Why Camp in the North Highlands?
If you’re planning a camping trip to the North Highlands, you’re probably looking for the good stuff: big skies, quiet roads, fresh air and scenery that makes you want to slow right down. Well, the good news is, you’ll find that by the trailer (tent!) load here.
Whether you’re travelling by campervan, pitching a tent, or arriving with a few home comforts in tow, there’s something special about spending a night under starry skies, close to nature and taking the time to explore properly. The North Highlands has some of the best camping and caravanning experiences in the UK, and it’s not all about the NC500.
Wild Camping vs Campsites: Choosing the Right Stay
In Scotland, wild camping has a special place in outdoor culture and, when it’s done responsibly, can be a brilliant way to experience the landscape. But for many trips, especially if you want to travel more slowly, support local businesses and tread a little lighter, staying at an organised campsite can be a much better fit.
It’s not really about one being right and the other wrong. It’s about choosing the kind of stay that suits the place, the season and the way you want to travel.
Wild camping means lightweight, low-impact camping in a small tent, away from roads, buildings and formal sites. Scotland’s outdoor access guidance is clear: keep groups small, stay only briefly, leave no trace, and be mindful of fire risk, wildlife and local communities.
Campsites That Rival Wild Camping
One really important thing to remember is that in the North Highlands the best views aren’t reserved for wild camping. The wide-open landscapes of Caithness and Sutherland mean that many campsites sit right in the middle of the scenery, with dramatic coastal views, our famed big skies and a real sense of space. In fact, staying on a site here can easily rival the wild camping experience.
So, if your plan is to settle in for a few days, enjoy a few creature comforts and really get to know an area, a campsite is the best choice! Plus you’ll get friendly local advice, clean facilities, hot showers and easy access to nearby walks and local pubs. Staying at a campsite really can help you make the most of your time in the North Highlands and you’ll probably feel even more connected to the places and culture you’ve come to experience.
Best Camping & Glamping Sites in the North Highlands
Dornoch Caravan and Camping Park
Set right beside the beach, Dornoch Caravan and Camping Park is a brilliant pick for a classic seaside family holiday with a Highland twist. Dornoch is known as the home of North Highland golf, the spirit carries through with fun touches like a nostalgic children’s adventure golf course and putting green. There’s plenty to keep everyone smiling, from a games room and playground to miles of golden sands just steps away.
There are pitches for tents and tourers, as well as three colourful Mongolian-style yurts, adding a little extra magic to your stay.
It’s just a short walk into Dornoch for a wander around the shops, cafés and historic cathedral. This fantastic family-run site combines fresh sea air, open space and a relaxed, friendly atmosphere, perfect for unwinding and making the most of this beautiful stretch of coastline in East Sutherland.
Wick River Campsite
Right in the heart of Wick, Wick River Campsite is an award-winning and friendly spot that makes it easy to settle in and explore. The site is community-owned and run, with all profits going directly back into the local community.
Recently renovated with sustainability in mind, it incorporates renewable energy and modern, well-kept facilities, while still holding onto its welcoming, well-loved feel. Set alongside the Wick River, it offers a peaceful place to unwind, just a short walk from shops, cafés and local sights, including the historic harbour and marina.
Ferry View Campsite
If you love quirky campsites with a big heart and plenty of character, Ferry View Campsite is exactly what you need. Just four miles from John O’Groats, this family-run site has a warm, creative feel, with an artist workshop adding to its unique charm.
On-site, Mr Eddy’s famous Pit Stop serves excellent coffee alongside hearty breakfast and delicious dinner options, from bacon rolls to homemade macaroni cheese, burgers and build your own pizza, plus the families converted bus diner and colourful gardens match the site’s laid-back, offbeat vibe.
A fantastic base for exploring Caithness, and a excellent pick for families!
The Crofters Snug
A little piece of paradise on the Caithness coast, close to the Castle of Mey. Inspired by their own love of travel, hosts Jo and Karina created The Crofter’s Snug, and haven’t looked back since.
Set just off the NC500, this small, independent site offers a peaceful place to slow down, with wide-open views across the Pentland Firth towards Orkney, Dunnet Head and Stroma.
Guest can choose from a shepherd’s hut, touring pitches, glamping pods or a cosy cottage, perfect for relaxed evenings under big Caithness skies. With coastal walks straight from the site and easy access to John O’Groats, Dunnet Head and the Castle of Mey, it’s an ideal base for exploring this stretch of the North Highlands.
John O’Groats Caravan & Campsite
So you’ve finally made it to the famous John O’Groats signpost, and quickly realised you don’t want to rush. No need to. At the end of the A99, you’ll find John O’Groats Caravan & Campsite, perfectly placed right beside John O’Groats Brewery and its pub, The Last House.
