Luxury camping in Isle of May National Nature Reserve: Best Luxury Campsites

Just a few miles off the coast of the charming fishing port of Anstruther, the Isle of May packs a lot into its petite size. The island has a history rich in stories of Vikings, pilgrims and smugglers but today it is best known for its seabirds. In early summer, the cliffs that ring the island heave with breeding birds, including razorbills, kittiwakes, guillemots and more than 40,000 pairs of puffins, while the shoreline is dotted with seals. Visitors can experience the dazzling, noisy spectacle from along the clifftop path and the sheltered visitor center. The island is a designated national nature reserve, which you can only visit as part of a day tour. While you can’t camp on the island, nearby mainland options include Silverdyke Caravan Park in Anstruther and Sauchope Links Holiday Lodge and Caravan Park in Crail.

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Top-rated campgrounds

Just a few miles off the coast of the charming fishing port of Anstruther, the Isle of May packs a lot into its petite size. The island has a history rich in stories of Vikings, pilgrims and smugglers but today it is best known for its seabirds. In early summer, the cliffs that ring the island heave with breeding birds, including razorbills, kittiwakes, guillemots and more than 40,000 pairs of puffins, while the shoreline is dotted with seals. Visitors can experience the dazzling, noisy spectacle from along the clifftop path and the sheltered visitor center. The island is a designated national nature reserve, which you can only visit as part of a day tour. While you can’t camp on the island, nearby mainland options include Silverdyke Caravan Park in Anstruther and Sauchope Links Holiday Lodge and Caravan Park in Crail.

100% (9)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Fernlea - Campsite & Pod

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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!

2. The Snug at Logie Farm

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1 unit · Glamping · Falkland, Fife, Central Scotland

Luxury glamping pods with all mod cons, with an elevated position overlooking the River Tay.

3. Bachilton Farm Holidays

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2 units · Glamping · Perth and Kinross, Central Scotland

A pair of yurts with hot tubs on a farm between Perth and Crieff

4. Laverock Law Cottages and Glamping

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1 unit · Glamping · Bamburgh, Northumberland, North East England

We are perfectly situated to explore both the Northumbrian Coastal area, including Holy Island , Bamburgh etc but also great for those who wish to discover the amazing Cheviot hills. Our site is managed organically and has won awards for sustainable tourism, itself a true escape and nature paradise.

Stories from the community

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Sakura

November 2025

Weekend Trip to Fernlea - Campsite & Pod

Staying at Bruce’s house was an absolute pleasure! He was so incredibly helpful and kind and the pod is perfect. I would live there for the rest of my life if I could! The kitchen is great. The hot tub is beyond belief and so good that it’s almost intoxicating. When my boyfriend and I accidentally reset the Internet, Bruce was beyond kind and helpful. Next time I’m in this area I will for sure Be staying here again.

G

Gaz

August 2025

6 m Class B

1 night at Fernlea - Campsite & Pod

Really enjoyed my stay here. Although just for one night it was very nice. I look forward to going again.

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Luxury camping in Isle of May National Nature Reserve guide

When to go

The Isle of May is open to visitors from early April through the end of September: it remains closed over winter in order to protect the large number of seal pups born around its shores. May and June are the best months to see breeding seabirds, which number up to a quarter of a million at the peak of breeding season.

Know before you go

Boat trip options include journeys by ferry and rigid inflatable boat (RIB). Note that the RIB is open to the elements (waterproofs are provided).
Once onshore, you are free to explore independently until departure time. Your tour operator will provide maps of the island.
Rangers greet visitors at the pier and can answer your questions.
There is an accessible restroom in the island’s visitor center.
While most trips depart from Anstruther, RIB tours also depart North Berwick.
During winter, you can watch the seal pups via live camera feed at the Scottish Seabird Centre in North Berwick.