NC500 Campervan Advice

Compas campers
Sep 05, 2024

Travelling along the North Coast 500 (NC500) is one of the best ways to explore the Scottish Highlands. It’s even better when you have a motorhome or campervan to travel in. 

As this is one of the more popular ways to travel the NC500, there are some rules and regulations you should adhere to, in order to avoid any complications during your trip. Read this guide for more NC500 campervan advice. 

Driving on country roads

Although the NC500 is perfect for the best road trip of your life, driving on some of the country roads that make up the route is completely different from driving on the highway. You need to be aware of so much more when driving on country roads. Encounters with wildlife, pedestrians, adverse weather conditions and oncoming vehicles happen every day along the NC500. 

Motorhome advice stipulates that you should reduce your speed when driving. As you’re travelling with a larger vehicle, it can be more difficult to stop when moving at speed. Larger vehicles like motorhomes and campervans should travel slowly, and certainly adhere to the speed limits and signage. 

You should also be aware of the route permissions on the NC500. Some vehicles are prohibited from driving on certain roads. For example, if the vehicle you’re driving exceeds a standard VW T5 conversion, then you’ll need to map out an alternative route for your trip. 

On top of the legal requirements one must adhere to, you’ll need to also ensure the following: 

  • Make sure you can comfortably reverse the vehicle correctly and safely to the nearest parking place so that other vehicles can pass. 
  • If you’re moving slower than other drivers, you need to pull into the nearest passing place to allow them past. 

Following this advice along country roads will ensure you enjoy your trip when travelling in a motorhome or campervan. 

Overnight parking on the NC500

Along the NC500, overnight parking regulations are strict, particularly for motorhomes and campervans. Here’s what to take special note of when stopping for the night:

  • Legal Parking: Under the Land Reform (Scotland) Act, motorised vehicles are prohibited from going wild camping. Overnight parking is allowed only in designated areas, such as formal campsites or specific laybys, and activities outside the vehicle (like setting up awnings) are prohibited.
  • Recommended Stops: Suggest a few informal motorhome stopovers, such as Lochinver Leisure Centre and Stoer Lighthouse. Always check current permissions as they may change.

If you’re unsure whether or not wild camping is allowed in your intended area, it’s better to find somewhere that certainly takes campervans and motorhomes. The best advice for these types of vehicles, therefore, is to stay in one of the designated campervan or motorhome parks along the way. These are usually situated in beautiful settings along lochs, in national parks, or amongst mountains, so you won’t be deprived of any views or experiences. 

General Guidance: The Dos and Don'ts of the NC500

For general NC500 motorhome advice, use the below points for travel etiquette do’s and don’ts: 

NC500 Do’s: 

  • Assess Your Parking Spot: Before settling down for the night, take a moment to evaluate whether the location is suitable for your vehicle. Look for flat, stable ground that won’t be damaged by your weight, and avoid areas that may disrupt local wildlife or vegetation.
  • Consider the Impact of Your Presence: If you find a picturesque, secluded spot, remember that others may have discovered it too. Frequent use can lead to environmental degradation, so choose less popular locations if possible, and be mindful of your footprint.
  • Maintain Distance from Others: If you encounter another vehicle parked in a quiet spot, try to respect their space by finding an alternative location. This helps maintain the tranquillity of the area and reduces the risk of overcrowding.
  • Engage with Locals: Don’t hesitate to ask local residents for recommendations on safe and suitable overnight parking spots. They can provide valuable insights and may even share hidden gems that aren’t widely known.
  • Use Eco-Friendly Products: Opt for biodegradable detergents when washing dishes or cleaning your vehicle. This minimises your impact on the environment and ensures that you leave no harmful residues behind.
  • Be Self-Contained: Ensure your vehicle is equipped with proper toilet facilities and waste water tanks. This is crucial for responsible camping and helps avoid any negative impact on the surrounding area.
  • Practice Leave No Trace Principles: Before departing, conduct a thorough litter pick around your campsite. Take all your rubbish with you, and if you find any litter left by others, collect it to dispose of it properly in designated waste facilities.
  • Support Local Businesses: Contribute to the local economy by purchasing groceries and supplies from nearby shops rather than larger chains. This supports sustainability and enhances your travel experience by connecting you with local culture.

NC500 Don’ts

  • Ignore Parking Regulations: Avoid parking in areas marked with “no overnight parking” signs or near established campsites. Respecting these regulations helps maintain the integrity of local communities and prevents fines.
  • Park Near Residential Areas: Avoid parking overnight in view of private homes. This can be intrusive for residents and may lead to complaints.
  • Use Burial Grounds for Parking: It is strictly prohibited to park overnight in car parks associated with burial grounds. These areas are meant for respectful visitation, not overnight stays.
  • Block Access Roads: Never obstruct access tracks to estates, fields, or private properties. This can cause significant inconvenience for landowners and emergency services.
  • Stop in Passing Places: It is illegal to stop in designated passing places. These areas are crucial for allowing vehicles to navigate narrow roads safely. Blocking them can lead to congestion and potential penalties.
  • Light Fires or BBQs Recklessly: Only use fires or BBQs in safe, designated areas and ensure they are fully extinguished afterwards. Leaving no trace is essential for preserving the environment.

Sustainability and Responsible Travel Tips

Eco-friendly travel practices for motorhome and campervan users

Because the NC500 is known for its natural beauty, you want to leave as small a footprint as possible. Modern motorhomes are designed to be more fuel-efficient, which reduces greenhouse gas emissions. Motorhome users often generate waste, including food scraps and packaging. 

By minimising single-use plastics and implementing effective waste disposal strategies, such as using biodegradable products and recycling, travellers can reduce the amount of waste in landfills. 

Waste disposal and recycling

When exploring the stunning North Coast 500 in your motorhome or campervan, practising responsible waste disposal and recycling is essential to protect the beautiful environment around you. 

Always use designated chemical waste disposal areas at campsites or service points, and never empty your chemical toilet or grey water into public drains or natural spaces, as this can harm local ecosystems. 

To minimise waste, pack reusable containers and cutlery, and use recycling facilities at campsites to reduce landfill contributions. Before you leave a campsite, do a quick litter pick to ensure you take all your rubbish with you, and if you spot any litter left by others, pick it up too!

Respect for local communities

The increasing popularity of the route has led to significant congestion and disruptive behaviour, with some visitors treating it like a racetrack rather than a shared space where people live. This has raised concerns among residents who feel their homes are being overrun by tourists without any tangible benefits. 

By respecting local guidelines and driving responsibly, visitors can help create a more harmonious relationship with the communities they pass through while maintaining the stunning ambience of the natural surroundings. 

Ask Compass Campers for NC50 campervan advice

At Compass Campers, we have years of experience in NC500 travel and adore where we work. If you want any NC500 motorhome advice or just want to enquire about our luxury vehicles, then feel free to reach out! Our friendly team would be more than happy to help! 

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