Where can I park wild camping in Scotland?

Scotland's top 10 wild camping spots
  • Peanmeanach Beach, Ardnish.
  • Quiraing, Isle of Skye.
  • Rackwick Bay, Orkney.
  • Gleann na Muice, Fisherfield.
  • Kilmory Bay, Isle of Rum.
  • Bonaly Reservoir, near Edinburgh.
  • Barrisdale, Knoydart.
  • Glenfeshie, Cairngorms National Park.




In 2026, the concept of "wild camping" in Scotland is legally defined by the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, which only applies to non-motorized access (hikers and cyclists with tents). Strictly speaking, there is no "legal right" to park a motor vehicle, campervan, or motorhome on private land, verges, or in laybys for the purpose of overnight camping. However, Scotland's "responsible parking" culture allows for overnight stays in many remote areas provided you follow "Leave No Trace" principles. You should avoid fragile environments like the machair (coastal grasslands), and never park in "passing places" on single-track roads, as these are critical for traffic flow. The best and most "legal" way to park for a wild experience is to use the "Aires" network—community-run designated overnight spots that often cost £5–£15, which supports local infrastructure. If you choose to park in a remote layby, you must arrive late, leave early, and ensure nothing (chairs, awnings, or trash) is left outside the vehicle. In highly sensitive areas like Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, specific camping byelaws are in effect from March to September, making it illegal to park or camp overnight without a permit, so checking for local signage is mandatory for any 2026 road trip.

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Are You Allowed to Wild Camp in Scotland? In short, yes. Scotland is a wonderful destination for wild camping because of the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. In principle, everyone has the right to access Scotland's outdoor spaces like hills, beaches, rivers, moorland, forests and lochs, as long as they do so responsibly.

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That being said, there are also many campsites around the country and Loch Ness camping, whether it be in a wild meadow or a designated campsite, is widely available. Although wild camping is perfectly legal, that doesn't mean there aren't some rules that should be followed while doing so.

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Wild camping in Scotland By the letter of the law staying in a roof tent isn't covered by the Scottish Access Rights. Public or private land owners can restrict or regulate parking on their land, you must comply with this. However, there are still plenty of places where you can 'wild camp' or camp for free.

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It is legal in Scotland and some parts of Dartmoor. However, if you are respectful and use common sense, then it is generally tolerated at other places as well. A car camping awning or rooftop tent will get you a lot of unwanted attention, so I would stay away from these unless you are in a very remote area.

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Wild camping in Glencoe, located in the Scottish Highlands, is allowed under the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. However, due to the popularity of the area and the need to protect the environment, some restrictions apply.

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Wild Camping You can camp in this way wherever access rights apply but help to avoid causing problems for local people and land managers by not camping in enclosed fields of crops or farm animals and by keeping well away from buildings, roads, or historic structures.

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