100% (6) • 29 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Helmsdale
Cairngorms Glamping and Campsite
1. Cairngorms Glamping and Campsite
97%
(57)
109km from Helmsdale · 10 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Pitches and pods in the Cairngorms National Park
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£33
/ night
Bankhead Croft
2. Bankhead Croft
93km from Helmsdale · 14 units · Tents, Glamping
I am a ten acre Croft. I have an on-site cafe. I rescue animals which surround the property.
We are two miles from Gardenstown seaside.
I offer camping, glamping B&B, and tiny home, cabins. Many properties have hot tubs and are set alone.
It’s a quiet area and for those who want to chill on the countryside.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£38
/ night
The Loft Glamping & Camping
3. The Loft Glamping & Camping
100%
(9)
54km from Helmsdale · 12 units · Tents, Motorhomes
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!
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from
£28
/ night
The Hideyhole Campsite
4. The Hideyhole Campsite
52km from Helmsdale · 6 units · Motorhomes
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.
Electrical hookup
Pets
from
£15
/ night
Badrallach Campsite
5. Badrallach Campsite
91%
(39)
99km from Helmsdale · 12 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Where the end of the road is the start of your adventure
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from
£10
/ night
Glamping Bothy
6. Glamping Bothy
100%
(2)
108km from Helmsdale · 1 unit · Glamping
An upmarket bothy in the grounds of a 12th-century Aberdeenshire castle
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
from
£160
/ night
Cragdhu Log Cabin
7. Cragdhu Log Cabin
146km from Helmsdale · 1 unit · Glamping
Escape to the tranquility of Cragdhu, a charming two-bedroom self-catering log cabin perched high on a scenic hillside, offering breathtaking 360° mountain views. With a private setting and rustic charm, Cragdhu is a favorite among returning guests who come for the peace, comfort, and natural beauty.
The cabin comfortably sleeps up to 5 guests, with two bedrooms - a cosy double with ensuite shower room/WC and a twin bedroom - plus a fold-down single futon in the living room for additional flexibility.
Inside, you’ll find an open-plan living and dining area with comfy sofas, ideal for relaxing after a day of exploring. The fully equipped kitchen includes a hob with fan oven and grill, microwave, full-size fridge/freezer, washing machine, kettle, toas
Showers
Hot Tub
Wifi
from
£126
/ night
Aberdeenshire Airstream
8. Aberdeenshire Airstream
100%
(2)
114km from Helmsdale · 1 unit · Glamping
Reconnect with nature at this unforgettable escape.
Nestled in the tranquil rolling foothills of the Cairngorms in beautiful northeast Scotland is this tastefully renovated 1979 Airstream Argosy. Unwind in the peaceful landscape of Aberdeenshire where you can enjoy hiking and cycling trails straight from your door, relax on one of the two big decks or lounge in the hammocks. Surrounded by fields and woodland and situated off the beaten tourist track, this is a perfect place to truly kick back.
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£130
/ night
Sinclair Bay Lodges
9. Sinclair Bay Lodges
100%
(2)
56km from Helmsdale · 4 units · Glamping
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.
Showers
Campfires
Hot Tub
from
£200
/ night
Mondhuie Chalets
10. Mondhuie Chalets
95km from Helmsdale · 1 unit · Glamping
Just under an acre, close to Ancient Caledonia Forest , on the Speyside Way (which runs from Elgin to the South)
Garden space for pets, kids and a run around! Our house and 2 Chalets (1 sleeps 5, 1 ideal for 2 or small family) are on the property. Not fully fenced from road. On the outskirts of NethyBridge.
Private driveway, and car park
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£114
/ night
100% (6) • 29 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Helmsdale
Cairngorms Glamping and Campsite
1. Cairngorms Glamping and Campsite
97%
(57)
109km from Helmsdale · 10 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Pitches and pods in the Cairngorms National Park
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£33
/ night
Bankhead Croft
2. Bankhead Croft
93km from Helmsdale · 14 units · Tents, Glamping
I am a ten acre Croft. I have an on-site cafe. I rescue animals which surround the property.
We are two miles from Gardenstown seaside.
I offer camping, glamping B&B, and tiny home, cabins. Many properties have hot tubs and are set alone.
It’s a quiet area and for those who want to chill on the countryside.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£38
/ night
The Loft Glamping & Camping
3. The Loft Glamping & Camping
100%
(9)
54km from Helmsdale · 12 units · Tents, Motorhomes
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!
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from
£28
/ night
The Hideyhole Campsite
4. The Hideyhole Campsite
52km from Helmsdale · 6 units · Motorhomes
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.
