15 Best North Coast 500 Campsites

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February 12, 2024

Scotland’s most famous road trip, the incredible and iconic North Coast 500 is one of my favorite rides in the world.

So in this guide, I’ve celebrated my passion by bringing you this… the 15 best North Coast 500 campsites . Expect basic pitches, pod-offering modern spots, and everything in between.

Alright—here we go. Pack your tent, hop in the driving seat, and come join the fun!

North Coast 500 Campsites

1. Ardtower Caravan Park

2. the wee campsite, 3. applecross campsite, 4. sands caravan and camping, 5. broomfield holiday park (ullapool), 6. port a bhaigh campsite, 7. achmelvich bay’s shore caravan site, 8. clachtoll beach campsite, 9. scourie caravan and camping, 10. sango sands, 11. kyle of tongue hostel & campsite, 12. thurso bay caravan and camping park, 13. john o’groats caravan and camping site, 14. wick river campsite, 15. dornoch caravan and camping, frequently asked questions, before you go, best nc500 campsites.

Here’s a map showcasing the top campsites on NC500 route in Scotland. Below the map, you’ll find a comprehensive list complete with all the essential details, along with my personal insights drawn from my own firsthand experience of embarking on this unforgettable road trip.

Near Inverness, this isn’t just one of the best campsites on the North Coast 500—it’s one of the best campsites in Scotland.

It sits slightly east of central Inverness, but it’s totally worth the detour… and since you’ll be getting way more remote than this soon, it’s a good warm-up for what’s to come.

It’s one of the most comfort-and-convenience-packed campsites on this list. Highlights include free WiFi, electric hookups for tents(!), camping pods, a breakfast cafe, evening pizzas, and some of the best toilets and showers I’ve ever seen on a campsite. If you like luxury, you’ll love it.

Memorial Cairn at Culloden Battlefield in Inverness, Scotland

And as a nice bonus, it’s in a good location for exploring some of the things you won’t see on the North Coast 500. When you set off for your trip, you’ll be heading west—but because this site is east of Inverness, it’s close to Culloden Battlefield , stretches of the Moray Firth, and some dolphin-spotting locations. Highly recommended!

  • Address: Culloden Road, Westhill, Inverness, IV2 5AA
  • Pet-friendly? Yes
  • Prices: One tent with one vehicle is £16 per night, and hard-standing pitches for motorhomes (with electricity) are from £32 to £37 per night
  • Ardtower Caravan Park Website

Located in Lochcarron (a village sitting on the loch of the same name), this is as cute and wholesome as campsites get.

It’s been offering tent pitches for around 70 years, and it still has a rustic charm that sticks to its roots. The owner is really accommodating and welcoming—and there’s an honesty box for you to stick your money in if you don’t meet him (which I think tells you everything you need to know about the place).

It’s exactly the sort of campsite I love. It sits on a little mound overlooking the village and the loch, with some lovely views.

Banks of Loch Carron in Scotland

Lochcarron is one of the most scenic settlements on all of the North Coast 500. And although it’s small, it still offers plenty of great stuff, including bars, restaurants, and lovely shoreline stretches (for cycling, walking and running).

Pro Tip: You can’t book in advance for tent pitches here, and the owner doesn’t like phone calls. So arrive early!

  • Address: Croft Road, Lochcarron, Strathcarron, IV54 8YA
  • Prices: Not currently advertised—but it’s known for being very affordable
  • The Wee Campsite Website

You know that super-famous Bealach na Bà mountain pass in the very southwestern pocket of the North Coast 500? Well, this site sits just underneath it!

It offers tent pitches, static caravans, a bunch of camping huts, and even a bed-and-breakfast spot.

If you like homely, cozy and charming, you’ll think this is one of the best campsites on the North Coast 500. Okay, it can get a little crowded, and it’s not quite as modern as some of the other campsites we’ve covered. But it’s friendly and sociable, it offers great views (of both Applecross Bay and the Isle of Skye ) , and it’s perfect for families, couples, solo campers, and everyone in between.

And because it sits a little above sea level, it’s also a pretty good sunset spot.

A view of Applecross Bay from the Bealach Na Ba pass in Scotland

It’s surrounded by lots of Scottish wildlife (including deer), and it’s a good base for seaside walks and bike rides.

  • Address: Applecross Campsite, Applecross, IV54 8ND
  • Pet-friendly? Yes, but you can only take a maximum of two dogs
  • Prices: Camping pitches are between £10 and £12 per adult, and between £2 and £7.50 per child (depending on the age of the child). Vehicles are £3 extra, and electric hookups are £6 extra
  • Applecross Campsite Website

Sitting in Gairloch, this shoreside spot might just be my favorite campsite on the North Coast 500.

When I last stayed here, I got myself a camping pod, like some sort of weather-fearing luxuriant.

But they also offer lots of basic camping spaces, along with spots for motorhomes. They have a wide range of different offerings, including duneside pitches, perfect-for sunset pitches, and grassy behind-the-bay pitches. Although Gairloch is a small place, this campsite is pretty big.

The on-site Barn Cafe has some of the best on-campsite food I’ve ever munched on, and eats and treats include halloumi burgers, spinach strudels, butternut squash risottos, big fat steaks, and various other high-end meals that have no business being served on a campsite. Book for evening meals, cos they sell out fast.

Make sure you venture to the nearby Mountain Coffee Company . It’s one of my favorite cafes in Scotland. A homely and wholesome place, it’s so comfy and cozy—and it serves up some of the best coffee on the North Coast 500.

  • Address: Sands Caravan and Camping, Gairloch, IV21 2DL
  • Prices: A tent with a car and one adult is £19 per night. A tent with a car and two adults is £26 per night. Camping pods range from £130 to £610 depending on size, and duration of stay
  • Sands Caravan and Camping Website

I love Ullapool, and I love this site.

It isn’t necessarily one of the best campsites on the North Coast 500—but I think Ullapool is the best town on the North Coast 500. And this is the most central campsite near the town. So put those two things together, and you still get a sweet little site.

Nestled in the southwestern corner of the town, it’s close to the beach, the harbor, and all the central parts of the town. The site is pretty basic, but it’s clean, tidy, and well-maintained—and it’s a fantastic sunset spot.

Pro Tip: I recommend spending two or three nights here. Most campsites on this list are remote, so (unless you’re doing lots of hiking) , you’ll probably be wanting to move on every night. But Ullapool is worth exploring for a day—and it’s surrounded by loads of excellent stuff (including Stac Pollaidh , a mountain offering one of the best hikes in all of Scotland) .

  • Address: West Lane, Ullapool, IV26 2UT
  • Prices: A single person with a tent and no vehicle is £13. A motorhome with 2 people is £25. Electric hookups are an extra £7. Extra adults are £6 each
  • Broomfield Holiday Park (Ullapool) Website

One of the most charming campsites in Scotland, Port A Bhaigh is the most remote and rural on our list.

This part of Scotland is all sparsely-populated… but this stretch is even quieter than most others. The campsite doesn’t actually sit on the North Coast 500 route—it’s around 16 miles (26km) west of Drumrunie, where you turn off to reach the place.

So, okay, this isn’t quite one of the best campsites on the North Coast 500—but it’s totally worth the detour. It’s impossible not to fall in love with the place—it sits on a quiet but atmospheric bay, backed by low-level hills and a few small houses. It’s popular with outdoor adventurers, who come here for swimming, hiking, kayaking, fishing (you can rent fishing boats from the campsite!) and more.

If you like remote and peaceful locations, I genuinely can’t recommend this enough. It’s sincerely special.

  • Address: 211 Achiltibuie, Altandhu, Ullapool, IV26 2YR
  • Prices: 1-person tent pitches are £19 per night, 2-person tent pitches are £25 per night, extra children are £3, and hard-standing pitches range from £25 to £39
  • Port a Bhaigh Campsite Website

If you like shorelines, you’ll love this place—it sits right beside Achmelvich Bay, which is often voted as one of the best beaches in Britain.

The campsite itself isn’t quite as modern and clean as some of the others we’ve covered, and the facilities aren’t as reliable as some people might like. But hunting for pristine modernity isn’t really in the spirit of camping… so you should be okay here so long as you’re not outrageously high-maintenance.

They have a decent on-site shop, a taste-packed on-site fish and chip shop, and spots for tents, caravans, and campervans, along with some static caravans.

Achmelvich Bay in Scotland

For quiet-beach fans, this is one of the best campsites on the North Coast 500. It’s also an excellent base for cycling—this stretch of the route is one of the most remote and most scenic, and riding a bike around here is perfect.

  • Address: Shore Caravan Site, 106 Achmelvich, Lochinver, Sutherland, IV27 4JB
  • Pet-friendly? No—if you arrive with a dog, they won’t let you on-site
  • Prices: Starting at £16.50 per night for an electric pitch, and £13 per night for a non-electric pitch
  • Achmelvich Bay’s Shore Caravan Site Website

Clachtoll Beach Campsite is right beside Achmelvich Bay’s Shore Campsite, so you probably won’t want to visit them both (although they’re both great, so if you have time, you absolutely should).

Peaceful and quiet, this family-run place has a very welcoming atmosphere—and it’s impossible to walk around the site without a big smile on your face.

One of the NC500’s lesser-known beaches, this is one of the most rural campsites on our list. But it’s super-modern, and it was largely renovated in 2022. This is one of the most feature-packed campsites I’ve ever heard of. Highlights include free use(!) of kayaks, canoes, paddle boards, wetsuits, and beach games.

A labradoodle on Clachtoll Beach, Scotland

There’s also an on-site fire pit, along with a shop selling lots of basics and essentials, and some homemade and locally-sourced snacks. The campsite is a very dog-friendly spot, and they offer dog treats and lots of water-filled bowls.

Is this the very best campsite on the North Coast 500? It might be.

  • Address: 134, Clachtoll, Lochinver, Sutherland, IV27 4JD
  • Prices: Unserviced pitches are £20 per night with one adult. Serviced pitches are £25 per night with one adult. A no-car pitch is £10 per night with one adult. Extra adults are £6 each per night
  • Clachtoll Beach Campsite Website

Scourie Caravan and Camping is perched right over the shores of Scourie Beach. It’s around 30 miles (50km) north of Clachtoll.

It has excellent clean facilities. It’s a little dated compared to some of the other sites we’ve covered, but not in any major way. It doesn’t offer many frills, but it gets the basic stuff right.

View over Scourie Bay in Scotland

Because it’s just off the main road, it’s not a detour to get here. That also means it’s easy to access the (admittedly-tiny) village of Scourie, which offers a couple of eateries and a small smattering of homes. The campsite has an on-site cafe/restaurant, which is managed by the same people who own the site.

A view from Handa Island, Scotland

The campsite is a great base for visiting Handa Island . In summer, this tiny uninhabited island becomes a temporary home for over 100,000 seabirds (including puffins), who nest and breed here. If you’re visiting during the right season, make sure you visit.

  • Address: Scourie Caravan and Camping Site, Scourie, Lairg, IV27 4TE
  • Prices: £13 for 1 person and 1 vehicle, £10 per extra adult, and £4 per child. Electric hookups are £5
  • Scourie Caravan and Camping Website

Sitting in Durness, this is one of my favorite campsites on the North Coast 500. It’s regularly nominated as one of the best campsites in the UK.

Perched right over the shores of Durness Beach, it’s one of the biggest campsites along the ride, and it’s packed with loads of great stuff. HIghlights include large showers, mega-clean facilities, and a nearby zip wire.

They offer excellent dinners (including seafood treats, pub-style fayre, and surprisingly nuanced flavors), along with taste-packed sandwiches for breakfast.

Oh, and if you’re lucky, you might even see the Northern Lights!

Pro Tip: If you can, get here early. The best camping spots (if you can endure the wind) are the ones perched along the cliffs, but all spots are offered on a first-come-first-served basis. From the clifftops, you can often see whales, seals, and dolphins. And even if you don’t, you’ll still get great views of the beach.

  • Address: Sangomore, Durness, IV27 4PZ
  • Prices: The first two adults of any party are £11 each, while any extra adults are £6 each. Children are £4 each, and electric hookups are £7
  • Sango Sands Website

Not just one of the best campsites on the North Coast 500, but also one of the most underrated campsites on the North Coast 500.

Lots of people rush along the northern-coast stretch of the NC500 because they think all the best stuff is behind them. And although I sort of understand that instinct, the area in and around the Kyle of Tongue is one of the trip’s highlights (make sure you check out Castle Varrich, Coldbackie Beach, Achininver Beach, and some cycling and kayaking.)

Kyle of Tongue, Scotland

Anyway, this campsite is the best base for exploring it all. Clean, tidy, modern, welcoming, cute and quaint, it’s one of the smallest campsites we’ve covered, and you’ll probably fall in love with its charm. It was built back in 2018, so everything is pretty new.

And as a nice bonus, they also offer a hostel, and 3-bedroom self-catering cottage. Perfect if you’re tired of slumming it!

  • Address: Hostel and Campsite, Tongue, Lairg IV27 4XH
  • Pet-friendly? Yes—but dogs aren’t permitted in the hostel area
  • Prices: Non-electric tent pitches start at £15 per night, electric tent pitches start at £28 per night, non-electric campervan pitches start at £20 per night, electric campervan pitches start at £28 per night, and indoor rooms start at £80 per night
  • Kyle of Tongue Hostel & Campsite Website

Alright, this place isn’t quite as adventurous or scenic as some of the campsites we’ve brought you so far—but by now, after all the wilderness and rurality, you might be ready for a little more life.

Sitting just on the western outskirts of Thurso, Thurso Bay Caravan and Camping Park is much better than most people expect. Alright, Thurso isn’t the nicest place in the world, but it’s underrated, and its campsite is an excellent base.

A panoramic landscape between Bettyshill and Thurso in Scotland

Family-managed and family-owned, it overlooks Thurso Bay, and is made up of many different pitches (for tents and caravans and everything in between).

The showers are fairly modern, the conveniences of the town center are only a 10-minute walk away (Thurso is small, but it feels like New York after all the tiny places you’ve visited) , and ferries to the Orkney Islands are only a 5-minute drive from the campsite.

It’s a great spot for sunset.

  • Address: Smith Terrace, Thurso, KW14 7JY
  • Prices: It’s £9 to pitch up a tent, plus £5 per occupant, and £7 per electric hookup (if you want an electric hookup). It’s £14 for a touring pitch, plus £5 per occupant, and £7 per electric hookup (again, if you want electric hookup)
  • Thurso Bay Caravan and Camping Park Website

John O’Groats is famous for being the most northerly place in mainland UK. And because lots of people come here, the campsite is pretty big.

Although it’s in a quiet spot, the campsite is busy and friendly, and has two on-site places to eat. The toilets and showers are clean (although there aren’t loads of them given the size of the site, so you might need to queue).

The site is surrounded by some great stuff. Check out Duncansby Lighthouse, the cliffy columns of Duncansby Stacks, and the famous John O’Groats sign—and make sure you touch the last of them, just like everybody else does.

Duncansby Stacks in Scotland

Oh, and if you have time, you can (and should!) tackle trips to the Orkney Islands from here. The campsite is right beside the office where you can book your trips. Convenient!

  • Address: John O’Groats Caravan and Camping Site, County Road, John o’ Groats, KW1 4YR
  • Prices: Motorhome/caravan pitches are between £20.50 and £25.50. Tent pitches are between £12 and £20.50. Electric hook-ups are £8.50, and extra people are £3.50 each.
  • John O’Groats Caravan and Camping Site Website

Situated just west of the little town of Wick, this endearing site is (unsurprisingly) perched right along the area’s river. It features a nice location, well-maintained facilities and greens, shelter-providing trees, and close proximity to lots of conveniences.

It’s not quite as modern as some other town-centric campsites, but it’s exceptionally clean, it’s full of families, and there’s plenty of space.

For a quiet and gentle adventure here, I recommend wandering west along the river, away from the town center. It’s nothing special, but it’s a pretty walk. And of course, if you follow the river the other way (for around 10 minutes), you’ll hit lots of pubs and places to eat (along with the pretty throwback of the harbor area).

Pro Tip: Because this campsite sits right on a river, the Scottish midges can be horrendous. So if you’re traveling during midge season, take some repellent spray !

