 

Here’s how to find motorhome campsites near you.

If you are planning to drive the NC500 during July and August, it pays to do your research and book a site in advance- especially one of the ones with amazing views or good facilities.

If you’re motorhoming in Scotland outside of peak season (which we highly recommend), then you should have more flexibility and not need to book up quite so far in advance.

Having said that, if there’s a place you really want to stay at, booking is always a good idea. 

READ MORE: See our North Coast 500 motorhome itinerary here

It’s also probably a good idea to join one of the big motorhome clubs for your trip- either the Camping and Caravanning Club or the Caravan and Motorhome Club- or both.

Being a member can make it easier to book sites AND can give you a place to empty waste if you need to- they’re usually more accommodating for members. 

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Best Motorhome Campsites along the North Coast 500 route

It doesn’t matter which way you go around the NC500- it will always be one of the most scenic drives in Scotland.

To make this post easier to navigate, I’ve split the route into sections going clockwise so you can find campsites which might work for you.

Of course, I can’t include every campsite in here, so here are a couple of websites which you might find useful to find other options:

• searchforsites.co.uk
• Campsites.co.uk
• Pitchup.com

The different sections of the NC500 are:

• WESTER- ROSS – Inverness across to the west coast and up the SW corner
• SUTHERLAND- The rest of the west coast and most of the northern coast, except for the very NE
• CAITHNESS- the top NE Corner, around John o’Groats
• EASTER ROSS and the Black Isle Peninsula -East coast down to Inverness
• INVERNESS-SHIRE- the area around Inverness

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NC500 Route Map

Here’s the map of the NC500 route, with some of the most significant points on them.

You can read more about the points and how to plan your North Coast 500 route here.

If you’re travelling in a motorhome or camper, read our NC500 motorhoming guide too

We’ve broken this post up into the following sections:

• best NC500 campsites on the west coast
• campsites for motorhomes and campers on the north coast
• best NC500 campervan and motorhome campsites on the east coast and near Inverness

We’ve picked a selection of campsites, from big holiday parks with indoor pools, to smaller sites with basic facilities but a more tranquil setting.

You can also see an interactive map of the best campsites along the North Coast 500 route here:

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For each, we’ve included the address, when they’re usually open during the year, if they’re dog friendly, rough prices and if they allow campfires and/ or BBQs.

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NC500 Books

If you enjoy researching before a trip, you might find these books useful:

Scotland Road Trip Planner

By popular demand, we’ve created an interactive Scotland Road Trip Planner, to help you plan your trip whether you’re touring in a motorhome/campervan or travelling by car or motorbike. Find out more here:

Don’t forget to grab your motorhome logbook to record all of your amazing adventures!

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Best NC500 campsites for motorhomes on the west coast

The Wee Campsite

The Wee campsite is small but has incredible views of the loch. The basic facilities include showers, toilets, wash-up and electric hook-ups.

Address: Croft Road, Lochcarron, Highland, Scotland, IV54 8YB

Open (rough guide): Usually April until end of September

Dog friendly?: Yes

Campfire/ BBQ allowed? Yes

Prices: from £15 per unit (+pp)

Max Van Size: 7.5m

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Applecross Campsite

Applecross is a small but popular village, set on the shores of a peninsula right in the SW corner.

There are only two routes to get there- one along the northern coast of the peninsula and one over the tops of the surrounding hills- known as the Bealach na Bà- one of the steepest and highest roads in the UK.  

The campsite at Applecross has spectacular views of the Isle of Skye and the western coastline. 

Address: Applecross, Strathcarron, Ross-Shire, UK – IV54 8ND

Open (rough guide): Beginning March until end October

Dog friendly?: Yes

Campfire/ BBQ allowed? Free-standing BBQ allowed, no campfires

Prices: from £13 for a motorhome/campervan/caravan (+pp)

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Sands Caravan and Camping Park

Sands Campsite has an enviable location right on the coast, close to the town of Poolewe and the mountains of Wester Ross.

There’s a shop selling fresh bread, groceries, gas and alcohol, laundry facilties, kids playground plus an onsite cafe in high season and plenty to do in the area. 

