Do I need to book NC500 campsites in advance?

During peak months (May–September), many popular coastal campsites sell out quickly, especially at weekends and during school holidays. Booking a few key nights in advance—your first night, the far north, and the west coast—helps avoid stress and keeps a smooth trip rhythm. You can leave some mid-week nights flexible if you prefer spontaneity.

Why choose campsites instead of wild camping or informal park-ups?

Campsites provide proper facilities, safe level pitches and a secure place to unwind after long drives. They also protect fragile landscapes and reduce pressure on local communities, which have faced issues from informal overnighting. Choosing sites helps keep the NC500 welcoming while giving you reliable water, waste disposal and electric hook-up where needed.

Are there motorhome-friendly campsites along the NC500?

Yes. Many NC500 sites cater specifically for motorhomes and campervans with electric hook-ups, chemical waste points, fresh water, hardstanding pitches and wider manoeuvring space. Traveller favourites include Sango Sands (Durness), Clachtoll Beach (near Lochinver), Fortrose Bay (Black Isle) and Sands (Gairloch).

Can I still enjoy remote scenery if I stay on campsites?

Absolutely. Numerous NC500 campsites sit on beaches, loch shores or beside dramatic viewpoints. Places like Dunnet Bay, Clachtoll, Sango Sands and Sands Gairloch offer panoramic coastal or mountain vistas—so you keep the wild feel, with the comfort and convenience of established facilities.

How do I camp responsibly on the NC500?

Use proper black/grey-water disposal points, follow passing-place etiquette and respect signage. Take litter with you if bins are full, keep noise down, and keep dogs on leads near livestock and ground-nesting birds. Supporting local cafés, shops and attractions also helps communities along the route.

What facilities can I expect at NC500 campsites?

Most sites offer toilets, hot showers, fresh water and waste disposal. Many add laundry rooms, dishwashing areas, small shops or cafés, Wi-Fi, and dedicated motorhome service points. Some have direct access to beaches or waymarked trails, making it easy to explore from your pitch.

NC500 Campsites

Campsites put you right in the heart of the NC500’s scenery, with coastal sunsets, mountain backdrops and quiet countryside to wake up to.
Staying on dedicated sites helps protect those same landscapes by reducing pressure on fragile wild spots.
Managed pitches offer a peaceful, secure way to enjoy the route’s dramatic views without the stress of finding informal overnight spots.

The NC500 is one of Scotland’s most spectacular road trips, and choosing the right campsites can transform your journey. From dramatic coastlines to peaceful countryside bases, staying on dedicated sites gives you comfort, safety, and stunning views—all while travelling responsibly and supporting local communities.

Check out our sections below:

Why choosing campsites on the NC500 makes your journey calmer, easier, and more enjoyable

The NC500 is one of those routes that grabs you from the moment you start driving it—huge skies, wild coastlines, winding roads, and that feeling that you’ve finally escaped the day-to-day. But anyone who has actually travelled it knows something else too: in the busiest months, it’s busy. Popular lay-bys fill quickly, many spots are clearly signposted against overnight parking, and you can easily end up driving longer than you planned simply trying to find somewhere suitable to stop.

Booking campsites takes that whole stress away. You know exactly where you’re ending up, you’ve got a level pitch waiting for you, and you can relax into the journey instead of chasing a place to sleep. You’ll also get actual facilities—hot showers after a misty beach walk, a reliable water fill-up, somewhere to empty waste properly, an electric hook-up if you need it, and often a little shop or café on-site.

Most importantly, by choosing campsites, you’re helping keep the NC500 beautiful. Informal camping has created real tension along the route, especially where vehicles have caused damage, blocked passing places, or left waste. Campsites take pressure off sensitive areas and give communities back a sense of balance. And there’s the human side too: campsite wardens are a goldmine of advice—which roads are closed, where to spot wildlife, the best bakery, and which beach is quiet at sunset. You don’t get that when you pull into a lay-by at 10pm.

Planning and booking your NC500 campsites—getting the rhythm right

A great NC500 trip has a flow to it—a mix of big scenery days, slower village days, and a couple of nights where you simply sit outside listening to the waves. Campsites help you build that rhythm. In peak months (May–September), coastal sites sell out weeks in advance, so it’s worth booking a few anchor nights: one near Inverness or the Black Isle at the start, one on the far north coast, and one somewhere along the west coast. The days in between can stay flexible if you like to go with the weather.

Check pitch types carefully. Bigger motorhomes may need hardstanding, whereas van lifers might prefer a more natural grassy pitch. If you rely on electric heating, you’ll want EHU. If you’re travelling with kids, proximity to a beach or play area is a game-changer. And don’t underestimate the weather—having a confirmed pitch means you’re not forced to drive tired in poor conditions looking for a safe place to stop.

Campsites also give your vehicle what it needs. Fresh water, proper waste disposal, chemical toilet points, and space to manoeuvre are essential on this route. And if you’re mixing work and travel, ask about 4G or Wi-Fi; coverage varies, and knowing in advance saves frustration. Campsites aren’t just convenient—they’re the foundation of a smooth NC500 experience.