  • Address: Riverside Drive, Wick, KW1 5SP
  • Prices: A small tent (of up to 3 people) without a car is £12. A small tent (of up to 3 people) with a car is £17. Motorhome and caravan pitches run between £19 and £25
  • Wick River Campsite Website

Because it sits on the southern part of the eastern stretch of the North Coast 500, this campsite is less remote than most others we’ve featured.

It’s situated around 45 miles (72km) north of Inverness, right over Dornoch Beach. It serves up great sunrises, close proximity to the cafes and restaurants of Dornoch, and what’ll probably be your last stop before you venture on the end of the ride.

A view of the coastline of Dornoch, Scotland

It’s one of the best campsites on the North Coast 500 for big groups. Absolutely huge, they usually always have space for everyone, so you can probably turn up without a booking (although don’t blame me if that doesn’t work out for you).

But despite being big, it’s somehow still very peaceful and welcoming. If you’re the sort of person who likes making friends, you’ll absolutely love this place.

And to top it all off, the facilities are all excellent, modern, and reliable.

  • Address: The Links, Dornoch, IV25 3LX
  • Prices: Pitches run between £17.50 and £29.50, depending on number of people, and whether or not you take an electric hook-up
  • Dornoch Caravan and Camping Website

Can I Wild Camp Along the North Coast 500?

Yes, you can wild camp along the North Coast 500.

Thanks to Scotland’s freedom-giving ‘ Right to Roam ’ laws, campers in Scotland can pitch up their tents pretty much wherever and whenever they want.

That said, you can’t camp on private property. So don’t camp in someone’s garden or anything—and if there are any official signs that say you can’t camp in a place, then don’t camp in that place.

Otherwise, you should absolutely go for it, and pitch up your tent whenever you fancy! Wild camping on the North Coast 500 can be a brilliant experience.

Can I Park My Campervan Anywhere on the North Coast 500?

No, you can’t just park anywhere.

If you’re traveling with a campervan, you need to park in actual designated places. Your two main options are:

Actual campsites. This is obviously the best and most popular choice. But be aware that a small few campsites don’t have space and facilities for campervans. So before you rock up to any campsite in your van, make sure they’ll have space for you.

Parking lots , some of which officially allow overnight stays (though the vast majority of them don’t). Usually, you have two good options: the first is an off-road hiking car park, where travelers pitch up to start an early-morning hike. Some of those car parks allow you to stay overnight. Your second option is a pub parking lot. As long as you ask, and stick to their rules, those guys are usually pretty good with you hanging around (and they usually don’t charge).

Can I Wild Camp in My Motorhome Along the North Coast 500?

Not really.

Theoretically, “access rights do not extend to any motorized activities” … which means you can’t just park up and camp wherever you like in your motorhome. The North Coast 500 is already very busy, and local people are surprisingly intolerant of tourists being disrespectful.

That said, if you find a quiet spot where you’re not being disruptive or disrespectful or whatever, you should be able to camp in your motorhome. Be logical, be conscientious, and don’t be rude, and you should be okay. But if someone tells you or asks you to move on, then move on.

Here’s one more important note in relation to camping in your motorhome: please don’t park up and/or sleep in passing places. These designated passing spots are designed specifically so that drivers can allow each other to move along single-track roads.

But if you park in them, people won’t be able to use them for passing. A surprising number of tourists do this when they shouldn’t—so please please don’t join the legions of stupid people.

Can I Sleep in My Car on the North Coast 500?

You can sleep in your car on the North Coast 500, but that depends on where you want to sleep.

There are some designated parking lots along the route where you’re allowed to stop your car and close your little eyes.

But as I’ve already covered, you shouldn’t sleep in passing places, and you shouldn’t sleep in any places that aren’t designated parking spots.

Again, you might be able to sleep in the car parks of pubs or cafes or hotels or whatever, but make sure you get the permission of the land owner before you do that—because doing it without permission is illegal.

Another option is to sleep in your car on a campsite, which brings us to…

Can I Sleep in My Car on a Campsite?

You can sleep in your car on a campsite on the NC500, but you’ll still need to pay for a pitch.

I’ve never been to a campsite where they have a problem with anyone sleeping in their own cars (and I’ve definitely resorted to sleeping in cars when the weather has been absolutely horrendous) , so long as those people have paid to be on the site.

So, yep, by all means, sleep in your car. But don’t expect to be able to do it for free.

Oh, and on the vague chance that a campsite isn’t okay with you sleeping in your car, you might want to take a tent. Though I don’t think that’s necessary.

Are North Coast 500 Campsites Open Year-round?

They usually aren’t open year-round.

Typically, campsites on the North Coast 500 are only open from early March (or early April) until the end of October. So if you plan to travel the route outside of these months, you should check carefully which campsites will (and won’t) be open.

That said, if you’re traveling during colder months, it’s usually best to avoid campsites (even if they’re open, they’ll be horrendously cold), and just stay in hostels or homestays or whatever instead.

Note: Because some of these campsites close over the quiet season, the websites also sometimes close over the quiet season. So if a certain website doesn’t work, that doesn’t necessarily mean the campsite is gone forever—it might just mean it’s closed for the season.

Pack up your sleeping bag and roll up that tent—we’re done!

For more information on road-tripping around Scotland, drive on over to our guides on the NC500 road trip details page, the 13 best road trips from Edinburgh , and the 18 best road trips in all of Scotland .

And for more canvas-covered fun, here’s our guide on the best tents for camping in Scotland .

About the author

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Senior Travel Reporter

Paul is a handsome and hilarious travel writer and travel journalist from the UK. He's hiked, hitchhiked and laughed his way through more than fifty countries, and he's always looking for a new place to call home. Originally from Newcastle, he's lived all over the UK, spent more than three years in Asia, and most recently lived in Vietnam and then in Georgia.

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North Coast 500 motorhome Guide- Route, Highlights and Tips

North Coast 500 Motorhome Tour, Route, Map and Itinerary

Planning to drive the North Coast 500 (NC500) in Scotland with a motorhome or campervan? Want to know the route, highlights and places to see along the way, campsites, wild camping and tips? Here’s everything you need to plan your North Coast 500 motorhome or campervan road trip.

Don’t forget to grab your FREE NC500 motorhome itinerary below to find some of the best places to visit

*We work hard to make this the best motorhome travel blog and road trip website possible, full of helpful content for you. The website is supported by our readers, so if you buy through links on this site we may earn a commission- at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain our own .

If you find this post useful, you can also treat us to a coffee – we promise to enjoy it while creating more useful content like this- we might even indulge in a biscuit (or two!)

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North Coast 500 Motorhome Trip

The North Coast 500 is a circular driving route in Scotland, created by the Scottish Tourist Board to encourage people to visit parts of the country which are off the beaten track.

It was created several years ago, and is now known as one of the most scenic drives in Scotland , encompassing breathtaking beaches, rugged and wild landscape and some incredible views.

How long does it take to drive the NC500 in a motorhome?

The route is 516 miles long (hence the name!), although there’s nothing to stop you veering off and exploring additional places and attractions along the way, such as the Isle of Skye or even a trip to Orkney .

Remember, although it’s ‘only’ 500 miles, you will be driving mostly on small, windy country lanes and therefore will not be going fast, especially if you’re driving in a motorhome.

At best, you can expect to do 30mph on many sections- and that’s assuming there is no farm traffic or wildlife in the road.

There are also PLENTY of highlights and places to see along the NC500 route, so you will probably be stopping regularly, either for hikes, photographs or picnics.

Taking all this into account, we recommend allowing at least a week to drive the North Coast 500 in a motorhome, campervan or even a car. This is the 7-10 day itinerary and North Coast 500 route planner we used.

It is possible to do it in less, but you’ll miss a lot. Conversely, some people allow two or even three weeks to explore the route and all it has to offer.

One of the huge advantages of driving the North Coast 500 with a motorhome is that you have your home with you, meaning you don’t need to rush quite so much to make a certain town where you’ve booked a hotel reservation.

We’ll talk about wild camping with a motorhome along the NC500 shortly, but if you are going to book campsites in advance (essential in summer), then be sure to allow plenty of time to get there.

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Is the NC500 suitable for motorhomes or campervans?

So, with all these small lanes, can you really drive the North Coast 500 in a motorhome?

Absolutely… with conditions.

Firstly, expect to have to reverse your vehicle frequently, especially on the sections which are single lane with only passing points to let traffic from the opposite direction pass (a motorhome reversing camera is ESSENTIAL in these situations.)

You will need to be able to reverse your vehicle along a narrow lane both in a straight line and around tight corners, until you reach the previous passing point.

If you are unable or unwilling to do this, a North Coast 500 motorhome tour might not be right for you. (Don’t worry, there are plenty of other places to visit on a UK motorhoming holiday. )

READ MORE: The BEST NC500 campsites for motorhomes and campervans

Driving Bealach Na Ba/ Applecross Road with a motorhome

This is the road between Ardarroch and Applecross- either called Bealach Na Ba or the Applecross Pass. It’s one of the steepest roads in the UK and has a sign at the beginning warning learner drivers and drivers of large vehicles to go around.

Here’s the deal on if you should drive Bealach Na Ba with a motorhome or not:

  • If you have a motorhome longer than 8m, go around.
  • If you are towing a trailer/ have a caravan, go around
  • If you are a new driver/ hiring a vehicle which you’re not used to/ are a nervous driver (no shame), go around.
  • If you have nervous passengers, go around (it’s not worth scaring someone just for a pretty view)
  • If you are driving on your own, think very carefully before driving it. Many of the hairpins are easier if you have a spotter to look for oncoming traffic.
  • If the weather is bad/ heavy rain/ snow/ thick fog- go around. You won’t see any of the views anyway.

North Coast 500 Motorhome Tour, Route, Map and Itinerary

Having said all the above, I drove Bealach na Ba in my motorhome, on my own, in thick fog. And it was fricking epic! 🙂

If you have done any driving in big mountains with a motorhome, like the Vrsic Pass in Slovenia or up in the Alps , and are confident with hairpin bends, reversing, letting traffic pass and dealing with other road users, you will be absolutely fine.

The views are SPECTACULAR and well worth the effort. I would strongly recommend staying nearby and driving this road as early as you can- first light is perfect.

Get there before the tourist buses and idiots who don’t understand how a large vehicle needs swinging room in order to go around corners.

Just remember, local lorries use this road daily without any issue- it’s the tourists who often cause the problem.

Still, if you’re not sure, the alternative route is very scenic too, so either way works.

B869 from Lochinver to Kylesku

Another road which can cause issues is the B869 from Lochinver to Kylesku. If you are heading to that peninsula, take the A837 back East and then stay on the A894 and you will be fine.

Scotland scenic drives

Highlights of a North Coast 500 motorhome trip

Some of the best places to see on the NC500 motorhome route include:

  • Clashnessie Falls- this was magic!
  • Inverness- the most northerly city in the UK
  • Corrieshalloch Gorge
  • Bealach Na Ba- the UK’s steepest road.
  • Clachtoll Beach 
  • Kylesku Bridge
  • John o’Groats 
  • Dunrobin Castle
  • Brora Beach

Scotland road trip travel planner route map guide

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We’ve done the hard work for you!

Grab our complete Scotland travel planner and get:

  • 80+ ideas for places to visit
  • Maps and itinerary suggestions
  • Routes and things to see along the way
  • Tips, customs and much much more!

North Coast 500 Route Planner

The NC500 is circular, which means you can join and leave the route wherever you like. There’s also nothing to stop you only driving a small section of it- like we included in our 10-day Scotland road trip itinerary.

Traditionally, the route begins and ends in Inverness, at the castle. From here, you can choose whether you go around the route clockwise or anticlockwise. The most popular route is clockwise, but it really doesn’t make much difference.

The route is fairly well signposted, and much of it is along quiet and remote lanes, so there’s not too much chance of getting lost (however, you can always put the route into your motorhome sat nav , just in case!)

North Coast 500 Route Map

travel world 500 motorhome

North Coast 500 motorhome Itinerary

To give you an idea, here’s a rough itinerary for driving the North Coast 500 with a motorhome or camper (or even a caravan!)

Day One- Inverness to Ardarroch

Distance: 68 miles

Estimated Time: 1h 30 minutes driving

Campsite Suggestion: The Wee Campsite – small but with great views of the loch.

If you have time, head east from Inverness to visit the historic Culloden Moor and learn more about the clans, the battle and the history of the area. It’s incredibly moving and well worth a visit before you head off into the Highlands.

It’s also worth a visit to Eilean Donan castle, and if you can, do a detour to the Isle of Skye for a day or two.

Day Two- Ardarroch to Applecross / Sands

If you want to drive Bealach Na Ba , get up early. If not, go around.

Distance: 76 miles in total- 12 miles over the pass, then another 17 miles to the Applecross Smokehouse, and 47 miles to Gairloch

Estimated Time: 2h 45 minutes if you don’t stop (which you will!) 35 minutes driving (plus extra for photo stops) over the pass, 38 minutes around the coast, then another 90 minutes up to Gairloch and Sands campsite

Campsite Suggestion: Sands Campsite in Gairloch- stunning views. Stay here a night or even two if you have time.

Of course, you can split this into two days, and stay at Applecross for a night if you wish before driving up to Gairloch.

Day Three- Gairloch to Clachtoll Beach

This is when you need to start making some tough choices if you only have a few days to do the entire North Coast 500 route, as it’s impossible to see everything.

One of the best campsites along the west coast of Scotland is Clachtoll Beach so, whatever you decide to see on the way, that’s where I recommend ending up for the night (in high season, you may need to book for a couple of nights.)

Distance: 99 miles

Estimated Time: 2h 30 minutes

Campsite Suggestion: Clachtoll Beach Campsite

North Coast 500 Motorhome tour

As I mentioned before, it’s impossible to do everything in this area, especially if you only have a day or two.

Corrieshalloch Gorge is worth a visit and so is Clashnessie Falls, which is near the breathtaking Clashnessie beach. Ullapool, Lochinver and Achiltibuie all deserve a visit too, so do your research and see what appeals most.

Day Four- Clachtoll to Durness

Another longish day which can easily be broken into 2 or even 3 days if you have time.

Distance: 57 miles

Estimated Time: 1h 30 minutes

Campsite Suggestion: Sango Sands campsite

Today you’ll drive over the famous Kylesku Bridge, as well as enjoying some more incredible scenery. There are plenty of places to stop along the way and walk/ enjoy the scenery, just be sure to park well out of the road. Wailing Widow Falls is a popular stop.

Near Durness, you’ll also find Smoo Cave, which is well worth a visit.

Smoo Cave is the largest natural sea cave in the British Isles, with evidence of human inhabitance from as early as 8000 BC!

The cave is just a mile east of Durness Village and is well signposted. It’s free to walk to and around the cave and there is often a waterfall inside during wet weather.

You can also take a boat tour to the cave. You can’t book the boat- it’s run on a first-come, first-served basis and only when the weather and water conditions are right. The tour takes about 20 minutes (price is around £6pp in cash)

Scotland Travel Planner

Day Five- Durness to Dunnet Bay

Distance: 78 miles

Estimated Time: 2 hours

Campsite Suggestion: Dunnet Bay Campsite

Dunnet Bay is one of our favourite campsites in Scotland. It’s a Caravan and Motorhome Club site, and has the most incredible views.

If you get time, we highly recommend taking a day trip to Orkney . Yes, you can take your motorhome or campervan and get there and back on the ferries.

Day Six- Dunnet Bay to Dornoch (via John o’Groats)

Distance: 73 miles

Estimated Time: 1 hour 42 minutes (not including the detour to John o’Groats.

Campsite Suggestion: Dornoch Caravan and Camping Park

Yes, John o’Groats is cheesy and touristy and overhyped… but you can’t come all this way and NOT get a photo. You can’t drive your motorhome up to the post, but you CAN get your motorbikes up there…

As well as John o’Groats, there are also the stacks at Duncansby Head and the magnificent Dunrobin Castle- the gardens are beautiful and the views are gorgeous.

Day Seven- Dornoch back to Inverness

Distance: 45 miles

Estimated Time: 1 hour

And that’s it- you’ve completed the NC500!

Of course, you can always choose to spend an extra day on the west coast and ignore this day, but there are some lovely things to see in the area, including the Dornoch Firth, Dornoch cathedral, Skibo Castle, Inverness Castle, and hunting Nessie on Loch Ness.

