There's something magical about waking up in your campervan with the sound of waves and a view of the ocean. Scotland's coast is full of spots where that is still possible. Here are our favourites, with everything you need to know.
Wild Camping Rights in Scotland
- Camp on unenclosed land away from buildings
- Stay in small numbers for 1 to 2 nights
- Take all litter and waste with you
- Don't damage land or disturb others
- Use the facilities in your campervan and never dump waste
Our Top Beach Spots
Calgary Bay
Isle of Mull · West Coast
- Parking
- Large car park at the beach, overnight tolerated, free
- Facilities
- Public toilets nearby (seasonal), small cafe and art gallery, no fresh water
- Best for
- Families, brave swimmers, sunset watching
- GPS
- 56.5524°N, 6.3211°W
Balnakeil Bay
Durness, Sutherland · North Coast
- Parking
- Multiple areas, beach car park allows overnight, free
- Facilities
- Toilets at the car park, shops and cafes in Durness (1 mile), fresh water
- Best for
- Surfing, long walks, solitude, star gazing
- GPS
- 58.5676°N, 4.7634°W
Sands of Morar
Morar · West Highlands
- Parking
- Several beach access points, Traigh car park popular, free
- Facilities
- Limited, nearest shops in Mallaig (5 miles), pub in Morar
- GPS
- 56.9697°N, 5.8281°W
Gairloch Beach
Gairloch · Wester Ross
- Parking
- Large car park at Big Beach, overnight common, free
- Facilities
- Excellent: toilets, showers, cafes, shops, fuel, tourist info, fresh water
- GPS
- 57.7329°N, 5.6971°W
Oldshoremore
Near Kinlochbervie, Sutherland · North Coast
- Parking
- Small parking above the beach (10-15 vehicles), overnight tolerated, free
- Facilities
- None, nearest Kinlochbervie (6 miles). Gateway to the Sandwood Bay walk
- GPS
- 58.5126°N, 5.0941°W
Camusdarach Beach
Near Arisaig · West Coast
The 'Local Hero' beach.
- Parking
- Car park 200m from the beach, rough track, overnight tolerated, free
- Facilities
- Basic toilet, nearest shops in Arisaig (3 miles)
- GPS
- 56.8881°N, 5.8598°W
Achmelvich Beach
Assynt, Sutherland · West Coast
- Parking
- Beach car park fills quickly plus overflow, overnight common but busy, free
- Facilities
- Public toilets (summer), small shop and cafe (seasonal), no fresh water
- GPS
- 58.1581°N, 5.3293°W
Mellon Udrigle
Gruinard Bay, Wester Ross · West Coast
Pink-tinged sand with Summer Isles views.
- Parking
- Beach car park and roadside, overnight welcome, free
- Facilities
- None, nearest Laide or Aultbea (10+ miles)
- GPS
- 57.8778°N, 5.6125°W
Lunan Bay
Angus · East Coast
A 2-mile beach with red sandstone cliffs, a ruined castle and fewer midges.
- Parking
- Large car park, overnight tolerated, small fee via honesty box
- Facilities
- None at the beach
- GPS
- 56.6352°N, 2.5704°W
Torrisdale Bay
Near Bettyhill · North Coast
Dunes, views to Orkney and a tidal island.
- Parking
- Rough parking, overnight welcome, free
- Facilities
- None, nearest Bettyhill (5 miles)
- GPS
- 58.5528°N, 4.3817°W
Essential Beach Parking Tips
- Check local rules and signage
- Leave no trace
- Be weather aware, especially near the tide line
- Respect others using the beach
What NOT to Do
- Don't dump waste
- Don't overstay (1 to 2 nights maximum)
- Don't set up camp furniture
- Don't ignore 'No Camping' signs
- Don't travel in large groups
Best Times for Beach Camping
Summer
Warmest and busiest. Arrive early for the best spots and bring midge protection for calm evenings.
Autumn
Our favourite season. Quiet beaches, golden light and far fewer midges.
Spring
Fresh, green and quiet, with longer days arriving and minimal midges.
Winter
Dramatic and solitary. Wrap up warm and enjoy wild seas and empty sands.