Travel restrictions have finally been lifted and many of us are more than ready to get on the road! The NC500 route is becoming increasingly popular due to its breath-taking coastlines, beaches and amazing historical sites. Wild camping is becoming increasingly difficult due to the sheer number of people traveling the route. A fantastic option is to stay in one of the many NC500 Campsites.
The Highlands of Scotland is one of the most beautiful places in the UK to enjoy a staycation. If you want to stay in some of the most amazing locations without breaking the bank then NC500 Campsites should definitely be considered. You get the feeling of being in the wild, with the convenience of a hot shower and other onsite facilities. You also get to give back to the area you are visiting!
Whether you are heading off with a tent on your back, or filling up your campervan and hitting the road, here are 23 excellent NC500 campsites for you to consider. All of the campsites have over 4 stars in google. We have included links to all the sites and a handy map at the end to help you navigate your way around them.
1. Inverness: Ardtower Campsite (4.7 stars)
This NC500 Campsite has a great location just outside of Inverness and near to Culloden Battlefield. The facilities are modern and immaculate and you can get a view across the Moray Firth from its position high above Inverness. The campsite also has free WIFI. Many people claim it is the best campsite they have ever stayed in. There is a huge TESCO five minutes away so it’s perfect for stocking up!
2. Embo: Grannies Heilan Hame (4.6 stars)
As far as NC500 Campsites go this one has it all. The site has an enviable beachside location with stunning views of the Dornoch firth. The modern facilities include a spa, sauna, pool, and adventure playground-making it a great place to go with kids. The site also has a bar and restaurant.
3. Brora: Brora Caravan club site (4.4 stars)
This NC500 Campsite is only 300 yards from a beautiful sandy beach. You can play golf directly from the campsite or simply use the course as your way to get to the sea. The area is a haven for bird watching and a great spot to look for dolphins and seals. The pretty village of Brora is just a couple of miles away.
4. Crakaig Loth Campsite (4.4 stars)
This is a back to basics campsite with stunning views and simple facilities. It offers more of a wild camping experience. There are no electricity hook ups on site. Unlike all the other NC500 Campsites listed this one has no website so it is just a case of pitching up and waiting for someone to come round and collect the money. There is a low bridge on arrival so not suitable for larger motorhomes.
5. Dunbeath: Inver Caravan Park (4.7 Stars)
Inver Caravan Park campsite boasts a B&B, tent and campervan pitches. The site has hard standings for motorhomes and is open all year round! The campsite is run by a couple in their 70s who take great pride in what they do. The site is regarded as one of the best on the east coast. The facilities are modern, clean and tidy. There are great showers, underfloor heating and even a bath! Something of a luxury when it comes to North Coast 500 campsites!
6. John O Groats Caravan and Camping Site (4.2 stars)
John O Groats campsite sits right on the edge of the coast and provides stunning views out to the sea and Orkney beyond. This NC500 campsite is well maintained and has clean facilities. There are hard and soft pitches available. It is very near to shops and the famous John O Groats sign.
7. Windhaven Café, Camping and B&B (4.7 stars)
This is the most northerly campsite and café on mainland UK and is on the way to Dunnet Head Lighthouse. The campsite overlooks Brough Bay. This NC500 site provides a great position to see the Northern lights. Windhaven camping has excellent facilities and is well regarded by all who visit. If you are lucky enough you might spot seals playing in the nearby harbour.
8. Melvich: The Halladale Inn and North Coast Touring Park (4.5 stars)
This campsite is known for being a warm and welcoming place to rest your head. It has fantastic views, great facilities and an onsite bar and restaurant. There are also glamping pods if you fancy upgrading for the night! The site is a short walk to the beautiful Melvich Bay below.
9. Tongue: Kyle of Tongue Hostel and campsite (4.7 stars)
This NC500 campsite is know for having friendly and accommodating owners. The site offers breath-taking panoramic views that include Castle Varich, Ben Hope and Ben Loyal. The facilities are clean and modern. There is also a handy on site shop for essentials. It is a beautiful location to stop for the night.
10. Durness: Sango Sands Oasis (4.7 stars)
This NC500 gem is a simple cliff top campsite with amazing views over the sea. There is a restaurant and bar next to the campsite so it is well equipped for your stay. There is nothing like opening up your tent in the morning and being met with a breath-taking NC500 view. The beach below is a little slice of highland heaven. This is one of the most iconic NC500 campsites.
11. Scourie: Scourie Caravan Park (4.5 stars)
This is a lovely clean and tidy site with really good facilities. This NC500 campsite provides fantastic views over the bay and you can walk to the beach from the site. It is a great spot for watching the sun go down. There is café and bar at the entrance of the site as you arrive. The campsite is conveniently located in the centre of Scourie.
