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NC500

Campsites on the NC500

Here is a list of campsites if you want to do this famous road trip. We have included as much information as we can, and we do recommend that you check the indvidual sites for the most up-to-date-information as well.

Camping the NC500 is less about perfect plans and more about rolling with whatever Scotland throws at you. One minute it’s sunshine and turquoise water, the next it’s horizontal rain and you’re cooking pasta in the van with the door shut. That’s half the fun. The other half is finding a decent campsite at the end of the day.

This guide is here to make that bit easier. It pulls together campsites all the way around the NC500, laid out west to east, so you’re not zig-zagging across the map wondering where you can legally park up for the night. You’ll find opening seasons, rough prices, and what facilities are actually on site. Showers (important). Electric hook-ups (very important). Play areas, laundry rooms, cafés, or just a quiet patch of grass with a view and a toilet block that does the job.

Some sites are polished and family-friendly. Others are gloriously basic. All of them put you close to the landscapes you’ve come to see. Whether you’re in a tent, campervan, motorhome, or caravan, travelling solo, with kids, or with a dog, this list is designed to help you plan ahead, stay flexible, and enjoy the NC500 without the nightly “where on earth are we sleeping?” panic.

West Coast / Torridon & Wester Ross

Applecross Campsite (Applecross)

  • Season: March - October (inclusive)

  • Amenities: Hot water shower block
    Laundry room with washing machine and tumble dryer
    Small playground for younger kids.
    Electric Hook up available.

  • There are static caravans and basic camping huts for hire.

  • Vibe: Rustic, beautiful coastal setting near Applecross Inn & local pubs.

  • Additional accommodation: static caravans and basic camping huts. (Bring your own bedding, towels, cooking facilities for the camping huts)

  • Best for: Tents, campervans; scenic stop after Bealach na Bà.

Applecross Campsite

They have room for sixty tents, motor homes and touring caravans. The heated camping huts provide affordable accommodation during the colder times of the year or you may choose a luxury static caravan for maximum comfort.

Sands Caravan & Camping Park

  • Season: 28th March-26th October (2026)

  • Amenities: Licenced shop and barn cafe serving meals all day.
    Electric hookup
    Heated shower and toilet blocks including disabled facilities.
    Chemical toilet disposal points
    Washing Machines and Dryers (coin operated)
    EV charging point
    Free Wifi
    Indoor cooking with gas hob and microwave (£1 for 20 minutes useage) and communal fridge
    Games/TV room with pool table, table tennis, air hockey and table football
    Large outdoor play area

  • Additional Accommodation: 12 camping pods - 6 large (4/5 sleeper), 4 small (3 sleeper) and 2 luxury pods that sleep 2. Dogs are welcomed in all but the luxury pods. Bring your own bedding, towels and crockery for the basic pods.

  • Extras: Large spacious pitches, camping among sand dunes, pet friendly.

  • Best for: Tents, motorhomes, family camping.

Sands caravan & camping

A family run campsite situated on the beautiful west coast of the Highlands of Scotland with unsurpassed views of the Isle of Skye and Outer Hebrides. The ideal location for the holiday of your choice.

Ardmair Point Holiday Park (Ullapool)

  • Season: 3rd April – 17th October (2026), Lodges and chalets are open all year.

  • Amenities: Showers & toilets
    Electric hook-ups
    On-site shop
    Disabled facilities
    Washing machine and tumble dryer (coin operated)
    Kids Play area
    Hair Dryer
    Phone charging facilties

  • Additional Accommodation: Chalets, lodges and a static caravan.

  • Best for: Caravan/motorhome touring and easy access to Ullapool town.

Ardmair Point Holiday Park

Ardmair Point Holiday Park, Ullapool, is renowned for its tranquil setting and breathtaking views across Loch Kanaird and Ben Mhor Coigach mountain ridge

Broomfield Holiday Park (Ullapool)

  • Season: 16th April – 1st October (2026)

  • Amenities: Shower block and toilets (with shaving points)
    Washing machine and tumble dryers (coin operated)
    Chemical Toilets disposal
    Dishwashing area
    Right on the edge of Loch Broom
    Shops, cafes, takeaways and restaurants are only a few minutes walk away.

  • Best for: Base before heading north to Assynt.

Broomfield Holiday Park

Broomfield Holiday Park, the only campsite in Ullapool and located over looking the shores and sea of Lochbroom. Well located for those touring the Highlands, exploring the NC500 or visiting the Hebrides.

Assynt & North-West Coast

Shore Caravan Site (Achmelvich Bay) - No pets allowed here

  • Season: 2nd April –29th September (2026)

  • Amenities:
    Modern toilets & showers
    Disabled facility (wet room/toilet)
    Electric Hook ups
    4g Wifi (£2 for 24 hours or £10 for 7 days)
    Chemical Waste disposal
    Drinking Water taps
    Laundrette
    On-site shop
    On-site fish and chip shop
    On the shore of Achmelvich Beach

  • Additional Accommodation: Static Caravans that sleep up to 6 people with a double bedroom, a twin bedroom and double sofa bed. Everything provided except towels.

