Discover the best river, stream, or creek and dog-friendly campsites near Spean Bridge

At the southern end of the Great Glen, the village of Spean Bridge offers a great base for walkers embarking on, or resting after, the Great Glen Way long-distance trail or the West Highland Way, which also passes through the village. Known as ‘the crossroads of the Highlands’, Spean Bridge also offers good access to Inverness, the Isle of Skye, Fort William, Loch Laggan and Strathspey. Surrounded by the Nevis mountain range, the area boasts plenty of natural beauty and opportunities for outdoor activities including hillwalking, climbing, watersports and wildlife watching. Campers have plenty of options in the area, from parking in a caravan site to pitching a tent under the shadow of Ben Nevis.

Where to go

North of Spean Bridge

Less than three miles north of Spean Bridge’s famed Commando Memorial, which commemorates the elite soldiers of WWII, family-run Gairlochy Holiday Park offers grass and hardstanding pitches for caravans, campervans and tents, as well as a selection of wooden chalets overlooking the River Spean Gorge with views to Ben Nevis, the Grey Corries and the Nevis Range.

East of Spean Bridge

Three and a half miles east of Spean Bridge, family-owned Bunroy Park occupies nine acres (3.6 hectares) of land in Roy Bridge, on the banks of the River Spean. The site has excellent views of the Nevis Range and spaces for touring caravans or motorhomes and tents. Glamping accommodation is also available in its log pods, tipi-style tents and self-catering lodges.

Fort William

Ten miles southwest of Spean Bridge, Fort William is a hub for outdoor adventure, from climbing Ben Nevis to hiking around Glencoe, and is a handy base due to its transportation links, shops and restaurants. In the north of town, Ben Nevis Holiday Park offers views of Ben Nevis and has grass and electric hard standing pitches for caravans, motorhomes and tents, as well as static caravans and self-catering holiday lodges.

Moy Bridge

Along the Great Glen Way, five miles north of Spean Bridge, you’ll find a designated free ‘wild camping’ area at Moy Bridge. The basic site has just a picnic table and room for only a few tents.

When to go

Fort William and the surrounding area is typically busy with tourists from May/June through September. At that time of year you’re likely to find crowded trails and booked-up campsites. Between April and early May is a good time to visit to avoid crowds. While the temperature will be cool, the landscape will be filled with blooming flowers and you can still enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling and kayaking.

Know before you go

Not all sites in the area open year-round: check opening dates before traveling.
Wild camping is legally allowed in Scotland if practised responsibly under the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.
You can reach Spean Bridge by bus from Fort William and Inverness (both cities have direct train connections to other major Scottish cities.
You will likely find everything you need in the well-stocked shops of Fort William, 10 miles away.