Can You Wild Camp In Scotland? An Ultimate Guide

Scotland is the ideal place to visit for campers, with so many different sites and stunning landscapes to explore. This makes it the dream location for wild campers who want to get off the beaten track and fully immerse themselves in nature.

Many people ask if wild camping in Scotland is possible but the answer isn’t a simple yes or no answer. There are a number of rules and regulations on wild camping and in this blog, we’ll explain them so you can safely and legally camp in the wild.

Do you want to take up wild camping? You need to make sure you’ve got the right tent for the job. At Boutique Camping, you can purchase a high-quality, luxury bell tent that balances comfort with practicality. 

Can You Wild Camp in Scotland?

If you live in the UK outside of Scotland you’re probably used to heavy rules and regulations on where you can camp and explore. In Scotland however, the rules differ greatly. Thanks to the Land Reform Act of 2003, wild camping is allowed in Scotland on the majority of unenclosed land. This means that campers can enjoy the beauty of the Scottish highlands without having to apply for permits.

Whilst there are no laws that forbid camping, this privilege is given providing that campers follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. 

If you’d like to wild camp outside of Scotland, you can take a look at our page for more information on where to go wild camping in the UK.

What Are the Rules for Wild Camping in Scotland?

When embarking on your wild camping journey there are a few rules you need to consider. The general request from SOAC is to be respectful to the Scottish community and the country’s wildlife so that campers can continue to enjoy the beauty of the wilderness without damaging the ecosystem. 

Setting up Camp

You should only be wild camping in small numbers and with small tents. We would recommend no more than 2-3 people and 2 tents at most. These rules are put in place to ensure that wildlife and habitats are disturbed as little as possible so too many people will cause disruption. 

To keep the land preserved and the wildlife undisturbed the general rule is that you should leave no trace of your visit. When you’re packing up to leave, all your campaign tools, rubbish and campfire evidence need to be removed and disposed of. 

You should also be prepared to relocate or camp elsewhere should you arrive at your destination and find it already inhabited by campers. 

Avoid Fires

When it comes to campfires, the best advice is to avoid them altogether especially during periods of dry weather or in areas with lots of wood and fuel for ignition. 

If you need a way to cook or generate some extra heat you can use a camping stove. We’d recommend using our selection of stoves if you do need to make hot meals and warm yourself up.

Options like our portable wood-burning stove are specially designed for use inside a fire-retardant tent. This means there won’t be any damage to the grass outside, and hot tenting allows you to cook your meals with minimal disruption to your environment. 

Where Can You Not Wild Camp in Scotland?

Whilst the majority of places in Scotland can be enjoyed by wild campers, there are some restrictions on where you can camp. 

• Enclosed Land - You are only permitted to camp in unenclosed land. Enclosed spaces and fields containing crops and livestock are privately owned and therefore off-limits to campers unless explicit permission from the landowner is given.
• Near Roads or Buildings - Wherever you decide to wild camp does really need to be out in the wild. You can’t camp near any buildings, main roads or historical sites.
• Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park - In recent years, these areas have seen issues with too many campers in the area. If you want to camp in some areas here you must follow wild camping bylaws and apply for a permit. 

Where Can You Wild Camp in Scotland?

There may be a few off-limits areas, but for the most part, wild camping is allowed in most locations across Scotland. Here are some examples of just a few places to set up camp.

The Highlands

There are some amazing sites to see in the Scottish Highlands and you’re free to wild camp across almost all of this huge terrain. Take a hiking trip to Ben Nevis and unwind in a glamorous bell tent in the evening. Similarly, you could venture to Inverness for some fishing and a relaxing camping retreat. 

Camping in the Highlands can get chilly even in the best of weather, so it’s always best to read up on the best tips and tricks on how to stay warm when camping.

National Parks

There are two national parks in Scotland, with one being mentioned previously. Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park and Cairngorms National Park. Although some areas require permits for camping, for the most part, these areas are accessible for wild camping if they’re not in protected areas or overpopulated with campers. 

Wild Campsites

If you want to ensure you’re camping in an area with no restrictions, you can opt to choose a designated wild campsite for your adventures. Scotland has a number of these sites across the country that also provide additional facilities like restrooms and waste disposal.

Wild Camping Essentials

If you’re going off-grid for some wild camping in Scotland you need to ensure you’ve got all the right gear with you. 

• Tent - You’ll want to invest in a high-quality waterproof bell tent to withstand the stormy Scottish weather. You should also consider fire retardant material if you want to use a stove inside your tent. 
• Camping Mattress - Most of the cold you feel in a tent comes up through the ground as you sleep so you need some thick bedding and mattress options to ensure you’re warm all night. 
• Suitable Clothing - Pack multiple layers from basic t-shirts to jumpers. Be sure to bring a thick, waterproof coat and suitable walking shoes. 

For an extensive list of what to bring you can check out our ultimate glamping checklist. 

Camp Wild in Style with Boutique Camping

If you’re ready to embark on a trip for some wild camping in Scotland, make sure you’ve got the best quality camping gear from Boutique Camping. We’ve got all the glamping accessories and luxury bell tents you’ll need to enjoy a night in the wilderness in style. 

If you’re not sure what tent is the right fit for your adventures, you can contact our camping experts and we’ll help you find the perfect bell tent for your Scotland escape.