For those who love the outdoors, Scotland has some great camping opportunities. The Scots Outdoor Access Code makes it easy to find motorhome sites that are open all year round. Wild camping is also possible, but there are restrictions. Wild camping requires a permit and you must adhere to certain rules, including the ‘Stay the Night’ scheme. For more information, read our article on Alternatives to Motorhome Wild Camping in Scotland.
Scots Outdoor Access Code
Visiting Scotland in a motorhome or campervan is more than just a vacation. The Scots Outdoor Access Code is an important rule of thumb for responsible roaming in the countryside. This document provides guidelines for camping, hiking, and cycling while avoiding the harm to livestock, crops, and structures. The Code also addresses how to keep your vehicle and the surrounding environment clean. Here are some tips for staying on private land in Scotland.
When you visit Scotland’s countryside, remember that you have a right to explore and enjoy it. However, you also have a responsibility to respect wildlife and local people. The Scottish Outdoor Access Code lays out our rights and responsibilities when visiting the Scottish countryside. The Code also explains the importance of taking care of Scotland’s natural assets and providing good environmental conditions for others. It also contains advice for dog walkers.
Camping in Scotland requires observing the local laws. If you plan on wild camping, remember that it is allowed only for three nights per site. Keep your group size small and be considerate of others. Despite the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, informal camping with motorhomes is still a very common practice in the country. Many remote communities frown upon “wild” campers, so you should take care to respect their wishes.
‘Stay the Night’ scheme
In Scotland, the Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) owns 41 car parks. The Stay the Night scheme is an initiative that helps ease the pressure on popular motorhome sites. These car parks are only open to self-contained motorhomes, so the campsites must have toilet facilities. During the day, Stay the Night users may use the car parks as usual but must pack up their motorhomes by 10am the next day.
The Stay the Night scheme on motorhome sites in Scottish forests is a trial scheme that has proven to be popular. The purpose of the scheme is to make motorhome sites more accessible to the public, while also providing a clean environment, fresh water and proper waste disposal facilities. Find a suitable site by looking online. You can find informal sites in the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park.
Wild camping in Scotland is permitted in many locations, but it is essential to remember to follow the law and respect the surrounding environment. Most land in Scotland is open to motorhome camping, so wild camping requires some common sense. Just be sure to park your motorhome far away from roads and footpaths, and always ensure you clean up after yourself. You can also choose to stay on an undeveloped land if you wish. Wild camping in Scotland can be an adventurous and rewarding experience if you are prepared to take the risk of damage to the environment.
Alternatives to motorhome wild camping in Scotland
There are many alternatives to motorhome wild camping in Scotland, but the main one isn’t so easy. Wild camping in Scotland is prohibited on most roads, beaches, and unfenced land. You can’t park your motorhome on a roadside verge either. You need to know the rules before you set off. Scotland is not a French camping destination, and motorhome wild camping in Scotland is not as easy as you might think. Here are some tips for getting the most out of your trip:
If you’re worried about being caught, consider using an app that lists camping spots throughout Scotland. Many of them are free and will provide you with information about facilities, location, and suitability of the wild camping spot. Many apps also allow you to read reviews about certain areas, facilities, and local people. This way, you can decide if you want to stay at a specific location. This is an especially good idea if you don’t know a lot about the area.
While you’re on the road, remember to stay away from areas with signs prohibiting overnight camping. While it may be tempting to camp on a lochside or near the Caledonian Canal, you’ll want to be aware of these signs and avoid them. In addition to checking for a permit, you should bring insect repellent and invest in a head net. Regardless of whether you decide to go wild, make sure to take some precautions to avoid being infected by midges.