Camping in North Uist

Name: North Uist
Address: North Uist

Right in the middle of the Outer Hebrides, between Harris and Benbecula, the island of North Uist is an attractive place to set up camp while tackling the long distance Hebridean Way or island-hopping around the Hebrides. While here you can explore sandy beaches perfect for wind and kite-surfing -pretty lochs, fish for trout, bike around the island, or go bird watching. You’ll also find a welcoming small community and a surprisingly robust arts scene. The summer months are best for good weather, wildlife and outdoor activities, but consider spring and autumn, too. While there are a limited number of campsites on the island, wild camping is always a possibility throughout Scotland—as long as you adhere to the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.

Top-rated campgrounds in North Uist

Croft 5 - Exclusive Wilderness Camp

1. Croft 5 - Exclusive Wilderness Camp

Callanish, Scotland · 1 unit

Escape to nearly five acres of exclusive land on the west side of the Isle of Lewis. Croft 5 offers a true wilderness camping experience. Reserved for one booking at a time, so you can enjoy complete solitude and space. The land overlooks Little Loch Roag, perfect for eagle watching, wildlife spotting, and breathtaking views. Guests can choose their own pitch—near the loch, beside the stream, or sheltered by the old blackhouse—creating a personalised camping experience. Facilities are minimal: an outdoor composting toilet, fresh water delivered to your pitch. There is no electricity or showers; guests should be self-sufficient and comfortable with wild conditions. Open fires are not permitted, but camping stoves are welcome. Croft 5 is especially suited to walkers, cyclists, backpackers, and self-sufficient adventurers seeking a restorative escape. Dogs may be allowed by prior arrangement. Access is easy, with nearby bus connections and parking for one vehicle, though most guests arrive without a car. The Isle of Lewis has changeable weather, and ferry cancellations can occasionally affect travel. We will always try to accommodate guests at alternative dates if availability allows. Camping is limited to 28 nights per year, this is a rare chance to enjoy a wilderness retreat with stunning views, abundant wildlife, and nearly five acres to yourself.

Pets

Potable water

Sanday Cabin

2. Sanday Cabin

Sandy, Scotland · 1 unit

The Sanday Cabin is an open plan space with a lovely French style double bed (separate toilet / shower room) that sits at the top of a croft on the Isle of Sanday, right next door to Canna. The cabin has views out over the bay of Canna harbour to the Cuillins of Skye and across to the Isle of Rum. You can even see the famous Sanday Puffin Stacks from the cabin and take a stroll along the Puffin Trail. The cabin has its own decking area and a wooden fenced garden area - so you can enjoy looking at cows without them getting too close! Fully equipped kitchen, all linen towels provided and luggage transport provided.

Pets

Showers

Campfires

Right in the middle of the Outer Hebrides, between Harris and Benbecula, the island of North Uist is an attractive place to set up camp while tackling the long distance Hebridean Way or island-hopping around the Hebrides. While here you can explore sandy beaches perfect for wind and kite-surfing -pretty lochs, fish for trout, bike around the island, or go bird watching. You’ll also find a welcoming small community and a surprisingly robust arts scene. The summer months are best for good weather, wildlife and outdoor activities, but consider spring and autumn, too. While there are a limited number of campsites on the island, wild camping is always a possibility throughout Scotland—as long as you adhere to the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.