12. Clachtoll: Clachtoll Beach Campsite. (4.7 stars)
This is a lovely campsite with friendly owners and fantastic facilities. Perhaps the best thing about the site is that it is just a stones throw from the beautiful Clachtoll beach. This stunning bay is a great place for a variety of watersports, making this a good spot for families and the adventurous types!
13. Achmelvich: Shore Caravan Site (4.3 stars)
This NC500 treasure is a family run, informal campsite with no set pitches. The campsite overlooks the stunning Achmelvich bay which is considered to be one of the best beaches in the UK. Shore Caravan Site has great onsite facilities including a shop, laundry facilities and a fish and chip shop.
14. Near Achiltibuie: Port A Bhaigh Campsite (4.6 stars)
This is a great wee campsite that looks towards the Summer Isles. The site boast private camping bays, electric hook ups, nice showers and laundry facilities. There is also a little onsite shop and a great pub. What more could you need? There is a small port at the bottom of the campsite that is ideal for kayaking or paddle-boarding.
15. Ullapool:Ardmair Point Caravan & Camping Park (4.4 stars)
This NC500 campsite is on a beautiful, loch-side, location. The site is clean and well kept. The sheltered pitches are good for camping and the facilities are adequate for what you need. The campsite is only a five minute drive to Ullapool.
16. Badrallach: Badrallach Campsite (4.8 stars)
This is a peaceful NC500 campsite a little off the beaten track. The campsite was no WIFI, however Badrallach’s beauty lies partly in its remoteness. The campsite sits amongst stunning surroundings and is a great place to get away from it all and unwind. There is lots of wildlife to look out for including red deer and birds of prey. There are adequate onsite facilities, but it is worth noting there are no grey/black water emptying facilities. The site is more suited to tents and smaller campervans.
17. Gruinard Bay Caravan Park and Camping (4.8 stars)
This is a beautiful campsite in a stunning location overlooking the magnificent Gruinard bay. It is a quieter site than many on the NC500 and has good basic facilities and fantastic showers. This NC500 campsite is a fab spot to watch seals for hours! There is a shop and petrol station a 5 minute walk from the site.
18. Gairloch: Sands Caravan and Camping (4.7 stars)
This is an amazing beachside campsite with immaculate amenities. There is a good shop, cafe, and restaurant all on site. This NC500 campsite is a popular but large site so it doesn’t often feel too cramped. The site boasts beautiful views and a stunning location only 3 miles from Gairloch.
19. Kinlochewe: Kinlochewe Caravan Club Site (4.5 stars)
This is a lovely campsite with good facilities, including a drying room which definitely comes in useful in Scotland at all times of the year. The campsite is a really good location for walkers. There is also a great pub and café close by- perfect after a day in the hills! The Scottish Natural Heritage Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve is just 0.75m away from the caravan site. This is a stunning place to visit and one of my favourite NC500 campsites.
20. Shieldaig: Shieldaig Camping and Cabins (4.9 stars)
This is an amazing campsite in a picturesque setting overlooking Loch Shieldaig. The campsite only opened in 2019 so all the facilities are modern and top notch. The campsite is in a great location for all outdoor enthusiasts with hiking, climbing, and kayaking spots all close by. If you fancy eating out there is a great hotel restaurant in the nearby village of Shieldaig.
21. Applecross: Applecross Camp Site (4.2 stars)
Applecross campsite has an amazing location above the village of Applecross. The campsite has over 6 acres of open field camping space with fantastic views out west to the islands of Raasay, Rhona and Skye. The site has everything you need including a new shower block and clean facilities. The popular Applecross Inn is nearby- perfect for a pint or a dram!
22. Strathcarron: The Wee Campsite. (4.5 stars)
This is a lovely little campsite with great views from the pitches. There are only two toilets and two showers on site. Clean, functional and simple with a laid back owner. It is a great choice of campsite to get away from it all! The owner is finding it difficult to answer all phone calls so his favoured method of communication is message or email.
23. Contin: Riverside Chalets and Caravan Park (4.3 stars)
This campsite sits in a beautiful location next to a river and amongst the hills. The campsite is more suited to self contained motorhomes but there is an option to book out the shower/toilet block on an exclusive use basis. There is a handy shop on site to get in any essentials. Riverside is only 1.5 miles away from the stunning Rogie Falls.
The list above is written as if you are traveling from Inverness in an anticlockwise direction. Starting on the east coast and finishing on the west. We have mapped all of the NC500 campsites for you below to help you visualise your potential stay-over locations! You can also click here if you want to learn more about must see places when planning your NC500 trip!
We hope this can be of some help! Please let us know all about your NC500 adventure!
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