Wildlife-watching campsites in Moine Mhòr National Nature Reserve

At the heart of the historic Kilmartin Glen, Moine Mhòr is an alluring destination for anyone with an interest in natural history. This is one of Scotland's oldest landscapes, an unspoiled area of wild wetland habitat of mossy hummocks and open pools—and it teems with life. Curlews feed on the bog, the surface of which is home to many flowering plants, including orchids and insect-catching sundews. You can also spot the rare marsh fritillary butterfly, as well as the heath butterfly, 11 species of dragonfly, otters, and hen harriers roosting on the moss. As a national nature reserve, camping is not permitted, but private motorhome and caravan sites within a half hour’s drive offer options like meadow tent sites and heated glamping pods. For those travelling with a tent, wild camping is another option.

94% (76)

Top-rated campgrounds

At the heart of the historic Kilmartin Glen, Moine Mhòr is an alluring destination for anyone with an interest in natural history. This is one of Scotland's oldest landscapes, an unspoiled area of wild wetland habitat of mossy hummocks and open pools—and it teems with life. Curlews feed on the bog, the surface of which is home to many flowering plants, including orchids and insect-catching sundews. You can also spot the rare marsh fritillary butterfly, as well as the heath butterfly, 11 species of dragonfly, otters, and hen harriers roosting on the moss. As a national nature reserve, camping is not permitted, but private motorhome and caravan sites within a half hour’s drive offer options like meadow tent sites and heated glamping pods. For those travelling with a tent, wild camping is another option.

94% (76)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Loch Katrine Eco Camping

95%

(112)

22 units · Motorhomes, Glamping · Stirling and Falkirk, Central Scotland

Loch-side sleeping and exploring in one of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park's most historic locations

2. West Highland Way Hotel & Campsite

82%

(36)

46 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Glasgow, Lanarkshire, South Scotland

A welcoming campsite on the West Highland Way

3. The Charcoal Huts - Isle of Bute

100%

(3)

2 units · Glamping · Scotland

Our Huts are located within the Moss Wood area of Bute Forest - a mixed birch and alder wood that extends up the hillside to the west of the A886 that connects the Rhubodach Ferry to Port Bannatyne and Rothesay. Moss Wood has a range of facilities. Park on the shore-side where the coast can be enjoyed or at the main entrance, and take a walk up through Moss Wood along the Poetry Trail. A steep walk in places, the Poetry Trail is a loop punctuated with places to stop and read, to stop and think. Read nature poetry from throughout the ages, stop at the Blether Stane, or taking the spur to the Viewing Point back south across the Kyles. Moss Wood connects to the West Island Way – take the Poetry Trail and the spur to the Viewing Point – and then take the Stag’s Trod further up (steeply) till you reach the West Island Way. From there, head south towards Port Bannatyne or north along the boundary of the Community Forest. From the viewing point, you can also explore interesting heritage features such as the old WW2 bunker, kayak shelter, Balnakailly settlement, and the SSSI oak woodland.

4. Runach Arainn Glamping

100%

(9)

3 units · Glamping · Kilmory, Scotland

A three-yurt luxury glamping site on the Isle of Arran, steps away from the beach

5. Craigmarloch Lodge

100%

(2)

1 unit · Glamping · Glasgow, Scotland

A high-end glamping cabin with a hot tub on the edge of the Highlands

6. St Conan's Escape

100%

(12)

4 units · Glamping · Dalmally, Scotland

Dog-friendly lodges on a Scottish mountainside with incredible loch views

Stories from the community

MH 10 - Hard Standing non-serviced Pitch

J

Julia

August 2025

4 m Class B

1 night at Loch Katrine Eco Camping

Lovely location right on the Loch. I would stay again if in the area and definitely have a ride on the steamship

C

Caitlin

August 2025

With pets

2 nights at Loch Katrine Eco Camping

The view you wake up to is breathtaking! The pods themselves are immaculate and stocked with everything you need. You have your own private bathroom which is heated and again immaculately clean. Lovely and quiet!

K

Kinga

August 2025

With kids

2 nights at Loch Katrine Eco Camping

The atmosphere was cozy, the place spotless, and the hospitality truly warm. It was a pleasure to be your guest, and I look forward to returning , very recommend:)

F

Freya

August 2025

5 m Class B

With pets

Weekend Trip to Loch Katrine Eco Camping

Absolutely stunning location - you worry when you arrive as it’s a really popular tourist attraction but the car park empties out and it’s very peaceful. Nice walk along the loch side or a boat ride on the loch plus good cafe

S

Simon

August 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to The Charcoal Huts - Isle of Bute

Beautiful views up the Loch. Quite a steep climb but easily achievable. Fire pit, bbq and seating area ideal. Even the compostable toilet had a great view!