Some of the best campsites along the NC500 (by area)

These campsite suggestions aren’t just names on a list — they’re places that genuinely enhance your journey. They have views, atmosphere, good locations or a bit of personality, making them fantastic bases as you wind your way around Scotland’s north coast.

Inverness & Black Isle

Bunchrew Caravan Park (Inverness) – Woodland feel and a perfect “first night” or “last night” stop.
Fortrose Bay Campsite (Fortrose) – Right by the water; dolphins are often seen nearby.

East Coast

Dunroamin Caravan & Camping Club Site (near Tain) – Good facilities and close to a beautiful beach.
Brora Caravan & Motorhome Club Site – Peaceful, long sandy walks straight from the pitch.
Dunnet Bay Caravan & Motorhome Club Site – Huge beach and a classic far-north feel.

Far North

Sango Sands Oasis (Durness) – Clifftop views, dramatic sunsets — iconic NC500 camping.
Kyle of Tongue Hostel & Campsite – Loch and mountain scenery that feels cinematic.

North-West & West Coast

Clachtoll Beach Campsite – Wild, turquoise water, small and friendly — a favourite for many.
Ardmair Point (Ullapool) – Ideal for supplies, ferries, and a break from long driving days.
Sands Caravan & Camping (Gairloch) – Big open vistas, dunes and starry nights.

West to South-West

Gruinard Bay Caravan Park – Peaceful bay setting and stunning sunsets.
Applecross Campsite – Perfect base for exploring the peninsula; book early.
Near Eilean Donan small sites – Handy access to Skye, Lochalsh and onward routes.

Each one gives you something different—views, convenience, community, or that magical “wake up and smile” moment that really makes the NC500 unforgettable.

How to camp responsibly and fit into the rhythm of the NC500

You don’t need to be a hardcore environmentalist to appreciate that the NC500 is fragile. It only takes a few careless acts to put real strain on the land and local communities. Using campsites is already a huge step in the right direction, but there are things you can do on the road too. Stick to passing-place etiquette, keep speeds sensible on single-track roads, and avoid parking in places that damage verges or block locals.

Waste management is the big one. Use proper disposal points—never empty grey or black water into burns, dunes, or drains. If bins are full, take your rubbish with you; don’t leave it beside an overflowing bin. Fires are rarely permitted on pitches; if you use a designated fire spot elsewhere, keep flames small and contained. Dogs need to be on leads near livestock and ground-nesting birds (especially in spring).

And finally, support the little businesses. A coffee in a community café, a fish supper from a local chippy, buying bread from a village bakery—these small choices genuinely help communities stay welcoming to visitors. When travellers and locals work in harmony, it makes the NC500 a happier place for everyone.

Ready to plan confidently? Here’s how our NC500 guide brings everything together

If you want to take the guesswork out of planning and still keep the freedom of exploring, our NC500 Travel Planner is designed exactly for that. It’s not just a list of campsites—it’s a complete route companion. You get 30 key destinations, suggested day-by-day structure, detours and island options, plus over 100 attractions and experiences to help you build a journey that feels personal to you.

The star feature is our Overnight Stays map, which includes around 50 campsites plus 15+ motorhome stopovers (including authorised aires and almost-wild spots that come with landowner consent). It tells you which stops are scenic, which are practical, which work for bigger vehicles, and which pair nicely with specific driving days. It makes planning faster, smoother, and genuinely fun.

If you want a trip that’s memorable for the right reasons—not for the stress of searching for night stops—our NC500 guide will give you everything you need to start strong and travel with confidence.

North Coast of Scotland Guide

During peak months (May–September), many popular coastal campsites sell out quickly, especially on weekends and during school holidays. Booking a few key nights in advance—your first night, the far north, and the west coast—helps avoid stress and gives your trip a smoother rhythm. You can leave mid-week nights flexible if you prefer spontaneous travel.
Campsites offer proper facilities, safe level pitches, and a secure space to relax after long drives. They also protect fragile landscapes and reduce pressure on local communities, who have faced issues such as littering and waste from informal overnight parking. Choosing campsites helps keep the NC500 welcoming for everyone.
Yes. Many sites along the route are specifically geared toward motorhomes and campervans, offering electric hook-ups, chemical waste disposal, fresh water points, hardstanding pitches, and wider turning space. Places like Sango Sands, Clachtoll Beach, Fortrose Bay, and Sands Gairloch are particularly popular with motorhome travellers.
Absolutely. Many NC500 campsites sit directly on beaches, lochsides, or on the edge of dramatic viewpoints. Sites such as Dunnet Bay, Clachtoll, Sango Sands, and Sands Gairloch offer panoramic coastal or mountain views that feel every bit as wild—just with the added benefit of comfort and convenience.
Use proper waste points, stick to passing-place etiquette, and follow signage. Take rubbish with you if bins are full, keep noise low, and keep dogs on leads near livestock and nesting birds. Buying from local cafés, shops, and producers also helps support the communities who live and work along the route.
Most sites provide basics such as toilets, hot showers, fresh water and waste disposal. Many also offer laundry rooms, dishwashing areas, on-site shops, cafés, Wi-Fi, and dedicated motorhome service points. A few even have direct beach access or walking trails straight from the pitch.