NC500 Treasures: Discover The Best Campervan Stopovers

Widely considered one of the world’s best road trips, Scotland’s North Coast 500, or NC500, is a stunning route to drive in a campervan. However, it’s not always easy to find a campervan stopover. In this guide, we will share the best places to overnight on the NC500. This will ensure that the unparalleled views you experience, with every twist and turn of the road, continue while you’re parked up. So, you can enjoy absolutely every minute of your journey.

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Travelling the NC500

We have travelled this route countless times and have personally stayed at each of the sites listed and visited every site on the route.

Sites were selected for many reasons; but, a very special location and welcoming hosts were a pre-requisite for inclusion. Some sites are in villages with fabulous seafood restaurants and traditional pubs, others offer unforgettable sunsets over a loch or are by a remote beach perfect for long evening walks.
Every site is guaranteed to make you wish you were here for longer; so travel slowly, linger over your morning coffee, breathe in the air, and immerse yourself in the Scottish Highlands.

Choosing Your Sites

We recommend overnighting in a few different places on your NC500 trip rather than travelling from one base as you’ll spend less time back-tracking and more time enjoying where you are. With this in mind, we’ve picked the best sites in each area. Most are on campsites; some are free while others are council provided parking spots which charge a minimal amount. Some places have all conceivable facilities, others offer nothing but nature.

The sites shown begin in Inverness, the capital of the Highlands, and the start of the NC500. They then head clockwise around the route as this is the direction most people take. Much of the route is on single track roads with passing places. You’ll be well used to driving on these before you head over the infamous Bealach na Ba, or pass of the cattle – if you choose to drive it! Joking aside, the roads here are a joy to drive as long as some simple rules are followed. See our guide How to drive on Scotland’s Single-Track Roads.

Beauly Holiday Park, Beauly

A ten-minute drive from Inverness, this site is ideal for your first NC500 overnight. A 20-minute walk takes you into Beauly, an attractive town with a ruined priory and great choice of independent food shops, perfect for stocking up. This holiday park has a wide selection of tourist information brochures to help you plan places to visit along the way.

The riverfront site sits within a six-acre nature reserve with lots of paths. A new shower and toilet block was installed in 2022 and has the largest showers we’ve ever seen as well as fully accessible and family washrooms. The wardens are really friendly and helpful, and the site is efficiently managed. They run their own micro festivals, Beauly Buzz on 17^th-18^th May 2024 with local beer and bands, and Mutiny on the Beauly on 21^st September 2024.

Facilities: EHU, WiFi, launderette, charging stations, chemical and grey water disposal, dishwashers, fridge freezers, hot showers, shop, disabled access, pets allowed, 75 pitches, children’s play area, BBQ, small bar open at weekends in summer with live music most Fridays, from May to September.

Prices from: £29 for 2 adults.

Open: All year except for one-month, closed mid-November to mid-December.

Applecross Campsite, Applecross

At Applecross, it is all about the location, a simple grass site tucked behind the inn and a restaurant. Applecross peninsula can be reached by two roads, both on the NC500, one of which is the Bealach na Ba, Britain’s highest road. After crossing this pass, you’ll arrive at the village known to locals as simply, ‘The Street’, the view across the sea to Skye is sublime.

Perfect for: Visiting Applecross Inn and the highly recommended Applecross Walled Garden Café and Restaurant both just a few minutes’ walk away.

Facilities: Launderette, EHU, hot showers, pets accepted, 60 pitches.

Prices from: £25 for 2 adults.

Open: 1^st March to 31^st October.

Shieldaig Camping, Shieldaig

The site overlooks Loch Shieldaig and its picturesque island where sea-eagles nest. Opened in 2019 and growing in popularity ever since thanks to the friendly, helpful owners and the stunning location. It’s a couple of minutes’ walk to the village which offers outdoor activities such as kayaking, a fantastic restaurant and very tasty café. Immaculately kept facilities. A really relaxed place, we love the silence and serenity here and the community feel of Shieldaig village. Advance booking advised.

Perfect for: Getting away from it all, enjoying peaceful village life.