Address: Sands Caravan & Camping, Gairloch • Wester Ross • IV21 2DL

Open (rough guide): End of March until end of October

Dog friendly?: Yes

Campfire/ BBQ allowed? Yes

Prices: from £24 for a motorhome with 2 adults

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Broomfield Holiday Park

If you fancy a bit of nightlife, Ullapool is a good stopping point and Broomfield Holiday Park is one of the few campsites near Ullapool. It’s also a perfect base if you’re getting a ferry to the Isles. They have electric hookup, kids play area and toilet blocks.

Address: West Lane, Ullapool, IV26 2UT

Open (rough guide): April until end September

Dog friendly?: Yes

Campfire/ BBQ allowed? BBQs

Prices: from £24/ night for a motorhome and two people

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Shore Caravan Site

Shore Caravan Site is family-friendly campsite is on the award-winning Achmelvich Bay and is just 4-miles from the small village of Lochinver. 

The beach is the main attraction and you can expect to find families surfing, swimming and rockpool hunting. There are also hiking routes nearby. 

Facilities include a toilet block with showers, launderette, on-site shop, chip shop and WiFi. They are strict about their facilities being for guests only. 

Address: 106 Achmelvich, Lochinver, Sutherland, IV27 4JB

Open (rough guide): Open April- October

Dog friendly?: No

Campfire/ BBQ allowed? Campfires allowed not on grass

Prices: from £15 (+pp)

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Clachtoll Beach Campsite

This was one of my favourite campsites in the whole of the NC500 route- it was fantastic.

The campsite has electric hookup, showers, toilet blocks (with hairdryers) and laundry facilities. There’s even a heated dog shower, toaster and WiFi.

This family-run site is very environmentally conscious and actively encourages campers to use eco-friendly chemicals in waste tanks when disposing of onsite as well.

There’s a great fish and chip down and a little shop within easy walking distance.

Address: Clachtoll Beach Campsite, 134 Clachtoll, Lochinver, Sutherland, IV27 4JD

Open (rough guide): Open all year

Dog friendly?: Yes

Campfire/ BBQ allowed? BBQs

Prices: from £19 for an unserviced pitch (+pp)

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Scourie Campsite

Scourie Campsite is on the edge of Scourie Bay, with breathtaking views across the bay and islands. They are also near the ferry which runs to Handa Island so you can see the puffins. 

They have hard standing pitches, plus toilet blocks, dishwashing and waste.

Address: Scourie, Lairg, IV27 4TE

Open (rough guide): April to September

Dog friendly?: Yes

Campfire/ BBQ allowed? BBQs

Prices: from £13 (+pp)

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Gairloch Holiday Park

Gairloch Holiday Park overlooks Strath Bay and boasts stunning water views. The small village has some shops, pubs and a leisure centre.

Address: 1 Mihol Road, Gairloch, Ross-shire IV21 2BX

Open (rough guide): Start of April to end of October.

Dog friendly?: Yes

Campfire/ BBQ allowed? BBQ

Prices: £14 per adult per night / children (4-15years) £5 per night. Seafront pitches an extra £5 charge.

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Gruinard Bay Caravan Park

Gruinard Bay Caravan Park sits on the water’s edge,near the town of Gruinard Bay. The village offers a range of activities and services. A great location to either be as chilled or as active as you want.

Address: Laide, Wester Ross IV22 2ND

Open (rough guide): Start of April to end of October.

Dog friendly?: Yes

Campfire/ BBQ allowed? Ask at Reception

Prices: 2 adults £27 per night

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NORTH COAST & CAITHNESS NC500 campsites for motorhomes

Sango Sands Oasis

Sango Sands Oasis campsite is perched above the sandy Sango Sands beach and is one of the most popular campsites on the North Coast 500 route.

Facilities include electric hookup, hard standing and grass pitches, toilet blocks, waste disposal, laundry facilities and a restaurant with bar. 

It’s a fantastic campsite, although we did have an interesting situation here where I was asked to leave in the middle of a storm, despite me asking the day before if I could extend my stay a couple of hours!

You can watch the whole story here:

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Smoo Cave is just down the road and the views over the North Sea are spectacular. Ceannabeinne Beach and the Golden Eagle zipline are nearby- the zipline was epic and I highly recommend it.

You only need to book if you want electric hook-up. Non-serviced and grass pitches are first come, first served. 

Fair warning: it can get windy along this coastline- it’s very exposed.

