Camping in Tentsmuir National Nature Reserve

Name: Tentsmuir National Nature Reserve
Address: Tentsmuir National Nature Reserve
Rating: 4.8375

On the east coast of Scotland, between St. Andrews and Dundee, Tentsmuir National Nature Reserve is home to ever-changing landscapes that are ideal for walkers and wildlife lovers. Follow the paths and trails through woodland, over sand dunes and through colorful heathland and marram grass, while looking out for roe deer, red squirrels, seals and osprey. Keen birdwatchers can make use of one of the bird hides to look out for rarities. The views over the River Tay to the Sidlaw Hills are stunning too. Although there are no private campsites inside the reserve, wild camping is a possibility (and especially attractive on the beach). Nearby private sites include Riverview Caravan Park, just outside Dundee, and Nydie Caravan and Camping Site in the St. Andrews area.

97% (30) • 197 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds in Tentsmuir National Nature Reserve

Fernlea - Campsite & Pod

1. Fernlea - Campsite & Pod

100%

(5)

Scotland · 7 units · Motorhomes, Glamping

Welcome to Fernlea. We would love to have you visit us, either on our 5 pitch campsite for motorhomes and caravans, or in 2025 to our new luxury glamping pod. Fernlea is our home in the heart of an agricultural plain called “The Carse of Gowrie,” which runs for 20 miles or so along the River Tay between Perth and Dundee. It’s a beautiful area that we hope you will love too. We are a short walk from the village of Errol, with access to lovely walks along the Tay. We are adjacent to the local bus route (just stick your arm out!), the Sustrans cycle route 77, plus only a mile or so from the A90 Perth to Dundee / Aberdeen road. We are perfect for both a short stopover and a longer break with a fascinating local area to explore. All pitches have hard standing, water on each pitch, grey waste disposal adjacent to the pitch, and a 10 or 16 amp electric supply with a chemical toilet waste tank with rinsing tap behind our garage. We are also within easy access to Fife and the southern area of the Highlands. Walkers and bird watchers will find many footpaths by the River Tay and can climb the local hills to see buzzards, hawks, ducks, and migrating geese throughout the seasons. Any visitors requiring repairs or accessories for their van will find the large Perthshire Caravan dealership nearby. Every Sunday, one of Scotland’s largest car boot sales and markets is held less than a mile away. Facilities on the CL Site: - Dog walk from the site - Information room - Recycling facilities - Battery charging - TV reception: good - 16 amp electric on 4 pitches, 10 amp on 5th - Water on all pitches - Chemical toilet disposal point - Lawned site, with gravel hardstandings - Latest arrival time: 9:00 PM - Latest departure time: 12:00 PM Shop/village of Errol within 1 mile. Errol Village shop, Pub, Lass O’Gowrie Cafe, Fish and Chip Shop, Butchers. Nearby: Cairn O’Mohr Winery, Rait Antiques Centre, Errol Sunday Market, Lass O'Gowrie Cafe, Fruit Shack - Pick your own strawberries, We look forward to seeing you soon!

Pets

Electrical hookup

Campfires

Muiredge

2. Muiredge

100%

(17)

Perthshire, Scotland · 8 units

Rural glamping in a converted railway carriage, shepherd's hut, or bell tent in blissful Scotland

Pets

Showers

Campfires

The Snug at Logie Farm

3. The Snug at Logie Farm

100%

(7)

Falkland, Scotland · 1 unit

Luxury glamping pods with all mod cons, with an elevated position overlooking the River Tay.

Pets

Showers

Hot Tub

Organic Welltree

4. Organic Welltree

100%

(2)

England · 2 units

Welcome to Organic Welltree's beautiful eco-friendly yurts. Looking for a place to stay in the heart of Scotland, Perthshire for that perfect organic, vegetarian or vegan holiday? Come and enjoy our unique rooms in Scottish design or try luxury glamping and back-to-nature living in our well equipped yurts like a Home from home no matter where you’re from, a place to relax, enjoy nature and escape from the city. Short-Term Licence Number: PK13177F.

