Best Family Camping Sites in Scotland
Scotland is one of the most spectacular places in the world to go camping, and for families who are willing to travel a little further, it offers experiences that simply cannot be found anywhere else in the UK.
The combination of dramatic Highland scenery, ancient history, extraordinary wildlife, and some of the most progressive outdoor access legislation in the world makes this a compelling destination for family camping Scotland enthusiasts.
Some of the best family campsites Scotland has to offer are not just the best in Scotland, but some of the best in the entire UK, such is the nature of this place for camping.
Right to Roam: Wild Family Camping in Scotland
The Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 gives everyone the right to access most land in Scotland for outdoor activities, including camping.
This means wild camping is entirely legal across most of Scotland, provided you follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.
For families, this opens up camping beside a Highland loch, on a hillside above a glen, or in a remote valley, spots that are available to everyone and require no booking.
The Highlands
The Scottish Highlands offer vast mountain landscapes, deep lochs, ancient forests, and a sense of wildness that is genuinely hard to find elsewhere.
For families, the area around Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park is the most accessible from the south, within two hours of Glasgow and Edinburgh, with outstanding scenery and a good range of formal campsites alongside spectacular wild camping options.
Further north, Torridon, Assynt, and Cape Wrath offer some of the most dramatic landscapes in Europe.
These are for families comfortable with a more remote experience, facilities are sparse and distances between towns are significant, but the rewards are extraordinary.
Loch Lomond and The Trossachs
Scotland’s first national park is the most visited outdoor destination in the country.
Loch Lomond itself is the largest freshwater lake in Great Britain, with dozens of islands, excellent swimming spots, boat hire, and miles of waterside walking accessible for all ages.
The park operates designated wild camping zones around Loch Lomond with basic facilities. These are an excellent option for families wanting to try wild camping with some infrastructure support.
Cairngorms National Park
The Cairngorms is the largest national park in the UK, covering over 4500 square kilometres of upland landscape.
Within this area, parts around Aviemore is the most accessible, with excellent facilities, a good range of accommodation, and direct train connections.
The Cairngorm Mountain railway, Highland Wildlife Park, and the many walking and cycling routes in Strathspey make this an excellent base for a family camping trip.
The Islands
Skye, with its dramatic Cuillin mountains, is the most visited Scottish island and has a good range of campsites for families.
The Outer Hebrides, Lewis, Harris, the Uists, and Barra, offer a quieter, more remote experience with vast sandy beaches, ancient standing stones, and a landscape that feels genuinely otherworldly.
These are for adventurous families comfortable with longer travel times and more limited facilities.
Practical Tips for Camping in Scotland with Kids
Here’s three key tips for those planning a family camping Scotland trip:
Midges – The Highland midge is Scotland’s most notorious resident. From late May to early September, midges can make outdoor life miserable in calm conditions at dawn and dusk. Bring good quality insect repellent and plan active outdoor time during breezier parts of the day.
Weather – Scottish weather is variable. Pack waterproofs for everyone regardless of the forecast.
Drive times – Scotland is bigger than it looks on a map. Journey times on single track Highland roads can be significantly longer than expected. Build in more time than you think you need.
For more family campsite recommendations across the UK, visit our full family friendly campsites section, and head to Camping With Kids for tips, kit guides, and recipe ideas.