Facilities: Launderette, hot showers, pets allowed, 20 pitches.

Prices from: £23 for 2 adults.

Open: 1^st April to mid-November.

Sands Caravan and Camping, Gairloch

A vast 55-acre site, with plenty of space to park up wherever you wish. Even when busy you’ll find a secluded nook or cranny, so it never feels like a big site. Situated in the sand dunes and grass that back the aptly named Big Sand, a vast stretch of beach with views across to the Black Cuillin of Skye. Take a bottle of wine and picnic to the beach for a perfect evening watching the glorious sunset.

This is a truly special place to spend a few days immersing yourself in the local area. Gairloch village is three miles away and has places to eat, outdoor activities, small shops and boat trips. For a nice treat after an active day, there’s even a bath in the shower room. The on-site café has a great selection of food and there’s EV charging.

Perfect for: Family fun, romantic evenings and walks on that beach! Gairloch Highland Gathering is held here every summer and is well worth attending, make sure to book ahead though.

Facilities: Shop, café, play area, launderette, hot showers, indoor cooking and eating area, launch slip, games and TV room, EV charging, chemical and grey water disposal, dogs allowed, 135 EHUs.

Prices from: £26 for 2 adults.

Open: 31^st March to 1^st November.

Gruinard Bay Caravan Park, Laide

We love that you can park up right on the shoreline and look at the sky stretching on forever. The stars seem to shine brighter here. A small, friendly site on a rocky and sandy beach made for exploring. The facilities are spotless, and the owners most helpful.

Perfect for: Beachcombing and seal watching from your camper van window.

Facilities: Launderette, WiFi, EHU, chemical disposal, pets allowed, hot showers.

Prices from: £23 for 2 adults.

Open: 1^st April to 31^st October.

Shore Caravan Site, Achmelvich, Lochinver

Located at one of the best sandy beaches in Scotland and featuring its own fish and chip shop. A family orientated site that gets busy in the school holidays. Good grass pitches, you can choose your own spot. Achmelvich is a great beach for paddleboarding and swimming. We loved having a perfect sandy beach a minute’s walk from your camper van.

Perfect for: Family fun.

Facilities: Shop, WiFi, launderette, fish and chips, EHU, chemical and grey water disposal, no dogs, hot showers, disabled access, 60 pitches.

Prices from: £19.50 for 2 adults.

Open: April to mid-October.

Clachtoll Beach Campsite, Clachtoll, Lochinver

The essence of perfect camping, a quiet, family-run site in a terrific location right on the picture perfect Clachtoll beach, complete with its famous split rock.

Opportunities for spotting wildlife are plentiful with frequent sightings including dolphins, whales and eagles. The scenery is spectacular, and you are truly immersed in it here. It’s a great place for a swim too.

The owners really understand what campers want and they deliver it. You can feel the love they put into this site. For no additional charge you can borrow canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, wetsuits and fire pits.

The site uses renewable energy, and they even include eco-friendly washing and cleaning products free of charge. The outdoor showers are handy when you return covered in sand after a day at the beach. Indoor showers are of course also available, and the water is always hot. Microwaves, toasters and kettles are thoughtfully provided and there is a covered cooking and seating area complete with BBQ.

Perfect for: Relaxed days strolling on the beach and clifftops, fishing and snorkelling. Every New Year the site opens for a few days, and they hold their own New Year’s dook.

Facilities: Disabled and family room in the shower block, shop, EHU, chemical disposal, launderette, WiFi, pets welcome, hot showers, fridge and freezer, 25 pitches, kettles, microwave, toaster, water sports equipment, covered BBQ area, hairdryer, curling tongs, recycling facilities, secure charging stations.

Prices from: £26.00 for 2 adults.

Open: End of March – October and New Year.

Scourie Caravan and Camping, Scourie

Terraces ensure that every pitch enjoys an elevated sea view. This is a really well laid out site with a path to a small, secluded beach. Scourie village is an excellent place to base yourself for a few days as there’s plenty to do locally.