T

Tracie

August 2025

With kids

4 nights at Loch Katrine Eco Camping

The pods were clean, comfortable, spacious and well equipped. Unfortunately the fly screen for our door was broken so it was a choice of being gnawed on by midges or being very hot- we chose the heat which was a bit uncomfortable but a fan had been provided which helped. The views were incredible of the loch and mountains and the walking and cycling just stunning. It's a little public with it being next to the main path but if you aren't looking for seclusion then it's fine and we found it vibrant and interesting watching the boats and people coming and going. The food in the cafe was excellent and we enjoyed the take away option, it does close fairly early so best to get there before 5:15pm. All in all it was a beautiful spot and very good accommodation and we had a brilliant time.

S

Sally

July 2025

With kids

4 nights at Runach Arainn Glamping

Runach Arainn is even more lovely in person than in the photos. Great location for a peaceful and relaxing stay on Arann. The yurts are comfortable, the kitchen/fire-pit etc are well-equipped and the orchard setting is beautiful. It's just a short walk to the beach or to the Lagg Inn for dinner. Highly recommend.

E

Eva

July 2025

Group trip

2 nights at Runach Arainn Glamping

Absolutely fantastic spot! Yurt was so well equipped, they really had thought of everything. Beautiful location in such a peaceful area, and a lovely beach in walking distance! Couldn’t recommend enough

H

HEATHER

June 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to West Highland Way Hotel & Campsite

A lovely wee site with various accommodation options, the staff are super helpful.

M

Meron

June 2025

2 nights at The Charcoal Huts - Isle of Bute

The Charcoal Huts were so magical. We stayed in Birch and it had amazing views, was quite private and had everything we needed - including things we forgot. It was beautiful and cosy inside and the fire kept us so warm. I really loved this place.

k

kelly

May 2025

With pets

2 nights at St Conan's Escape

Amazing accommodation in a stunning location. Loved it so much we booked our return stay for 2026 whilst still there!

K

Kyle & Sarah

April 2025

4 m Class B

1 night at West Highland Way Hotel & Campsite

It was amazing! The view of the surrounding fells and farms was so tranquil and peaceful. Andrew was a friendly and helpful host. The property was beautiful and there was a good community of campers there that socialized over breakfast. There were also trails on the property that we didn't get to. I would definitely recommend this campsite to anyone that is going to Scotland

M

Mandy

April 2025

4 nights at St Conan's Escape

St. Conan's Escape was lovely- the perfect place to stay during our venture to western Scotland. The accommodations were perfect, the view was excellent, and the host was very friendly and helpful. I will definitely be looking up this cute little Basecamp for our next adventure in Scotland! Thank you!

M

Mandi

April 2025

1 night at West Highland Way Hotel & Campsite

Very friendly staff. Easy to find. Great facilities. Lovely walks right at back of premises. Only downside for me was the noise off other campers. People turning up and setting stuff up after 10 pm. Also loud group of lads. But I’m use to wild camping so maybe noise would be acceptable for most.

P

Paul

December 2024

5 m Class B

With kids

1 night at Loch Katrine Eco Camping

Quite basic - you're sleeping in a car park - but it's beautiful setting and the toilets were clean.

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Wildlife-watching campsites in Moine Mhòr National Nature Reserve guide

When to go

Moine Mhòr National Nature Reserve is open to visitors all year-round, and each season has its own appeal. Spring is the time to visit for blooming flowers; summer for dragonflies and ospreys. In the fall, the reserve is awash in beautifully rich fall colors, and you have the chance to spot roe and sika deer on its outskirts. If you are unbothered by chilly conditions and short daylight hours, winter is a treat, as the frosted moss is at its most beautiful and you can see whooper swans, Greenland white-fronted geese, and roosting hen harriers.

Know before you go

A limited local bus service from Lochgilphead to Kilmartin passes the reserve car park. Tell the driver you want to get off.
The nearest public restrooms are in Lochgilphead, six miles away.
Even in summer, the weather can quickly change. Warm, waterproof clothing and sturdy footwear are essential.
If wild camping in the surrounding area, be sure to follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.