Camping out of season:  From mid November to mid March you may stay here overnight for just £10 with electric hookup. You can also use their water fill up. The toilets are closed but there are public toilets available next to the local supermarket.

Address: Sango Bay, Durness, Sutherland, IV27 4PZ

Open (rough guide): All year if you don’t need facilities

Dog friendly?: Yes

Campfire/ BBQ allowed? No

Prices: From £10pp (additional costs for children and electricity)

There is an onsite bar and restaurant, stocked full of all the best Scotch Whisky, this cosy campsite is ideal for your stay in the north-west of Scotland.

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Dunnet Bay Caravan and Motorhome Club Site

Dunnet Bay is another campsite with breathtaking views and a nearby beach. Close to the town of Thurso, it’s in an excellent location to visit John o’Groats and Orkney.

This is where we left our motorhome for the day when we visited Orkney on our motorbikes (you can also take your motorhome or camper to Orkney, even if just for the day.)

Dunnet Bay is a Caravan and Motorhome club site and there are facilities to match- toilet blocks, laundry, electric hookup and plenty of things to do nearby. 

Address: Dunnet, Thurso, Highlands, KW14 8XD

Open (rough guide): Start of March to start of November

Dog friendly?: Yes

Campfire/ BBQ allowed? BBQ

Prices: from £24 for 2 adults

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John O’Groats Caravan and Camping Site

If you want to camp right next to John o’Groats, this is the campsite to do it. The views are wonderful and the facilities are good- electric hookup, toilet blocks and laundry facilities. 

Address: County Road, John o’ Groats KW1 4YR

Open (rough guide): April until end of October

Dog friendly?: Yes

Campfire/ BBQ allowed? BBQ

Prices: from £24 for a caravan or motorhome

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EAST COAST NC500 campsites for motorhomes and campers (inc BLACK ISLE and Inverness)

Wick River Campsite

The Wick River campsite is a sheltered campsite on the banks of the River Wick and only a 5-minute walk into the town of Wick. Nearby are shops, restaurants, swimming, golf and beaches. 

Address: Riverside Drive, Wick, Caithness KW1 5SP

Open (rough guide): May until end of September

Dog friendly?: Yes

Campfire/ BBQ allowed? No

Prices: from £26 for a motorhome and 2 adults.

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Brora Caravan Club Site

The Brora Caravan Club Site is on a fairly sheltered stretch of coastline, yet is just 300m from the beach.

It’s a popular site with birdwatchers, as the Arctic Tern nest on the beach. Nearby are lochs and the sea for swimming or fishing- you might even see whales, seals or dolphins. Brora village is only a couple of miles away and has shops and a couple of restaurants.

Address: Dalchalm, Brora, Highlands, KW9 6LP

Open (rough guide): Start of March to the start of November

Dog friendly?: Yes

Campfire/ BBQ allowed? BBQ

Prices: £11 per pitch + £8.50 per adult (per child £2.20)

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Dornoch Caravan and Camping Park

The Dornoch Caravan and Camping Park sits right on the award-winning Dornoch beach and close to the small town of Dornoch. 

It’s only a 5 minute walk to Dornoch Cathedral and there’s Dunrobin Castle (one of the best castles on the NC500) and a golf course nearby. 

Address: The Links, Dornoch, Sutherland-shire IV25 3LX

Open (rough guide): End of March until end of October

Dog friendly?: Yes

Campfire/ BBQ allowed? BBQ

Prices: £27 for a unit with 4 people with electric

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Grannie Heilan Hame Holiday Park

As sites go, this is a good one. There are so many facilities, including crazy golf, a jacuzzi, kids club, zipwire, bowling, indoor pool, tennis courts- and that’s before you even get to the beach and the incredible views.

The site sits on the white sand beach of Embo and is close to the historic town of Dornoch. 

Onsite there is a shop, bar and restaurant. It’s a Park Dean resort, so it’s not quiet- or cheap, but if you want entertainment, this is the place for you.

Address: Dornoch, Sutherland, IV25 3QD

Open (rough guide): Feb until NovemNovember

Dog friendly?: Yes

Campfire/ BBQ allowed? BBQ

Prices: from £16 pp

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Dingwall Camping and Caravanning Club Site

This Dingwall campsite overlooks the famous Cromarty Firth and is a peaceful place to unwind.  Pitches are level and there’s a mix of grass and hard-standing, many with electric. There are toilet blocks and washing facilities. 

