Campsites with campfires near Campbeltown

Set around a deep bay and pretty harbor, Campbeltown is a great place to visit for those exploring the scenic (and slightly off the beaten track) Kintyre peninsula, whether by car or by hiking the 100-mile (161-kilometer) Kintyre Way from Tarbert to Machrihanish. Once the whisky capital of the world, only three distilleries remain in Campbeltown but whisky heritage is still a big draw for visitors who can enjoy guided tours of all three. Other activities include walking in the surrounding hills and visiting the tidal island of Davaar, connected to the mainland by a causeway.

On the west coast of the Kintyre peninsula, next to a golf course and surrounded by beautiful scenery, with views across Machrihanish Bay to the islands of Islay and Jura, Machrihanish Holiday Park offers a selection of pitches. Guests can choose from grass electric and level grass unserviced pitches or fully serviced, hardstanding pitches. Those who prefer glamping can opt for a wigwam pod or studio pod cabin. Static caravans are also available to rent. The site is a seven-minute drive west of Campbeltown and close to Westport Beach where you can hit the waves with the local surf school.

Fifteen miles north along the Kintyre peninsula’s east coast from Campbeltown, Carradale Bay has a wide sandy beach that overlooks the Kilbrannan Sound and the west coast of the Isle of Arran. It’s an off-the-beaten path spot that’s ideal for walking, biking and kayaking. Located just behind the beach, the small family-run Carradale Bay Holiday Park offers a mix of touring pitches for caravans, motorhomes and tents, as well as self catering accommodation in log cabins and static caravans. 

A 25-minute drive northwest of Campbeltown, Tayinloan is home to the ferry port for the island of Gigha, which is small enough to explore on foot or by bike. Five minutes south of the village, Muasdale Holiday Park has a quiet coastal setting overlooking the islands of Islay, Gigha and Jura with grass pitches for tents and tourers. Also on the edge of the Atlantic, another five minutes south, Killegruer Caravan Site has grass and hardstanding pitches for tents, motorhomes and caravans.