Motorhome & Campervan Hire in Scotland

Scotland is a haven for campers in the UK. As well as wild camping, there are many wonderful campsites in Scotland, some with full facilities including laundry and others with a much more back-to-nature feel. Whatever kind of campsite you’re looking for, you’re sure to find it in Scotland.

• Wild Camping – the clue is in the name: wild. Camping with a vehicle is prohibited. Wild camping is not allowed in laybys or road pull-offs, nor on private fields, church and cemetery car parks, or access roads. Pay attention to signs as there will be adequate signage in places that you cannot camp. There are still plenty of beautiful spots to wild camp and tons of information out there if you need it such as the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. And remember to always leave no trace!
• Camping and Caravanning Club Campsites – these campsites are run independently, but as they are part of a network, they tend to all have similar standard facilities, including hardstanding, water taps, bathrooms, and laundry (sometimes it’s nice to have a little luxury!). The Club campsites are open to members and non-members alike, members get a discount on their stay amongst other benefits.
• Independent Campsites – campsites run independently have wildly varying facilities, although you’ll be able to find out what to expect before you book. In Scotland, you’ll find camping sites in the forest, on the outskirts of towns, on the coast and in mountain valleys. Some have big camping fields, whilst others allow only a few campervans at a time for the ultimate peaceful getaway. Some have extensive bathroom, kitchen, and laundry facilities, some have a very back-to-nature feel with solar power and composting toilets, and some in Scotland even have their own nature reserve!

Burns Night, 25th January, whole country: this is an annual celebration of the life of Robert Burns. There are events all over the country, but some take place either side of the day so check ahead for the area you’re in.

Up Helly Aa (Fire Festival), end of January, Lerwick: fire festivals take place throughout the islands and this one in Lerwick is exceptional with its torch-lit processions and the burning of a replica Viking longship.

Fort William Mountain Festival, February, Fort William: the ultimate festival for adventure lovers. Watch inspiring films, hear incredible speakers, and learn tips and tricks for your favourite adventure activities. There are even activity sessions for running, biking, SUPing and climbing.

TradFest, April-May, Edinburgh: the pinnacle of traditional Scottish arts festivals, with music, arts and films showcasing the best of the country (if you’re headed to the islands, the Shetland Folk Festival also happens in April).

Whisky Month, May, whole country: keep an eye out for events wherever you are in the country celebrating this famous Scottish drink. Spirit of Speyside and the Islay Festival of Malt are just two of the many events across the country.

Highland Games, May to September, whole country: the Highland games happen throughout Scotland, and is a great place to see traditional athletic competitions including the caber toss, tug-of-war, Highland dancing, and bagpipe processions.

Edinburgh Festival Fringe, August, Edinburgh: one of the most famous fringe festivals in the world, this one is home to theatre, music, comedy, dance and more. The city really comes alive and it’s a great time to discover unknown acts. There’s also an art festival, book festival, and the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo going on this month in the capital so it’s a great time to visit.

Tiree Wave Classic, October, Tiree: this is a professional windsurfing competition, but if you want to do more than spectate then there’s surfing, paddle boarding, windsurfing, and an event village with excellent nightlife.

Hogmanay, December, whole country: Scotland’s new year celebrations are not to be missed!

The Scottish Borders were historically the site of myriad battles as the Scots waged war with the English in an attempt to decide who governed the land, resources, and people. Visit the border abbeys of Melrose, Kelso, Jedburgh and Dryburgh, or hike along part of a long distance trail; the Pennine Way, St Cuthbert’s Way, and the Southern Upland Way all pass through.

The Highlands is perhaps the most well-known region amongst visitors as it’s home to Lochs Ness and Lomond as well as Ben Nevis, Scotland and the UK’s tallest mountain. Ski at Aviemore in winter, or make the most of the wild terrain in Cairngorms National Park for hiking and biking. Loch Lomond is a 90-minute drive from the Edinburgh roadsurfer station, making it the perfect destination for shorter campervan breaks.

The North Coast 500, or NC500 as it’s now known, brings you 516 miles of some of the best of Scotland, travelling the coast of the northern half of the country from Inverness. With mountains, white sand beaches, castles, remote villages, and dreamy roads to drive, it’s become a must-do for campervan enthusiasts for good reason.

The Isle of Arran is a consolidation of all that’s great about Scotland: mountains, moorland, beaches, and fishing villages, all on one peaceful island. Hike or bike along the Arran Coastal Way, climb Goat Fell Mountain, get a ferry to the Holy Isle, and relax on one of the many beaches.

The Hebrides, which includes the Isle of Skye, are a chain of islands off the northwest coast of Scotland connected by ferry. Lush scenery, otherworldly rock formations, and plenty of wildlife draw visitors in, who then stay for a relaxed pace of life.