Wild Camping near Edinburgh: Bonaly Reservoir
Located just a short journey from the Scottish capital, Edinburgh, the Bonaly Reservoir is a great place if you want to quickly get out of the city.
You can spend the night wild camping on the edge of the water before returning back to normality the following day, suitably refreshed after a night under the stars.
Don’t miss all the best campsites, glamping and lodges in Bonaly Reservoir.
Cairngorms National Park
The Cairngorms National Park is one of the best areas in Scotland to wild camp because this is one of the most spectacular areas of natural beauty in the country.
Located between Inverness and Aberdeen, this is proper hill walking territory and the Cairngorms is known for its high mountains and beautiful passes.
Enjoy long distance hikes across the national park, and wild camp as you tackle peaks and enjoy the rugged scenery.
You can browse through the best camping pods, treehouses, and lodges in the National Park.
We recommend checking out the Badaguish Lodges, Wigwams and Camping: an outdoor centre in a remote forest location 8.1 miles from Aviemore.
Isle of Skye
One of the largest islands in the Hebrides, the Isle of Skye is one of the country’s top tourist destinations.
Few other locations in the United Kingdom can match the Isle of Skye for beauty, but in summer it can be crowded. Take advantage of the wild camping options and head away from the tourist trail. Camp out under the night sky and enjoy the serene solitude of this northern part of Scotland.
Brave the winter and the rough sea crossings and you could even see the Northern Lights if you are here in the darker and colder months of the year.
There are many options for campsites, lodges, and luxury tents on the Isle of Skye.
For glamping, don’t miss Allt Yelkie Pod Coig in Earlish.
Orkney
The Orkney Islands are found off the northeast coast of Scotland and are teeming with not just natural beauty with history too.
You can wild camp in the night before exploring ancient stone circles or searching out ruined Norse settlements in the day.
Alternatively, see all options for lodges and chalets in Orkney.
Sutherland
The remote and isolated northern region of Scotland’s mainland, known as Sutherland, is full of wonderful wild camping spots.
Sutherland is best known for its long sandy beaches, and these are some of the best overnight camping grounds, many of which can only be reached via footpaths, making them incredibly quiet and peaceful, even in summer.
Glencoe
Located deep in the Highlands of Scotland, Glencoe is a place that’s steeped in legend and history.
This is the traditional stronghold of the Scottish clans, and you’ll soon see why when you wild camp in secluded valleys that are surrounded on all sides by seemingly impenetrable mountains.
It’s a spectacular place for long-distance walks and high hill walking, where you’ll need to wild camp to appreciate the surroundings!
If you want more comfort after camping, we recommend you try RiverBeds, Luxury Wee Lodges with Hot Tubs.
The Best Time of Year to Wild Camp in Scotland
Scotland has notoriously bad weather and even in summer, it can be entirely unpredictable, especially in the Highlands and on the islands. The further north you travel, the colder it’s going to be.
Summer is the best time of course when the weather is at its best and is mostly sunny and warm. Winter can bring snow and ice, as well as dark days and little sunlight.