North Coast 500 motorhome hire

If you don’t already own a motorhome or campervan, you can hire one for the trip. Be sure you ask the right questions before you book, as many of the ‘best quotes’ are missing some of the essential things you might need, like bedding or utensils.

Also, make sure that motorhome insurance is included in the quote- that can add a lot otherwise.

Want to rent a vehicle for your road trip?

These might help:

  • Discover incredible deals for motorhome/ camper rentals
  • Find the best deals for car rental

READ: 10 essential questions to ask before you rent a motorhome

When is the best time to explore the North Coast 500 with a motorhome or camper?

Scotland, like many Northern European countries, has ‘proper’ seasons. However, there’s a reason the locals have a phrase- ‘all four seasons in one day’… the weather is famous for changing wildly at the drop of a hat.

It can be sunny in the morning, windy and cloudy by lunch, and even snowing in the afternoon (although it’s rare to get snow in summer.)

The best weather is usually between April-October… but that’s also when this route is at its busiest.

We recommend avoiding driving the NC500 during July and August completely if you can- the schools are on holiday and everywhere is over-crowded. The downside with this route is that EVERYONE is following the same roads, at the same speed, so it’s very hard to get away from the crowds.

Our favourite times are May/ June or October- most of the crowds have gone, but the weather is usually still warm enough and the days are long enough to really make the most of them.

Having said that, rain can strike at any moment, so always be prepared with appropriate clothing, no matter what month you’re visiting.

Spring in Scotland

Spring in Scotland (March, April and May) is wonderful- so many wild flowers and all the baby animals are out to play. Average temperature is 10°C and there is still the high chance of rain, but crowds are fewer and you’ll be able to explore without too many vehicles.

Summer in Scotland

Summer (June, July and August) is peak season in Scotland as it has the warmest months, with average temperatures around 17°C (63 °F). Days are long and the further north you go, the longer the daylight lasts.

Rain can happen, but less frequently than Spring. The biggest challenge during summer is the midges- more on them below.

The main summer holidays in the UK are July and August, so if you are driving the North Coast 500 during peak season, you might benefit from booking up campsites in advance.

Scotland road trip

Autumn in Scotland

Autumn (September, October and November) is one of our favourite times to visit Scotland. The changing colours of the leaves, the wildlife and the fairly warm temperatures make it perfect for a road trip.

Average temperatures are around 14°C (57°F), but drop sharply in November.

Winter in Scotland

December, January and February are usually the coldest months, with average temperatures of around 5°C (41°F). The daylight hours are also much shorter and there’s a high chance of snow, especially in higher regions.

Whilst we enjoy motorhoming all year round, winter can make campervanning in Scotland more difficult than during other seasons.

Many of the campsites close so, although the roads are quieter and you’ll have some incredible locations to yourself, you might find emptying waste or getting fresh water more difficult.

Having said that, one huge advantage of driving the North Coast 500 during winter is the chance of seeing the Northern Lights – yes, you can occasionally see them in Scotland.

Midge Season in Scotland

You may have heard of the midges in Scotland- small flying biting horrors which can turn a pleasant evening into a miserable affair.

Sadly, despite not being a target for mosquitoes, they seem drawn to both me and my husband, so now we make an effort to avoid peak season, which is May to September.

Some tips to combat the midges if they are out to get you are:

  • Stay indoors at dusk- that’s when they’re at their worst
  • Light Citronella candles/ use citronella spray
  • Use Avon Skin So Soft body spray (this thing is awesome!)
  • Wear a midge veil/ hat
  • Stay away from still water
  • Go somewhere windy (no jokes about baked beans please…!)

Another horrible insect/ bug to be aware of is ticks- especially if you have pets. They are common all over Scotland, so make sure you check your pet and yourself frequently, especially if you’ve been hiking or walking in long grass.

North Coast 500 Motorhome Tour, Route, Map and Itinerary

Wild Camping with a motorhome on the NC500

We love motorhome wild camping in Scotland . It’s one of our favourite ways to explore and we enjoy staying away from campsites and enjoying the beauty of nature.

However, as you may have seen in the news, the NC500 has had some difficult and heartbreaking experiences recently.

Learn more about how we find free overnight motorhome parking stops in the UK and Europe

During the summer of 2020, there were countless stories of selfish and ignorant van owners leaving places damaged and strewn with all manner of disgusting waste.

It was awful and I don’t blame the locals for being angry. It made me angry that a few selfish idiots were ruining the experience and reputation of every other motorhome and van owner and tarring us all with the same brush.

At the moment, tensions are still high between the locals, the councils and van owners. The truth is that the popularity of the route has grown to the point that the infrastructure can no longer support the numbers of visitors- especially those who bring their own vans.

For that reason, we currently do NOT recommend wild camping along the NC500 until the area (and the hurt feelings of the locals) subside- we suggest finding approved overnight motorhome parking spots near you instead.

The councils are apparently working hard to create new areas for motorhomes and campervans to stay and we highly encourage you to use those whenever you can.

Motorhome wild camping guides for the UK & Europe

Motorhome wild parking guide

For information on how to find good wild camping places, WHAT to do when you’re there and how to stay safe, check out our step-by-step guide for motorhome wild camping in the UK and Europe, complete with database of 250+ overnight spots we’ve stayed with our motorhome.

Don’t forget to grab your free wild camping checklist here

North Coast 500 motorhome Campsites

The North Coast 500 has many lovely campsites, many of which accommodate motorhomes and campervans. We’ve listed some suggestions in the North Coast 500 motorhome itinerary above, but there are plenty more during summer.

The problem with many of these campsites is that they close during winter and the off-season, so it’s quite hard to get water or empty waste or find overnight parking in these times. Still, there are a few which are open all-year round.

TOP TIP: Many campsites only allow you to check in from 3 or 4 p.m, and then the office closes around 7pm. Timing your arrival can be tricky, so allow plenty of time to make sure you don’t arrive too late.

If you’re early, there’s no harm in turning up and seeing if they will let you check-in early- most places are very accommodating if they have space.

As well as campsites, you could use Brit Stops to help you find places to stay overnight.

Clachnessie Falls - North Coast 500 motorhome tour

Tips for driving the NC500 with a motorhome or camper

  • Be aware that many of the rural roads are single track and there is a lot of farming in the area, so you may well encounter farm vehicles and animals on the road.
  • In addition, the wildlife in the area is abundant and it’s common to see foxes, deer, badgers and other animals on the roads. Be careful, especially at night.
  • On a single track road, if you encounter a vehicle coming towards you, expect there to be a moment where you stare at each other to see who will blink first. If you’re in a motorhome and are facing a car, there’s a high chance they’ll reverse to allow you to pass (be sure to thank them). However, if they’re really not budging, or if you know there’s a passing place close to you, you can indicate that you will reverse for them, unless you have a vehicle behind you… which is when the fun really starts. On hills, the vehicle going uphill has priority, so the vehicle going downhill should reverse but, again, a car might well reverse for a motorhome.
  • Talking of which, if you are driving slowly and holding up traffic, use a passing place to wave through cars, bikes or anyone stuck behind you- they’ll thank you for it.
  • Do NOT get sucked in by another driver telling you that ‘you can get a bus through there’. Car drivers are not always used to the width of motorhomes, and are frequently wrong about what you can/ cannot get through safely. If you’re not happy with the space they have left you, either ask them to move over more, or you reverse until you find a passing place you’re happy with.
  • Similarly, be alert for vehicles reversing towards you. Stop immediately and see where they are going. Also, be aware that they may not see you. Some drivers get so intent on reversing straight and not hitting the side of the road that they forget to look straight behind them. If they get too close, beep your horn.

NOTE: a passing place is NOT an overnight parking spot. Nor is it somewhere to park up and go for a walk/ take a photo/ make a phonecall. If you block this space, you block the road, for both tourists and locals. Please be considerate.

  • Having a paper map is a good idea, just in case. Also, if you have wifi in your motorhome , some areas have very poor signal, so it might not always work.

Here are some other guides you might find useful:

Philip's Navigator Scotland (Philip's Road Atlases)

Don’t forget to grab your motorhome logbook to record all of your amazing adventures!

Other posts you might find useful:

  • Motorhoming and Campervanning in Scotland- a complete Guide
  • The Most Scenic driving routes in Scotland
  • How to find FREE wild camping and overnight spots for motorhomes and campers
  • How to plan the perfect UK road trip

See all our Scotland and UK road trip posts here

North Coast 500 Motorhome Trip

Kat never planned to buy a motorhome. She also never planned to quit her job as an air traffic controller, go touring around Europe in said motorhome, start one of the UK’s largest motorhome travel websites… or get a cocker spaniel.

Find out how she went from stuck in the rat race to being a digital nomad and inspiring thousands of people to have their own epic adventures here.

If you’d like to connect with Kat, send her an email or follow her adventures on social media.

Last update on 2024-06-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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Great information well worth the read Thanks so much

You’re very welcome. Glad it was helpful. Enjoy your Scotland road trip! 🙂

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Home › Travel Guides › Highlands

North Coast 500: Practical Motorhome Travel Guide

In our series of essential road trips, we explore the North Coast 500, in the Highlands of Scotland, home to some stunning scenery

By Practical Motorhome Published: July 21, 2020

travel world 500 motorhome

There are many reasons why you might want to head out on the open road to explore some of the world’s greatest road trips, but there’s one unifying benefit that comes from the experience of doing so.

Regardless of the country or the region in which your planned route takes place, the fact is, you’ll get a much better understanding of a location by exploring the Tarmac and cobbles of its streets.

Nowhere is that more apparent than the North Coast 500, which starts in Inverness and coils around the edge of the north of Scotland, up to John O’Groats and Dunnet Head – the very top of mainland Great Britain – and back down again on the other side.

travel world 500 motorhome

And while the route means navigating the 516 miles around the tip of the country, it’s entirely flexible on time, interests and preferences. In any case, you’re going to witness the true beauty of the rugged Scottish Highlands. This is a road trip that can be built around your own desires: whether it’s castles and wildlife or whisky and history, the NC500 has it all. So it’s important to come up with a rough itinerary, knowing generally where you’re going – even if you’re open to distractions – will result in a much more enjoyable time for all involved.

Allow yourself plenty of time

travel world 500 motorhome

This also means having to factor in the time it will take, because the driving can often be slower than you might expect: if you are travelling in anything bigger than a campervan, you’ll want to avoid single-track roads, for example.

Sheep on the road can be a common sight, and there’s no accounting for the necessary pit-stops for photo opportunities. The NC500 is good at slowing you down, so remember that when putting the plan together, it’ll be far less stressful in the long run. Five days is the recommended timescale, but if you want to make the most of the route’s penchant for unexpected discovery, we’d suggest at least seven. And before you start, we’d recommend visiting www.northcoast500.com for useful tips for motorhomes and campervans, as well as taking a look at some of the dos and don’ts for the NC500 .

Of course, because the trip starts in Inverness, it makes sense that you make the most of the city itself. It might not have the charm of Edinburgh or the cool of Glasgow, but it is a city with its own vibe, and a worthy introduction to Scotland for those not yet sure of what to expect. Whether you head west from there or directly north is down to preference, but for the sake of argument, here we look at a route that heads west.

If you are in something bigger than a camper, the infamous Bealach na Bà road is one to avoid, heading towards Applecross. This is single-track and features numerous hairpin bends, all set in gorgeous views of Scotland’s mountain scenery. It’s not a road that inexperienced drivers want tot test their mettle on, but it’s a great introduction to the uniqueness of the NC500. If your nerves can handle the road, stopping at the Applecross Inn for some of the best fish and chips in the country can be your reward.

For larger motorhomes it would be better to avoid Applecross altogether and take the A832 to the Beinn Eighe Nature Reserve, and some of the most spectacular views of Scotland’s mountains that you’ll get throughout the whole journey.

Make a few short stops

travel world 500 motorhome

Your ultimate destination at this point should be Ullapool, but consider short stops in other towns and villages like Gairloch, where ferries to the Isle of Skye can be found, or Poolewe, alongside Loch Ewe. On the way, you’ll begin to spot the biggest surprise you might expect to find – white sandy beaches and turquoise waters, the sort you see in the Caribbean, though decidedly cooler!

Cruinard Bay is a common stop for this very reason, but all the way to Ullapool and Beyond, you’ll find yourself tempted to pause for a stroll along the beach. And if you’re looking for a bit of culture, it’s worth planning your trip around Ullapool. which has built up quite a reputation as a centre for music and the arts.

From here the route takes you north, diverting west by Loch Assynt and Ardvreck Castle. If you are in a campervan, there are a number of points to consider as you head towards the top point of Durness, from picking up a pie at the Lochinver Larder to taking a detour to Handa Island in the hope of spotting some puffins.

travel world 500 motorhome

There are also two popular beaches en route, Achmelvich and Clachtoll, that are considered some of the best in Britain. In a larger motorhome, you should avoid the B869 Drumbeg Road and take the A894 towards Durness. You’ll still see some extraordinary lunar-like scenery as you drive.

Scotland’s full of beaches

Once at Durness, you’ll begin heading east, but don’t be afraid to spend a bit longer in the town. For another sandy stroll, there’s Balnakeil – yes, Scotland really is full of beaches – while the town itself is popular for two main attractions.

The first is Smoo Cave, which features a number of interesting natural phenomena. The second is Cocoa Mountain, a chocolatier and the perfect place for a sugary pick-me-up.

travel world 500 motorhome

Having done about half of the trip, it’s onwards towards John O’Groats, although you might stop off in Thurso if you’re a fan of surfing and brave enough for the cold waters of north Scotland.

The lighthouse at Dunnet Head is your goal – the northernmost point in the country – but you could also opt for another diversion to the Orkney Islands, whether that’s to visit Kirkwall or the seals that make the islands their home.

Having covered the majority of the NC500’s coastline, at this point it’s time to head south, back towards Inverness. For many, this is the most exciting part of the trip, because it’s the area of the route that features the most distilleries.

If whisky – or even gin – is one of your reasons to visit Scotland, this is the part of the journey you’ll want to focus most of your time on. Don’t forget you’ll need a designated driver!

This doesn’t mean there isn’t more of Scotland to see, of course. Castle Sinclair Girnigoe, near Wick, is one of the more intriguing castles in the country, owing to its position atop a cliffside, but there are a host of picturesque places worth stopping at on your journey: Dunrobin Castle, Dornoch and the 200-year-old structure at Carn Liath are just some of the places you might want to add to your NC500 list.

Special mention should go to the spectacular Black Isle, the peninsula that juts out to the east of the official North Coast 500 route. This is where you’ll find a fine craft beer brewery, a splendid ruined cathedral and probably the best place to spot dolphins in the country, at Cromarty.

A Wee Dram (or two)

travel world 500 motorhome

The NC500 is popular for the fact that it can cram in a host of things that typify Scotland and while, to many, that means castles, Highland cattle and haggis, it also means visiting the many whisky distilleries along the way.

Big names like Dalmore and Glenmorangie won’t even need a diversion from the main route, so it’s easy for passengers not driving to stop in for a tasting. Most will be found on the east or north coast of the route – such as GlenWyvis and Old Pulteney – while a couple do involve diverting to reach, such as Glen Ord and Balblair.

Whisky, gin and vodka

You don’t have to stick to the whisky, either, as gin and vodka are finding a place in Scotland’s history of distilling spirits, with Dunnet Bay the number one destination for such things.

Then there’s Black Isle Brewery, unsurprisingly located on the Black isle peninsula and creating special craft beers. There are free tours available, too, although they’re only short.

In any case, Scotland is renowned for its love of the fine art of alcohol creation – and consumption – so it’s only right that you make one of these a stop on your NC500 checklist.

TOUR ESSENTIALS

travel world 500 motorhome

  • How many days Five to seven
  • When Between May and June for the best of the weather
  • Distance 516 miles

WHERE TO STAY

1 barns highland.

