Camping is often mistakenly interpreted as a summer activity, accompanied only by scorching weather and school holidays. But camping can be a great activity, whether with friends or family, throughout the entire year. Camping trips can be the ideal getaway for a weekend, a half term break or even during winter! To ensure this is always possible and to minimize disappointment, it is important to know which campsites in Scotland are open all year round. Here are 5 campsites in Scotland for you to peruse, along with who they’re suited for, how to get there and any other details worth knowing!
1. Comrie Croft, Crieff
The ultimate eco-friendly accommodation, a visit to Comrie Croft will allow you to truly leave the stresses of life behind and breathe properly again. Not only are they open all year long, but they offer a Winter Deal to make winter camping even more enticing!
Best feature: They’re focus on sustainability! They’re a member of the Long Run Alliance, and pledged to achieve sustainability through the 4C’s - Conservation, Community, Culture and Commerce. They focus on zero waste, energy self-sufficiency, and more!
Suited for: The range of activities available makes Comrie Croft ideal for families, as the whole family will enjoy mountain biking, hiking and more. It could also be great for couples looking to get away, as the Tea Garden and walking trails will allow you to enjoy your mini getaway.
How to get there? Head towards Perth on the A90/A9 or whichever direction that is. Then take the A85 west and turn off at Comrie Croft! Travelling from the West? Head past Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park and down the A85 until you reach it!
GPS: 56.384505, -3.940304
Braincroft, Crieff PH7 4JZ, UK
2. Chalmersquoy, Westray
If you’re up for a ferry ride, then use your next bank holiday to visit Chalmersquoy, a family-run campsite in Westray, one of the north isles in Orkney. It is situated at the edge of the Pierowall village, allowing you to be walking distance of the Heritage Centre, shops, hotel, cafe, swimming pool and more!
Best feature: One of the friendliest receptions you’ll find! Offering maps, timetables and other local information, they are dedicated to their guests and will ensure your trip ton Westray is a delightful one!
Suited for: Families with young kids will appreciate the beaches of Westray, the enarby play park and swimming pool. More mature travellers will also enjoy the tranquility of the area, local craft shops and the great local fish merchant!
How to get there? The best method is to drive to the north of Scotland, and get the ferry to the Orkneys. You can either take Pentland Ferries, from Gill’s Bay just west of John O’Groats to St Margaret’s Hope on South Ronaldsay. Or you can travel with Northlink Ferries, from Scrabster to Stromness on Mainland (Orkney). Between Mainland (Orkney) and Westray you can either fly from Kirkwall airport or get an Orkney ferry.
GPS: 59.314383, -2.984296
Westray, Orkney KW17 2BZ, UK
3. Wheems Organic Farm, Orkney
On South Ronaldsay, of the Orkney Islands, you’ll find Wheems Organic Farm. As well as being a working Organic Farm, it is a family run campsite. At this peaceful campsite, you’ll have the chance to wake up every morning, step out of your motorhome and gaze across the brilliant ocean. Follow this by a meal composed with fresh organic produce, and your holiday will be phenomenal!
Best feature: The delicious fresh produce available for purchase! You can start your day with organic wholefoods, fresh eggs, bread and in season organic produce from the farm. Also, it runs entirely on renewable wind energy!
Suited for: Travellers looking to get away. It is a peaceful island, ideal for coastal walks, visiting art and craft shops and catching up on sleep. Whether you’re travelling alone, in a couple or with friends, you’ll be welcomed warmly.
How to get there? You can fly to Orkney from Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Inverness, Glasgow and Shetland. These will take you to Kirkwall Airport, a mere half hour drive from Wheems Farm. There are bus options from the airport. Or you can take one of the four ferry options:
- Pentland Ferries is from Gills Bay on Mainland Scotland to St Margaret’s Hope, South Ronaldsay.
- Take the ferry from Aberdeen to the capital of the Orkney Islands, Kirkwall, and drive a half hour.
- The North Link Ferry from Scrabster to Stromness, and drive an hour to Wheems Farm.
- Or in the summertime, you can take a passenger ferry from John O’ Groats to Burwick in South Ronaldsay.
GPS: 58.807881, -2.927022
Eastside, South Ronaldsay, Orkney KW17 2TJ, UK
4. Newark Farm, Sanquhar
An awarded certificated location for three years now, Newark Farm is set in the beautiful region of Dumfries and Galloway. This grassy campsite is the ideal location for fishing, walking, swimming and mountain biking- an active holiday ahead!
Best feature: Being a member of the Newark Farm Trail. This is a project run by the Dumfries & Galloway Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group. Aiming to link sustainable farming, tourism and biodiversity. You can walk on the farm trail, visiting areas of interest and spotting wildlife. It also includes fun activities for children!
Suited for: Active holidaymakers! Families, couples or friends ready to explore and enjoy Dumfries and Galloway.
How to get there? You can take the train to Sanquhar station and then take a taxi or bus ride to Newark Farm. If you’re driving from Dumfries, start by getting on the A76 to Kilmarnock. From Ayr, take the A719 until the A70 junction. Driving instructions can be found here.
GPS: 55.360958, -3.912141
Sanquhar DG4 6HN, UK
5. Flodabay Farm Campsite, Isle of Harris
Set on 30 acres of peaceful croft land, Flodabay Farm Campsite offers unparalleled views of the Isle of Skye, the Bays of Harris and the mainland Scotland beyond. The campsite boasts two secluded fresh water lochs, with freshwater trout to fish and adorable otters to spot!
Best feature: The otters? The hot stone reflexology massage available? Nope, we’re going to go for the delicious breakfast available! Almost each review mentions it, the best way to start your morning on the Isle of Harris.
Suited for: Adults only! This campsite caters to 18 and over, so use this opportunity to get away from any stress and enjoy grown up time with a nice glass of wine.
How to get there? You’ll need to take the Caledonian MacBrayne ferry from Tarbert, and from there it is a short drive (taxis available).
GPS: 57.794641, -6.885194
4 Flodabay, Isle of Harris HS3 3HA, UK
Now it is time to show your family, friends, co-workers that camping isn’t just for summer days - although that can be lovely too! Head to these campsites in Scotland open all year for a delightful retreat from daily life, and enjoy their gorgeous surroundings. Need a campervan to enjoy at these campsites in Scotland? Check out Goboony for your motorhome hire in Scotland. And while you’re on the road, why not enjoy a road trip in Scotland?
