The best campsites near Durness

In the far northwest of Scotland, the Highland village of Durness, in Sutherland, offers a far-flung getaway. It’s surrounded by dramatic landscapes, including Smoo Cave, a spectacular sea cave, which can be explored by boat or foot. Hillwalkers and mountain climbers can take advantage of the steep cliffs and challenging trails, while the rocky coastline and pristine, white-sand beaches offer opportunities for more gentle strolls and wildlife-spotting. The village is a popular stop along the North Coast 500 long-distance driving route. If you decide to stay the night in the area, you can take your pick from wild camping in nature to parking in a well-equipped caravan park.

Top-rated campgrounds

In the far northwest of Scotland, the Highland village of Durness, in Sutherland, offers a far-flung getaway. It’s surrounded by dramatic landscapes, including Smoo Cave, a spectacular sea cave, which can be explored by boat or foot. Hillwalkers and mountain climbers can take advantage of the steep cliffs and challenging trails, while the rocky coastline and pristine, white-sand beaches offer opportunities for more gentle strolls and wildlife-spotting. The village is a popular stop along the North Coast 500 long-distance driving route. If you decide to stay the night in the area, you can take your pick from wild camping in nature to parking in a well-equipped caravan park.

Top-rated campgrounds

1. The Loft Glamping & Camping

100%

(9)

126km from Durness · 12 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Kinloss, Scotland

The Loft Glamping and Camping is situated at East Grange Farm, Kinloss, Moray. It 's a working farm that has evolved over the years to include Wigwam Glamping and Camping for campervans, motorhomes and tents. A number of the old farm buildings have been reppurposed as venue spaces for Weddings, Events and Workshops. The "wilderness" campsite offers pitches suitable for tents and small campervans whilst the Stackyard area is suitable for motorhomes and mega tents. All motorhome pitches have electrical hook-up and we have a good number of electric tent pitches. We also now take bookings for caravans. We do not have fully service pitches Onsite, we also have Original Wigwam cabins which are wooden camping cabins (Pods) that offer all year round protection against the elements. With heating, electricity, fridge, kettle and toasters. For those wanting a bit more luxury there are also ensuite Wigwam Cabins onsite with wood fired hot tubs. We welcome families, groups, well behaved dogs and do allow campfires outside the wigwams and at pitches and can provide fire hubs on the campsite (this must be pre-arranged). The Loft Glamping and Camping looks forward to welcoming you throughout the year!

2. Badrallach Campsite

91%

(39)

83km from Durness · 12 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Ross and Cromarty, Highlands

Where the end of the road is the start of your adventure

3. Sinclair Bay Lodges

100%

(2)

95km from Durness · 4 units · Glamping · Wick, Scotland

Luxury seafront glamping pods with private patio and jaccuzi. Fully equipped kitchenette with fridge freezer and en-suite shower room. All bedding, towels, cutlery and cookware are included. We have a bike shed on site and private parking for cars. Located on the John O'Groats trail and NC500 route.

4. The Hideyhole Campsite

127km from Durness · 6 units · Motorhomes · England

Explore the beautiful Moray Coast from the comfort of your caravan nestled in our award-winning family run Hideyhole Campsite here on Westfield Farm. Taking a maximum of only 6 caravans at any time, you’ll enjoy the peaceful setting here on the farm and appreciate the wealth of wildlife we are lucky to have. Enjoy exploring the ancient beech woodland and stunning farmland of Westfield. Dogs will love the peace quiet and space to run about. We have a tarmac tennis court available to book on-site for the sporty campers. Perfectly located for exploring the numerous beaches and seaside villages of the Moray Firth, all within a short drive from the site. Moray is famed for its many golf courses, distilleries, and coastline as well as some great local eateries and seafood. The National Cycle Route 1 from Dover to the North of Scotland runs through the farm, a short distance from the campsite. For those exploring the NC500, and wishing to continue the adventure, we are well placed for an extra stop off before or after you reach Inverness.

Stories from the community

Lochside camping in Scotland - a big grass camping pitch with big views!