Electrical hookup
Pets
from
£15
/ night
Badrallach Campsite
5. Badrallach Campsite
91%
(39)
99km from Helmsdale · 12 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Where the end of the road is the start of your adventure
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from
£10
/ night
Glamping Bothy
6. Glamping Bothy
100%
(2)
108km from Helmsdale · 1 unit · Glamping
An upmarket bothy in the grounds of a 12th-century Aberdeenshire castle
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
from
£160
/ night
Cragdhu Log Cabin
7. Cragdhu Log Cabin
146km from Helmsdale · 1 unit · Glamping
Escape to the tranquility of Cragdhu, a charming two-bedroom self-catering log cabin perched high on a scenic hillside, offering breathtaking 360° mountain views. With a private setting and rustic charm, Cragdhu is a favorite among returning guests who come for the peace, comfort, and natural beauty.
The cabin comfortably sleeps up to 5 guests, with two bedrooms - a cosy double with ensuite shower room/WC and a twin bedroom - plus a fold-down single futon in the living room for additional flexibility.
Inside, you’ll find an open-plan living and dining area with comfy sofas, ideal for relaxing after a day of exploring. The fully equipped kitchen includes a hob with fan oven and grill, microwave, full-size fridge/freezer, washing machine, kettle, toas
Showers
Hot Tub
Wifi
from
£126
/ night
Aberdeenshire Airstream
8. Aberdeenshire Airstream
100%
(2)
114km from Helmsdale · 1 unit · Glamping
Reconnect with nature at this unforgettable escape.
Nestled in the tranquil rolling foothills of the Cairngorms in beautiful northeast Scotland is this tastefully renovated 1979 Airstream Argosy. Unwind in the peaceful landscape of Aberdeenshire where you can enjoy hiking and cycling trails straight from your door, relax on one of the two big decks or lounge in the hammocks. Surrounded by fields and woodland and situated off the beaten tourist track, this is a perfect place to truly kick back.
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£130
/ night
Sinclair Bay Lodges
9. Sinclair Bay Lodges
100%
(2)
56km from Helmsdale · 4 units · Glamping
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.
Showers
Campfires
Hot Tub
from
£200
/ night
Mondhuie Chalets
10. Mondhuie Chalets
95km from Helmsdale · 1 unit · Glamping
Just under an acre, close to Ancient Caledonia Forest , on the Speyside Way (which runs from Elgin to the South)
Garden space for pets, kids and a run around! Our house and 2 Chalets (1 sleeps 5, 1 ideal for 2 or small family) are on the property. Not fully fenced from road. On the outskirts of NethyBridge.
Private driveway, and car park
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£114
/ night
Top camping destinations around Helmsdale
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
D
Duco
September 2025
2 nights at Aberdeenshire Airstream
The Airstream is an absolute beauty and an amazing place to stay. A nice bbq allows for some outdoor cooking and when inside, the record player sets the mood. A nice walk to the moors with amazing views of the Cairngorms can be done right from the doorstep.
See more
D
Duco
September 2025
Tent
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.
See more
C
Cathy
August 2025
7 m Class A
Cairngorm Glamping 🩷. This is a beautiful place to stay, with friendly, chilled hosts. Tucked in among the hills of Upper Donside, the view towards the Lecht is lovely … morning or evening. The surrounding countryside is magical. The site has several fields set up for tents / vans / Motorhomes, with or without services.
The animal park is very sweet, with goats who seem to spend all day teasing each other and an adorable donkey who wants to talk to everyone 🥰 … the zip-line park was popular with kids of all ages and there’s a food bothy if you don’t feel like cooking.
Shower and toilet facilities are clean and well located. They never seemed to be “busy” even though we were there before and during Lonach Gathering weekend.
Grey and waste water services are well placed for Motorhome access.
As a Scot who lives overseas, I love that places like Cairngorm Glamping exist. They showcase the scenery and provide camping access to areas of countryside that might otherwise be missed by visitors.
Just wish we’d had time to stay longer … but will return! 🥰🩷🙏
See moreJ
Jordan
August 2025
Tent
Very pleasant, peaceful area with a good view & amenities
See moreF
Freya
August 2025
5 m Class B
With pets
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.
See moreS
Stephen
August 2025
Tent
With kids
Fantastic, friendly hosts, spectacular views and breakfast was delicious! Kids loved the animals and we would have happily stolen Bru!
See more
e
evelyn
August 2025
Tent
With kids
It would take less time to write what didnt stand out.
This is the best, most well kept Campsite we have been to. The fields are really well kept with the most beautiful surroundings. Good Big pitching spaces. Facilities kept clean and always stocked. The Little Critter is a bloody brilliant idea, you can buy feed and go into the first pen and feed the goats, llama and alpaca. There is also a donkey, ponies and a horse, and some chickens.