Pets

Showers

Potable water

Bowie Wood

5. Bowie Wood

Stirling, Scotland · 1 unit

Escape to the Woods Tucked away amongst the trees at Bowie Wood, our spacious 6m bell tent is a secluded woodland retreat designed for slowing down, switching off and reconnecting with nature. Set on its own raised timber platform, the tent looks out into the woodland, with a covered awning creating a sheltered spot to sit outside with your morning coffee or simply listen to the forest around you. Inside, natural coir flooring, a king-size bed and the warmth of a wood-burning stove create a cosy retreat whatever the Scottish weather decides to do. This isn't a manicured campsite. You're staying within our woodland, surrounded by mature trees, mossy ground, ferns and wildlife. Red squirrels, roe deer, woodpeckers, buzzards and bats are all visitors to Bowie Wood, and after dark the woodland becomes wonderfully peaceful. Follow the woodchip path back to your tent, light the stove, make a hot chocolate and settle in for the evening. On clear nights, step outside and look up — away from the bright lights of town, the woodland is a beautiful place for stargazing. Although it feels hidden away, Bowie Wood is close to Stirling and makes a wonderful base for exploring central Scotland, from Stirling Castle and Bannockburn to the Ochil Hills, Loch Lomond and The Trossachs. Bowie Wood is an ongoing rewilding project, where we’re working to restore and enhance the woodland while allowing nature to flourish. You may notice areas of ongoing work around the wider site as we continue to improve habitats, paths and facilities. We aim to keep any disruption to guests to a minimum. Come here for the quiet, the trees and the chance to experience something a little different. Slow down. Light the fire. Sleep amongst the trees.

Pets

Showers

Campfires

Culdees Castle Estate Glamping

6. Culdees Castle Estate Glamping

88%

(25)

Perthshire , Scotland · 4 units

Luxury woodland cabins, each with a private hot tub, in the grounds of a Scottish castle

Showers

Campfires

Hot Tub

Pirnie Lodge Farm

7. Pirnie Lodge Farm

100%

(2)

Slamannan, Scotland · 3 units

Lodges with hot tubs in peaceful countryside near Falkirk

Pets

Showers

Hot Tub

Bachilton Farm Holidays

8. Bachilton Farm Holidays

100%

(5)

Methven, Scotland · 2 units

A pair of yurts with hot tubs on a farm between Perth and Crieff

Pets

Showers

Hot Tub

Dod Mill Fishing Hut

9. Dod Mill Fishing Hut

Lauder, Scotland · 1 unit

Artistic riverside cabins in the grounds of a 17th-century watermill

Pets

Showers

Campfires

Cragdhu Log Cabin

10. Cragdhu Log Cabin

Scotland · 1 unit

Escape to the tranquility of Cragdhu, a charming two-bedroom self-catering log cabin perched high on a scenic hillside, offering breathtaking 360° mountain views. With a private setting and rustic charm, Cragdhu is a favorite among returning guests who come for the peace, comfort, and natural beauty. The cabin comfortably sleeps up to 5 guests, with two bedrooms - a cosy double with ensuite shower room/WC and a twin bedroom - plus a fold-down single futon in the living room for additional flexibility. Inside, you’ll find an open-plan living and dining area with comfy sofas, ideal for relaxing after a day of exploring. The fully equipped kitchen includes a hob with fan oven and grill, microwave, full-size fridge/freezer, washing machine, kettle, toas

Showers

Hot Tub

Wifi

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

Margaret

July 2026

With kids

2 nights at Bachilton Farm Holidays

I loved the yurk beds were comfy loved the views great stay everything there that we needed will b back

Irene

May 2026

2 nights at Fernlea - Campsite & Pod

The pod was just perfect with everything we needed and more. Bruce was very attentive and checked to make sure we had everything we needed. 10 out of 10 in our view.

Sakura

November 2025

Weekend Trip to Fernlea - Campsite & Pod

Staying at Bruce’s house was an absolute pleasure! He was so incredibly helpful and kind and the pod is perfect. I would live there for the rest of my life if I could! The kitchen is great. The hot tub is beyond belief and so good that it’s almost intoxicating. When my boyfriend and I accidentally reset the Internet, Bruce was beyond kind and helpful. Next time I’m in this area I will for sure Be staying here again.

Gaz

August 2025

6 m Class B

1 night at Fernlea - Campsite & Pod

Really enjoyed my stay here. Although just for one night it was very nice. I look forward to going again.