It’s close to the market town of Dingwall which has a range of shops, a supermarket and restaurants.

It’s also a great place to leave the motorhome and catch a train into Inverness or to Kyle of Lochalsh on the West coast; a stunning route taking in some of Scotland’s most beautiful scenery.

The Dingwall Heritage hiking Trail passes the campsite and follows the River Peffery to a picnic area on the Cromarty Firth. 

Wildlife lovers can hopefully spot dolphins at Cromarty, or see Red Kites on the Black Isle. Ospreys can be seen in nearby Udale Bay. For local culture, visit the Victorian village of Strathpeffer or visit the Black Isle Brewery, Munlochy for tours and tastings.

NOTE: TV and Wifi signals may be poor. 

Address: Jubilee Park Rd, Dingwall IV15 9QZ

Open (rough guide): April until end of October

Dog friendly?: Yes

Campfire/ BBQ allowed? BBQ

Prices: from £9.25pp

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Black Rock Campsite

Black Rock campsite is close to the Black Rock gorge- a 120 deep chasm carved by the River Glass. 

The park is close to the village of Evanton, just 15 miles north of Inverness and Dingwall (with the train station) is just 4 miles west. There is a bus service to reach both of these places.

There are 33 gravel touring pitches, all level with water drainage, electric hook up and an aeriel socket. There are also toilet and washing facilities, plus freezer packs, a shop and a pub just outside, which offers 10% discount to campers. 

Address: Balconie St, Evanton, Dingwall IV16 9UN

Open (rough guide): April until end of October

Dog friendly?: Yes

Campfire/ BBQ allowed? BBQ

Prices: from £25 per night

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Ardtower Caravan Park- near Culloden 

If you want to visit Culloden, Ardtower Caravan Park is a great option. 95% of pitches have an uninterrupted view towards the Black Isle and the views beyond. There is decent wifi in most areas and modern facilities.

Address: Culloden Road, Inverness, IV2 5AA

Open (rough guide): All year (may close in February/ March for maintenance)

Dog friendly?: Yes

Campfire/ BBQ allowed? BBQ

Prices: from £28 for a grass pitch with 2 adults.

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NC500 motorhome campsites open all year round

Here are a few campsites we know of along the NC500 which are open all year. (Please do check in advance- just in case they’ve changed their terms since we wrote this).

• Badrallach Campsite and Bothy
• Dornoch Firth Caravan Park
• Ferry View Night Stop
• Inver Caravan Park
• Loch Ness Shores Camping and Caravanning Site
• Port a Bhaigh Campsite
• Ardtower Campsite
• Clachtoll Beach Campsite
• Sango Sands Oasis (limited facilities out of season)

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Waste Disposal points for motorhomes and campervans on the NC500

Whilst I’m a big fan of wild camping in my motorhome, it sickens me how frequently the news has stories of idiots who have decided to just dump their waste (human or otherwise) at the side of the road, or in a corner of a car park- with absolutely no regard for the damage their actions are having both on the environment and on the public perception of motorhomers and campervanners. 

WARNING: Locals have started a NC500 ‘watch’ to report troublemakers and people who leave behind damage or waste- and you could find yourself banned from any other campsites on the route, so please act responsibly. 

It is true that the NC500 route has some areas where disposing of waste can be tricky- especially out of season when many places are closed. 

However, there are options around, and the government is working to put more options in place, so please do use them. The easiest option is to book into a campsite and use their waste disposal points and fill up on freshwater. 

There are even a couple of campsites along the route where you can dispose of grey and black waste hygienically, even if you choose not to stay on that campsite (you will need to pay a charge for using their facilities- as they have to pay to get your waste treated and removed.)

A couple of these are:

• Clachtoll beach campsite- west coast
• Inver Caravan Park, Dunbeath (38 miles south of John o’Groats)- open all year
• Ferry View Night Stop, Gills Bay (7 miles from John o’Groats)- open all year
• Black Rock Campsite, Evanton (15 miles north of Inverness)
• Beauly Holiday Park, (10 minutes west of Inverness)

If you know of any more NC500 motorhome campsites you’d recommend, feel free to leave them in the comments so others can benefit. Safe travels!

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