The rural scenery of Scotland is a sight to behold, and oftentimes, the best way to appreciate it is to be in it by way of a tent or motorhome!
One such place that is particularly incredible from a camping point of view is the Isle of Skye. This mystical, whisky-drenched island is a haven that should be enjoyed best while being at one with nature.
So, in the spirit of all things wild and beautiful, we’ve put together a guide that focuses on the best of the Isle of Skye campsites.
Read More: Glamping Isle of Skye – 9 Luxury Spots for 2024
Where is the Isle of Skye?
The beautiful island of Skye can be found on the north-west coast of Scotland in the UK. The isle is approximately 50 miles in length and 25 miles in width, with the capital being Portree. It can be reached from the mainland via a short ferry journey from Mallaig.
The ferry journey is approximately 45 minutes, and the nearest airport to the Isle of Skye is in Inverness, circa 100 miles away.
Read More: Fairy Glen Skye: A Full Guide to This Isle of Skye Hidden Gem
Why Visit the Isle of Skye?
Scotland is dotted with many an island, so what’s the big deal about the world-famous Isle of Skye?!
Well, for one thing, the Isle of Skye is home to some of the most spectacular landscapes in the country, and despite being overall a small island (as islands go), boasts all of the natural terrains you can hope to enjoy: the ocean, (inactive) volcanoes, mountains, lochs, glens, forests, rock towers, waterfalls, and many a mystical location.
It is also one of the most-loved Scotch whisky regions in the country, with its crystal clear spring water and high peat quantity, so do be sure to swing by a distillery or two to sample a dram of the good stuff!
Campsite Isle of Skye
Fun fact: you don’t have to traipse to the likes of Finland or Greenland to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights. On the contrary, the Aurora Borealis can often be peeped from many locations in Scotland – particularly the northern islands.
This is one of the many appeals of camping in Skye, so if gazing at the glorious gases is on your bucket list, the below campsites will more than happily provide a base to do so.
1. Loch Dunvegan Camping Pods
If you prefer glamping over camping, Dunvegan Camping Pods allows you to get acquainted with the rural charm of Skye – but with a touch of glamour!
This site is open all year round and allows you to enjoy a camping experience with a few practical amenities you wouldn’t get with regular-Joe camping, such as heating, en-suite bathrooms, and towels and linen.
Located in the scenic village of Dunvegan, you can enjoy the landscapes Skye is famous for, as well as a few extra pleasures, such as the local bakery (who doesn’t love fresh pastry first thing in the morning?!), a restaurant, a bistro, a museum, and a few grocery stores.
2. Glenbrittle Campsite
Those who prefer to camp the old-fashioned way (and can’t wait to watch the sun come up over the waves of Glenbrittle Beach!) can enjoy this magnificent camping spot, which can be found at the foot of the Cuillin mountains.
This spacious (and not to mention, award-winning) campsite is super practical – particularly for thru-hikers – and has 35 electric hookup units, showers, and enough space for a whopping 120 tents.
Not only that, but it also has an on-site shop and café, allowing you a few pleasures of modern life, while basking in the glow of the coastal and mountain-dappled charm of the Isle of Skye.
Read More: Isle of Skye Whisky – Your Guide to Distilleries, Tours, & Tastes + Maps
3. Camping Skye
Located on the outskirts of Broadford, Camping Skye is a community-owned campsite that is ideal for tents, motorhomes, and caravans, and offers all the provisions campers and hikers require, such as shower facilities, washing machines, drying rooms, a tech charging point, and free WiFi.
Also, this site (which can house approximately 26 motorhomes/caravans and 20 tent pitches) is disability-friendly and conveniently located near local restaurants, shops, pubs, supermarkets, and a petrol station.
Owing to the popularity of this site, it is wise to book your stay in advance.
4. Skye Camping & Caravanning Club Site
Located in Edinbane in the northwest region of the island, Skye Camping & Caravanning Club is an award-winning site offering tent pitches that start from just £10.20 (for non-members), and overlooks the calm waters of Loch Greshorning.