  • Kinchyle Farm, IV12 5NY
  • Tel  07494 532 380
  • Web  www.barnshighland.com
  • Open  30 March – 31 October
  • Charges  Pitch+2+hook-up £22-£28

2 Bught Park Camping and Caravan Site

  • Bught Lane, Inverness, IV3 5SR
  • Tel  01463 236 920
  • Web  www.invernesscaravanpark.com
  • Open Easter to mid-September
  • Charges  Pitch+2+hook-up £20

3 Torvean Caravan Park

  • Glenurquhart Road, Inverness, IV3 8JL
  • Tel  01463 220 582
  • Web  www.torvean.com
  • Open March-October
  • Charges   Pitch+2+hook-up £24-£33

4 Bunchrew Caravan Park

  • Bunchrew, Inverness, IV3 8TD
  • Tel  01463 237 802
  • Web  www.bunchrew-caravanpark.co.uk
  • Open  March-November
  • Charges   Pitch+2+hook-up £22.35-£29.85

5 Beauly Holiday Park

  • Beauly, IV4 7AY
  • Tel  01463 782374
  • Web  www.beaulyholidaypark.com
  • Open  All year
  • Charges   Pitch+2+hook-up £20-£30

6 Fortrose Bay Campsite

  • Wester Greengates, Fortrose, IV10 8RX
  • Tel  01381 621 927
  • Web  www.fortrosebaycampsite.co.uk
  • Open  May-October
  • Charges  Pitch+2+hook-up £20-£25

7 Dingwall Camping and Caravan Club Site

travel world 500 motorhome

  • Jubilee Park Road, Dingwall, IV15 9QZ
  • Tel  01349 862 236
  • Web  campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk

8 Black Rock Caravan Park

  • Balconie Street, Evanton, IV16 9UN
  • Tel  01349 830 917
  • Web  www.blackrockscotland.com
  • Open  3 April – 27 September
  • Charges   Pitch+2+hook-up £27-£42 (note there is a minimum four-night stay during the high season)

9 Dornoch Firth Caravan Park

  • Meikle Ferry South, Tain, IV19 1JX
  • Tel  01862 892 292
  • Web  dornichfirth.co.uk
  • Charges   Pitch+2+hook-up £25

10 Dornoch Caravan & Camping Park

  • The Links, Dornoch, IV25 3LX
  • Tel  01862 810 423
  • Web  dornochcaravans.co.uk
  • Open  25 March – 26 October
  • Charges   Pitch+2+hook-up £20-£25

11 Grannie’s Heilan’ Hame Holiday Park

travel world 500 motorhome

  • Dornoch, Sutherland, IV25 3QD
  • Tel  0330 123 4850
  • Web  parkdeanresorts.co.uk
  • Charges   Pitch+2+hook-up £14-£25

12 Brora Caravan Club Site

travel world 500 motorhome

  • Dalchalm, Brora, KW9 6LP
  • Tel  01408 621 479
  • Web  caravanclub.co.uk
  • Open  20 March – 2 November
  • Charges   Pitch+2+hook-up £23.60

13 Wick Caravan & Camping Site

  • Riverside Drive, Wick, Caithness, KW1 5SP
  • Tel  01955 605 420
  • Web  www.wickcaravansite.co.uk
  • Open  1 May – 26 September
  • Charges   Pitch+2+hook-up

14 John O’Groats Caravan & Camping Site

  • County Road, John O’Groats, KW1 4YR
  • Tel  01955 611 329
  • Web  www.johnogroatscampsite.co.uk
  • Open  1 April – 30 September
  • Charges   Pitch+2+hook-up £24

15 Ferry View Nightstop

  • Ferry View, Gauze Cottage, Gills Bay, Canisbay, Caithness, KW1 4YB
  • Tel  07799 147 146
  • Web  www.ferryview.scot
  • Charges   Pitch+2+hook-up £20

16 Windhaven Cafe, Camping and B&B

  • Windhaven, Brough, Thurso, Caithness, KW14 8YE
  • Tel  01847 851 927
  • Web  windhaven.co.uk
  • Charges   Pitch+2+hook-up £27

17 The Halladale Inn & North Coast Touring Park

  • Halladale Inn, Melvich, KW14 7YJ
  • Tel  01641 531 282
  • Web  www.thehalladaleinn.co.uk/northcoasttouringpark
  • Charges   Pitch+2+hook-up £25.50

18 Scourie Campsite

  • Scourie, Sutherland, IV27 4TE
  • Tel  01971 502060
  • Web  www.scouriecampsitesutherland.com
  • Charges   Pitch+2+hook-up £22

19 Clachtoll Beach Campsite

  • 134 Clachtoll, Lochinver, Sutherland, IV27 4JD
  • Tel  01571 855 377
  • Web  www.clachtollbeachcampsite.com
  • Open  27 March – 31 October
  • Charges   Pitch+2+hook-up £26

20 Shore Caravan Site

  • 106 Achmelvich, Lochinver, IV27 4LB
  • Tel  01571 844 393
  • Web shorecaravansite.yolasite.com
  • Open  1 April – 18 October
  • Charges   Pitch+2+hook-up £18.50 – £21.50

21 Port a Bhaigh Campsite

  • 211 Altandhu, Achiltibuie, Ross-shire, IV26 2YR
  • Tel  01854 622 339
  • Web  www.portabhaigh.co.uk

22 Ardmair Point Holiday Park

  • Ardmair, Ullapool, IV26 2TN
  • Tel  01854 612 054
  • Web  www.ardmair.com/caravan.html
  • Open  1 April – 17 October

23 Badrallach Camping Site

  • Croft 9, Badrallach, Dundonnell, Garve, Ross-shire, IV23 2QP
  • Tel  07435 123 190
  • Web  badrallach.com/stay/camping/html
  • Charges   Pitch+2+hook-up £15.50

24 Gruinard Bay Caravan Park

  • Laide, IV22 2ND
  • Tel  01445 731556
  • Web  www.gruinardbay.co.uk
  • Open  1 April – 31 October
  • Charges   Pitch+2+hook-up £23

25 Gairloch Holiday Park

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  • 1 Mihol Rd, Strath Gairloch, IV21 2BX
  • Web  www.gairlochcampsite.co.uk

26 Sands Caravan & Camping

  • Gairloch, IV21 2DL
  • Tel  01445 712 152
  • Web  www.sandscaravanandcamping.co.uk
  • Open  31 March – 31 October
  • Charges   Pitch+2+hook-up £20-£28

27 Applecross Campsite

  • Applecross, Strathcarron, Ross-shire, IV54 8ND
  • Tel  01520 744 268
  • Web  visitapplecross.com/accommodation/camping
  • Open  1 March – 31 October
  • Charges   Pitch+2+hook-up £25.50-£29.50

PLACES TO VISIT

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Inverness: Urquhart Castle, Loch Ness boat tours)

Gairloch: Minke, killer and humpback whales boat tours)

Ullapool: Good for music lovers and Stac Pollaidh hike (two hours). Daily ferries to Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis. From Ullapool visit the ruins of Ardvreck Castle and Calda House, on the banks of Loch Assynt.

Balnakeil Beach: This beach has sand dunes at the back, with cattle grazing on any spare grass!

Tarbet:  Catch the ferry from here to Handa Island and the puffins

Castle of Mey: Mey is near John O’Groats, while the Clan of Sutherland’s Dunrobin Castle is further down in Golspie; both have an entry fee.

1 Costcutter Bridgend Stores and Filling Station

  • Ord Place, Lairg, IV27 4AZ
  • Tel 01549 402 103

2 Sutherland Arms Filling Station

  • Victoria Road, Brora, KW9 6QN
  • Te l 01408 621 721

3 Bettyhill General Merchants

190b Bettyhill, Bettyhill KW14 7SP

Tel 01641 521 201

4 R Mackay & Sons

The Village Store, post office & petrol station, Durine, Durness, IV27 4PN

Tel 01971 511 209

5 Bervie Stores Filling Station

The Garage, Kinlochbervie, IV27 4RP

Tel 01971 521 221

6 Scourie Filling Station

Scourie, Lairg

Tel 01971 502 422

Has pay@pump terminals for fuel 24/7 via Mastercard, Visa, Maestro, Allstar-pin. Cash accepted during business hours.

7 Achiltibuie Stores

  • Achiltibuie, By Ullapool, Ross-shire, IV26 2YG
  • Tel 01854 622 496

8 Gairloch Filling Station & Gift Shop

  • Gairloch, IV21 2BL

9 Applecross Filling Station

  • Shore Street, Applecross, IV54 8LN
  • Run by a team of volunteers, open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

If you liked this… READ THESE:

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Your Tour: An Orkney Campervan Adventure

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The NC500 is good at slowing you down, so remember that when putting the plan together; it'll be far less stressful in the long run

A Beginner's Guide to Traveling the World in a Camper Van

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This article may contain affiliate links, meaning I make a small commission on any purchases at no extra expense to you. Read our disclaimer & privacy policy here.

At 54 years old I started living and traveling in my camper van ‘Lucy.' Most people ask me why in the world would I move into a van.

Have you ever had that feeling that there must be more to life? A life where you feel fulfilled and happy? Well, that was me.

Instead of waiting around for something to change, I decided to do something about it, despite having what most people would consider a very desirable life...but one that was stuck in life’s conditioning of living in a house with a nine to five job and only having 4 weeks holiday each year.

A friend had previously mentioned traveling the world in a van and for some reason, this thought had stuck in my mind.  I had always loved the VW Campervans I saw on the road and often thought how nice it would be to have this kind of freedom. It was at that moment the ‘crazy’ idea popped into my head.

So, if you dream of living in a camper van but don't know where to begin, I'm here to help. Let's dive deeper into the van life adventure!

Short on time? Here's the cheat sheet:

💭Living in a van isn’t for everyone but for the right person looking for an adventure, it’s an incredible lifestyle. 

🚙When buying your van, go for the best one your budget can afford.

🔨If you have the time and skills, you can do your own van conversion. But, if you’re eager to hit the road sooner, buy a van that’s already ready to roll.

☝️Before you get too eager and go, do some research to learn about wild camping, which battery to buy, and how to ensure you have enough fresh water wherever you go. 

⚠️While you might hit some detours along the way,

🧁This lifestyle is like having your cake and eating it too for the truly adventurous spirit.

We’re not a regular travel blog; we’re a collection of women living around the world, all with different backgrounds, jobs, desires, & nationalities. What do we have in common? A passion for life abroad. Each article is written from the 1st-hand perspective of a woman who has actually done or experienced what she writes about. Learn more about the author by clicking her bio pic at the start or end of each article.

Dream of moving abroad but need a helping hand? I got you. This e-book isn't a regular book, it's also a workbook geared to helping you make some big decisions regarding the life abroad you want to build. Everyone's way abroad is different. This book is all about helping you find yours.

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My First Steps into Van Life

camper van at purple and yellow sunset parked between palm trees

After speaking with my friend, the same thought kept playing on a loop: Why couldn’t I do just that? 

I thought I was crazy to even think that could be possible, especially having two children, Gina 17 and Zach 13, but anything is possible if you really desire it to be.

I hadn’t had a clue where to start and whether I should buy a new van, could I even afford to do that? , or a second hand one, but how would I even know what to buy?

‍ I am one of those people that once I have decided to do something, I just get on and do it. After an initial bit of research on the internet, I found ‘Sussex Campervans’, a company that converts new vans and also sells used camper vans. Perfect, right on my doorstep.

So the following weekend I went along to check them out. I knew as soon as I saw them I was going to buy one. For me, buying a converted van was the best deal but for other travelers, converting your own might be the best deal to keep your van costs low .

They were a lot of money, but I was investing in a home and a tangible asset. Fortunately, I was in good financial shape, so I managed to secure a loan pretty easily.

Buying My Camper Van

I had decided to buy a new van, as to be honest the price differential wasn’t that great between the new and used vans with low mileage. I decided on the new Nissan NV300 Tecna, as it came with a 5-year return to base warranty, and EU breakdown cover. 

I have also taken out a good camper van insurance which gives me full breakdown cover as well so I have complete peace of mind when traveling.

The only thing was I had to wait eight months to get the van. It was a new model and coming direct from the factory as a panel van and then Sussex Campervans would do the conversion. This would give me time to save as much money as possible for the journey, organize renting out my house, and hand in my notice at work, as I had a 3-month termination clause.

My Travel Plan

My initial thoughts were that I was going to travel for one year, and after that, I would need to sell the van to pay back the finance. 

However, it became clear very soon after I started the journey back in April, that I would not want to go back to my old conditioned life.

I had always wanted to write a book, something that I never seemed to have the time or inspiration to do, and traveling would give me the perfect opportunity. I have now written a few chapters, and it is evolving as I travel.

In nine months I have traveled to ten countries, Scotland , France , Belgium , The Netherlands , Germany , Denmark, Norway, Sweden , Spain and Portugal . While I'm based in Europe, if you plan to try van life in the US, this Western US road trip is a fantastic route.

I have reconnected with my heart and soul and am truly living life happily. I have no idea where this journey will lead me but for now, I just hope to inspire others to step out of life’s conditioning and follow their dreams, whatever they may be.

Location Independence

5 Big Tips to Start Living in a Camper Van

woman laying in the back of her camper van with bed pulled out

So if someone said to you “ Would you like to live a life of freedom, simple and uncomplicated, free of stress, waking up and going to sleep in the most beautiful places, and being able to work wherever you are? ,” would you say, " Yes ?" If so, hopefully the below will help you get started. There are also books and plenty of YouTube channels available online on the subject of ‘Living in a Van’ which are very useful.

Here are my 6 biggest tips to get you started living in a van.

1. Buy the Best Van You Can Afford

I am by no means an expert on vans but I would say buy the best van you can afford if you want peace of mind about not breaking down somewhere remote, and maybe a more secure van, to prevent break-ins.

Newer vans will not only be more reliable and economical but equipment inside the van is likely to be safer, like the gas and electrics, and less likely to malfunction. You don’t really want to be in cold temperatures and have your heater stop working (yes, vans have heating). Some even have hot water, although mine doesn’t, which just means you have to boil up some water when needed, although for me, that means a hot shower is a rarity.

However, having said all of the above, you can pick up a used van pretty cheaply, or even convert a van yourself. I would highly recommend you watch some YouTube videos on the subject. There are plenty of models and makes to choose from. 

Some of the nicest vans I’ve seen on the road have been converted by people who knew nothing about how to do it until they did it themselves. You will end up with a lot of life skills, too, if you end up doing the build yourself. Of course, it will take time to do but with the added bonus if anything goes wrong you will know how to fix it.

The other thing I will say is that if you do have any problems with the van and there are other van travelers around, they will only be too happy to help you, especially if you are a solo female.

2. Think About the Size, Not Just the Amenities

The other consideration is the size of the van.   I chose a standard panel van as I had never driven a van before and wanted to be able to park it easily when I was in cities or in a parking lot.  Mine fits perfectly into a space for a car, which was exactly what I was looking for. It is so easy to drive and you soon get used to the extra width and length. 

‍Living in a van usually comes with such a small space inside but for me, the trade-off of a smaller van was worth it to make traveling, parking, and driving easier.

I also chose a pop-up roof, rather than a high top, as this allows you to get under all those height restriction barriers, particularly prevalent in the UK and France. This allowed me to stay in some lovely spots that I would otherwise not have been able to access.

3. Don't Skip on the Battery

A good leisure battery is a must-have, especially if you are going to wild camp rather than pay for sites with electrics. Even with my new van, there are limitations, especially if you are not driving for a few days and there hasn’t been much sun to charge up the leisure battery from the solar panel. 

I have wild camped for most of the entire nine months of traveling, only plugging into electrics twice.

This saves a lot of money not having to pay for sites and for me this is a big part of van life, being able to park up wherever I choose, with the best views.   I have had van views that are not even available in five-star hotels and I can thank a lot of that for having a battery I can trust off the grid.

4. Plan Out a Monthly Budget

I would highly recommend you work out a monthly budget and of course, this will depend on how much savings/income you have and keep track of your spending in a book so you can see how you’re doing.

As I am living on saved money I set myself a pretty tight budget of £300 for petrol and just £120 for food each month but I don’t eat out. I have pretty much achieved this although, in some countries, like Norway, where it is more expensive, I did go over budget. But I made up for it in Spain, where it is so much cheaper.  

You will also need money for incidentals, like tolls, (these can really add up so my advice is if you are not in a hurry don’t use toll roads), ferries, hot showers etc.

5. Take Advantage of Wild Camping

To wild camp means you park your van off the grid, in nature, not in a parking lot, RV park, or a campsite. It's a wonderful way to not only save money but to also experience the true beauty of van life.