  • Nearby: Beach, coastal walks, popular launch spot for kayaking/family outings.

  • Note: Achmelvich Beach car parks now have no overnight parking rules, so always use official sites.

Shore Caravan Site

Located right next to Achmelvich beach, this family-focused campsite will take your breath away and provide you with unforgettable memories. One of the most beautiful sites in Scotland.

Clachtoll Beach Campsite (Lochinver)

  • Season: 28th March – 30th Oct (2026)

  • Amenities: Free showers & toilets (shampoo and bodywash in every shower but bring your own incase these run out)
    Disabled facilities
    Electric Pitch
    Outside beach rinse shower (great for wetsuits/kids/dogs)
    Small onsite shop + coffee
    Fridge/freezer facilities
    Undercover cooking area with microwaves, ovens, grills, toasters and kettles.
    Laundry room (£5 per wash and dry)
    Kitchen area (kettle, microwave)
    Chemical waste & grey water disposal
    Outside seating & recycling stations
    Free Wifi
    Dog friendly

  • Best for: Families & beach explorers

Clachtoll Beach campsite

Welcome to this stunning area of Assynt and Sutherland and the equally beautiful Clachtoll Beach Campsite situated on the Stoer peninsula looking across the sea to Lewis, Harris and Skye

Scourie Caravan & Camping Site (Scourie)

  • Season: All year, no booking required between 18th October to 31st March.

  • Amenities:
    Electric hook-ups (£8)
    Showers and toilets
    Open space views; dogs welcome
    Laundry room with washer/dryers and also with kettle, microwave, fridge/freezer.
    Spar shop on-site

  • Vibe: Broad open West Highland experience - quieter than big parks.

Scourie Caravan and Camping

A peaceful campsite, spectacular views of West Highland coast near Handa Island, where you can take a trip on the ferry. These run daily in peak season from 9:00am to 2:00pm.

Sango Sands Oasis (Durness)

  • Season: 19th March to 31st Oct (2026) Limited availability and facilities from 1st November to 18th March. Out of season, they provide power, water, waste disposal & household refuse for £20 per night. No toilets or showers are open so self contained units only.

  • Amenities: Electric hook-ups
    Basic showers/toilets
    Breakfast bar / onsite cafe in peak months.
    Chemical Waste Disposal
    Dishwashing and Laundry facilities
    Pets welcome
    Nearby village with mini supermarket, petrol station and cashpoint.

  • Setting: Clifftop pitches with ocean views; dramatic beaches.

Sango Sands

Camping on the cliff tops above award winning beaches, Sango Sands Oasis Camping and Caravan site provides amazing sea views on the North West tip of Scotland in the village of Durness.  This is an ideal stop off if you are doing the NC500

North Coast (Caithness)

Craigdhu, Bettyhill Caravan & Campsite (Bettyhill)

  • Open: All year

  • Amenities: Toilet and shower block
    Disabled facilities
    Dog friendly
    Kitchen area with kettle, microwave, toaster, phone charging facilities
    Chemical waste disposal
    Washing Machine and tumble dryer (£5 per wash and £3 per 15 minutes drying time)
    Shop, post office and Petrol Station in the nearby village.

  • Additional Accommodation: 3 static caravans - 2 are 3 bedroom and 1, 2 bedroom caravan.

Craigdhu, Bettyhill Caravan Site

The site is located in the village of Bettyhill, on the A836 directly on the NC500 route. Just a short walk from the site is Farr Bay Beach and Torrisdale Bay

Melvich Bay Caravan Park

  • Season:1st March - 31st October. Contact Malcolm for stays after 1st November.

  • Amenities:
    Modern toilet & shower blocks
    Shower and toilet block
    Chemical waste disposal
    Water fill points
    Dog friendly

  • Note: No tent pitches (tourer / motorhome focus). Roof tents allowed

Melvich Bay Campsite

Melvich Bay Caravan Park sits right on one of the north-coast’s great big beaches. It’s a proper touring park with full services, electric hook-ups and tidy facilities, so whether you’re in a campervan, motorhome or caravan, this is a great choice.

Ferry View Campsite

  • Season: All year

  • Amenities:
    Hardstanding & grass pitches
    Electric hook-ups
    Wood fired pizza evenings 5-8pm
    Toilet/shower blocks
    Laundry with washer/dryer facilities
    Chemical Waste Disposal
    Communal Fire Pit
    Dog Friendly
    Wifi (doesn’t reach the whole site)
    Board Games, books and games area
    BBQs allowed (on concrete slabs)

  • Bonus: Close to Gills Bay ferry to Orkney.

Ferry View Campsite

Ferry View is a small, friendly, family run, eco campsite in the far north of Scotland.  Open all year & just 7 miles from John O'Groats, the site is just off the A836 at Gills Bay, between Thurso and John O'Groats, and a great base to take the ferry and explore Orkney.