Offering 4 types of pitches (grass-only, grass with electric hookup, hardstanding with electric hookup, and grass pitch with electric hookup for larger units), this pet-friendly site has a host of useful amenities, such as showers, flushing toilets, free WiFi, washbasins, and a motorhome service point.
5. South Skye Motorhome Park
(Caravans and motorhomes only).
Situated in An Crúbh on the southern part of the island, South Skye holds 5 motorhome/caravan pitches and offers fresh water and an electric hookup (per pitch). These are included within the pitch fee, and for an additional small charge, you can also take advantage of the site’s grey and black waste disposal.
Also featured are:
- A kids’ play area
- Password-operated electric gate (for additional safety and peace of mind)
- Picnic benches
- Café, shop, & post office
The pet-friendly South Skye site is open throughout the year (with the exception of January), but owing to the limited pitches, you will need to book your stay in advance.
6. Kinloch Campsite
Kinloch Campsite is a family-run tent, caravan, and motorhome site that has a long-standing rep as being one of the friendliest, most hospitable locations on the island. And if that’s not enough – the incredible views overlooking Loch Dunvegan will absolutely draw you in!
From your shoreside pitch, you will also catch a glimpse of what’s known as Macleod’s Tables – 2 distinctive flat-topped hills that make the skyline a sight to behold.
As for the campsite itself, Kinloch is home to an impressive range of facilities, including:
- Free hot showers
- Shaving points and hairdryers
- Free WiFi
- Electric points
- Refreezer point for ice packs
- Laundry facilities
- Choose-your-own-pitch option
7. Staffin Caravan & Campsite
Next up is Staffin Caravan & Campsite.
Situated 16 miles north of the isle’s capital, Portree, Staffin Campsite is home to the finest of Scotland’s Jurassic scenery (there are actual dinosaur footprints here!), and is a mere stone’s throw away from An Corran beach.
Ideal for hikers passing through for the night, or holiday-makers looking for a quiet rural retreat, Staffin boasts jaw-dropping views of the famous Trotternish Ridge, Hebridean Minch, and Staffin Bay (which is perfect for a beach picnic and some puffin-spotting!).
The campsite has everything you need, including free hot showers, toilet facilities, and even a camper’s bothy.
Oh, and Staffin is home to none other than a DINOSAUR MUSEUM!
Read More: Vegan Isle of Skye: 10 Places to Eat in Portree
8. Greshornish Campsite
Located in the serene Edinbane area, Greshornish Campsite welcomes campers and caravanners alike, and being as it is situated on the lip of Loch Greshornish, it is ideal for those looking to pencil in some watersports, such as kayaking, surfing, jet skiing, etc.
As one of the biggest campsites in Skye, Greshornish offers 105 pitches for both tents and motorhomes, all of which boast some pretty spectacular views of the loch and surrounding hills.
9. Reraig Campsite
As part of the world-renowned NC500 route, naturally, Reraig Campsite is ideal for those who are hiking or road-tripping through this particular trail.
Dating all the way back to 1920, this campsite sits in the northwestern coastal village of Plockton, and offers 3 pitch options (including 2 for motorhomes), starting at £15 per night.
10. Portree Campsite
If you’re a sucker for mountain views, then Portree Campsite is the site for you. Sat at the base of the Cuillan Moutain Range, this Torvaig spot welcomes campers, motorhomes, and caravans alike.
Featuring a host of facilities, including laundry units, chemical toilet disposal, electric hookup units, and fresh water, Portree provides everything you need while camping in the heart of this magnificent island.
Campsite Isle of Skye: FAQs
One of the many great things about Scotland is that it is free to wild camp almost anywhere in the country, which includes Skye. Be mindful that most campsites will charge a small fee and certain national parks may require a camping permit.
The Isle of Skye has approximately 18 campsites and caravan sites. However, as long as you’re in keeping with the Outdoor Access Code, you are able to wild camp in other locations too (providing the land isn’t privately owned).
Yup. Portree Campsite is within walking distance of Portree on the Isle of Skye. Be mindful that the walk is uphill, however!
Wild camping is perfectly legal throughout Scotland (including on the islands and islets), however, campers are expected to familiarise themselves with and respect certain guidelines, which generally equate to being respectful to the land and nearby citizens, and leaving no mess behind.
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