Discover the best river, stream, or creek and dog-friendly campsites near St. Andrews, Fife

Famed around the world as the home of golf, and its legendary Old Course, the pretty Scottish town of St. Andrews offers plenty to appeal to even those uninterested in the game. From impressive architecture and medieval ruins to the beautiful coastline and dunes of White Sands Beach, a popular spot for walking, running and swimming. It’s also a good base for exploring the colorful fishing towns of the East Neuk of Fife and the long-distance Fife Coastal Path. Those wanting to base themselves close to town will find plenty of nearby options from caravan parks and camping sites to glamping pods.

Where to go

Craigtoun

Just 1.5 miles from St Andrews, Craigtoun Country Park is a traditional favorite family destination. Visitors can walk the trains, row a boat on the lake, explore the Fairy Glen and play in the adventure playground. A few minutes’ drive from the park, Craigtoun Meadows Holiday Park is situated in woodland and has plenty of hardstanding touring pitches, as well as a handful of grass tent pitches, glamping lodges and static caravans for hire. Just a few minutes farther from Craigtoun Country Park, Cairnsmill Caravan Park has space for tourers and tent pitches, as well as static caravans.

Strathkinness

Located in a rural setting, the small village of Strathkinness is a 10-minute drive west of St. Andrews. Here you’ll find Nydie Caravan and Camping, a peaceful family-run site with spacious tent, caravan and motorhome grass pitches dotted around in large fields, as well as a selection of glamping cabins.

Anstruther

The small town of Anstruther is one of the gems of the East Neuk. The bustling fishing port lies along the Fife Coastal Path and departure point for boat trips to the Isle of May puffin colony, just offshore. Silverdyke Caravan Park offers sea views and easy access to Anstruther’s attractions. The park has plenty of hard-standing pitches for caravans, campers and motorhomes, as well as static caravans for hire, but no tent pitches.

When to go

For your best chance of good weather and long daylight hours, visiting from May through September is recommended. July and August can get quite crowded in St. Andrews, due to the large number of visitors taking advantage of school holidays. For a quieter experience, April and May are good months: the weather is warming up, the days getting longer and you can see puffins on the Isle of May. Winter is typically cold, wet and dark (the sun sets between 3:30 and 4 p.m. in December).

Know before you go

Some private campsites in the area are seasonal: check opening dates before traveling.
The weather in Scotland is changeable, even in summer. Come prepared with warm, waterproof clothing.
If you choose to wild camp, be sure to adhere to the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.
The closest train station is in Leuchars, five miles north. Regular buses depart the station for St. Andrews.
It’s possible to explore the coast by bus. If planning to make several journeys in one day, buy a DayRider ticket for unlimited rides.