John O’Groats Caravan & Camping Site (John o’ Groats)

  • Season: 1st March - 31st October (2026)

  • Amenities:
    Showers & toilet
    Electric hook-ups
    Laundry room
    Chemical disposal point
    Hairdryers and shaving points in shower blocks
    Washing machines & dryer
    Shop/gift station onsite
    Wifi

  • Plus: Walk to pubs/shops around JOG point.

John O'Groats Campsite

If you’ve made it to the literal end of the British mainland, you might as well stay a while. John O’Groats Caravan & Camping Site is the classic final-stop pitch- simple, solid facilities with stunning sea and Orkney views.

East Coast / Moray Firth

Wick River Campsite (Wick)

  • Season: 27th March – 31st October (2026)

  • Amenities: Toilets & showers (Male and female blocks with shaving points in male block)
    2 disabled facility shower facilities and 1 family shower room
    Fridge/freezer facilities
    Phone charging (£2 per use, £1 pound coins)
    Electric hook-ups
    Washing Machine/tumble dryers - £4 per wash, £1 per 10 mins for dryers.
    Wifi

Wick River Campsite

Wick River Campsite is exactly what you want after a long day chasing North Coast 500 miles - a peaceful spot by the water, proper facilities, and that rare feeling of being close to everything and nowhere at the same time.

Dornoch Caravan & Camping Park (Dornoch)

  • Season: ~25th March – 26th October

  • Amenities: Showers and toilets
    Electric hook-ups
    Laundrette with washer/dryer
    Games room
    Play area
    Putting Green
    On-site shop
    Wifi

  • Additional Accommodation - 3 yurts, each sleeping up to 4 people with electric supply, tabletop oven, kettle and toaster. Gas BBQs and outdoor furniture provided.

Dornoch Caravan and Camping

Situated in the Royal Burgh of Dornoch on the east coast of Sutherland, Dornoch Caravan and Camping Park can be found next to Dornoch’s award winning beautiful golden beaches next to it’s magnificent golf course and only a five minute walk from Dornoch Cathedral.

Dornoch Firth Caravan Park (Tain)

  • Season: All year (with some winter closures - check online booking system)

  • Amenities: Electric hook-ups
    Showers/toilets
    Disabled facilities
    Close proximity to town and beach walk.
    Wifi
    Dog Friendly
    Bottled Gas
    Laundry facilities

  • Additional Accommodation: Cottage sleeping up to 10 across 6 bedrooms and a lodge sleeping 4 across 2 bedrooms.

Dornoch Firth Campsite

Dornoch Firth Caravan Park feels a bit like finding a comfy, well-stocked B&B after days of roughing it. It’s a proper touring park with showers, electric hook-ups and space to stretch your legs, all with views out over the firth.

Fortrose Bay Campsite (Black Isle)

  • Season: 27th March – 27th October

  • Amenities: Toilets and showers
    Disabled access wet room
    Electric hook-ups
    Washer/dryers
    Chemical Waste disposal
    Dog friendly
    Fridge/freezer

Fortrose Bay Campsite

Situated on the pebble beach overlooking the spectacular view over the Moray Firth, It's the perfect place to relax and unwind.
Enjoy a beach BBQ whilst watching the sun set over the distant mountains.

Rosemarkie Camping & Caravanning Club Site (Black Isle)

  • Season: April - End October

  • Amenities: Toilet/shower blocks
    Disabled facilities
    Dishwashing area
    Baby changing facilities
    Dog friendly
    Chemical waste disposal

Rosemarkie Campsite

Rosemarkie Camping & Caravanning Club Site is a proper Highland find if you’re wrapping up the NC500 and craving a spot with a bit of space, good facilities and a relaxed vibe. Set near sandy beaches and gentle walks, it’s a welcome change from the big landscapes

Culloden Moor Club Campsite (Inverness)

  • Season: 2nd April - 5th October (2026)

  • Amenities: Toilet/shower blocks
    Disabled facilities and family shower room
    Dishwashing area
    Baby changing facilities
    Dog friendly
    Chemical waste disposal
    Laundry Facilties
    Wifi
    Gas
    BBQs allowed

Culloden Moor

Gently sloping to face a glorious, unspoilt view over the Nairn Valley, Culloden Moor Club Campsite has the asset of being sheltered on one side by an abundant belt of mature trees to afford extra privacy and wind protection. The campsite is only about 1.5 miles from the famous Culloden Battlefield, where Bonnie Prince Charlie was defeated and Scottish history was rewritten. 

Tips before you go

  • Showers/toilets exist at all sites, but the larger the site the more likely laundry, dishwashing and kids spaces are included.

  • Bigger parks often fill early in summer, especially July–August. Booking ahead is strongly recommended for these.

  • A few sites are open all year but always check ahead of time.

  • Take plenty of loose change for the laundry facilities

  • Take labels to label your food with shared fridge/freezer facilities.

  • Bring your own toiletries as some sites will provide these but they could quickly run out

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