The Top 10 NC500 Campsites for Motorhomes

Compas campers
Jul 08, 2024

The NC500 route covers a scenic 500-mile loop around the northern Highlands of Scotland. Knowing the best campsites located directly along this route allows those of you travelling in motorhomes to plan your stops and itinerary in a way that ensures you don’t miss out on anything spectacular. 

Many of the top-rated NC500 campsites are situated in beautiful coastal locations, offering stunning views and access to beaches, lochs, and other natural attractions. With so much to do and see, it can be tricky to pick out the best NC500 campsite for motorhomes. That’s why we’ve gone ahead and done it for you with our list of the top NC500 campsites. 

1. Port Nan Gael Campsite

Port Nan Gael Campsite is an ideal destination for motorhomes and those travelling along the NC500 route. The campsite is situated on the banks of the River Leidle and the shores of Loch Scridain, offering unobstructed views of Ben More, the only Munro on the Isle of Mull. The elevated field faces the loch, mountains, and stunning sunsets. 

Port Nan Gael is an ideal base for exploring the Isle of Mull and surrounding islands. Visitors can enjoy cycling, walking, hiking, and swimming in the area. The site is also well-positioned for day trips to other islands like Iona, Staffa, and Lunga, which are known for their abbeys, beaches, volcanic rock columns, and wildlife. 

2. Seaview Caravan & Motorhome Park

Seaview Caravan & Motorhome Park offers well-maintained and spacious pitches designed explicitly for motorhomes. The site has modern amenities, including electric hook-ups, water, and waste disposal facilities to cater to the needs of motorhome travellers. The campsite welcomes dogs, making it a great option for motorhome owners travelling with their canine companions. This allows for a more enjoyable and hassle-free experience along the NC500 route. 

The campsite is in a prime location overlooking the beautiful Benderloch Bay and the Firth of Lorn. Motorhome travellers can enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and coastline from their pitches.

3. Shieldaig Camping & Cabins 

Shieldaig Camping & Cabins provides a convenient stopover point for motorhome travellers exploring the North West Highlands of Scotland. The campsite is described as having a quaint, relaxing, and welcoming atmosphere and is run by a passionate young couple accommodating motorhome guests. 

It’s the ideal spot that combines breathtaking views, excellent facilities, a welcoming atmosphere, and a convenient location along the NC500 route in Scotland. The village of Shieldaig is a picturesque fishing village set on the shores of Loch Shieldaig in the Scottish Highlands. Shieldaig was a training base for the Royal Navy during the Napoleonic Wars, and the town was founded in 1800 to train seamen.

4. Fortrose Bay Campsite

From Fortrose Bay Campsite, motorhome travellers can easily access a variety of nearby attractions and activities, such as Chanonry Point for dolphin watching and coastal walks and the charming town of Fortrose with its restaurants and cafes. 

The campsite has a friendly and welcoming atmosphere, with helpful staff that make motorhome guests feel at home. This makes for an enjoyable and relaxing experience along the NC500 route and is one of the best NC500 campsites for motorhomes.

5. Clachtoll Beach Campsite

Clachtoll Beach Campsite is well-equipped to cater for motorhome travellers. It provides dedicated motorhome pitches with electrical supply, water taps, and efficient waste disposal facilities. The site is praised for its clean and well-maintained amenities. This campsite will make your NC500 experience all the more enjoyable, given its situation directly on the shores of Clachtoll Beach. 

This offers visitors incredible views of the rugged coastline and the opportunity to enjoy the scenic seaside setting. Clachtoll is only 5 miles away from Lochinver and has a progressive attitude towards sustainability and eco-friendliness. Visitors can also enjoy a short walk to Clachtoll Beach and Split Rock. 

Clachtoll Beach

6. Gruinard Bay Caravan Park & Camping

Gruinard Island, a small island located in the bay, was used for anthrax experiments by the British military during World War II, rendering it uninhabitable until it was decontaminated in the 1990s. Situated directly along the NC500 route, the Gruinard Bay Caravan Park & Camping site provides a convenient stopover point for motorhome travellers exploring the route. 