Eric

August 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Muiredge

The place is really nice. Our tent was prepared for four and we sleep there really well. Views on morning were amazing. And comon places were really good when weather made not possible to be outside.

Mirjam

August 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Muiredge

We loved the cabin. Spacious and we slept very well. The best shower ever! The campsite has wonderful views and is well maintained. We used the bbq and fire pit. The barn is well equipped for cooking and relaxing. Angus is a wonderful host. Definitely would return to Muiredge when in Scotland!

Chris

August 2025

Weekend Trip to Organic Welltree

We had a fantastic stay at Organic Welltree in the Bramble yurt. Lovely people, lovely setting and very nice accommodation. If you’re looking for a weekend escape this is a great, affordable option. We’ll definitely visit again.

Lorna

June 2025

With pets

4 nights at Organic Welltree

I loved my 4 night break in the Bramble Yurt. The yurt was clean and cosy. I did have the stove burner on due to the weather being so good. The bathroom shed was clean and fresh. The fridge was a god send considering the temperature reach a high of 27 degrees. I had a relaxing time sitting in the fresh air watching the wild life and the world go by. I would highly recommend Organic Welltree. I shall definitely go back. I wish to thanks them for my time at Kirkland.

Dan

January 2025

2 nights at Pirnie Lodge Farm

From the minute we arrived Anne was welcoming and gave us all the information to do with the lodge, the lodge itself was spotless and felt homely from the minute we walked in. Anne also left a welcome pack which was an added bonus, the hot tub was ready on arrival and Anne also shown us how to use this before leaving Anne gave us recommendations on places to visit and where we could go for days out, we were recommended the milk barn which was delicious, the ice cream and milkshakes were perfect! We would also recommend going there! Thank you Anne, we love our stays

May 2024

3 nights at Muiredge

Angus is an amazing host with a great plot of land in a very nice area. He has some great custom made cabins would definitely return someday in the future.

Glen

April 2024

With pets

Weekend Trip to Muiredge

Muiredge was absolutely brilliant! Angus and the family were lovely to meet whilst there! Eddie was in love with the place and the kids loved him! Will definitely be returning

Saskia

April 2024

2 nights at Culdees Castle Estate Glamping

This place is amazing - from the exterior of the lodge and hot tub area, to the unique interior as well as the surroundings - everything is perfect! Tracey and her husband are lovely, around if you need them but respect your privacy if you don’t. If going I would highly recommend the Norton lodge! Tracey even added a nice wee touch to the lodge knowing it was going to be my husband’s 40th, this was much appreciated! We will defo be back!

Nicole

January 2024

1 night at The Snug at Logie Farm

We loved staying in the California Pod at Snug at Logie Farm, the views were amazing and the pod itself was brilliant, we were able to access and adjust heating easily as well as the cool lighting effects. We loved that the whole bathroom area turned into a shower, we had never seen this before, it’s a little small and cramped, but saves space in the room! We unfortunately forgot to check if there were cookers and utensils and brought our own food, but there weren’t any so I’d recommend just bringing pre-made food, going out to eat at one of the local restaurants (which they tell you about via email or in your welcome pack) or pre-ordering the bbq set they offer and Jo was kind enough to let us order this once we got there so we could have our dinner. We spent the night in January and check in is at 3pm so it’s was getting quite dark already and then we had to check out at 10am the next morning, not giving us much daylight, so I would make the most of being outside while you can before it gets dark or book to stay two nights to really make the most of the next day, which is what we will be doing next time! It’s a bit on the pricy side, but well worth it once you get there! The hot-tub was brilliant and we were able to connect to Bluetooth speakers from the pod to listen to music and charge our phones on wireless charge ports. The bed was super comfortable and the nespresso machine provided was perfect for my morning coffee with a view! Make sure you check it out!

Scarlett

October 2023

2 nights at Culdees Castle Estate Glamping

The camp was absolutely beautiful. So quiet and peaceful. Definitely do the hot tub package if you stay. I will be back next time I get to Scotland.