If you're new somewhere, it can be tough to find out where you can legally and safely wild camp. Think places that are public lands rather than private ones. Luckily, the van life community is full of cool people who tend to be pretty supportive and help each other out.

Park4Night is the best app and it is free. You can find places in advance of arriving somewhere or just look for places ‘Around Me’ once you decide you have driven enough for the day. 

I also have the Camperstop app but you have to pay for it, unless you purchase the book and you get a year's free subscription.  I purchased this before I knew about Park4Night and in hindsight would just have used Park4Night.

Van Living Practicalities‍

An interior view of a new camper van

Now, with those big tips under your belt, let's dive into some day-to-day things you'll want to think about before you move into your van.

The first thing I will say is that I have not had my van broken into and have only had a problem once at night with some locals. There are a number of things you can do to help prevent either of these things from happening.

Here's what I'd suggest to ensure you stay super safe while living in a van, even as a solo female like I am:

  • I have authentic stickers on the windows of my van saying “equipped with video recording equipment” (which incidentally I do not have). I think this helps to deter potential threats.
  • I have a recording of a barking dog on my phone so that if anyone does try to enter my van whilst I'm in it, I can play the recording to scare them off. I have never had to resort to this.
  • When parking in a city, ensure it is a safe location, as this is where you are most likely to have an issue. Parking near other vans is always good as you will find van travelers look out for each other.
  • At night ensure you park under some lighting when in a city.
  • When I was wild camping in nature I was often in the middle of nowhere on my own, so I always tried to tuck myself away somewhere and also ensured the driver seat was clear so if I needed to drive away quickly for any reason I could. Again this is something I have never had to do.

While most of the tips I use as per-cautions and have never actually had to resort to, I prefer to be on the "better safe than sorry" attitude.

Just in case, I recommend having travel insurance, like SafetyWing to cover any accidents that might happen.

Your Van Toilet

I would recommend a compost toilet. This will save you having to find somewhere to dump the contents of a porta-potty and it is not the most pleasant job. In some countries, like Norway, this is really easy but I found it particularly difficult in Southern Spain unless you go to a camping site. 

As I wild camp I use nature, or a public toilet as much as possible so as not to have to empty the porta-potty quite so frequently.

Make sure you have a trowel with you so you can dig a hole to cover everything up if you go in nature. There is nothing worse than seeing toilet paper/wipes littering the beautiful countryside.

Fresh Water

Have the largest possible water container and a secondary smaller container (I have 10 liters) as a backup. That way you know once you put the last drop from your back up into the main container you need to replenish your supplies. This way you will never run out.

You do however learn quickly how to be economical with water. When you wash dishes, cook, bathe yourself, etc, you'll be more conscious than ever before about how much water you're using on a day-to-day basis.

When I first started traveling I used to hunt for water, worrying that I was going to run out, but I never have and I no longer hunt for it.  A lot of petrol stations in Europe have water taps which makes filling up super easy. 

I found the UK one of the hardest places to find water as a lot of petrol stations no longer have taps it seems. However, pubs often have an outside tap but tend to remove the top part so you can’t use it. My tip for the UK is to buy the top part of a tap. I also always carry 5 liters of drinking water. 

The Park4night app is also very useful for finding places to fill up with water.

The exact specifics of what you pack will depend on how long you are traveling for and where you are going. But, the biggest tip I can give you is to pack less than you think you'll need. The minimalist lifestyle comes right along with the nomadic one when moving into a van full-time.

As I was going to be in both cold and warm places I had to think about this in terms of shoes and clothes. Also, it depends on how much storage space you have. I have one cupboard and no hanging space, so all my clothes needed to be relatively crease-resistant. I find rolling clothes up helps with preventing creases.

However, I still brought far too many clothes with me and have only worn a fraction of them as you tend to end up wearing the same ones until they need a wash!

Most towns and cities have laundromats so you can always do laundry instead of packing extra. Trust me, a van is a small space so the more space you can give yourself to live, rather than to use as storage, the better. Plus, having less things will make it easier to keep your van tidy.

Wifi vs. Data

I bought myself a mobile router so that I could use wifi but I couldn’t seem to ever get more than 3G on it when it was supposed to be a 4G router. So I ended up just using data and upgraded to an unlimited data sim.

Be aware that there could be limits on the data depending on where you are traveling in the world. It's not uncommon that if you are out of your home country you don’t actually get unlimited data. I only found this out after upgrading to Three’s unlimited data sim.

A lot of van travelers use Motorhome wifi so this would be the best option if you would prefer to use wifi over data or will be constantly traveling to different countries and aren't too sure how your data plan will be affected.  

If you are spending a lot of time in cities then you can always use the free wifi in bars and restaurants. McDonalds is always good for free wifi.

‍‍Making an Income on the Road

Camper van parked with mountain and sea in the background

Luckily for us full-time van lifers, making money on the road has never been easier! The internet is a great resource for finding out how. I'd start with a general search like, how to become a digital nomad , and take it from there.

More and more jobs are possible to do online so whether you want to work in digital marketing , become a website designer , or start writing for blogs , there's a lot you can do to work remotely.

If though you'd like to use your van as more of a travel vehicle and not as your office, too, you can save money and stretch your legs out by taking advantage of these platforms:

  • TrustedHousesitters : This platform sets you up with petsitting and housesitting jobs around the world. Most don't pay but instead give you a free house to stay in, in exchange for taking care of the space and/or pets.
  • Workaway : This is a platform to find volunteer gigs around the world. These also don't pay but give you free room and board.
  • Worldpackers : This one is competition with Workaway. Both are reputable platforms.

I am gradually embracing the nomadic lifestyle more and more, but it has been/still is a steep learning curve for me. Understanding how to build a brand to look professional, getting my head around social media and building an audience, having a website to showcase my blogs and getting affiliate links to earn from recommending products I use.

It all takes time and it can be a while before you even have the smallest income stream.

If you want to skip over the guesswork when starting your own website (if that's the route you want to go) I highly recommend the course Scale Your Travel Blog .

Will You Try Living in a Camper Van?

A camper van parked in the forests during a big snow storm

Van life has been a big push out of my comfort zone but one I've really relished.

Living a mobile lifestyle is an alternative choice. No hostel costs or paying rent. With a van you have your home, your transport, and your place of work right with you. You can live and travel wherever you want and that's really the freedom I was craving all along.

Home is where you park it.

A lot of effort went into making this amazing piece of journalistic genius. If it helped you out, send us a quick thanks by buying us a coffee. All the money donated through Ko-Fi goes towards keeping A Way Abroad awesome. Big thanks!

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The ultimate resource for women dreaming of a life abroad.

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How to Move Abroad

Dream of moving abroad but have some hurdles in your way? Whether it's the fear, logistics, or not knowing where to even start, I've got you. This isn't a regular book, it's also a workbook designed to help you make some big decisions to get yourself set up for a successful life abroad. Everyone's way abroad is different. Let's find yours.

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Rosewood Phnom Penh

PRESS RELEASES

Rosewood Phnom Penh debuts on Travel + Leisure 500 List, representing Cambodian hospitality at its finest 

The prestigious ranking recognizes Rosewood Phnom Penh as one of the world’s best hotels and highlights the hotel’s commitment to promoting Cambodia’s rich cultural heritage on the global stage.

May 02, 2024

Rosewood Phnom Penh Best Hotel Travel and Leisure Top 500 List

Rosewood Phnom Penh is thrilled to be included in Travel + Leisure ’s latest T+L 500 List , which recognizes the world’s 500 best hotels chosen by the magazine’s discerning readers. According to the editors, top scorers deliver outstanding design and exceptional service while creating an atmosphere that readers long to return to. 

“It means the world to us to be recognized on the T+L 500 List for 2024. This esteemed accolade reflects our dedication to each and every one of our guests and our mission to celebrate Cambodia’s past, present, and future,” says Daniel Simon, Managing Director of Rosewood Phnom Penh. “We owe it to the hard work and passion of our team, who strive to ensure that guests experience the warmth and enthusiasm that defines Cambodian hospitality.”

Set on the top 14 floors of the 188-meter-tall Vattanac Capital Tower in the heart of Cambodia’s capital, the ultra-luxury hotel impressed Travel & Leisure readers with its spectacular design, the city’s largest guestrooms, panoramic views of the Mekong River, world-class restaurants and bars, and excellent service that goes the extra mile.

Rosewood Phnom Penh’s inclusion on the T+L 500 List also reflects its position as a premier destination for those seeking authentic cultural experiences. Anchored by the Rosewood brand’s A Sense of Place philosophy, the hotel infuses Cambodian culture, art, and culinary heritage into every stay. 

When guests enter the property, they immediately feel connected to Khmer stories through the thoughtfully curated artwork. From custom wood-carved panels by Cambodian artist Chan Dany in the hotel’s entryway to rotating exhibitions at the Rosewood Phnom Penh Art Gallery on level 35, the hotel provides a global platform for emerging and established Khmer talent. Further investing in local culture, the hotel is the proud partner of Phnom Penh Designers Week, the Cambodia International Film Festival , and the Khmer Literature Festival, among other exciting initiatives. 

A dining destination in its own right, Rosewood Phnom Penh’s enriching culinary initiatives offer guests a fresh perspective on Khmer cuisine. The hotel has partnered with Cambodian celebrity chef Rotanak Ros, who goes by “Chef Nak ,” to highlight forgotten Khmer recipes and traditions on the menu at Brasserie Louis. Serving exquisite French comfort foods and Cambodian favorites alongside stunning river views, the 120-seat restaurant has won several international recognitions , further establishing Cambodia as a must-visit destination for gourmet travelers. Likewise, CUTS, the hotel’s sophisticated steak and seafood grill, was named “Best Restaurant in Cambodia” by Travel + Leisure Southeast Asia . Completing the hotel’s diverse epicurean offerings are standout dining spaces like Zhan Liang, a contemporary Chinese restaurant; Living Room, an elegant bakery and all-day cafe; and Iza, an Izakaya-style eatery with a noodle corner, robata-yaki grill, and comprehensive sake list.

The hotel has also raised the bar for the Cambodian capital’s nightlife. Sora, the property’s sophisticated sky deck, serves fantastic locally inspired cocktails and regularly hosts top bartenders from the World’s 50 Best Bars list. Meanwhile, the hotel’s spacious and serene wellness facilities were also recognized in Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2023, with Sense A Rosewood Spa coming in second in the Hotel Spas category.

Deeply committed to social responsibility, Rosewood Phnom Penh has supported Cambodian non-profit Phare Ponleu Selpak through charity gala dinners, partner exhibitions and more. In 2021, the hotel also introduced Open Door, a transformational program that provides vocational training and employment opportunities to marginalized Cambodians.

Guided by Rosewood Sustains, a philosophy rooted in circular hospitality and environmentalism, the hotel has also enacted several changes to shape the future of sustainability in Phnom Penh.

For example, Rosewood Phnom Penh has eliminated plastic waste property-wide, led river clean-ups, and established its own hydroponic garden on the ninth floor.

These wide-ranging initiatives reflect the special qualities that have earned Rosewood Phnom Penh the trust and loyalty of guests worldwide. They have also led the hotel to several recognitions from some of the world’s most important lifestyle publications. At the Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2023 , Travel + Leisure named Rosewood Phnom Penh the “Best City Hotel in Cambodia,” based on surveys of the publication’s well-traveled readers.

You can read the complete T+L 500 list in the magazine’s May 2023 issue digitally on Apple News+ .

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How to Take a North Coast 500 Motorhome Trip

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North Coast 500 Motorhome Guide

This iconic Scottish motorhome road trip is a 516 mile route around the spectacular north coast of Scotland. We share highlights, ideas for activities and things to do along the route, the best NC500 campsites and travel tips to help you have your best ever Scottish trip.

North Coast 500 Motorhome Map

North Coast 500 route planner and North Coast 500 map

The North Coast 500 Motorhome Route

Starting and finishing in Inverness, the North Coast 500 route passes through remote and wild landscapes following the stunning coastline around Scotland. The NC500 route delivers dramatic roads with spectacular views and is one of the must do  motorhome routes in the UK . 

Use our guide and highlights to work out where to visit and what to see along the route, and pick out what interests you the most.

Lots of people ask us how long is needed, and the answer always depends on how long you have! The whole thing could be done in a couple of weeks (at a push) or you could choose a bit of it that appeals to you, take your time and  stay safe on the road .

Both the start and finish point of your North Coast 500 itinerary,  Inverness  is one of Scotland’s seven cities and sits in the south of the Highlands, on the banks of the River Ness. Crowned by a fabulous castle and beautifully planted with flowers, Inverness is a thriving city with a rich variety of places to visit and things to do, both in the compact city itself and in the surrounding area.

  • Follow the age old tradition of hunting the famous Loch Ness monster. Hire a boat and head out onto the water with a picnic and your camera. You might not see Nessie, but you’ll enjoy stunning scenery, clear air and space to unwind.
  • Head for the atmospheric Inverness Old Town and Victorian Market for all your Scottish souvenirs!
  • Visit the haunting battlefield of Culloden, site of the final and bloody confrontation of the Jacobite rising, and defeat of Charles Stuart’s army in 1745. You can find out more about this seminal time in the history of Scotland at the nearby  Culloden Visitor Centre .
  • Admire the imposing, pink crenellated Inverness Castle , high on the banks of the River Ness. Just one of 67 Scottish castles in and around Inverness!
  • Take a hike up to Craig Phadrig, just above the city. Once the stronghold of Pictish kings, it offers lovely forest walks and magnificent views of the Moray Firth.
  • Fans of the book and tv show ‘Outlander’ can also visit filming sites and destinations in the region.

The Best Campsites in Inverness

Ardtower Caravan Park  is in a beautiful setting, high above Inverness and close to Culloden. An award winning site with modern facilities and spacious hard-standing pitches, this is a great base from which to explore Inverness and the surrounding area.

The Inverness campsite of  Bunchrew Caravan Park  is on the edge of Beauly Firth and enjoys wonderful views over the water to Ben Wyvis and the hills beyond. Another great spot to explore from.

Situated on the banks of the Caledonian Canal,  Torvean Caravan Park  is located just over a mile from the centre of Inverness, perfect for those wanting to explore the city. 

motorhome in Scotland wild camping nc500

Easter Ross

A region full of history, Easter Ross is located north of Inverness and sea-bound by the Moray Firth to the east, the north-shore of the Cromarty Firth and the south Shore of the Dornoch Firth.

Lined with coastal villages offering fabulous views and plenty of sea life to watch out for, as well as Highland wilderness in the inland forestry areas, there’s much to appreciate here. Don’t rush through on your way north!

  • Visit the  Tarbat Discovery Centre  in Portmahomack and the pretty seaboard villages of Shandwick, Balintore and Hilton to learn about The Picts, a wild people in late Iron Age Scotland who prevented the Romans from conquering all of Britain by holding their territory.
  • Take a tour at  The Dalmore Whisky Distillery  in Alness. Considered one of the best luxury whisky brands in the world, The Dalmore whiskies sell for thousands of pounds. Find out what the fuss is about with a tour, and maybe a wee dram (but only if you’re not driving!)
  • Hike up to the huge  Fyrish Monument for spectacular views across Cromarty Firth and the great hulk of Ben Wyvis mountain.
  • Visit the  Touchstone Maze near Strathpeffer, made up of 81 different rock types from around Scotland and a great way to get an understanding of Scotland’s complex geological map.
  • Walk up to the magical Black Rock Gorge, an impressive one mile long, 40 meter deep gash in the rocks created during the Ice Age by the River Glass rushing down to the Cromarty Firth. This is a stop for Harry Potter fans, the gorge was a filming location in 2004 for ‘Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire’.

The Best Campsites in Easter Ross

The very well located  Black Rock Caravan Park , in the village of Evanton, is approximately a mile from the A9 North Coast 500 road. With excellent touring pitches and services, this makes a great stop on the way north.

Dornoch Caravan and Camping Site is a peaceful, family-owned campsite in the heart of the Scottish Highlands. Set amongst picturesque rural and coastal scenery, the east coast site enjoys expansive views of the beautiful Dornoch Firth.  

Fortrose Bay Campsite is on the Black Isle, situated on a pebble beach with direct access to, and stunning views over, the Moray Firth. Take the twenty minute walk to Chanonry Point, a large natural sand bar that lies to the east of the campsite.

