Rothesay Camping: Best Campsites Near Rothesay, Argyll and Bute

96% (44 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Rothesay

Available this weekend

93%

(22)

Dog-friendly getaways

79%

(7)

West Highland Way Hotel & Campsite

46 units · Glamping, Motorhomes, Tents10 acres · Glasgow, Lanarkshire, South Scotland

A welcoming campsite on the West Highland Way

95%

(10)

Port nan Gael Campsite

43 units · Motorhomes, Tents2 acres · Pennyghael, Scotland

A lochside campsite on the Isle of Mull

95%

(91)

Loch Katrine Eco Camping

22 units · Glamping, Motorhomes1 acre · Stirling and Falkirk, Central Scotland

Loch-side sleeping and exploring in one of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park's most historic locations

Cobleland Campsite Limited

1 unit · Glamping7 acres · Gartmore, Scotland

Cobleland campsite sits on the banks of the River Forth in Queen Elizabeth Forest Park, just 13 miles from Ben Lomond. Not only is it a remarkably natural site, Cobleland is also a treasure trove of outdoor pursuits. You'll be hard-pushed to find a more beautiful setting for your camping holiday than at Cobleland campsite with its well-tended pitches and truly serene, idyllic countryside atmosphere.

Booked 2 times

The Charcoal Huts - Isle of Bute

2 units · Glamping8 acres · Scotland

Our Huts are located within the Moss Wood area of Bute Forest - a mixed birch and alder wood that extends up the hillside to the west of the A886 that connects the Rhubodach Ferry to Port Bannatyne and Rothesay. Moss Wood has a range of facilities. Park on the shore-side where the coast can be enjoyed or at the main entrance, and take a walk up through Moss Wood along the Poetry Trail. A steep walk in places, the Poetry Trail is a loop punctuated with places to stop and read, to stop and think. Read nature poetry from throughout the ages, stop at the Blether Stane, or taking the spur to the Viewing Point back south across the Kyles. Moss Wood connects to the West Island Way – take the Poetry Trail and the spur to the Viewing Point – and then take the Stag’s Trod further up (steeply) till you reach the West Island Way. From there, head south towards Port Bannatyne or north along the boundary of the Community Forest. From the viewing point, you can also explore interesting heritage features such as the old WW2 bunker, kayak shelter, Balnakailly settlement, and the SSSI oak woodland.

12 top campsites near Rothesay

95%

(91)

Loch Katrine Eco Camping

22 units · Glamping, Motorhomes1 acre · Stirling and Falkirk, Central Scotland

Loch-side sleeping and exploring in one of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park's most historic locations

The Charcoal Huts - Isle of Bute

2 units · Glamping8 acres · Scotland

Our Huts are located within the Moss Wood area of Bute Forest - a mixed birch and alder wood that extends up the hillside to the west of the A886 that connects the Rhubodach Ferry to Port Bannatyne and Rothesay. Moss Wood has a range of facilities. Park on the shore-side where the coast can be enjoyed or at the main entrance, and take a walk up through Moss Wood along the Poetry Trail. A steep walk in places, the Poetry Trail is a loop punctuated with places to stop and read, to stop and think. Read nature poetry from throughout the ages, stop at the Blether Stane, or taking the spur to the Viewing Point back south across the Kyles. Moss Wood connects to the West Island Way – take the Poetry Trail and the spur to the Viewing Point – and then take the Stag’s Trod further up (steeply) till you reach the West Island Way. From there, head south towards Port Bannatyne or north along the boundary of the Community Forest. From the viewing point, you can also explore interesting heritage features such as the old WW2 bunker, kayak shelter, Balnakailly settlement, and the SSSI oak woodland.

West Highland Way Hotel & Campsite

46 units · Glamping, Motorhomes, Tents10 acres · Glasgow, Lanarkshire, South Scotland

A welcoming campsite on the West Highland Way

Cobleland Campsite Limited

1 unit · Glamping7 acres · Gartmore, Scotland

Cobleland campsite sits on the banks of the River Forth in Queen Elizabeth Forest Park, just 13 miles from Ben Lomond. Not only is it a remarkably natural site, Cobleland is also a treasure trove of outdoor pursuits. You'll be hard-pushed to find a more beautiful setting for your camping holiday than at Cobleland campsite with its well-tended pitches and truly serene, idyllic countryside atmosphere.

Port nan Gael Campsite

43 units · Motorhomes, Tents2 acres · Pennyghael, Scotland

A lochside campsite on the Isle of Mull

100%

(2)

Cleghorn Farm

11 units · Glamping, Tents250 acres · Lanark, Scotland

*PLEASE NOTE THAT WE ARE ONLY OPEN FOR WEEKEND BOOKINGS FOR CAMPING. THE CABIN IS AVAILABLE FOR MIDWEEK BOOKINGS* Cleghorn Farm is a mixed farm just north east of the market town of Lanark. Comprised of 250 acres of fields and woodland and bounded to the south by Mouse Water, it is a beautiful spot to get away from it all without having to leave it all behind if you don't want to. The fields are grazed and cultivated but the woodlands are much as they were at the end of the last ice age with spectacular walks along Cleghorn Glen with the chance to see badgers, bats, deer and all manner of birds among the towering pine and beech trees. The Mouse Water (pronounced moose) tumbles down along the edge of the farm and has some glorious pools for swimming, shallows for paddling and some spectacular water falls before it joins the River Clyde.

