Wildlife-watching campsites in Moine Mhòr National Nature Reserve

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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% (78) 77 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds in Moine Mhòr National Nature Reserve

Loch Katrine Eco Camping

1. Loch Katrine Eco Camping

95%
(113)
Stirling, Scotland · 13 units · Motorhomes, Glamping
Loch-side sleeping and exploring in one of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park's most historic locations
Pets
Electrical hookup
Showers
from 
£12
 / night
West Highland Way Hotel & Campsite

2. West Highland Way Hotel & Campsite

82%
(36)
Glasgow, Scotland · 44 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
A welcoming campsite on the West Highland Way
Pets
Campfires
Full hookups
from 
£30
 / night
The Charcoal Huts - Isle of Bute

3. The Charcoal Huts - Isle of Bute

100%
(3)
Scotland · 2 units
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.
Pets
Potable water
from 
£85
 / night
St Conan's Escape

4. St Conan's Escape

100%
(13)
Dalmally, Scotland · 2 units
Dog-friendly lodges on a Scottish mountainside with incredible loch views
Pets
Showers
Potable water
from 
£144
 / night
Craigmarloch Lodge

5. Craigmarloch Lodge

100%
(2)
Glasgow, Scotland · 1 unit
A high-end glamping cabin with a hot tub on the edge of the Highlands
Pets
Showers
Hot Tub
from 
£150
 / night
Runach Arainn Glamping

6. Runach Arainn Glamping

100%
(9)
Kilmory, Scotland · 3 units
A three-yurt luxury glamping site on the Isle of Arran, steps away from the beach
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£162
 / night

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% (78) 77 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds in Moine Mhòr National Nature Reserve

Loch Katrine Eco Camping

1. Loch Katrine Eco Camping

95%
(113)
Stirling, Scotland · 13 units · Motorhomes, Glamping
Loch-side sleeping and exploring in one of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park's most historic locations
Pets
Electrical hookup
Showers
from 
£12
 / night
West Highland Way Hotel & Campsite

2. West Highland Way Hotel & Campsite

82%
(36)
Glasgow, Scotland · 44 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
A welcoming campsite on the West Highland Way
Pets
Campfires
Full hookups
from 
£30
 / night
The Charcoal Huts - Isle of Bute

3. The Charcoal Huts - Isle of Bute

100%
(3)
Scotland · 2 units
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.
Pets
Potable water
from 
£85
 / night
St Conan's Escape

4. St Conan's Escape

100%
(13)
Dalmally, Scotland · 2 units
Dog-friendly lodges on a Scottish mountainside with incredible loch views
Pets
Showers
Potable water
from 
£144
 / night
Craigmarloch Lodge

5. Craigmarloch Lodge

100%
(2)
Glasgow, Scotland · 1 unit
A high-end glamping cabin with a hot tub on the edge of the Highlands
Pets
Showers
Hot Tub
from 
£150
 / night
Runach Arainn Glamping

6. Runach Arainn Glamping

100%
(9)
Kilmory, Scotland · 3 units
A three-yurt luxury glamping site on the Isle of Arran, steps away from the beach
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£162
 / night

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Moine Mhòr National Nature Reserve camping 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.
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Top towns in and near Moine Mhòr National Nature Reserve