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Campervanning in Scotland - free camping?
I would love to take my husband to Scotland for the last May bankholiday. Last year we campervanned around NZ so I thought it would be nice to hire a van. I know my husband will want to run (yes, run) up Ben Nevis, so was considering staying in the Fort William area. I am confused about the rules of free camping in a campervan, can anyone enlighten me? Or can anyone recommend a campsite near FW?
Thank you!
0
Answers
Best of Scotland in 1 week itinerary (fully by public transport)
My Scotland travels (includes Edinburgh, Skye, Harris, Mull, Arran, Orkney, Loch Lomond, Islay, Oban, Dunoon, Speyside)
The law on Wild Camping in a motor vehicle is different to wild camping when you are carrying your tent on foot. You can't just park up anywhere.
I found this good article online https://wildaboutscotland.com/2014/11/30/wild-camping-in-scotland-camper-vans-and-motorhomes/ - it dates to 2014 but I'm sure that it still holds true.
Also, have a look at this section of our website for a list of companies that offer campervan and motorhome hire - you can begin planning your adventure!!
Just to pitch into this discussion a bit late ... I'm a keen camper, both in a campervan as well as in a tent when I'm out walking in the mountains. I wrote the article referred to above given there's often a lot of confusion around this issue.
@VisitScotlandAngela is right in saying that Scotland's progressive land access legislation allows you significant freedom to wild camp in Scotland if you're walking, cycling or using some other non-motorised activity. Just follow the guidance in the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, act responsibly and leave no trace.
However, these rules don't apply if you're camping in a vehicle and here the situation is exactly the same as in any other part of the UK. In practice, informal camping in motorhomes/campervans has been tolerated in some remoter parts of Scotland away from settlements but unfortunately, the significant growth in popularity of motorhome holidays (especially on the NC500) is starting to create issues in particular hotspots. I fear that this is just going to escalate.
So my advice to @ Lisbeth and others is to search out campsites first of all. They're geared up for motorhomes, have all the facilities as well as a warm welcome and great local advice to visitors. And of course, if you're staying locally on a campsite you're contributing much-needed income to the local economy!
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