The owners have 4 amazingly friendly dogs. So beautiful and love attntion. 2 of them stay in their garden an want you to throw the ball. Theres a wee shop if you need summit last minute.
The washing stations for dishes and the showers etc all have hot - YES - HOT water. There is a massice connect 4 game, swing sets, quiditch poles, a flying fox, an inground trampoline, a sandpit with toys, bikes and go karts all available for the kids and older kids etc. picnic tables.
They also provide off the ground fire pits, (there is no time that you have to put it out or get to bed, just be respectful) If you need wood you can take it and pay the next day.
Hot rolls and coffee are available in the morning to buy.
Robert and his wife and team are all absolutely lovely and nothing is too much. Robert even helped to move my sisters car off a ledge when she missed some signs saying to not turn 🫣😁.
The best part as if all of the above was not enough.... NAE MIDGES ❤️ Thank you so so much for an amazing wee break away.
See more
c
claire
August 2025
Tent
With kids
Beautiful place, kids loved the animals and the play park
See moreN
Nicole
July 2025
Tent
With kids
Lovely campsite, great for the kids, my own kids made friends playing on the zipline, loved saying hello to the animals and the bikes they could play on was a nice touch, facilities where nice and we overall had a great time.
See moreA
Abby
July 2025
Tent
Everyone here was super kind and funny. The campsite was in a beautiful area with a gorgeous view and beautiful farm animals surrounding the pitches. Would really recommend and definitely going back.
See moreP
Peter
July 2025
Tent
With kids
Great campsite with lots of amenities. Plenty of space for the kids to run around.
See more
l
lez
July 2025
Tent
With kids
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
See moref
fey
July 2025
5 m Class B
With kids
Alles war wunderbar!
Wir waren total überrascht, wie schön es dort war. Besonders wie kinderfreundlich es dort ist.
Ein riesiger, wunderschöner Ort in den Highlands mit lovely handsome critters :), unendlich wunderbaren Spielmöglichkeiten, netten Nachbarn und sauberen Sanitäranlagen.
Genau das richtige nach einer langen Fahrt mit Kindern.
Wir würden gerne zurück kommen!
See moreH
Helen
July 2025
6 m Class B
With pets
Great campsite - definitely dog and family friendly! Lots of amenities.
See more
I
Ian
July 2025
Tent
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
See more
G
Gavin
July 2025
Tent
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.
See moreM
Michael
July 2025
7 m Class B
Lovely to be in a secluded area surrounded by mountains, animals and lots of space. Simple well kept facilities.
See moreE
Erin
June 2025
5 m car
Lovely family campsite, gorgeous views and plenty of amenities and essentials on site
See moreR
Ronan
June 2025
Tent
With pets
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.
See more
A
Allison
June 2025
7 m Class A
With pets
A great campsite. We did not need to use the bathroom facilities as we were in a motorhome.
Lovely and quiet which is exactly what we were looking for.
See more
Campsites near Helmsdale guide
Where to go
Around Helmsdale
A 10-minute drive south of the village and a stone's throw from the coast, Crakaig Loth Campsite is a relaxed and basic site for tents, caravans and motorhomes and ideally situated for walkers and cyclists exploring the surrounding area. Just outside the village, Tall Pines Yurt is a sole-use site with private garden and sea views.
Brora
Farther south, around 15 minutes from Helmsdale, the Brora Caravan Club Site offers sites for tents, caravans and motorhomes set in a sheltered location just steps from a sandy beach. It’s a great location for those who want to get out into nature and to enjoy the water, whether by swimming, fishing or spotting seals and dolphins. Nearby Green Park Caravan Site offers similar facilities.
Dunbeath
A 20-minute drive north of Helmsdale, Inver Caravan Park is just north of the village of Dunbeath in southern Caithness and within walking distance of Dunbeath Castle, which is picturesquely perched on rocky cliffs. This small, quiet and friendly site has plenty of facilities, as well as hardstanding pitches for motorhomes and caravans and smooth grassy pitches for tents.
When to go
For the best chance of good weather and long daylight hours, summer is your best bet. Note, however, that the Highlands get very busy in the summer months (especially July and August) with people touring the North Coast 500 driving route. May and September offer a good alternative for fewer crowds. If visiting in August, don’t miss Helmsdale's annual Highland games, held in a dramatic setting overlooking the village.
Know before you go
- Many sites in the area are seasonal: check opening dates before travelling.
- If you choose to wild camp, be sure to adhere to the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.
- Helmsdale is walkable and you can get to most nearby places (including Inverness) by bus. However, having your own transportation is ideal.
- You can find basic supplies in Helmsdale’s shops. Dornoch (30 miles/48 kilometres south) offers more variety.