Camp on Lewis and Harris for crafts, culture, and beaches reminiscent of the Caribbean.
Often referred to as two separate islands, Lewis and Harris is actually a single island with the larger northern part called Lewis and the southern part, Harris. The island boasts spectacular scenery, from rugged mountains to stunning stretches of white-sand beach. Steeped in a strong Gaelic culture, the island also has a thriving cultural and food scene. Outdoor adventurers can find plenty to do, from hill-walking to kayaking and even surfing and paddleboarding. It’s a year-round destination notably most popular in summer, when the events calendar revs up, the beaches are at their most sparkling, and the machair is carpeted in blooming wildflowers.
Those arriving on Lewis and Harris by ferry from Ullapool or by plane from Glasgow or Edinburgh will arrive in the main town of Stornoway. Rather than rushing through, it’s worth staying a while to experience the charming cultural hub. Even within a short drive from the town center, campers can find self-catering glamping pods in tranquil spots near the beaches and Tiumpan Head, where you can spot birds, dolphins, and migrating whales.
Dotted with hills and lochs, the rugged landscapes of Lewis’ west coast are home to such attractions as the Callanish Standing Stones, built up to 5,000 years ago, and the 2,000-year-old Dun Carloway broch. In the crofting village of Shawbost, perched on the edge of the Atlantic, family-run campgrounds offer pitches for tents, caravans, and motorhomes. Farther south and close to the sandy beach and azure waters of Mangersta, campers can find basic, informal sites to pitch in the grass.
The west coast of Harris is home to some of the island’s most scenic gems, notably Luskentyre and Seilebost beaches. The West Harris Trust operates five sites suitable for caravans, motorhomes, and campervans, including small pitches with hookups and a handful of pitches on the Seilebost School. All sites are just a short walk from the shore.
Harris’ less-trafficked east coast offers a tranquil getaway far from the crowds. Here you can find quiet camping grounds offering a range of options, from grass and hardstanding pitches for tents and motorhomes to yurt glamping. Also nearby on peaceful croft land, caravan parks offer scenic spots to spend the night.