Luxury camping in Ariundle Oakwood National Nature Reserve: Best Luxury Campsites

Ariundle Oakwood National Nature Reserve is home to a rare fragment of the ancient oakwood that once stretched from Portugal to Norway. The lush, green landscape is cloaked in mosses, lichens and liverworts, which thrive alongside wildlife, such as pine martens, otters and the occasional wildcat, as well as insect life including dragonflies and such rare butterflies as the small and quick chequered skipper. Visitors can follow paths and trails through the reserve and learn about its rich flora and fauna through interpretation boards. While there is no camping in the reserve, Sunart Camping has pitches for tents and campervans close to the shores of Loch Sunart, just an eight-minute drive away.

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Top-rated campgrounds

Ariundle Oakwood National Nature Reserve is home to a rare fragment of the ancient oakwood that once stretched from Portugal to Norway. The lush, green landscape is cloaked in mosses, lichens and liverworts, which thrive alongside wildlife, such as pine martens, otters and the occasional wildcat, as well as insect life including dragonflies and such rare butterflies as the small and quick chequered skipper. Visitors can follow paths and trails through the reserve and learn about its rich flora and fauna through interpretation boards. While there is no camping in the reserve, Sunart Camping has pitches for tents and campervans close to the shores of Loch Sunart, just an eight-minute drive away.

100% (8)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. St Conan's Escape

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(12)

4 units · Glamping · Dalmally, Scotland

Dog-friendly lodges on a Scottish mountainside with incredible loch views

2. Dalaraban Luxury Pods

2 units · Glamping · Scotland

Situated above Loch Linnhe with uninterrupted views towards Corpach and Treslaig, you can watch the sea and golden eagles above from the decking of these pods, as well as the roe deer visiting you in the morning. Unlike other pods, our pods are equipped with a full-size shower, a wood burner, a kingsize bed, a sofa bed for two children and a kitchen with a mini fridge and freezer. This is the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the area with many activities and attractions within driving distance. Dalaraban Luxury Pods are located on farmland to the South side of Fort William beside the road that climbs above the town. This gives marvellous clear views to Loch Linnhe and the hills beyond. Whether you are seeking thrilling outdoor pursuits, exploring historical landmarks, or simply soaking in the breath-taking scenery, there’s something here for everyone. From hiking the iconic Ben Nevis to cruising on Loch Linnhe or discovering the rich culture of the area, here there are some of the best activities and experiences Fort William and its stunning surroundings have to offer. Start planning your Highland adventure today!

3. Cosy Caravan in Roshven

1 unit · Glamping · Scotland

This self-contained trailer has been a well loved part our home since 2010. We’re happy to welcome friends and visitors to stay in it from time to time. A beautiful, wild and remote setting on the West Coast of Scotland. Peace and quiet! A useful stopover on the way to the Skye ferry. Cars/bikes and wellington boots are recommended. Eggs from our free range hens are available to buy. It is a drive to reach the small local shops/pubs. Walks to beaches and woods. We look forward to welcoming you. The vintage caravan is a cosy, quiet, self-contained space positioned close by our house. It is surrounded by honeysuckle and clematis. Through the windows you can glimpse mountains and trees. There’s a small double bedroom and another small bedroom that can be arranged either with a generous single or small twin beds that are ideal for young children. The living area has couches and a dining table. The kitchenette has all the basics, fridge, microwave and a gas cooker. The bathroom has a shower, washbasin and toilet. This self-catering accommodation has its own private lockable entrance. Guests have access to the caravan, garden, and driveway. Nearest shops/pubs are a 20-30min DRIVE away - it's a good idea to bring everything you need as the road is long and you may not feel like going out again! Please let me know in advance if you require the small twin beds made up. From the last week of May through to early September it is midge season in the Scottish Highlands, so be prepared to encounter these tiny biting flies - however, a light breeze and a stick of citronella incense is usually enough to disperse them! On still nights I strongly recommend that you keep the windows closed, otherwise you may find clouds of midges invade your space. There is a cooling fan to make warm evenings more comfortable. A haven for creatives! During April and October we host artists’ residencies specially for socially engaged practitioners who would benefit from some time to rest and reconnect with nature. When you book via Hipcamp, a small community fee is added to your daily booking charge and this goes to support these residencies by helping to pay for logs for the wood stove during the artists' visits.

4. Sanday Cabin

1 unit · Glamping · Sandy, Scotland

The Sanday Cabin is an open plan space with a lovely French style double bed (separate toilet / shower room) that sits at the top of a croft on the Isle of Sanday, right next door to Canna. The cabin has views out over the bay of Canna harbour to the Cuillins of Skye and across to the Isle of Rum. You can even see the famous Sanday Puffin Stacks from the cabin and take a stroll along the Puffin Trail. The cabin has its own decking area and a wooden fenced garden area - so you can enjoy looking at cows without them getting too close! Fully equipped kitchen, all linen towels provided and luggage transport provided.

Stories from the community

k

kelly

May 2025

With pets

2 nights at St Conan's Escape

Amazing accommodation in a stunning location. Loved it so much we booked our return stay for 2026 whilst still there!

M

Mandy

April 2025

4 nights at St Conan's Escape

St. Conan's Escape was lovely- the perfect place to stay during our venture to western Scotland. The accommodations were perfect, the view was excellent, and the host was very friendly and helpful. I will definitely be looking up this cute little Basecamp for our next adventure in Scotland! Thank you!

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Luxury camping in Ariundle Oakwood National Nature Reserve guide

When to go

While it makes for a great destination all year round, the reserve has different highlights throughout the year. Spring is the best time to see birds, such as redstarts, wood warblers and tree pipits. Summer is your best bet for spotting the chequered skipper butterfly. Fall promises rich colors and the spectacle of rutting red deer, while winter is the best time to see mosses and liverworts, as well as birds of prey including buzzards.

Know before you go

The main track is wide and level and runs directly from the parking lot.
Wear sturdy footwear and take care on the paths, some of which are steep, narrow and often wet with loose stones and protruding tree roots.
The closest public bus stop is 2.2 miles (3.5 kilometres) away, in Strontian on the Fort William to Kilchoan route.