Nicki

September 2023

Weekend Trip to The Snug at Logie Farm

Great vista over the Tay. Very classy Pods. Used the hot tub and fire pit outside. Stayed 2 nights. Arrived late afternoon and settled in on the first night with some pre prepared food we brought with us for eating cold. Saturday we Walked a local stretch of the Fife Coastal path that took in Normans Law (the local hill). Had a nice meal on Saturday evening in the Boar’s head at Auchtermuchty. Had marshmallows on the fire pit in the evening! Sunday morning we packed up and had a very enjoyable visit to St Andrews before heading home. All in all a very successful weekend.

Philippa

August 2023

Weekend Trip to Muiredge

A beautiful setting with views across the valley. Tents/huts were well spread out and private and we couldn’t hear other guests. Beds were very comfortable. A big barn to share games and food was just wonderful. Angus was extremely welcoming and the entire stay was relaxing and cathartic.

Stephen

November 2022

Weekend Trip to Culdees Castle Estate Glamping

Private and well managed ideal for a romantic get away. Tracey was very welcoming. Bring your wellies if it's likely to be wet.

Zoe

October 2022

Weekend Trip to Culdees Castle Estate Glamping

Horton lodge is absolutely gorgeous - so cosy and cute, with great facilities. With a lovely glass front, you can see all the local wildlife (mainly cats and a red squirrel or two!) We booked the hot tub package and loved it so much we used it both nights - so fab and decadent. We also booked the fire pit package, and although it was lovely to use we only had enough firewood for a couple of hours (maybe because it was pretty rainy???) Overall a great place to getaway and share a cute romantic weekend away. Thanks so much for having us!!

Andre

September 2022

2 nights at Culdees Castle Estate Glamping

Lovely clean and cosy cabin in the woods. The hosts were very friendly and helpful. Definitely recommend checking it out!

Elaine

August 2022

Weekend Trip to Culdees Castle Estate Glamping

The location is private and peaceful and very relaxing. Being in the grounds of a castle which is currently being restored adds magic and mystery to the setting.

Tentsmuir National Nature Reserve camping guide

When to go

Tentsmuir National Nature Reserve is open to visitors all year round and each season has its own appeal. Spring and summer are the best times for seeing blooming wildflowers, including rare orchids, bluebells and primroses, as well as 20 species of butterfly and migratory birds from Africa. You can spot gray seals with their pups in the fall. Winters are typically not too cold and offer the chance to see snow buntings, eider ducks, pink-footed geese and occasional sea eagles.

Know before you go

There is a bus stop next to Tentsmuir's Tayport entrance, served by buses from Dundee and St Andrews.
Public restrooms are available by Kinshaldy Beach and in Tayport.
Even in summer, the weather can quickly change. Warm, waterproof clothing and sturdy walking boots are essential.
If planning to wild camp, be sure to follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.

Frequently Asked Questions

What wildlife can be seen at Tentsmuir National Nature Reserve?

At Tentsmuir National Nature Reserve, visitors can spot roe deer, red squirrels, seals, osprey, and a variety of bird species. The reserve is home to ever-changing landscapes that are ideal for walkers and wildlife lovers, offering stunning views over the River Tay to the Sidlaw Hills.

What are the best times to visit Tentsmuir National Nature Reserve?

Tentsmuir National Nature Reserve is open to visitors all year round, and each season has its own appeal. Spring and summer are the best times for seeing blooming wildflowers, including rare orchids, bluebells, and primroses, as well as 20 species of butterfly and migratory birds from Africa. In the fall, visitors can spot gray seals with their pups, and winters offer the chance to see snow buntings, eider ducks, pink-footed geese, and occasional sea eagles.

Are there camping options near Tentsmuir National Nature Reserve?

Although there are no private campsites inside the reserve, wild camping is a possibility, especially attractive on the beach. Nearby private sites include Riverview Caravan Park, just outside Dundee, and Nydie Caravan and Camping Site in the St. Andrews area. You can also explore different options for camping near Tentsmuir National Nature Reserve on Hipcamp.

What facilities are available at Tentsmuir National Nature Reserve?

Tentsmuir National Nature Reserve offers public restrooms by Kinshaldy Beach and in Tayport. There is also a bus stop next to Tentsmuir's Tayport entrance, served by buses from Dundee and St Andrews. Even in summer, the weather can quickly change, so warm, waterproof clothing and sturdy walking boots are essential. If planning to wild camp, be sure to follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.