The site's stunning coastal location, beach access, wildlife viewing opportunities, outdoor activity options, and convenient position make it popular for motorhome travellers. The area around the campsite is abundant in wildlife, with the chance to spot otters, seals, and other marine life, appealing to nature-loving adventurers. 

7. Sands Caravan and Camping

Sands Caravan and Camping is located on the west coast of the Scottish Highlands, offering views of the Isle of Skye and the Outer Hebrides. Its scenic setting makes it an ideal base for exploring the best of Wester Ross. Close by is also Gairloch Beach, providing motorhome travellers with immediate access to the golden sands and clear waters of the Gulf Stream. 

This makes it perfect for families enjoying the beach during the warmer seasons. It’s also perfect for the adventurous family, with the site offering activities like kayaking and bike hire for you to enjoy the outdoors during your days off the road.

8. Sango Sands Oasis

This campsite is certainly for those who want a bit more adventure. Sango Sands Oasis is close to popular attractions in Sangomore, like Smoo Cave, a zip line, and the Cocoa Mountain chocolate shop, providing motorhome guests with plenty of things to see and do in the local area during their stopover. 

The site is open all year round, even during winter, so it’s the perfect option for those who love dramatic skies while being immersed in nature during stormy weather. The campsite provides good facilities, including showers, a kitchen, and an on-site bar and restaurant. This makes it a convenient stop-off point for motorhome travellers. 

You can also check out the natural history museum in Durness, which explores the geological history of the Scottish Highlands, including the formation of the Smoo Cave system. 

9. Dunnet Bay Caravan and Motorhome Club Site

Dunnet Bay is set in an area of vast natural beauty, with stunning views over the clean-washed sands to Dunnet Head, the northernmost point of the British mainland. The beach is right next to the campsite, providing a beautiful setting for walks and evening sundowners. 

Motorhome travellers can visit several nearby attractions, such as the Highlanders' Museum, which offers a five-star experience with 14 exhibition galleries. Other nearby attractions include Castle Mey and Mary Anne's Cottage, a museum detailing crofting life. 

10. Reraig Caravan and Camping

If you’re looking for a quick and easy stopover, then Reraig Campsite is ideal. It is located just 10 minutes from the Skye Bridge and 5 minutes from Eilean Donan Castle, two major attractions along the NC500. You can also take many walking trails from the campsite, with pitches located opposite a beach, offering romantic settings for quiet meanderings. This campsite is also super convenient for those who don’t want to worry about cooking. It’s very close to a convenience shop, which includes a hotel with a pub, and is ideal for warming up and chatting with the locals over a pint. 

Can I wild camp in a motorhome on the NC500? 

Although wild camping may seem like an ideal adventure, it is not legally permitted along the NC500. Wild camping under the Land Reform Act of 2003 only applies to camping by foot, bike or other non-motorized transport. It does not apply to motorised vehicles like campervans or motorhomes. 

What’s more, with so many lovely campsites fully geared towards motorhomes, it's recommended you use these when travelling the NC500 to support local communities and enjoy rural locations with full facilities. The popularity of the NC500 route has led to a surge in visitors, with some areas like Ceannabeinne Beach experiencing up to 70 wild campers per night when it was allowed. 

This has destroyed the serenity of these natural areas and caused damage to the environment and vegetation. To prevent this from happening to other sites along the route, more stringent laws have been put in place. 

Hire Compass Campers motorhome for your NC500 camping trip

If you plan on making the most of your NC500 trip, then hire Compass Campers for your motorhome. We have a range of motorhomes available for you to choose from, each one best suited to different travelling parties. 

We can hook you up with anything from a romantic couples’ motorhome to vehicles better geared towards larger groups. If you need some inspiration and advice on where to stop along the wonderful NC500 route, then don’t hesitate to get in touch

We have been in the motorhome game for years, and we can provide tips and advice to make your trip extra special. With our simple booking process and friendly team, we guarantee you a wonderful trip when you choose us to provide you with a luxury motorhome rental.

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