Top-rated campgrounds in North Uist

Croft 5 - Exclusive Wilderness Camp

1. Croft 5 - Exclusive Wilderness Camp

Callanish, Scotland · 1 unit

Escape to nearly five acres of exclusive land on the west side of the Isle of Lewis. Croft 5 offers a true wilderness camping experience. Reserved for one booking at a time, so you can enjoy complete solitude and space. The land overlooks Little Loch Roag, perfect for eagle watching, wildlife spotting, and breathtaking views. Guests can choose their own pitch—near the loch, beside the stream, or sheltered by the old blackhouse—creating a personalised camping experience. Facilities are minimal: an outdoor composting toilet, fresh water delivered to your pitch. There is no electricity or showers; guests should be self-sufficient and comfortable with wild conditions. Open fires are not permitted, but camping stoves are welcome. Croft 5 is especially suited to walkers, cyclists, backpackers, and self-sufficient adventurers seeking a restorative escape. Dogs may be allowed by prior arrangement. Access is easy, with nearby bus connections and parking for one vehicle, though most guests arrive without a car. The Isle of Lewis has changeable weather, and ferry cancellations can occasionally affect travel. We will always try to accommodate guests at alternative dates if availability allows. Camping is limited to 28 nights per year, this is a rare chance to enjoy a wilderness retreat with stunning views, abundant wildlife, and nearly five acres to yourself.

Pets

Potable water

Sanday Cabin

2. Sanday Cabin

Sandy, Scotland · 1 unit

The Sanday Cabin is an open plan space with a lovely French style double bed (separate toilet / shower room) that sits at the top of a croft on the Isle of Sanday, right next door to Canna. The cabin has views out over the bay of Canna harbour to the Cuillins of Skye and across to the Isle of Rum. You can even see the famous Sanday Puffin Stacks from the cabin and take a stroll along the Puffin Trail. The cabin has its own decking area and a wooden fenced garden area - so you can enjoy looking at cows without them getting too close! Fully equipped kitchen, all linen towels provided and luggage transport provided.

Pets

Showers

Campfires

North Uist camping guide

Where to go

Balnarad RSPB Nature Reserve

On North Uist’s west coast, the wildflower-carpeted machair of the Balnarad nature reserve is home to numerous wading and farmland birds, including lapwings, corn buntings and (rarely seen though often heard) corncrakes. You can camp in the reserve, next to a beautiful sandy beach.

Clachan Sands

On the north coast, the pristine white of Clachan Sands is made up from broken shells. Parallel to the beach, the machair is a perfect for walking and a haven for wildlife, including the elusive corncrake—it’s covered in wildflowers during the summer. Next to the beach, you’ll find a flat, grassy area for basic camping that is part of a working farm—there is an honesty box to collect fees.

Carinish

The little hamlet of Carinish, on North Uist’s southern coast, is home to the Neolithic Carinish Stone Circle and the remains of 12th-century Teampull na Trianaid (Church of the Holy Trinity). You can set up camp here overlooking a tidal bay and directly on the Hebridean Way route.

Lochmaddy

Visitors traveling to North Uist by ferry from Uig on the Isle of Skye, disembark in Lochmaddy. Here you’ll find the excellent Taigh Chearsabhagh Museum and Arts Centre, attractively set on the shoreline, as well as several dining options and attractions including the Barpa Langais burial cairn, and the set of three standing stones, Na Fir Bhrèige (The Three False Men).

Frequently Asked Questions

What outdoor activities can I do in North Uist?

In North Uist, you can explore sandy beaches perfect for wind and kite-surfing, pretty lochs, fish for trout, bike around the island, or go bird watching. The summer months are best for good weather, wildlife and outdoor activities, but consider spring and autumn, too. You can also explore different options for camping near North Uist on Hipcamp.

What are some attractions in North Uist?

North Uist offers attractions such as the Neolithic Carinish Stone Circle, the remains of 12th-century Teampull na Trianaid (Church of the Holy Trinity), the Taigh Chearsabhagh Museum and Arts Centre, the Barpa Langais burial cairn, and the set of three standing stones, Na Fir Bhrèige (The Three False Men). You can also explore different options for camping near North Uist on Hipcamp.

Where can I camp in North Uist?

You can camp in North Uist at the pristine white Clachan Sands, which is part of a working farm with a flat, grassy area for basic camping. You can also camp at the Balnarad nature reserve, next to a beautiful sandy beach. You can also explore different options for camping near North Uist on Hipcamp.

What wildlife can I expect to see in North Uist?

In North Uist, you can expect to see a haven for wildlife, including the elusive corncrake, wildflowers during the summer, numerous wading and farmland birds such as lapwings, corn buntings, and rarely seen though often heard corncrakes. You can also explore different options for camping near North Uist on Hipcamp.

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

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