As well as a lighthouse, it’s famous for being one of the best place to spot the UK’s most northern colony of bottlenose dolphins, making this a great North Coast 500 camping spot.

free motorhome camping north coast 500

Home to John O’Groats and Dunnet Head, the most northerly village and northerly point respectively, Caithness is right at the top of the UK. It is so far north that in favourable conditions, it’s possible to see the Northern Lights from here.

The vast open landscape, also known as the flow country, is rich in the archaeology of ancient times, and the coastline features soaring sea-stacks and towering headlands, home to puffins and other sea birds.  

  • See the mysterious Hill O’Many Stanes, where 200 thin stones were laid out in a radiating pattern over 4,000 years ago …and no-one really knows why.
  • Enjoy the sea air and a five mile hike from John o’Groats to Duncansby Head, the most north-easterly point on the British mainland, and continue along the spectacular coastal path to see the two dramatic pointed sea stacks.
  • Visit the  Castle of Mey , which was restored by The Queen Mother when she bought it in 1952 and saved it from abandonment. A fascinating glimpse into a castle that served as a holiday retreat for the royal family, and with wonderful gardens, this is a truly beautiful place.
  • Explore the various and fascinating brochs on the route. The broch is an imposing stone tower and ancient dwelling, built from as early as 500 B.C, found only in Scotland. Dunbeath Broch and Nybster Broch are both excellent examples and close to the  Caithness Broch Centre , where you can learn more.
  • Take (another) bracing walk in the wild and untamed landscape of Dunnet Head, an RSPB nature reserve and the most northerly point in mainland Britain.  If you’re lucky, you might see puffins in this noisy sea-bird nature reserve, especially if you visit during the breeding season, from late spring to early summer.

The Best Campsites in Caithness

Stay at  Dunnet Bay Caravan and Motorhome Club Site . You don’t have to be a member to stay, although the cost is discounted if you are. One of the best north coast campsites, it’s perfect for those that enjoy solitude, sublime views and long beach walks. 

Murkle Caravan Park  in the village of the same name is basic, but has all you need and is very welcoming to pets. With a lovely one mile beach walk from site, this is an ideal spot for a few days exploring in the local area.

A favourite NC500 camping spot is  Windhaven Cafe, Camping and B&B , the most northerly campsite on the UK mainland . The cafe is also the most northerly cafe on the NC500! The site overlooks Brough Bay from its fabulous cliff-top location, where you can sit and view the seals from our seal viewing point.

sea stacks Scotland

One of the last great wilderness’ of Europe, a large chunk of the NC500 route passes through this raw and beautiful county. 

With the sea always on your right, the coast on this part of the route is unspoilt and diverse, with huge sandy beaches and the rugged and aptly named Cape Wrath cliffs. 

For many, us included, this is a favourite part of the route, for the spectacular scenery and its rich natural history.

  • Spend a day in Dornoch, a beautiful historic town in the southeastern-most corner of Sutherland which overlooks the firth of the same name. The town is well worth a wee wander – as well as its 13th century cathedral, there is also the old jail and Dornoch Castle, which is a former bishop’s palace.
  • Admire the lofty grace of  Dunrobin Castle , historic home of the Earls and Dukes of Sutherland, which dates from around 1275.
  • Head into the cliffs at  Smoo Cave , with one one of the largest entrances to any sea cave in Britain at 15m high, and complete with its own waterfall too.
  • Enjoy the bracing sea air of the raw and wild Cape Wrath, a site of Special Scientific Interest and the most north-westerly point of mainland Scotland. Only accessible  by ferry  or  minibus , this really is a remote spot.
  • Hike to  Sandwood Bay Beach , for the incredible sight of the Am Buachaille sea stack, a remnant of when the Highlands and North America were connected, millions of years ago.
  • Visit the  North West Highlands UNESCO Global Geopark , which contains geology and a landscape of world-class quality, significance and importance. It’s a wonderful place to learn about the 3,000 million year old geological history of one of the most sparsely populated corners of Europe.
  • Explore  Stoer Head , a few miles north of the picturesque village of Lochinver. You’ll find beautiful views across islands and inland coves, as well as the striking white Stoer Lighthouse and the fabulous  Old Man of Stoer , a 60m high Torridonian sandstone sea stack.
  • Achmelvich Beach is one of the area’s most stunning beaches, with white sands and clear turquoise waters. It’s a magnet for water-based activities such as windsurfing and water-skiing – if you carry an inflatable canoe or stand up paddle board, this is a great place to blow it up and get on the water. You may prefer to take the A894 main road from Ullapool and avoid the majority of the B869 from Kylesku to Lochinver as this can be a tricky route for large vehicles.

The Best Campsites in Sutherland

Stay at the stunning  Clachtoll Beach Campsite  right on the edge of Clachtoll Beach, which boasts crystal clear water and amazing snorkelling; we think it’s one of the best campsites in Scotland. Check the roads and size of your vehicle before making your way there – coming the long way on the coastal B869 won’t work if you’re in a large motorhome.

The  Shore Caravan Site  at Achmelvich Bay may be a better option as you don’t have to go quite so far along the B869. This is a really lovely site, right on the beach and with friendly and welcoming owners, one of our favourite North Coast 500 campsites.

Highly recommended for Durness camping is  Sango Sands Oasis Campsite is located on cliff tops above stunning beaches with amazing sea views. With fantastic facilities, this is a site where you could easily spend a week whilst finding adventures in the local area.

motorhomes Scotland at Clachtoll Beach

Wester Ross

Wester Ross is an area of breathtaking landscapes – think ancient glens, Caledonian forests, lofty mountain peaks and gorgeous beaches. With iconic roads and dramatic backdrops, driving through Wester Ross is an adventure and a highlight for many NC500 visitors. From bagging a Munro to whale watching, exploring castles and gorgeous gardens, there is plenty to keep you busy in this beautiful part of Scotland. 

  • Go whale watching from Gairloch, you might also see dolphins, porpoises and sharks, as well as seals, otters, puffins and perhaps even the white-tailed eagle. The best time to see whales on the west coast of Scotland is from mid June to late September.
  • Marvel at the Corrieshalloch Gorge, a deep chasm that cuts through a Highland wilderness rich in nature. Watch as the River Droma rushes over a series of waterfalls before the grand finale of the the huge 45 m Falls of Measach.
  • Visit the lush, tropical oasis of  Inverewe Garden , perched high on a peninsula at the edge of Loch Ewe. This world-famous historic garden is one of Scotland’s most popular botanical attractions and is surrounded by estates managed for conservation.
  • Visit the UNESCO Biosphere  Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve , and explore the woodlands, home to 350-year-old Scots Pines, remnants of the ancient Caledonian forest that once stood here.
  • Climb Beinn Eighe , one of the Torridon’s best Munros (mountains over 914m), of which there are 37 on the NC500. The views of the Torridon Hills are simply stunning from the summit.
  • Drive the legendary Applecross Pass, one of the  best and highest roads in Scotland . Bealach na Bà is a narrow slip of a road, with hairpin sharp bends and steep gradients and might not be suitable for your motorhome. Check out the official advise below, but if you still want to go ahead then do some research about the best times and hazards you should be aware of, especially if this is your first time driving this type of road. This motorhome seemed to manage it, but you should only attempt it if you’re 100% comfortable with the risks

The Best Campsites in Wester Ross

Stay at Inverewe Gardens Poolewe Camping and Caravanning Club Site . Beautifully laid out, this tree-lined site has good facilities and incredible sunsets.

Kinlochewe Caravan Club Site is located at the foot of the rugged slopes of Beinn Eighe, at the end of a beautiful drive along Glen Docherty from Achnasheen. With excellent facilities, stop here for a few days to exmplore the Torridon Hills and local area.

Applecross Campsite  is at the coast end of the pass as it snakes down to Applecross. After a long day of driving, it’s a wonderful stop overlooking Applecross Bay, with fine views to Skye.

motorhome Bealach na Ba North Coast 500 route map

Frequently asked questions about taking a North Coast 500 motorhome tour

When should i tour the nc500 in my motorhome.

You can go at any time of the year, but you will need heating and some form of motorhome winterisation during the colder months. Expect it to rain whenever you visit, this is Scotland after all!

Spring –  Late spring is a great time for planning a road trip to Scotland. The countryside comes alive with wild flowers and baby animals as the warmer weather beats back winter and summer visitors have yet to arrive. It will be cool though, especially at night, so you’ll need some type of heating in your van.

Summer  – With summer averages of around 20°c, this is one of the best times for touring Scotland in a motorhome. The downside is that popular routes, attractions and North Coast 500 motorhome stops (both campsites and popular wild camping spots) will be busy, so a road trip of Scotland in summer will require a little more planning and you may need to book your favourite North Coast 500 campsites in advance.

July and August are also the worst months for the infamous biting midges, especially if you’re planning on visiting the west coast, where they are generally at their worst. 

Autumn  – A wonderful time for a motorhome camping trip to Scotland,  the autumn colours  are some of the most dramatic in the world and much of the tourist traffic will have departed, leaving the roads empty. 

Winter  – Plan trips to Scotland during the colder months for winter sporting opportunities, dramatic scenery and the possibility of seeing the Northern Lights, or ‘Mirrie Dancers’ as they are sometimes called in Scotland. As a rough guide there are an average of 15-20 snow days a year in the country, which can rise to over 100 snow days in the Scottish Highlands, so some roads may be closed.

Is there wild camping for motorhomes in Scotland?

There is motorhome wild camping in Scotland aplenty – use Park4Night to find the best NC500 wild camping spots (as well as campsites) and make sure you follow the rules. So many people ask us about wild camping on a North Coast 500 tour that we wrote a post about it!   

travel world 500 motorhome

Motorhome Wild Camping Scotland: 2024 Guide

wild camping motorhomes

Motorhome Wild Camping – Your Complete Guide

Can i hire a motorhome to do the nc500 route.

Yep, you can!  If you’re looking for NC500 Scotland motorhome hire, check out Motorhome Republic . You can collect your motorhome in Edinburgh and be in Inverness within three hours. Spaceship rentals also offer North Coast 500 campervan hire , so whatever your road trip style, they’ve got you covered.

Are any of the roads in the NC500 unsuitable for large vehicles?

Driving the North Coast 500 in a motorhome can be challenging in places and there are a few roads that you may want to miss out, and some which would be a real struggle in a larger motorhome. This is the official advice from the North Coast 500 website;

“If your motorhome or camper van is more than a standard VW T5 conversion (ie about 16-18ft in length) , please take the alternative motorhome routes available. If you cannot accurately reverse your vehicle several hundred yards on a narrow single track road – you cannot safely drive over this road. Please do not attempt to drive the Bealach Na Ba (take the A832) or B869 Drumbeg Road (take the A894).”

This is following advice from several professional drivers who know the road and from local breakdown services. It only takes ONE person who is not used to driving a large vehicle to block the road completely to the detriment of other users, those that use the road for work, and importantly – emergency vehicles.

As well as the driving information detailed above, campervan and motorhome drivers should be consider the following:

  • You must feel comfortable reversing the vehicle correctly and safely as you may be required to do this on single track roads.
  • If you are travelling below the speed limit, please pull in to a layby or one of the passing places to allow traffic to safely pass you.
  • Do not travel in convoy, especially on small roads as this can lead to congestion. Always travel at least one passing place apart.

Anything else I need to know about motorhomes & the NC500?

These are our top eleven North Coast 500 tips:

  • Take your time. There is so much to see and do along the incredible 500 miles that it would be a shame to rush. You could manage it in seven days, but two or even three weeks will give you a real chance to explore and get to know this wonderful part of Scotland.
  • Whether you stop at NC500 campsites or wild camp, always follow the  Scottish Outdoor Access Code , it helps to protect the fragile flora and fauna of this beautiful country.
  • From time to time, the local authorities place restrictions on the times that motorhomes can use the route. You should check in advance on the North Coast 500 official website .
  • Check ahead regularly to see what attractions might be off the North Coast 500 motorhome route map that you may want to detour too – this is where you’ll find the real hidden gems and off the beaten track places, including awesome wild camping spots.
  • Make sure to stop and chat with other motorhomers about routes, restrictions and favourite places to visit – you’ll find lots of North Coast 500 hidden gems like this!
  • Book campsites in advance in the summer months, or you may get to your destination and be disappointed.
  • Use a sat nav that you can configure for your motorhome if possible. This will help you avoid any difficult roads which may not be suitable for the size of your vehicle, or any roads that are closed due to poor weather.
  • However you decide to overnight, whether you’re wild parking in your motorhome for lunch or using campsites along the North Coast 500, please dispose of any motorhome waste and rubbish properly and leave no trace of where you’ve been.
  • 3G and 4G can be limited in many areas, so if you have important information, insurance documents or bookings, make sure they are downloaded before you leave Inverness.
  • Travel during the low season, November to February.
  • If you have them, make sure your fly screens are in use at all times.
  • Change into long sleeves and trousers before dusk and use a midge veil or hat.
  • Don’t park or camp near stagnant water.
  • Head for windy places to overnight, but weigh up which is worst first!
  • Use an insect repellent such as Jungle Formula or Avon Skin So Soft.
  • Read our Ultimate Guide to Motorhoming and Campervanning in Scotland – it’s packed with tips and details to help you get the most out of your tour and enjoy Scotland at it’s best.

Are there other road trips in Scotland I can do in a motorhome?

travel world 500 motorhome

Scotland Motorhome Itinerary

Are you planning a motorhome trip to Scotland, but don’t know where to start? We’ve got the perfect Scotland motorhome itinerary for you! Whether you’re in a motorhome or campervan our 14 day Scotland itinerary will take you on an incredible road trip around the country. From beautiful loch-sides, to dramatic mountains and turquoise sea-shores, and with some of Scotland’s most famous cities on route, this journey will share history, hospitality, breathtaking landscapes and exciting activities as your tour this special place.

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Scotland Road Trip: 8 Incredible Routes for an Epic Trip

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  • Find a Location

A Complete Introduction to Keystone RV

travel world 500 motorhome

With over 40 brands and more than 400 unique floorplans, where do you start?

We’ve outlined the 14 travel trailer, fifth wheel, toy hauler, and destination trailer models across Keystone’s lineup. Some models include multiple RV types, like the Keystone Springdale line, featuring travel trailers and a destination trailer, or the Cougar line, including luxury fifth wheels and travel trailers. Here are the 14 Keystone RV models:

  • Bullet 

Outback 

While the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP)  can differentiate these RV lines in terms of features, size, and amenities, explore each to understand their unique appeal. Keystone has a reputation for designing RVs based on the needs of different RVers, making it easy to find a model and floorplan that meets your criteria. 

Keystone Classics Collection

Keystone Classics logo

In 2024, Keystone introduced its “ Classics Collection ,” a lineup that includes new models from several known RV lines, including Hideout, Springdale, Bullet, Passport, Arcadia, and Cougar Sport. 

These Classics Collection RVs are budget-friendly versions of existing campers. By removing certain extras, Keystone made these RVs more lightweight while still offering many modern conveniences. We will indicate in the lists below which RVs are designated as “Classics”. 

Let’s explore the various Keystone RV lines by RV type, starting with Keystone travel trailers. 

Keystone Travel Trailers

Keystone Springdale travel trailer parked and with family camping

There are seven brands of Keystone travel trailers, comprising over 200 floorplans. These range from more affordable entry-level, single-axle travel trailers to some of the most luxurious travel trailers on the market. 

Let’s start with their more affordable lines and working up to their luxury units. First up, Keystone Hideout. 

Keystone Hideout

One of Keystone’s most popular brands, Hideout offers three models and 53 floorplans. From small, lightweight couples campers to family-friendly bunkhouses, you’ll find an expansive selection of affordable travel trailers. The Classics Collection models from Hideout make great entry-level options. 

  • Hideout Sport Single-Axles (Classics Collection)
  • Hideout Sport Double-Axles (Classics Collection)
  • Hideout Travel Trailers

Explore Hideout travel trailers at Camping World. 

Keystone Springdale RVs

Similar to the Hideout, the Keystone Springdale is an entry-level line of affordable travel trailers, offering 37 unique floorplans. In general, the double-axle options will include more features than the single-axle versions, but with a selection this wide, be sure to explore the features of each floorplan and compare your favorites. 

  • Springdale Classic Mini (Classics Collection)
  • Springdale Classic (Classics Collection)
  • Springdale Travel Trailers

Explore Springdale travel trailers at Camping World. 