Situated in the heart of the North West Highlands UNESCO Geopark, you could follow the rock trail or take a guided tour, maybe try Coasteering or go for a walk. There’s a petrol station and shop in the village as well as a bar/café just by the entrance to the site.

Perfect for: Taking a boat trip to Handa Island with its dramatic cliffs and important bird population, including puffins. Enjoy sunset views and have dinner in nearby Tarbet at the seafood restaurant.

Facilities: Launderette, WiFi, EHU, chemical disposal, bar/café, pets allowed, hot showers.

Prices from: £23 for 2 adults.

Open: All year.

Loch Clash Campervan Stopover, Kinlochbervie

For a taste of real Highland life, stay the night on Kinlochbervie Pier, a traditional west coast fishing village with a working harbour. Pop into the local shop to pay for your stay, all proceeds fund community projects. The pier stopover is managed by a charitable company, The Kinlochbervie Community Company, whose aim is to initiate and develop community improvement projects.

Perfect for: Diving with Dive KLB or experiencing a real fish auction with international buyers.

Facilities: Public toilets are available at the main harbour 500m away and you can use the shower and laundry facilities at the fish market building, by the fishing boats. EHU, water, waste disposal, pets allowed.

Prices from: £10 for 2 adults.

Open: All year.

Sango Sands Oasis, Durness

A legendary NC500 campsite, with a prime location and full facilities. It can be very busy in the summer so book ahead if you can, but there’s plenty of room. The Durness area is gifted with an array of superlative beaches and famous Smoo cave can be accessed directly from the site via a wooden walkway and steps. Dolphins and whales are frequently spotted from the cliff-top pitches and there are plenty of activities close by including Britain’s most northerly golf course at Balnakeil and a zip line.

Perfect for: Visiting the remote wilderness of dramatic Cape Wrath via the passenger ferry and minibus service is a must. There’s no land between here and the Arctic.

Facilities: Launderette, EHU, chemical and grey waste disposal, WiFi, pets allowed, hot showers, bar and shop next door.

Prices from: £22 for 2 adults.

Open: Mid-March to end of October.

Kyle of Tongue Hostel and Holiday Park, Tongue

The tiny village of Tongue is encircled by some of Scotland’s most majestic seascapes and mountains, including the most northerly Munro Ben Hope.

Aside from the jaw dropping 360-degree views it’s perfectly placed as a base for a few days exploring. The campsite was refurbished in 2022 so is in great condition. We love the large spaces and the breakfasts at the adjoining café are marvellous.

Perfect for: Learning traditional dances at a Ceilidh in the community hall or joining a local ranger on an otter watch.

Facilities: WiFi, EHU, launderette, chemical and grey waste disposal, pets allowed, hot showers, shop, café/bar.

Prices from: £33 for 2 adults.

Open: Mid-April to 30^th September.

Dunnet Head Car Park, Thurso

Dunnet Head is the most northerly point in mainland Britain and an RSPB reserve. Highland Council allow overnight parking in the car park sat atop 300ft high cliffs next to a lighthouse built by Robert Louis Stevenson, author of Treasure Island and Kidnapped. Places like this are the soul of the NC500, a real gem. We are frequently asked if the weather will be bad and yes, it’s highly likely it will be at some point, but in spots like this, it only enhances the experience. You haven’t really experienced the Highlands without seeing its wild side. Often you can enjoy sunshine for your whole trip too!

Perfect for: Watching huge waves smashing onto the cliffs while cosying up on a wild and stormy night. Viewing the multitude of birds coming and going as they feed their chicks on the cliffs.

Facilities: None, just you and the wilderness.

Price: £10 per night.

Open: All year.

John O’Groats Caravan and Camping Site

A visit to John O’Groats is an essential part of any NC500 trip. The village has a general store, souvenir shop, hotel and petrol station. The site boasts gorgeous views of Orkney across the Pentland Firth, and the hosts are most welcoming.

The northerly location and big sky views make this a top spot for seeing the aurora borealis (Northern Lights) or enjoying around 20 hours of daylight during summer months.

Perfect for: Ticking off your bucket list photo of the legendary signpost.

