Caravan parks near Rothesay

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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.

82% (60)

Top caravan parks

Fernlea - Campsite & Pod

5. Fernlea - Campsite & Pod

100%
(2)
131km from Rothesay · 7 units · Motorhomes, Glamping · Scotland
Welcome to Fernlea. We would love to have you visit us, either on our 5 pitch campsite for motorhomes and caravans, or in 2025 to our new luxury glamping pod. Fernlea is our home in the heart of an agricultural plain called “The Carse of Gowrie,” which runs for 20 miles or so along the River Tay between Perth and Dundee. It’s a beautiful area that we hope you will love too. We are a short walk from the village of Errol, with access to lovely walks along the Tay. We are adjacent to the local bus route (just stick your arm out!), the Sustrans cycle route 77, plus only a mile or so from the A90 Perth to Dundee / Aberdeen road. We are perfect for both a short stopover and a longer break with a fascinating local area to explore. All pitches have hard standing, water on each pitch, grey waste disposal adjacent to the pitch, and a 10 or 16 amp electric supply with a chemical toilet waste tank with rinsing tap behind our garage. We are also within easy access to Fife and the southern area of the Highlands. Walkers and bird watchers will find many footpaths by the River Tay and can climb the local hills to see buzzards, hawks, ducks, and migrating geese throughout the seasons. Any visitors requiring repairs or accessories for their van will find the large Perthshire Caravan dealership nearby. Every Sunday, one of Scotland’s largest car boot sales and markets is held less than a mile away. Facilities on the CL Site: - Dog walk from the site - Information room - Recycling facilities - Battery charging - TV reception: good - 16 amp electric on 4 pitches, 10 amp on 5th - Water on all pitches - Chemical toilet disposal point - Lawned site, with gravel hardstandings - Latest arrival time: 9:00 PM - Latest departure time: 12:00 PM Shop/village of Errol within 1 mile. Errol Village shop, Pub, Lass O’Gowrie Cafe, Fish and Chip Shop, Butchers. Nearby: Cairn O’Mohr Winery, Rait Antiques Centre, Errol Sunday Market, Lass O'Gowrie Cafe, Fruit Shack - Pick your own strawberries, We look forward to seeing you soon!
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
from 
£22
 / night

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.

82% (60)

Top caravan parks

Fernlea - Campsite & Pod

5. Fernlea - Campsite & Pod

100%
(2)
131km from Rothesay · 7 units · Motorhomes, Glamping · Scotland
Welcome to Fernlea. We would love to have you visit us, either on our 5 pitch campsite for motorhomes and caravans, or in 2025 to our new luxury glamping pod. Fernlea is our home in the heart of an agricultural plain called “The Carse of Gowrie,” which runs for 20 miles or so along the River Tay between Perth and Dundee. It’s a beautiful area that we hope you will love too. We are a short walk from the village of Errol, with access to lovely walks along the Tay. We are adjacent to the local bus route (just stick your arm out!), the Sustrans cycle route 77, plus only a mile or so from the A90 Perth to Dundee / Aberdeen road. We are perfect for both a short stopover and a longer break with a fascinating local area to explore. All pitches have hard standing, water on each pitch, grey waste disposal adjacent to the pitch, and a 10 or 16 amp electric supply with a chemical toilet waste tank with rinsing tap behind our garage. We are also within easy access to Fife and the southern area of the Highlands. Walkers and bird watchers will find many footpaths by the River Tay and can climb the local hills to see buzzards, hawks, ducks, and migrating geese throughout the seasons. Any visitors requiring repairs or accessories for their van will find the large Perthshire Caravan dealership nearby. Every Sunday, one of Scotland’s largest car boot sales and markets is held less than a mile away. Facilities on the CL Site: - Dog walk from the site - Information room - Recycling facilities - Battery charging - TV reception: good - 16 amp electric on 4 pitches, 10 amp on 5th - Water on all pitches - Chemical toilet disposal point - Lawned site, with gravel hardstandings - Latest arrival time: 9:00 PM - Latest departure time: 12:00 PM Shop/village of Errol within 1 mile. Errol Village shop, Pub, Lass O’Gowrie Cafe, Fish and Chip Shop, Butchers. Nearby: Cairn O’Mohr Winery, Rait Antiques Centre, Errol Sunday Market, Lass O'Gowrie Cafe, Fruit Shack - Pick your own strawberries, We look forward to seeing you soon!
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
from 
£22
 / night

Stories from the community

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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Caravan parks near Rothesay guide

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.

Top regions near Rothesay