Keystone Bullet

From the nimble and lightweight Bullet Classic to the top-of-the-line, high-end Premier segment, the Bullet line from Keystone offers four unique sizes and price points. With 42 unique floorplans, Bullet is known for offering many lightweight options that are towable by some light-duty trucks and SUVs. 

  • Bullet Classic (Classics Collection)
  • Bullet Crossfire Double-Axle
  • Bullet Travel Trailers

Explore Bullet travel trailers at Camping World. 

Keystone Passport 

travel world 500 motorhome

With three models comprising 26 floorplans, the Passport line is worth investigating if you’re looking for something towable that doesn’t skimp on features and amenities. Before 2024, Super Light (SL) and Grand Touring (GT) were the only Passport lines, and the main difference between the two came down to weight.

  • Passport Mini (Classics Collection)
  • Passport SL Series
  • Passport GT Series

Explore Passport travel trailers at Camping World. 

The Cougar name from Keystone has a big reputation for quality, towability, and durability. With features like auto-level and SolarFlex™, the Keystone Cougar Sport and Half-ton travel trailers provide premier features in RVs that can be towed by a half-ton truck. There are a total of 24 floorplans. 

  • Cougar Sport
  • Cougar Half-Ton

Explore Cougar travel trailers at Camping World. 

Outback travel trailer against white background

The  Keystone Outback travel trailers provide the best-in-class when it comes to luxury comforts, features, and amenities. The lightweight OBX is the perfect off-road option for those looking to explore further from the crowd. Choose from 18 unique floorplans. 

  • Outback OBX
  • Outback Ultra-Lite
  • Outback Travel Trailers

Explore Outback travel trailers at Camping World. 

Sprinter Limited Travel Trailers

Keystone Sprinter against white backdrop

Keystone offers more space with the Sprinter Limited travel trailers. And while there are only three floorplans, these live up to their reputation for comfort. Sleeping up to 10, Sprinter Limited RVs are wider, featuring more spacious interiors, multiple slide-outs, and plentiful storage. 

  • Sprinter Limited

Explore Sprinter towables at Camping World. 

Keystone Fifth Wheels

family in front of parked keystone fifth wheel

Keystone’s fifth wheels are some of their most iconic towables, with the  Montana line leading the pack. There are five distinct lines of fifth wheels, not including their toy hauler versions. Their fifth wheels are designated “luxury” or “premium”. 

Luxury fifth wheels often come at a higher price, but that means more amenities and features. Meanwhile, premium units may weigh less, are smaller in size, and have fewer features, but are more moderately priced. Let’s kick things off with the Cougar. 

Keystone cougar against white backdrop

Like their travel trailer counterparts, Cougar fifth wheels are some of the most popular and beloved among RVers. Across their three segments and 21 floorplans, you get a great selection of sizes and options in towability, starting with the Cougar Sport. Notably, Keystone Cougar lines are equipped with Lippert’s anti-lock braking system . And if you haven’t seen it yet, check out the new Cougar Midnight Edition ! 

  • Cougar Half Ton
  • Cougar Premium

Explore Cougar towables at Camping World. 

Arcadia 

One of Keystone’s newest offerings, the Arcadia fifth wheels debuted at the Florida RV SuperShow in 2021. Boasting a combination of affordability and cutting-edge design, they have since become a mainstay, offering multiple towing options across their three segments. Be sure to explore the design elements of these impressive fifth wheels. 

  • Arcadia Super Lite
  • Arcadia Select
  • Arcadia Full Size

Explore Arcadia fifth wheels at Camping World. 

travel world 500 motorhome

You get more with Keystone Sprinter fifth wheels: more storage, taller ceilings, wide-body construction, residential amenities, and more interior living space. Across their 15 floorplans, you’ll find various layouts to accommodate all types of campers, including couples models,  family bunkhouses, rear entertainment centers, and more.

Explore Sprinter fifth wheels at Camping World. 

Poll the general RV audience, and you might find that the Montana brand is synonymous with “luxury RV”. This well-known, popular fifth wheel brand has a reputation for comfortable RVs that uplift any camping experience. Notably, the Montana lines come with warranties for full-time living. Check out a wide selection of sizes and layouts across 14 unique floorplans.

  • Montana High Country

Explore Montana fifth wheels at Camping World.

Keystone Alpine with people grilling outside

There are many similarities between the Alpine luxury fifth wheels and Montana fifth wheels, so consider both if either has caught your eye. Alpine has a longstanding reputation as a quality RV built for long-term and high-comfort stays. These spacious, wide-body fifth wheels can be equipped for comfortable 4-season camping. With residential appliances and top-of-the-line amenities like auto-leveling and SolarFlex™, you are sure to see the finer side of camping in an Alpine. 

  • Alpine Avalanche

Explore all Alpine fifth wheels at Camping World. 

Keystone Toy Haulers

You get a serious selection of toy haulers from Keystone, with options for travel trailers and fifth wheels. Like their fifth wheels, Keystone designates their toy hauler lines as “Luxury” or “Premium,” but there’s some crossover.

In general, luxury toy haulers offer high-end amenities and features while maintaining plenty of hauling functionality. Premium lines include travel trailer toy haulers and the Carbon and Impact fifth wheels. Raptor and Fuzion share many similarities, so shopping across their lineups comes down to preferences like floorplans, feature packages, and color schemes. 

Raptor Toy Haulers

With over 22 floorplans, Raptor toy haulers include everything from short, lightweight travel trailers to the most luxurious fifth wheel toy haulers. This line also includes the industry’s largest garage in a toy hauler. 

  • Carbon Aluminum Travel Trailer
  • Carbon Laminated Travel Trailer
  • Carbon Fifth Wheel
  • Raptor Fifth Wheel

Learn more about the Raptor toy haulers here. 

Fuzion Toy Haulers

Keystone Fuzion against white backdrop

The Fuzion toy hauler lineup includes the Fuzion luxury line of fifth wheels and the premium Impact series, which includes fifth wheel models and laminated and aluminum-sidewall travel trailers. Altogether, there are 28 floorplans across these four RV lines. 

  • Impact Aluminum Travel Trailer
  • Impact Laminated Travel Trailer
  • Impact Fifth Wheel
  • Fuzion Fifth Wheel

Explore Fuzion toy haulers at Camping World. 

Outback Toy Haulers

With three total floorplans, the Outback and Outback Ultra-Lite toy hauler travel trailers feature multiple unique layouts, including some with side access to the garage, which isn’t common in the toy hauler segment. The Ultra-Lite is smaller, coming in at just 28 feet, with the Outback floorplans coming in at 37 feet and 38 feet, respectively 

  • Outback Ultra-Lite Travel Trailer
  • Outback Travel Trailer

Learn more about Outback toy haulers here. 

Keystone Destination Trailers

For more stationary RV living , Keystone has four unique destination trailer RV lines. While the unique and shorter Springdale and Hideout hybrids are expansions on their respective travel trailer lines, Residence and Retreat are traditional destination trailer exclusives. 

Springdale & Hideout

Coming in at just 38 feet with a travel-friendly 11-foot, 3-inch height, the Springdale and Hideout destination trailers are better suited for travel. But once you arrive at the destination, you’ll enjoy expansive space and plenty of sleeping capacity, with the lowest capable of sleeping up to eight campers. These destination trailers also boast a more robust axle construction. 

  • Springdale Floorplans
  • Hideout Floorplans

Residence & Retreat

Keystone Retreat against white backdrop

For the closest thing you can get to residential living in an RV, check out the Keystone Residence and Retreat floorplans. These options for seasonal RVing and ultimate comfort come with conventional construction or smooth-sided laminate exteriors. Both the Residence and Retreat boast slideouts on every primary bedroom. 

  • Residence Floorplans
  • Retreat Floorplans

Explore Retreat and Residence destination trailers at Camping World. 

Keystone Camping World Dealerships

Keystone of Northern Michigan store

Keystone and Camping World launched their first partner dealership in 2023 with a location in Houghton Lake, Michigan.

Known as Keystone Northern Michigan , this location specializes in the full lineup of Keystone RVs and offers a wide selection of preowned units. Here, customers meet dedicated staff with expertise in all Keystone units, features, service, and maintenance. In addition to RVs, parts, accessories, and a full service and maintenance department, Keystone Northern Michigan offers a full portfolio of Good Sam products.

In the coming year, look for more Keystone Camping World partnership dealerships where customers can visit and receive an exclusive Keystone-focused experience to learn, receive service, and find the best Keystone RV to meet their needs.

Who Owns Keystone RV? 

Keystone is a subsidiary of Thor RV. Thor acquired them in 2001, propelling Thor’s presence in the towable market and helping them earn a spot among the big three RV manufacturers. Keystone was formed in 1996 by Cole Davis with the mission to make quality, feature-packed RVs at thousands of dollars less than its competitors. 

What is Keystone RV Known For?

woman leaving keystone fifth wheel door

Keystone is a leader in the towable RV space with a reputation for offering quality RVs that incorporate camper-focused designs and innovative technology to improve performance and safety. Along with introducing new RV designs and layouts each year, they expand on the safety, performance, and technology offered across their various RV lines. Below are a few features that Keystone has received praise for: 

In-Command Control System

Standard on certain models, the iN-Command® control system with Global Connect® allows you to monitor and control all primary RV systems from your smartphone, even when you are away from your RV. 

Anti-Lock Brake System

In 2024, Keystone began incorporating an anti-lock braking system into many units, including all Cougar fifth wheels and travel trailers. This is an important, revolutionary safety feature that Keystone has helped introduce. 

Limited Warranties

Keystone has earned a reputation with its competitive warranties, including a 1-year limited base warranty and a 3-year limited structural warranty. Keystone customer service has often been praised. 

Who Makes Keystone RVs?

Keystone dealership with Camping World

Keystone is an independent manufacturer, producing its units in Elkhart, Indiana. Keystone owns Dutchmen RVs, which also produces units in Elkhart. 

Is Keystone A Good RV?

Rear view of keystone mountain, sunset

By popularity standards alone, Keystone is a reliable RV manufacturer with a clear understanding of producing quality RVs. By focusing on the towable market, they offer more options at every stage of this segment and pride themselves on addressing the needs of towable RVers. 

In addition, Keystone RVs often perform well in reviews and typically receive industry awards in multiple categories each year. By consistently introducing new RV lines with innovative designs and improvements – including budget-conscious options like the Classics Collection – Keystone is worth the attention of any RVer in the market for a new towable. 

To learn more about Keystone RVs and other popular manufacturers, be sure to explore the following resources: 

  • What Are the Top 10 RV Manufacturers?
  • How the Keystone Cougar Is Made
  • The Coolest RV Innovations From the Florida RV Supershow 
  • 8 Must-Have Keystone Montana High Country 295RL Upgrades

Are you currently a Keystone owner, or have you owned a Keystone in the past? Let us know about your experience in the comments below. 

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North Coast 500 Scotland

Motorhome route: The North Coast 500 in Scotland by motorhome

Rugged Scotland : that's what you'll discover on the North Coast 500. This campervan route starts and ends in Inverness, also known as the capital of the Scottish Highlands. In the 830 kilometres of the motorhome route you will make a big loop through the North of Scotland. You would drive just over 500 miles and that is where the route gets its name from! It will take around 5 to 7 days by campervan, but if you want to enjoy the scenery for longer, that's also possible. Get ready for some of Scotland's finest lochs, historic castles, impressive coastal scenery and quintessentially British country roads. These are the highlights to visit when travelling the North Coast 500 by motorhome.

North Coast 500 motorhome

John o’Groats

The village of John o'Groats is located at the northernmost tip of Great Britain. Here you can take a nice walk along the extensive coastline. The origin of the name of the village is also interesting. The village is named after the Dutchman John the Great. He was granted the right by King James IV to sail between present-day John o'Groats and Orkney. Over the years, Jan de Groot started developing the area and the place was named after him. Today, you can still visit Orkney from John o'Groats. If you have the time to do so during your motorhome road trip on the North Coast 500, this is also highly recommended. The Orkney Islands consist of around 200 islands, of which Orkney is the largest. You can spot wild whales and dolphins, but the island is particularly known for its puffins. The nickname for this bird species is also 'colourful clown'. You have the best chance of spotting the animals from the end of April to August. The old capital of Orkney, Kirkwall, is also worth a visit. Here, you will find a cathedral from the time of the Vikings, a cosy harbour where you can enjoy fresh fish and a distillery where you can taste Scottish gin.

The most beautiful waterfalls along this motorhome route

Falls of Measach The 'Falls of Measach' is a 46-metre-high waterfall that is also worth a visit during your campervan journey. From the suspension bridge over the Corrieshalloch Gorge, you have a magnificent view of this natural beauty! The suspension bridge can be reached by walking through the beautiful forests. The best time to visit the falls is when you're in the Ullapool or Braemore area. The Fairy Glen Falls At the Fairy Glen Falls, a spring was once decorated with flowers so that fairies would keep the water clean. The two waterfalls now stand out in a beautiful wooded setting. You can reach the falls after a walk through the green surroundings from Rosemarkie. Eas A'Chual Aluinn This waterfall is the largest in Britain. You can visit it when you are between Lochinver and Kylesku. You can also take a boat trip from the Kylesku Hotel across Loch Bach. Then you get the chance to admire the waterfall from the water. Clashnessie Falls Clashnessie Falls is just a stone's throw away from Clashnessie. From Clashnessie Bay, you can walk to the waterfall and admire the natural spectacle cascading down from a height of 15 metres.

Durness is a walker's paradise to visit on a campervan tour of Scotland. Here, you'll find plenty of high cliffs, beautiful mountain valleys and rugged mountains. There are also some challenging hikes that are for advanced hikers, so check the level before you set off! The most famous place of interest near Durness is Smoo Cave. This cave is special because of the way it was formed. One part of the cave was carved by the sea and another part was created by a freshwater stream, something that rarely happens. It is also the largest cave in Britain. The cave is home to many legends, for example, you could travel to the world of the fairies via the cave. The entrance to the cave can be reached on a circular walk from Durness. You can walk along a wooden path to the waterfall that the cave contains. Alternatively, you can take a geological tour to go deeper into the cave and learn about its formation.

North Coast 500 motorhome

The most beautiful beaches to visit by motorhome on the North Coast 500

Inchnadamph.

North Coast 500 motorhome

The most beautiful castles to visit by motorhome on the North Coast 500

North Coast 500 motorhome

Complete list: motorhome stopovers along the North Coast 500

Wild camping is allowed in Scotland. However, there are a number of rules, such as you may not leave any tracks after your stay. When in doubt, always ask the landowner if it is allowed. More information can be found on the website of the Scottish Outdoor Access Code . Of course, there are also camper van sites along the route. Below is a complete list of motorhome sites along the North Coast 500. Helmsdale Harbour | Helmsdale Dunnet Bay Club Site | Dunnet Sango Sands Oasis | Durness Balchrick Campsite | Balchrick Scourie Campsite | Scourie Kylesku Campsite | Kylesku Ardmair Point Campsite | Ardmair Dundonnell Campsite | Dundonnell Campervan site Kalnakill | Kalnakill

Visit even more beautiful locations on your motorhome trip to the UK. These 7 locations , including Scotland's Cairngorms National Park and England's Cotswolds, are among the highlights.

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Storms Snarl Memorial Day Travel After at Least 23 Killed

The weather disrupted flights at airports from Atlanta to Boston on Monday after powerful winds and rain battered towns across the South over the weekend.

Severe Storms and Tornadoes Cause Destruction in Several States

Severe weather hit several parts of the united states over the weekend, killing more than 20 people and leaving hundreds of thousands without power..

[NO SPEECH]

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By Katie Benner and Ernesto Londoño

Follow our updated coverage of Tuesday’s severe weather here .

Severe weather stretching across the Midwest and East Coast on Monday disrupted plans for millions of Americans trying to make it home after a busy weekend that was expected to break records for Memorial Day travel. The disruptions followed storms and tornadoes that killed at least 23 people in the South and left hundreds of thousands without power.

Flights at airports from Atlanta to Boston experienced ground delays and stops as severe weather, including heavy rain and potentially damaging wind and hail, moved into much of the Eastern United States on Monday afternoon and evening.

