Best campsites in Scotland with scenic views

Nestled away in the south of Harris, Horgabost Campsite has many incredible assets, but its best might just be its remoteness. With views out over the water interrupted only by the gentle rise of Taransay Island - thought to be the largest in Scotland without a permanent population – it’s an excellent place to set your camera out towards the Atlantic and shoot the stars. This far north, you might even catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights. 

Located on the west coast of Scotland, it’s no surprise that light pollution is almost non-existent at Invercaimbe Caravan & Camping. Sitting on a dramatic and rocky shore, the site’s adjacent beach is the perfect place to gather as night begins to fall. Get your cameras and telescopes at the ready for a spot of stargazing! 

Over on the quiet island of Islay, Port Mor Campsite sits on the east-facing edge of a sweeping bay. From the edges of its rocky outcrops, visitors are able to watch the sun rise illuminate the ridges on the other side of the water, before casting its vivid shadow across the gentle waves below. 

At the far-westerly tip of the Isle of Mull, Fidden Farm Campsite is wonderfully remote. Its camping grounds back right onto the beach, meaning you can set up camp just metres from the water, and fall asleep to the sound of waves lapping on the shore. The combination of white sand, crystal clear water and rocky outcrops make this one of the most beautiful camping spots in the UK. 

With its east-orientated shoreline, you’re perfectly set to take in a sunrise at Ardnamurchan Campsite. You’ll marvel in amazement as the sun climbs above the distant tips of the northern Highlands, with the Sound of Mull below helping the early morning light beam and illuminate any lingering clouds.

The clue’s in the name at Sands Caravan and Camping Park. In the north-west Highlands of Scotland, this campsite sits in a valley between two moorland hills, running the length of a golden sand beach. While the view from the shoreline is a sight to behold, TripAdvisor reviewers added that the panoramic views from atop the mounds are also not to be missed. 

Nestled at the heart of the Cairngorms National Park, The Lazy Duck is surrounded by hundreds of acres of pine forest, streams and meadows. With hut-style lodging deep in the heart of the woodland, it’s the perfect place to get lost among the trees – day or night, spring, summer or winter. It’s particularly picturesque in the winter months, with its snow-capped pines and scrubs. 

Ruberslaw Wild Woods is set amongst rolling green countryside – making it an ideal spot for camping in the Scottish Borders. The surrounding landscapes are full of woodland walks, with dense patches of forest just a short cycle ride to the south and west. It’s particularly photogenic in spring, when seas of bluebells blossom beneath the tree canopy. 

At the very heart of Scotland in the Tay Forest Park, Kilvrecht Campsite is wonderfully situated on the southern shores of Loch Rannoch. The mountains that surround it are steep and dramatic, with the rare conical peak of Schiehallion towering over the waters below. The journey to the top is long but rewarding, and you’re sure to take some great photos of heathers, mosses and blaeberry as you go. A repeat visit might even be in order, as the botanical life dramatically changes colour with the seasons. 

With views spanning across the Firth of Forth all the way across to the Fife coast, Tantallon Caravan & Camping Park is well placed if you’re seeking a show-stopping sunset. With great views of Bass Rock and the world’s largest colony of gannets nearby, there’s plenty of extra touches that’ll really bring those sunset shots to life.

Sitting at the southern tip of Loch Lomond, the largest freshwater loch by area in Scotland, you can experience fantastic camping with a view when you visit Lomond Woods Holiday Park. The water stretches for some 36 kilometres, flanked by tall but gently-sloping peaks on all sides, making the region perfect for walking and hiking in. The contrast of the loch’s gentle waters with the forest and moorland that blooms from the mountain slopes is incredibly picturesque.