D

Duco

September 2025

Tent

2 nights at Badrallach Campsite

One of the nicest campsites I've ever been to. Extremely remote, but the road leading up is easy to do even with a city car. The hike to Scoraig lighthouse from the campsite is one I'll never forget. The bothy serving as common room is great, nice to get some shelter to prep a meal and relax.

F

Freya

August 2025

5 m Class B

With pets

1 night at Badrallach Campsite

Absolutely stunning campsite - beautiful walk down to the loch which was just so clear and peaceful. Lovely little plots - just right for our campervan. Toilets and showers were clean and functional. Only downside was the midges - I would have loved to stay outside for longer but we had to retreat to the van. Highly recommended though.

l

lez

July 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to The Loft Glamping & Camping

Everything went well from start to finish great welcome to the site , lovely little hide away if staying for 1 or 2 nights even a week plenty to do and see around the area and excellent facilities to boot , and great scenery around the site defo be back

Electric hook up pitches on the Wilderness campsite.

I

Ian

July 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to The Loft Glamping & Camping

Beautiful location, with nice sheltered, shaded pitches and good facilities including decent showers. Grigor was very helpful and gave me plenty of tips for local places to visit. Thanks

A grass pitch with Electric Hookup at Badrallach. Bring a campervan to this lochside loaction in Scotland, plug in and switch off!

G

Gavin

July 2025

Tent

2 nights at Badrallach Campsite

Great location and a great place for camping. We will be back again and for longer. Thank you for having us and sorry we had to cut the holiday short.

R

Ronan

June 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Badrallach Campsite

A lovely quiet laid back site with stunning views of the mountains with a short walk down to the loch which gives you fantastic views back across the loch in both directions. Facilities met all my demands, the showers were very good, a Bothy to hand as well if the weather or the midges get to bad. 🤪 Fire pits provided but bring your own wood. I fully recommend a stop here if you are in the area.

s

spetnaz187

May 2025

5 m Class B

Weekend Trip to The Loft Glamping & Camping

Very good site very welcoming and helpful after a breakdown nearly made us have a very late arrival would highly recommend good facilities and clean enjoyed our stay

K

Kate

May 2025

4 m Class B

With pets

Weekend Trip to Badrallach Campsite

Perfect quiet little campsite, lovely and peaceful with some fantastic walks nearby. The host was extremely helpful and sorted our issues out straight away :).

L

Leanne

December 2024

Tent

With kids

1 night at Badrallach Campsite

Absolutely stunning place and fantastic hosts. We would love to go back.

Top camping destinations

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Campsites near Durness guide

Where to go

Sango Sands

Perched on the cliff tops above Sango Sands Beach, Sango Sands Oasis Camping and Caravan site offers stunning views over the sea and the chance to spot whales, seals and dolphins. The site has pitches with electric hookup and non-electric pitches for motorhomes/caravans and tents and has plenty of facilities, including its own restaurant with great food and whiskies.

Kinlochbervie

Twenty-nine kilometres southwest of Durness, community-run Kinlochbervie Loch Clash Campervan Stopover has a handful of spaces for campervans and motorhomes overlooking the loch. The pitches cannot be booked in advance and fees are paid at the store nearby. A 10-minute drive further north, Shegra Beach Honour Campsite is an informal site for tents and motorhomes offering an experience close to wild camping.

Skail

At 70 km away, it’s a bit of a distance from Durness but Skail is home to a particularly appealing glamping option. Wee Hoose is located on a working croft, just a few miles off the North Coast 500. Glamping pods are en-suite, include a Scottish breakfast, and have views of Ben Kilbreck mountain, which energetic visitors can summit.

When to go

For long days, and your best chance of good weather, visiting between May and August is your best bet. However, this is also the busiest tourist season along the North Coast 500 route and you may find that roads are busy and campsites fill up early. September or October is a good alternative as the biggest crowds will have gone and the hills will be covered in purple heather. Similarly, April is a good time to see blooming gorse flowers.

Know before you go

If choosing to wild camp, be sure to adhere to the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.
The village of Durness has a well stocked mini supermarket with an ATM and a gas station.
Biting midges are a persistent problem in the summer. Pack long sleeves and repellent.