Like almost anything, there’s an age-old debate about which parts of the UK have the best camping. While there are plenty of fine spaces in England to pitch a tent and put daily life on the shelf for a few days, Scotland undoubtedly has the best array of camping experiences to choose from. 

Between the dramatic mountains of the highlands and the craggy shores of the coastline, you’ll have the full breadth of outdoor settings to enjoy. And before you set out on a journey where every gram might matter, take advantage of a luggage storage service, like one in Edinburgh, to store whatever you won’t be needing. Here are just a few of the best camping options in Scotland: 

Ardnish Peninsula

One of the more sparsely-populated parts of Scotland is this stretch of windswept (in a good way) land jutting out from the West Coast of Scotland. The Ardnish Peninsula is filled with wild terrain, gorgeous lakes, grassy plains, and plenty of topography for outdoor enthusiasts. One of the top campsites on the peninsula is Peanmeanach Beach, which offers incredible hiking access to the rocky terrain along the rugged West Coast along with views of Loch Doir a Gherrrain and Loch nan Uamh. 

Fidden Farm on the Isle of Mull

This place is as remote as you get, being between four and five hours from any major Scottish city. That’s the point of the Isle of Mull, and you’ll appreciate it when you find the camping grounds far less crowded than more obvious destinations. 

The nearby beaches don’t even look like they’re in Scotland, with white sand and azure waters, ideal for swimming and other watersports. At Fidden Farm, your campsite overlooks the water, so you’ll have immediate access to the beach and can even hear the waves from your tent. The fauna display is incredible, with eagles, soaring above and pods of dolphins swimming past. You can also rent ocean kayaks for a few hours to explore the coast. 

Glenmore 

This campsite is one of the more obvious Scottish camping destinations, but Glenmore is popular for a reason. Situated In the heart of Scotland just a few hours north of Edinburgh, Glenmore is easily accessible from Edinburgh, even by bus. 

You’ll have densely wooded areas for hiking with the misty Cairngorm Mountains looming in the distance. You can use the nearby village of Aviemore as a base, and even pop into town for a night at the pub. You can also take a dip in Loch Morlich or rent a kayak. There’s a little bit of everything here along with a social vibe that makes the denser crowds more palatable. 

Kilvrecht (Highland Perthshire) 

This glorious campsite provides the perfect space to enjoy the beautiful Loch Rannoch’s ideal fishing conditions or the highland slopes of Schiehallion. It takes about two hours to drive from Edinburgh, and you’ll absolutely want to rent a car for further exploration of the area. 

Loch Katrine

Just an hour’s drive from Glasgow, Katrine might be the most famous lake in Scotland behind Loch Ness (of dubious lake monster fame). This narrow lake spans nine miles and can be navigated by steamboat for the full experience. 

There are a few campsites scattered along its shores and it makes for a lovely respite from Glasgow (just a short 60-minute drive away) and Edinburgh (90 minutes from the city center). You’ll get to explore the nearby Great Trossachs Forest National Nature Reserve for this dreamy landscape dotted with lakes. 

Tantallon

About an hour east of Edinburgh, this coastal oasis feels far more remote than the easy commute suggests. Overlooking the Firth of Forth, Tantallon combines excellent views of Bass Rock and there are acres of dramatic terrain to navigate on hikes or from the water. Even better, you can mix in some sightseeing by touring the gloomy Tantallon Castle or take a day trip to the remote May Island.

How storing your luggage can help

Whether you’re hitting the highlands or the coast, you’ll need to plan out your trip. If you’re traveling into cities like Edinburgh to reach your campsite, you’ll want to plan even further by finding a place to store the non-camping essentials. If you have bags and belongings you won’t need for camping, stashing them with a secure luggage storage facility like Bounce can lighten the load! Here’s everything you need to know:

How it works

  • Online booking: Using the Bounce website or mobile app, you can search for the most convenient luggage storage location, and book online in a few clicks. 
  • Cater it to your schedule: Bounce bookings are for 24 hours, so you’ll have more flexibility than coin-operated lockers that charge by the hour. You can also adjust your reservation based on the number of days you’ll be camping.
  • Easy check-in: With your QR confirmation, you can check in with the attendant at your luggage storage location. The exchange will be quick and cashless, so you’ll be on your way in minutes! 

Advantages of storing bags with Bounce 

  • Comprehensive Bounce Shield Protection: Bounce protects each item up to $10,000. So you can leave your belongings and enjoy your time out in nature knowing your belongings are well taken care of!
  • 24/7 support: So long as you have cellular service where you’re camping, you can reach out to a responsive customer service team any time of day. 
  • Free cancellation: Because Bounce understands that plans can change and things come up, users can cancel the reservation prior to check-in free of charge. 
  • Most convenient locations: Bounce partners with local businesses in the top travel destinations. And while there is almost no chance there’s a Bounce location at the campsite, you’ll be able to find locations near transportation facilities and attractions. 
  • You can store any size item: Luggage lockers and other services are severely limited in the type of items they can store, but Bounce facilities can accommodate a wide variety of bag sizes and specialty items like camping gear or sports equipment.