Staying in the heart of John O’Groats, you might be surprised by just how much there is to do. Despite its rural feel, there’s a buzzing community here, with places to eat and drink, coastal walks, wildlife watching, boat trips, a working mill museum, and even a cocktail-serving distillery nearby.
The site offers pitches for tents, campervans, caravans and motorhomes, along with a well-equipped campers’ kitchen, laundry room and modern shower block, making it easy to settle in for a few nights. From here, you’ll also enjoy sweeping views across the Pentland Firth towards Stroma and Orkney.
Thurso Bay Holidays
If you’re looking for an authentic seaside holiday, the cosy static caravans at Thurso Bay Holidays are hard to beat. Looking out over the wide sweep of Thurso Bay, it’s no surprise this chilled-out, scenic spot is particularly popular with surfers, thanks in part to some of the UK’s best waves rolling in nearby at Thurso East.
Even if you’re not catching a wave, the views alone make it worth the stay, with big skies and dramatic coastline all around. Close to the town of Thurso, you’ll also have easy access to shops, transport links, and places to eat, drink and explore. It’s a great mix of energy and scenery, perfect for those who like their coastal stays with a gentle buzz.
For visitors travelling with their own setup, there’s also a well-equipped caravanning and camping site next door, making this a flexible base for enjoying Thurso’s lively coastal atmosphere.
North Coast Touring Park & The Halladale Inn
Just minutes from the golden sands of Melvich Beach, North Coast Touring Park is all about easy, comfortable coastal living. With the Halladale Inn bar and restaurant and a handy essentials shop right on site, you’ve got everything you need within arm’s reach—perfect after a day of exploring.
This family-run park has a relaxed, holiday feel, with plenty of space to unwind and soak up the sea air. There’s a children’s play area, pets are welcome, and facilities include a launderette and modern shower block. Whether you’re plugging in your caravan or motorhome, pitching a tent, or opting for a glamping pod, it’s a friendly and well-equipped base for enjoying the north coast.
Melvich Bay Caravan Park
With its uninterrupted views over the North Sea, Melvich Bay Caravan Park feels wonderfully open and peaceful. The site’s “infinity pitches,” designed for campervans and motorhomes, create a quieter, more spacious atmosphere that really lets the setting do the talking. Just a short stroll from Melvich Beach, it’s perfect for long walks, salty air and the kind of sunsets you’ll want to watch for hours.
Simple, scenic and full of Highland charm, it’s the sort of place that makes it very easy to linger a little longer. A perfect spot for a romantic escape beneath the dark, star-filled skies of the North Highlands.
Munro House
Tucked away in the quite crofting hamlet of Oldshoremore, Munro House is a hidden gem as a base for exploring one of the most dramatic corners of the North Highlands. This is a place of wide horizons, hidden coves, rugged cliffs and vast, unspoilt beaches, with Oldshoremore and Sandwood offering the kind of raw coastal beauty that feels very far from the everyday routine.
As well as holiday accommodation, Munro House offers quiet campervan parking for up to four vans, with water available on site and waste facilities nearby in Kinlochbervie. It’s a simple, scenic stop for those looking to get off the road for the night and wake up close to some of Scotland’s most unforgettable coastal walks.
Our Top Tips for Camping and Caravanning in the North Highlands
Pitches can book up quickly, especially in summer, so it’s worth planning ahead and booking early to avoid missing out on the spot you’ve got your heart set on.
It probably goes without saying for seasoned campers, but do come prepared for changing weather. In the North Highlands, you can experience every season in a day, sometimes even in an hour, so layers, waterproofs and a flexible attitude go a long way. Many campsites also have laundry rooms, which can be a real bonus after a soggy day outdoors.
Shop local where you can. It might be tempting to stock up at a big supermarket on the way, but for a true taste of the North Highlands, make room for local produce too. Across Caithness and Sutherland, you’ll find fantastic independent retailers, cafés, restaurants and bars serving food and drink that’s fresh, local and full of character.
Respect access rights and leave no trace. We’re incredibly proud of this beautiful region, and we want to work together with visitors to help protect its landscapes, wildlife and habitats for future generations, while keeping the North Highlands a wonderful place to visit for years to come.
If you’re travelling by road, take your time. Distances can be deceptive, and many North Highland roads are single track, which can take a little getting used to. Use passing places properly, allow queued traffic to pass, and remember these roads are part of everyday life for local people, from school runs to farm access.
Plan your North Highland Adventure!
Whether you’re pitching a tent on a site beside the sea, settling into a cosy glamping pod or chasing a sunset you won’t forget, the North Highlands is made for slowing down and staying a while.
The Venture North website is a great place to start when planning your trip, with ideas, inspiration and local information to help you make the most of your time here. With wide-open landscapes, welcoming communities and campsites that place you right in the heart of the scenery, it’s the perfect place for an adventure in the great outdoors. So pack for all weathers and leave plenty of room in your plans to linger along the way.