88%

(21)

Troquhain Woods

6 units · Motorhomes, Tents14 acres · Castle Douglas, Dumfries, South Scotland

Nearly wild camping for tents and campervans in a Scottish woodland

Culdees Castle Estate Glamping

5 units · Glamping, Motorhomes17 acres · Perthshire , Scotland

Luxury woodland cabins, each with a private hot tub, in the grounds of a Scottish castle

100%

(6)

Runach Arainn Glamping

3 units · Glamping1 acre · Kilmory, Scotland

A three-yurt luxury glamping site on the Isle of Arran, steps away from the beach

Loch Lomond Sunset Glamping Pod

1 unit · Glamping2 acres · Croftamie, Scotland

Settled in the idyllic area with unrestricted panoramic views over the Arrochar Alps, Loch Lomond Sunset Glamping Pod is set in charming grounds to the west of the popular small village of Croftamie. It has a wonderful situation with some outstanding views, over fields, towards the dramatic enveloping peaks of the Arrochar Alps and Ben Lomond. The perfect getaway for a romantic stay or honeymoon retreat or simply for exploring the wonders of the countryside and beauty of the local nature. Enjoying a snug open-plan studio layout, Loch Lomond Sunset Glamping Pod has everything you need for a countryside break full of outdoor adventures. The kitchenette is compact yet well-stocked with all the essential appliances with an electric hob, microwave and fridge being all you need to wine and dine. To the rear of the pod is the snug double bed with fresh & crispy bedlinen, cosy blankets for indoor and outdoor use (extra ones in a wooden box in front of the bed), and under-bed storage for your clothing. Compact, yet sleek bathroom equipped with a toilet, basin and an electric shower. The Pod is equipped with a Smart TV, a mini–Portable Bluetooth Speaker along with excellent Wi-Fi so you can stay connected. LED lights inside and outside the pod including decking lights. Outside of the pod, head out for a relaxing dip in the hot tub and soak up the stunning scenery before going back inside and climbing into cosy bed and watching your favourite series on Netflix. With a decking area providing a stunning view of the mountains, ofuro style hot tub and gazebo sitting area with firepit & BBQ Grill, this charming rural retreat for two, Loch Lomond Sunset Glamping Pod is offering a peaceful romantic escape. Dog friendly Not suitable for children Loch Lomond Sunset Pod lies just to the west of Croftamie Village and is only a couple of miles south of Drymen. The Sunset Pod is within a National Scenic Area and The Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, Scotland’s first National Park. It is surrounded by rolling Stirlingshire countryside and hills and is approached via its long private, and gated, drive off a quiet country road. When you reach the pod, on the left side of the front door there is a key safe box (details will be sent on your booking) for self-check-in, just put the code in to access the keys to the pod and enjoy your stay admiring amazing mountains views. And if you are lucky, a deer may pay you a surprising visit. If you are a smoker, we kindly ask you to only smoke outside of the glamping pod within the gazebo area, where an ashtray is provided.

Ayrshire Airstream

1 unit · Glamping5 acres · Irvine, Scotland

A seriously comfortable 1978 Airstream, complete with a hot tub, fire pit and its own bar.

100%

(7)

The Snug at Logie Farm

1 unit · Glamping1 acre · Falkland, Fife, Central Scotland

Luxury glamping pods with all mod cons, with an elevated position overlooking the River Tay.

Campsites near Rothesay guide

Overview

Visitors making the short ferry trip from the mainland to the Isle of Bute arrive in the island’s principal town of Rothesay. While Rothesay is not quite the bustling holiday resort town it once was, over recent years the town has been springing back to life and many of its pretty Victorian-era buildings have been restored to their former glory. Before heading off around the rest of the island, visitors can explore the impressive Rothesay Castle in the centre of town and take a wander along the attractive seafront along Rothesay Bay. Campsites are limited on Bute, but wild camping is always an option.

Where to go

Canada Hill

Just behind Rothesay, the steep summit of Canada Hill views over Rothesay Bay to the Firth of Clyde and the Cowal Peninsula. Set on the hill, Roseland Touring and Camping Park is the only organised campsite on the island and has pitches for caravans, motorhomes, campervans and tents.

Ettrick Bay

On the west coast of Bute, a 10-minute drive north of Rothesay, the wide, sandy beach at Ettrick Bay has safe waters for able swimmers and paddlers. Nearby, you can see the Ettrick Bay Stone Circle and look for seabirds in the bird hide south of the bay.

Mount Stuart

Four miles (six kilometres) south of Rothesay, Mount Stuart is a must-see. This Gothic-style 19th-century manor house is filled with art, imposing architecture and fascinating astronomy influenced ceilings. Leave plenty of time to explore the sprawling gardens.

Kilchattan Bay

Seven miles (11 kilometres) south of Rothesay, Kilchattan Bay marks the starting point of the West Island Way, a long-distance, waymarked footpath that takes you across the Isle of Bute, crossing a variety of landscapes, including seashore, moorland and forest, along the way. The five-mile (eight kilometre) Kilchattan Bay Circular is the first stage in the route and offers views across the Firth of Clyde to the Cumbraes, Arran and Ailsa Craig.

When to go

For your best chance of good weather, visiting the Isle of Bute between May and September is ideal. Visitor numbers are at their highest in summer, however, especially on weekends and during the school summer holidays. Autumn, particularly early September, is a good time to visit as it avoids the peak summer tourist season, while still having milder temperatures and longer hours of daylight. Winter visitors can be sure of a crowd-free (and chilly) experience but some businesses may be closed.

Know before you go

If you choose to wild camp, be sure to adhere to the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.
There is a limited bus service that can get you to most places of interest on the Isle of Bute. Cycling is also an option—you can hire a bicycle in Rothesayd.
There are a number of small supermarkets in Rothesay. However, bigger purchases should be made on the mainland.
The weather is always unpredictable. Even in summer, you should bring warm, wet weather gear.