Camper Van & RV Rental in Scotland

Scotland is a haven for campers in the UK as wild or dispersed camping is allowed in many places. There are also many wonderful campgrounds in Scotland, some with full facilities including laundry, and others with a much more back-to-nature feel. Whatever kind of camping spot you’re looking for, you’re sure to find it in Scotland.

• Wild or Dispersed Camping – The clue is in the name: wild. This means there’ll be no facilities like bathrooms or electricity, so make sure you’re prepared. Dispersed camping is not allowed in pull-outs, rest areas, private fields, or access roads. Pay attention to signs as there will be adequate signage in places that you cannot camp. If that all sounds prohibitive, don’t be put off! There are still plenty of beautiful spots for dispersed camping and tons of information out there if you need it. Just remember to practice Leave No Trace!
• Camping and Caravanning Club Campgrounds – These campgrounds are run independently but are part of a network so they tend to all have similar standard facilities including parking spots, water taps, bathrooms, and laundry (sometimes it’s nice to have a little luxury!). The Club Campgrounds are open to members and non-members alike, but members get a discount on their stay, among other benefits.
• Independent Campgrounds – Campgrounds run independently have wildly varying facilities, but you’ll be able to find out what to expect before you book In Scotland. You’ll find camping sites in the forest, on the outskirts of towns, on the coast, and in mountain valleys. Some have big fields, while others only allow a few camper vans at a time for the ultimate peaceful getaway. Some have extensive bathroom, kitchen, and laundry facilities, some have a very back-to-nature feel with solar power and composting toilets, and some in Scotland even have their own nature reserve!

• Burns Night, January 25th, whole country: This is an annual celebration of the life of Scotland’s national poet Robert Burns. There are events all over the country, but some take place either side of the day so check ahead for the area you’re in.
• Up Helly As (Fire Festival), end of January, Lerwick: Fire festivals take place throughout the islands and the one on Lerwick is exceptional with its torch-lit procession and the burning of a replica Viking longship.
• Fort William Mountain Festiva, February, Fort William: The ultimate festival for adventure lovers. Watch inspiring films, hear incredible speakers, and learn tips and tricks for your favorite outdoor adventure activities. There are even activity sessions for running, biking, stand-up paddle boarding, and climbing.
• TradFest, April-May, Edinburgh: The pinnacle of traditional Scottish art festivals, with music, arts, and films showcasing the best of the country. If you’re headed to the islands, the Shetland Folk Festival also happens in April.
• Whisky Month, May, whole country: Keep an eye out for events wherever you are in the country celebrating this famous Scottish drink. Spirit of Speyside and the Islay Festival of Malt are just two of the many events across the country.
• Highland Games, May to September, whole country: The Highland Games happen throughout Scotland and are a great place to see traditional athletic competitions including the caber toss, tug-of-war, Highland dancing, and bagpipe processions.
• Edinburgh Festival Fringe, August, Edinburgh: One of the most famous fringe festivals in the world. This one is home to theatre, music, comedy, dance, and more. The city really comes alive and it’s a great time to discover unknown acts. There’s also an art festival, book festival, and the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo going on this month in the capital so it’s a great time to visit.
• Tiree Wave Classic, October, Tiree: This is a professional windsurfing competition, but if you want to do more than spectate, then there’s surfing, paddle boarding, windsurfing, and an event village with excellent nightlife.
• Hogmanay, December, whole country:  Scotland’s new year celebrations are not to be missed!

The Scottish Borders were historically the site of a myriad of battles as the Scots waged war with the English in an attempt to decide who governed the land, resources, and people. Visit Hadrian’s Wall, or the border abbeys of Melrose, Kelso, Jedburgh, and Dryburgh, or hike along part of a long-distance hike like the Pennine Way, St Cuthbert’s Way, and the Southern Upland Way, which will all pass through.

The Highlands is perhaps the most well-known region amongst visitors as it’s home to Lochs Ness and Lomond, as well as Ben Nevis, the UK’s tallest mountain. Ski at Aviemore in winter, make the most of the wild terrain in Cairngorms National Park for hiking and biking, or stop to see standing stones along your road trip. Loch Lomond is a 90-minute drive from Edinburgh roadsurfer station, making it the perfect destination for shorter camper van vacations.

The North Coast 500, or NC500 as it’s known, brings you 516 miles of some of the best of Scotland, traveling the coast of the northern half of the country from Inverness. With mountains, white sand beaches, castles, remote villages, and dreamy views from the drive, it’s become a must-do for camper van enthusiasts for a good reason.

The Isle of Arran is a consolidation of all that’s great about Scotland, mountains, moorland, beaches, and fishing villages, all on one peaceful island. Hike or bike along the Arran Coastal Way, climb Goat Fell Mountain, get a ferry to the Holy Isle, and relax on one of the many beaches.

The Hebrides, which includes the Isle of Skye, are a chain of islands off the northwest coast of Scotland connected by a ferry. Lush scenery, otherworldly rock formations, and plenty of wildlife draw visitors in, who then stay for a relaxed pace of life.