Facilities: Launderette, chemical and grey waste disposal, WiFi, EHU, pets allowed, hot showers, hair dryers, disabled toilet, 90 pitches.

Prices from: £24 for 2 adults.

Open: 1^st March to 31^st October.

Latheronwheel Harbour, Latheronwheel

A peaceful harbour with a lovely seating area for picnics and a BBQ. You can park overnight in the car park which is generously maintained by locals for the benefit of visitors and the community. This is a great area for learning more about Scotland’s history. Visit iron-age Carn Liath Broch, drop in at Clan Gunn Heritage Centre and Museum to learn about the clans’ Norse origins, see standing stones, and pop in to Laidhay Croft Museum and Tearoom to see how people lived 250 years ago. 

Perfect for: Strolling around Latheronwheel Fairy Glen, an imaginative walk created by the local community (and fairies), the walk starts at the parking area.

Prices from: Free, donations gratefully accepted in the honesty box. All money raised supports more community projects.

Open: All year.

Fortrose Bay Campsite, Fortrose

Pitches are right on the pebble beach with fabulous sea views, perfect for having a campfire or BBQ whilst listening to the waves. This site has the friendliest owners who always go the extra mile to make your stay special, ask them to tell you the best time of day to see the local dolphins a beautiful 15-minute walk away.

Perfect for: The final night of your NC500 trip. There are lots of nearby towns and villages to buy souvenirs and you can reminisce and plan your next NC500 visit whilst enjoying a delicious dinner in one of the many nearby restaurants or pubs.

Facilities: Laundrette, hot showers, chemical and grey waste disposal, pets allowed, WiFi, 50 pitches, EHU, fridge/freezer, kitchen area.

Prices from: £17 for 2 adults.

Open: April to October. 

Other Sites on the NC500 To Consider

We reviewed every campsite on the NC500 route before selecting our favourites for this guide. There were a few others that we loved staying at which came close to being included. So, starting at Inverness and going clockwise again, we’d like to share these sites with you too.

Kessock Caravan Park, Kessock – Small woodland site, simple and peaceful, opened in 2021,

Riverside Chalets and Caravans, Contin – Right next to a river with great wildlife spotting opportunities and a well-stocked shop.

Auchtertyre Farm – Overnight Aire style parking just off the route, three miles from the Skye bridge and near Eilean Donan Castle and Plockton.

Ardmair Bay, Ullapool – A tranquil setting on a pebble beach, just north of Ullapool.

Port a Bhaigh, Altandhu – Just off the route north of Ullapool, with an on-site shop and pub serving great meals. Incredible views to the Summer Isles.

Windhaven, Dunnet – Open all year, this small site has two kayaks and two mountain bikes available to hire.

Ferry View Night Stop, John O’Groats – Quirky, friendly, family run site with on-site café in a bus.

Golspie Shore Street Car Park, Golspie – A Highland Council Car Park charging £10 per night. As the name suggests, it’s right on the shore and a very handy spot.

Dornoch Firth Caravan Park, Tain – A modern site with award winning shower facilities including accessible washrooms. Great views across the Dornoch Firth and a two-minute drive to the town of Tain.

Highland Council – A trial was undertaken in 2022 to allow overnight parking for £10 in council managed car parks. The sites selected were in popular tourist areas with few or no nearby sites. The results of the trial haven’t been announced yet (November 2023) so these sites may change but will be updated on this website. These are really handy to know about for back-up sites if you aren’t booking ahead and many are lovely spots worth choosing for the views and remoteness.  

Further NC500 Reading

Scottish Outdoor Access Code

The following books are really useful resources for pre-planning your trip and checking information while you are on the road:

Rough Guide to the North Coast 500

North Coast 500: Britain’s Ultimate Road Trip Official Guide

Destination NC500

NC500 In Summary

Driving the North Coast 500 is many people’s first introduction to camper van holidays and sometimes their first visit to Scotland too, we’re sure the NC500 will exceed all your expectations. Scotland has a way of drawing you in deeper, so you want to return time and time again. You’ll find more inspiring ideas for your next visit here.

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