Wildlife-watching campsites in Isle of May National Nature Reserve

·

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.

94% (21) 87 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Isle of May National Nature Reserve

Culdees Castle Estate Glamping

1. Culdees Castle Estate Glamping

88%
(25)
5 units · Glamping · Perthshire , Scotland
Luxury woodland cabins, each with a private hot tub, in the grounds of a Scottish castle
Showers
Campfires
Hot Tub
from 
£140
 / night
Beirhope Alpacas

2. Beirhope Alpacas

98%
(137)
11 units · Tents · Kelso, Scotland
A small, off-grid campsite with alpacas in the historically rich southern Scottish borders
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£20
 / night
Muiredge

3. Muiredge

100%
(16)
8 units · Glamping · Perth and Kinross, Central Scotland
Rural glamping in a converted railway carriage, shepherd's hut, or bell tent in blissful Scotland
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£100
 / night
Laverock Law Cottages and Glamping

4. Laverock Law Cottages and Glamping

100%
(1)
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.
Showers
Campfires
Potable water
from 
£135
 / night
The Snug at Logie Farm

5. The Snug at Logie Farm

100%
(7)
1 unit · Glamping · Falkland, Fife, Central Scotland
Luxury glamping pods with all mod cons, with an elevated position overlooking the River Tay.
Pets
Showers
Hot Tub
from 
£275
 / night

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.

94% (21) 87 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Isle of May National Nature Reserve

Culdees Castle Estate Glamping

1. Culdees Castle Estate Glamping

88%
(25)
5 units · Glamping · Perthshire , Scotland
Luxury woodland cabins, each with a private hot tub, in the grounds of a Scottish castle
Showers
Campfires
Hot Tub
from 
£140
 / night
Beirhope Alpacas

2. Beirhope Alpacas

98%
(137)
11 units · Tents · Kelso, Scotland
A small, off-grid campsite with alpacas in the historically rich southern Scottish borders
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£20
 / night
Muiredge

3. Muiredge

100%
(16)
8 units · Glamping · Perth and Kinross, Central Scotland
Rural glamping in a converted railway carriage, shepherd's hut, or bell tent in blissful Scotland
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£100
 / night
Laverock Law Cottages and Glamping

4. Laverock Law Cottages and Glamping

100%
(1)
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.
Showers
Campfires
Potable water
from 
£135
 / night
The Snug at Logie Farm

5. The Snug at Logie Farm

100%
(7)
1 unit · Glamping · Falkland, Fife, Central Scotland
Luxury glamping pods with all mod cons, with an elevated position overlooking the River Tay.
Pets
Showers
Hot Tub
from 
£275
 / night

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

Value Prop
Value Prop
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Wildlife-watching campsites 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.

Top regions near Isle of May National Nature Reserve