Waterside campsites near Tobermory
Mull’s main town provides the perfect base for exploring the Isle of Mull.
- Tobermory
Popular camping styles for Tobermory
Waterside campsites near Tobermory guide
Overview
Instantly recognizable for its brightly painted buildings strung around a sheltered harbor, Tobermory is a picturesque little fishing port and gateway to the Isle of Mull. Fanning out from the harbor and up a hill, the town is filled with good places to eat, cozy pubs, lively music venues and art galleries. It’s also home to the Isle of Mull’s only whisky distillery and is a departure point for trips to see the island’s famed wildlife, including whales, dolphins, eagles and otters. While there are a limited number of formal sites around Tobermory on the island, it's a stunning location for camping, glamping and caravanning.
Where to go
Around Town
Within walking distance of the town center, Tobermory Campsite combines a rural atmosphere with the convenience of close proximity to the town’s shops, pubs and restaurants. The small campsite’s pitches are not marked out and are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Hardstanding motorhome pitches can be booked, as can a handful of ‘shepherd’s huts’ for a glamping experience.
Salen Bay
Ten miles south of Tobermory and close to Aros Castle, Salen Bay Campsite is set in a hidden-corner of the coast but within walking distance of the village’s amenities (shop, pub, cafe). The site’s hardstanding and tent pitches offer mountain and sea views from all sides and guests can make use of on-site kayak and paddleboard hire to explore the coastline.
Craignure
Twenty miles south of Tobermory, the small village of Craignure is the main port for ferries from the mainland. Within walking distance of the port and perched on the shore, Shieling Holidays has plenty of astroturf tent pitches as well as hardstanding pitches. For those traveling light, there’s also a selection of glamping-style static Shieling tents.
When to go
The best time to visit Mull is from April to September. This is when the weather is driest and the opportunities for wildlife-spotting are best. Guided tours to see eagles, whales and dolphins typically run during this period with the peak months from June to August (the best month for whale watching is August). If you visit in winter, you can be sure of a crowd-free experience but some businesses may be closed.
Know before you go
- Wild camping is possible on the Isle of Mull, but campers must adhere to the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.
- CalMac operates three ferries from Mull to the mainland, and one to Iona.
- While there is a local bus service on Mull, it is limited. Having your own transport offers far more flexibility.
- Don’t worry if you forget something: Tobermory has a supermarket and an outdoor gear store.
- The weather is always unpredictable. Even in summer, you should bring warm, wet weather gear.