Parts of New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania were under severe storm watches through late Monday, and a tornado watch was issued for an area from northern Maryland through eastern North Carolina, including Washington, D.C. Heat and more thunderstorms were forecast for Texas and the Southern Plains on Tuesday, including possible hail and strong winds.

Officials with the Federal Aviation Administration said that they had worked with the airlines to plan for the expected weather disruptions over the Memorial Day weekend. On Friday, 2.9 million people were screened at U.S. airports , the Transportation Security Administration said — a single-day record.

By midday on Monday, La Guardia Airport in New York City had reported average ground delays of 100 minutes. Flights were also delayed at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the busiest in the world. And ground stops and major delays were reported or expected at airports in Chicago, Virginia, Baltimore, Washington, Philadelphia and Cleveland because of the storms, according to the F.A.A.

In Kentucky, Gov. Andy Beshear declared a state of emergency on Monday morning after four people were killed over the weekend. On Monday afternoon, Gov. Beshear announced a fifth storm-related death in the state, a person who died from a heart attack while cutting fallen trees. More than 150,000 customers in the state were without power at midday after damaging winds.

Elsewhere, a tornado left at least seven people dead in North Texas, including two children ages 2 and 5. Eight people were killed in Arkansas, and two died in Oklahoma as severe storms swept through the region, flattening hundreds of buildings and blowing away homes. And severe thunderstorms in Virginia resulted in at least one fatality, officials said.

Share of customers without power

Thousands of others in the South and the Midwest were without power on Monday, according to the tracking site poweroutage.us .

Later on Monday, severe thunderstorms were expected from Texas to New York, the National Weather Service’s Storm Prediction Center said . Flash flooding was possible from Maryland to the Catskill Mountains in New York, the Weather Service said , and tornadoes were possible in the Mid-Atlantic region.

Forecast risk of severe storms for Monday

The system was the latest to pummel the region over the past few days. Five people were killed and part of a city was obliterated in Iowa last week after a powerful tornado hit.

President Biden issued a statement of condolence to those affected by the storms, and he thanked emergency responders for their work.

“Jill and I are praying for those who tragically lost their lives as a result of devastating tornadoes that tore through Texas, Arkansas and Oklahoma, leveling entire communities and leaving a path of destruction in their wake,” Mr. Biden said.

Mr. Biden said that the federal government was “ready to provide support as needed.” He noted that the Memorial Day holiday storms came just weeks after counties in the Midwest and South were recovering from severe weather.

On Sunday, severe thunderstorms in Howell County, Mo., produced hail the size of baseballs and tornadoes that downed trees and damaged homes near the town of Mountain View, said Kelsey Angle, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Springfield.

An overhead view of debris scattered across a parking lot, with a brown pickup in the lower right-hand corner.

In Kentucky, Governor Beshear deployed the National Guard to help state forestry workers clear downed trees and dangerous debris. He activated the state’s price-gouging statute to prevent price increases on necessary supplies, and said he believed that the state would qualify for public assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Emergency workers have reported high water, fallen trees and other dangerous conditions in about a third of Kentucky’s 120 counties, mostly in the western part of the state, Jim Gray, the Kentucky transportation secretary, said at a news conference. The storms also impacted nearly 100 state highways.

In Texas, Governor Greg Abbott s igned a severe weather disaster declaration that covered 106 counties. Officials estimate that nearly 100 people were injured over the weekend, more than 200 homes were destroyed and over 220 buildings were damaged.

Johnny Diaz and Mike Ives contributed reporting.

Katie Benner is a correspondent writing primarily about large institutions that shape American life. More about Katie Benner

Ernesto Londoño is a Times reporter based in Minnesota, covering news in the Midwest and drug use and counternarcotics policy. More about Ernesto Londoño

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The Complete North Coast 500 Motorhome Guide

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As one of the UK’s most popular regions for summer road trips, the North Coast 500 has become a household name and bucket list activity any adventure-seeker. Winding along the dramatic coastline of the north-most highlands of Scotland, this road trip has a little bit of everything, from beautiful wildlife to fascinating history, and of course plenty of stunning views of the ancient Scottish landscape.

This North Coast 500 motorhome guide will help you to navigate the winding and slightly intimidating roads of northern Scotland, containing all of the information you need to know to plan a smooth and enjoyable motorhome road trip in Scotland. 

Don’t stress about your trip! Plan your road trip in detail with this in-depth and relatable NC500 travel guide , including all of the motorhome facilities, best campsites, and over 100 of the top attractions.

No time to read now? No problem, save a pin to your Pinterest board for later!

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Want to see more travel guides? Follow us on Youtube by clicking here

All of the information contained is also relevant for all sizes of campervans, as well as tent-campers.  The list below is a brief summary of the information in this article, so read on to find out more.

Table of Contents

 rent your motorhome here, choosing your motorhome for the nc500.

One of the most frequently asked questions we get asked about the NC500 road trip is “What is the best type of van for the road trip?”. This is a very common concern for visitors to the northern end of the UK, due to the famously narrow and winding roads that can be found here. 

The size and style of your motorhome is, therefore, a very important factor to consider before deciding on which van is the one for you. 

view from the glen docherty view point

Renting a Motorhome for the NC500

For those wanderers that are undecided on whether the vanlife is for them, or for anyone just wanting to give it a go, renting a motorhome is a hugely popular choice. There are a lot of different options to choose from when it comes to rental companies, so we have listed below a few of the most popular.

–  Spaceship Campervans

–  Bunk Campers

–  Highland Campervans

us and our motorhome with mountains in the backdrop

Best Size of Motorhome for the NC500

bealach na ba

How Long Does it Take to Drive the NC500 in a Motorhome?

dramatic landscape of tall mountains

Planning Your Trip

We use the below booking platforms to plan our trips. We hope you find them useful too! 

🏩 Book your Hotel stay here

🏩 or book a hostel here, 🔒 protect your trip with travel insurance, 🎟️ plan your activities, ✈️ book your flight, 🚕 need an airport taxi, 🚌 take a bus, 🚂 check out the train options, 🚗 need to rent a car, 🚐 plan a campervan roadtrip, tips for driving a motorhome on the nc500.

Driving the North Coast 500 in a motorhome is a fantastic way to see the best sights on the NC500 road trip. In our opinion, it is the best, giving you the freedom to move around as you please and not be bound to a timescale whilst also having all your belongings with you everywhere you go, perfect for Scotland’s changing weather! 

Take Your Time

Keep in mind that motorhomes are large vehicles carrying a lot of weight. The NC500 has many single track roads where you will find yourself breaking often and pulling into passing places. You will also notice a number of cattle grids around the route as you share the road with wild animals. Look out for sheep, deer and even highland cows when you are driving in Scotland.

Dispose of Your Waste Responsibly

The best way to dispose of your black and grey water is at a named facility or a campsite. There are many great  campsites on the NC500  that will allow you to pay a small fee, usually £5-£8, to dispose of your waste in their tanks and fill up with fresh water. If you are  wild camping around the NC500 , this is the best way to do it to make sure you are  camping responsibly .

park up nearby loch maree

Pull in to Allow Overtaking if Necessary

We don’t always want to drive at the speed limit in a motorhome, whether that’s because of the size of the vehicle or because you are soaking up the scenery on route. If you see a number of cars behind you, pull in and let them overtake as the chances are, they will try to at some point anyway. Pulling in at the next opportunity makes this safer for everyone.

Plan Ahead for Campsites

In Summer, campsites on the NC500 are extremely busy and will need to be booked far in advance. It is also worth noting, with the number of vans on the road, wild camping spots can also be few and far between come evening time as everyone is parked up. Have some back up camp spots that you can go to if you’re first one isn’t a success.

hints of aurora above our van at loch maree

Facilities for Motorhomes Along the Route

Over the years, the North Coast 500 route has become more and more accommodating to motorhomes and campervans. The last few years has seen a huge increase in the number of facilities aimed at motorhomes all across route, such as waste disposal points, water access points, and even free overnight stays.

Listed below are all of the motorhome facility points that you can find across the route

Water Points

  • Inverness Old Ticket Office
  • Tore Service Station
  • Dochgarroch Lock
  • Morrisons Invergordon
  • Balintore Harbour
  • Asda Garage Tain
  • Falls of Shin
  • Helmsdale Harbour
  • Lairg Filling Station
  • Lybster Harbour
  • Bridgend Filling Station
  • Blairmore Public Toilets
  • Kinlochbervie Harbour
  • Scourie Filling Station
  • Lochinver Leisure Centre
  • Gairloch Harbour
  • Torridon Public Toilets
  • Shieldaig Public Toilets

Chemical Disposal Points

  • Beauly Holiday Park
  • Falls of Shin Visitor Centre

balnakeil motorhome park up

Best Motorhome Parkups on NC500

The most incredible thing about Scotland might just be the freedom that we can all enjoy to explore where we want. This is all because of a little bit of law called the Land Reform Act, which provides statutory public access to land across the country, opening up so many possibilities for exploration in the wilderness of the north. 

This act does not include motor vehicles and refers more to travel and exploration by foot, including camping with a tent in remote areas . However, due to the incredible size and remoteness of the highlands of Scotland, you will be spoiled for choice when it comes to motorhome wild camping spots.

In order to ensure we will be able to continue to enjoy these liberties for years to come, it is important that we follow the guidelines for wild camping set in place when it comes to enjoying the wild. 

These guidelines are as below.

  • Only camp where it is acceptable
  • Do not disturb the surrounding area and respect the locals. Remember you are their guest, act as such.
  • When you leave the area make sure you leave nothing but footprints and take nothing but memories! This is the biggest crime you can do when wild camping and is the main reason it is becoming illegal.
  • Bury your waste (including the toilet paper, or carry a bag to dispose of it in). Don’t leave your business lying around.
  • Do not overstay your welcome. Arriving after dark and leaving before light will ensure that people can continue to use these areas without complaints.

tarbat ness lighthouse

Motorhome Parkups on the Black Isle

  • Munlochy Bay Viewpoint
  • Munlochy Clootie Well
  • Jemimaville Car Park

Motorhome Parkups in Easter Ross

  • Fyrish Monument car park
  • Crawl park, Alness
  • Alness Yacht Club
  • Balintore car park
  • Tarbat Ness Lighthouse
  • Black Water Falls car park
  • Rogie Falls car park

Motorhome Parkups in Southeast Sutherland

  • Ferry Road car park, Golspie
  • River Brora car park

Motorhome Parkups in Caithness

  • Dunbeath Harbour
  • Wick Harbour
  • Castle Sinclair and Girnigoe
  • Reiss Sands Golf Course
  • Keiss Town Centre
  • John O’Groats Visitor Centre car park

Motorhome Parkups in Northwest Sutherland

  • Strathy Bay viewpoint
  • Loch Craggie viewpoint
  • Tongue causeway
  • Ceannabeine Beach car park
  • Balnakeil overnight stopover
  • Sandwood Bay car park
  • Assynt viewpoint
  • Kylesku Bridge car park
  • Lochinver town centre
  • Knockan Crag Nature Reserve
  • Ullapool town centre

Motorhome Parkups in Wester Ross

  • Little Loch Broom car parks 
  • Gruinard Bay car park
  • Gairloch view point
  • Loch Badan Sgalaig car park
  • Victoria Falls car park
  • Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve
  • Glen Docherty view point
  • Beinn Alligin car park
  • Applecross Bay

North Coast 500 Motorhome Itineraries 

Although it is the most exciting part of the trip preparation, planning your route can also be the most difficult. With so many amazing, beautiful, and fascinating spots to visit on the NC500 , trying to squeeze it all into just a couple of weeks can seem like an impossible task. 

Having spent over three months on the north coast route, we have managed to refine all of the sights and activities down into the main ones that we think you simply cannot miss. 

Plan your trip in detail with our in-depth 7-day North Coast 500 itinerary.

Five Day North Coast 500 Motorhome Itinerary

With only 5 days to drive the entire 516-mile route of the NC500, the main focus is going to be on the picturesque western coast of the route. Start the day off early in Inverness, heading directly north through the Black Isle, Easter Ross, and into the wilderness of Southeast Sutherland.  

Day One – Start off the day with a hot chocolate to remember at Cocoa Mountain in Dornoch, enjoyed with a relaxing walk along the beautiful stretch of golden sand that is Dornoch Beach . From here, head north to the fairytale fortress of Dunrobin Castle and enjoy either a guided tour of the inside of the castle or a simple stroll through the gardens below.  

After exploring this castle, it is time to head into the northern region of Caithness, stopping off for a quick climb down the stunning Whaligoe Steps to the isolated harbour at the bottom. Continue north onto the ancient ruins of Castle Sinclair and Girnigoe to enjoy a wander through one of Scotland’s most impressive castle ruins.

To finish off the first day on the route, what better place is there than the most northeasterly point of the British mainland, John O’Groats . Here is the best place to spend the night, either on the campsite, or in one of the local hotels, enjoying the stunning view of the islands and open ocean to the north as the sun paints the sky a golden colour to the west.  

The remains of a boat winch at the Whaligoe Harbour

Day Two – Heading over the hills to the east of the Duncansby Lighthouse , kick off the second day with an incredible view of the Duncansby Stacks (best enjoyed at sunrise). From here it is time to turn west along the northern coast, through the northern town of Thurso, and out towards Strathy Point Lighthouse . Pull into the Strathy Beach parking lot for a quick glance at the stunning beach that lies below, sheltered by the surrounding cliffs, before you continue on to the lighthouse itself.

The next stop lies far to the west, back into the northwestern reach of the region of Sutherland. As you wind your way along the narrow road towards the town of Tongue , keep your eyes peeled to the coastline below on your right for the secluded and secretive Coldbackie Beach . Take your time as you head down the hill onto the beach and enjoy the isolation that the high sand dunes provide from the road that winds around the cliff edge high above.

Cross over the Kyle of Tongue Causeway and continue west soaking up the stunning views of the mountains and lochs that are dotted along the route until you reach the town of Durness . Check into the campsite overlooking Sango Sands beach, or into a hotel in the local village and relax after another busy day on the route.

coldbackie beach drone

Day Three – Turning south, it is time to move onto the most impressive section of the NC500 route. The first stop on the western coast lies far to the south at the small harbour of Tarbet , where you can catch a rib across to the beautiful refuge of Handa Island . Exploring this island will take a couple of hours and the last boat to reach the island leaves just after lunch, so make sure to leave early.

Crossing the iconic Kylesku Bridge and admiring the stunning backdrop of the region of Assynt, the journey continues southwards to the central hub of Ullapool . Stop off at the Knockan Crag Nature Reserve to learn about the fascinating geological phenomenon that this part of the world has on display, before driving to the town of Ullapool to spend the night.

kylesku bridge 1

If you are looking for a good bag for your time exploring the NC500, we can highly recommend the  Wandrd Bag PRVKE 41L if you are carrying camera equipment on your adventure. If you are looking for a smaller backpack,  The Nest by Tropicfeel is one of the most comfortable bags I have ever owned and perfect for day trips exploring the highlands.

Day Four – Begin the day nice and early with a stunning view of the town of Ullapool from the top of Ullapool Hill at sunrise before you make your way south along Loch Broom . Stop off at the unmissable Corrieshalloch Gorge to marvel at the tumbling cascade of the Falls of Measach and enjoy the view from the viewing platform at the end of the gorge.

As you make your way south, park up at the viewpoint overlooking Little Loch Broom , famous for its part in the movie “Shell”, with beautiful views of the loch to the east and the open ocean to the west. This region of Wester Ross mostly comprises of small and cute harbour towns, so make your way south and pay a visit to a few, Poolewe and Gairloch being the top recommendations.

The last two stops of the day sit on the southern coast of Loch Maree , where you can find the beautiful Victoria Falls and the fascinating Beinn Eighe NNR Centre . At the southern end of the loch lies the small town of Kinlochewe , a fantastic place to rest your head for the night.

victoria falls

Day Five – The fifth and final day of the road trip continues southwest through the Torridon Pass , stopping off at the cute town of Shieldaig , before moving onto the small town of Applecross . If you are a confident driver in a small car then you can reach this via the nailbiting Bealach na Ba pass . However, if you have a larger vehicle it can be reached via the picturesque and winding coastal road along the north of the Applecross Peninsula.

Either way, the final destination at Applecross is worth the journey, sitting at the edge of the mainland and looking across the sea to Skye . