The Isle of Skye is one of the most popular places to visit in Scotland! It has amazing natural scenery, and it’s easily accessible via a bridge, so it’s not really hard to see why.
Camping on Skye is a popular way to stay on and explore the island. There are lots of campsites with stunning views that are close to some of the most popular things to see, and there are others that will give you some peace away from the crowds that can come to Skye in the summertime.
While it is a large island, it is very popular throughout the tourist season from May to September, so you’ll need to plan in advance if you want to go camping on the Isle of Skye during these months. The infrastructure of the island doesn’t always match up with the volume of people who would love to visit!
We’ve put together a list of campsites on the Isle of Skye with a little about each, some tips for camping on Skye in general, and then specifically for wild camping, a practice more unique to Scotland.
Camping Skye
This site is located in Broadford and provides easy access to the rest of Skye, including both the Sleat Peninsula and Elgol, and north to Portree and the Trotternish Peninsula.
It’s within easy walking distance of the supermarket, places to eat, and shops in Broadford and is an easy drive to popular tourist attractions, such as the Cuillin mountains, Torrin on the road to Elgol, and Carbost.
The location is great to be able to explore both the south and north of Skye.
Facilities include toilets, showers, a laundry and washing up area, and also baby changing and a campsite fire pit, plus a relaxing area inside an old silo.
Prices range from £14 per person for tent pitches to £27 for a motorhome/caravan pitch. Motorhomes and Caravans can stay from March to November, and tents can be pitched from May to September.
Sligachan Campsite
Located in the central part of Skye, near the Cuillin mountains, this campsite provides stunning views of the range and other surrounding mountains too.
It’s just by the Allt Daraich River and the iconic Old Sligachan Bridge. It’s said that if you put your face in the water under the Old Sligachan Bridge for seven seconds and then allow it to dry naturally, you’ll be granted eternal beauty.
This is also adjacent to the Sligachan Hotel, which is a former 1830s mountaineer’s lodge. There is no shop nearby, but you can pop over to the pub for a meal or drink.
Sligachan Campsite offers tent and campervan pitches. Facilities include toilets and hot showers as well as a dishwashing area.
Prices range from £10 for a tent per person to £25 for an electric hookup for a campervan.
Uig Bay Caravan and Campsite
This site is located in the north of Skye, near the ferry terminal to the Outer Hebrides. It has stunning sea views and offers apartments and cottage accommodations, as well as tent pitches and campervan pitches.
Facilities include toilets, showers, a laundry room, and a washing area.
Prices range from £7 per person for tent pitches and you can contact them for prices for their other accommodations.
Glenbrittle Campsite
This campsite is situated in a beautiful location on the west coast of Skye and provides easy access to some of Skye’s most popular tourist attractions, such as the Fairy Pools and the Cuillins, and many climbers use this as their base when climbing them.
It’s been named as the number 1 campsite in the UK by the Daily Telegraph, the Gold Campsite of the Year 2019 in The Great Outdoors Magazine Awards, and was number 1 out of the 10 Best Cool Coastal Campsites in Coast Magazine in September 2020.
It offers tent pitches and campervan pitches Facilities include toilets, showers, a laundry room, and a campers’ kitchen, and there’s a popular onsite cafe too.
Prices range from £8 per person for tent pitches and it is open from April to October.
Kinloch Campsite
This family-friendly campsite is located in the northwest of Skye on the shores of Loch Dunvegan and just a few minutes walk from the highland village of Dunvegan.
It’s very close to lots of great places to eat, including the famed Three Chimneys, Loch Bay, and Edinbane Lodge.
It offers tent pitches and campervan pitches.
Facilities include toilets, showers, free wifi, and a laundry and washing area. Prices range from £27-39 per night, depending on what you need.
Portree Campsite
This site is located in Torvaig, just outside the town of Portree and is a great base for exploring the rest of Skye, but also has amazing views back towards the Cuillins.
Portree itself has plenty of restaurants, shops, and bars and is just down the road.
It offers tent pitches, campervan pitches, and static caravans. Facilities include toilets and showers, a dishwashing and laundry area and free wifi for all guests. It’s open from March to October.
Prices range from £8 per person for tent pitches to £29 per night for static caravans.
Staffin Campsite
This campsite is located on the Trotternish Peninsula and provides easy access to some of Skye’s most popular tourist attractions, such as the Quiraing and the Old Man of Storr. It also has views over the beautiful Hebridean Minch.
Located close to the village of Staffin, which has a few places to eat, and Staffin Beach, where you can see dinosaur footprints at low tide, it makes a great base for exploring.
It offers tent pitches, campervan pitches, and camping pods. Facilities include toilets, showers, and a campers’ kitchen.
Prices range from £13 per person for tent pitches to £16 for campervans.
Skye Camping and Caravanning Club Site
Joining the Camping and Caravanning Club gives you access to over 100 club sites owned and managed by the club and exclusive sites.
It is possible to stay here without being a member, but you won’t receive the discounts available, so it’s worth working out what is the most cost-effective option.
The Skye campsite is on a working croft overlooking Loch Greshornish in the northwest and provides easy access to some of Skye’s most popular tourist attractions, such as Dunvegan Castle and the Fairy Glen.
There are tent pitches, space for campervans and caravans, and also two pods. Prices change with the seasons but start from £10.20 nd go up to £80 for the pods in high season.
Facilities include toilets, showers, and a campers’ kitchen.
Camus More Campsite
This campsite is located in a quiet area in the north of Skye but is a great base for exploring the Trotternish Peninsula.
It offers space for tents, caravans, motorhomes, and small Campervans, but there are no electric hookups. Facilities do include toilets and cold running water but no showers, and there is a washing-up space. There are places nearby to pick up supplies and eat.
There’s no dedicated website but you can find contact details here.
Tips for Camping on the Isle of Skye
Plan ahead
Skye is a popular destination, especially in the summer months, so it’s important to plan ahead and book your campsite in advance to avoid disappointment. They do book out!
Pack for the weather
Skye’s weather can be unpredictable, so it’s important to pack for all eventualities. Be sure to bring warm clothing, waterproofs, and appropriate footwear.
Respect the environment
Skye is a beautiful island, and it’s important to respect the environment by leaving no trace and taking all your rubbish with you. Wild camping is possible, but see below for more information.
Be aware of midges
Skye is home to midges, tiny biting insects that can be a nuisance, to say the least. Be sure to bring insect repellent like Smidge and a midge net to protect yourself.
Be prepared for remote camping
Some campsites on Skye are quite remote and may not have all the facilities you’re used to. Be prepared to rough it a little and bring everything you need with you.
Be aware of wildlife
Skye is home to a variety of wildlife, including otters, seals, and eagles. Respect their habitats and keep a safe distance.
Check the tide times
Skye’s coastline is rugged and beautiful, but some areas can only be accessed at low tide. Check the tide times before heading out to explore the coastline. There aren’t a lot of sandy beaches on Skye, but there are some that are sandy when the tide is low.
Bring a map and compass
Skye’s landscape can be challenging, and it’s easy to get lost. Be sure to bring a map and compass and know how to use them if you intend to do any hillwalking outside of well-trodden paths like the Fairy Pools.
Be aware of the road network
Skye’s roads can be narrow and winding, so take care when driving and be prepared to encounter other vehicles on single-track roads. There are passing places along the way so you need to be looking ahead so you can be prepared to stop in the right place to allow vehicles to pass by.
Enjoy the experience
Skye is a stunning island, and camping is a great way to experience its beauty up close. Take the time to enjoy your surroundings and make the most of your trip.
Wild Camping on the Isle of Skye
Wild camping in Scotland is the practice of camping in the countryside or in remote areas away from designated campsites.
This is a long-standing tradition in Scotland and is legally permitted under the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, which gives people the right to access most land and inland water for recreation, education, and other purposes.
However, wild camping comes with certain responsibilities and guidelines that must be followed. The code advises that campers should camp in small groups, avoid staying in one place for more than three nights, leave no trace of their visit, and respect the privacy and property of local residents.
Wild camping is allowed on the Isle of Skye under the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, but it is important to be aware of the local conditions and restrictions.
The code advises that campers avoid camping on enclosed farmland, in areas with crops or farm animals, or close to buildings or roads. It is also important to seek the permission of landowners before camping on private land.
In addition, some areas of Skye are more sensitive than others, and the code advises that campers should avoid camping in these areas altogether. These areas include sites of special scientific interest, national nature reserves, and certain areas of the Cuillin Mountains.
Wild camping on the Isle of Skye can be a rewarding and memorable experience, but it is important to follow the guidelines set out in the Scottish Outdoor Access Code and to respect the local environment and communities.
Wild camping with a camper van
Wild camping in a campervan is a bit of a grey area in Scotland. The Scottish Outdoor Access Code states that “motorhomes and campervans should park in designated campsites or off-street car parks unless they are accessing a specific place for a legitimate reason.”
However, in practice, many people do use campervans for wild camping as long as they park responsibly and follow the principles of the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. This means parking in a suitable location away from buildings, roads, and farmland and leaving no trace of their visit.
We would always advise booking a campsite rather than doing this, but if there isn’t another option we’d then advise you to be very careful about choosing a place and remain there for as short a time as possible.
It’s important to note that some areas of Skye may have specific restrictions on overnight parking or camping, so it’s important to check with local authorities or landowners before parking up in any particular spot.
Additionally, many popular tourist areas on Skye can get very busy, so finding a suitable wild camping spot in a campervan may be more challenging than with a tent.
While wild camping in a campervan is technically not permitted under the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, it is often tolerated in practice as long as campers park responsibly and respect the local environment and communities.
Tips for Wild Camping
Use online resources
There are many online resources available that can help you find wild camping spots on Skye. Websites such as wildcamping.co.uk, coolcamping.com, and park4night.com are good places to start. These websites often provide user reviews and information about the suitability and accessibility of different wild camping spots.
Seek local advice
Locals are often the best source of information about wild camping spots on Skye. Ask people you meet in local pubs or shops for their recommendations, or seek advice from the staff at local tourist information centres.
Be prepared to face a bit of backlash if you’ve arrived in a motorhome with no designated camping spot. This really applies more to those looking to wild camp in a tent.
Look for remote areas
Skye has many remote areas that are ideal for wild camping. Look for areas away from roads and towns, such as the hills and moors, and be sure to avoid areas with farm animals or crops.
Respect the environment
When searching for a wild camping spot, it’s important to respect the environment and choose a spot that won’t cause damage or disturbance. Look for a spot that is already used, such as a previously cleared patch of grass, and avoid areas with fragile vegetation or wildlife habitats.
Be prepared for rough camping
When wild camping on Skye, it’s important to be prepared for rough camping conditions. Be sure to bring all the necessary equipment, such as a suitable tent, warm clothing, and a good quality sleeping bag. You may also need to bring your own water and food supplies, depending on the location of your chosen camping spot.
Happy camping!
Sonja x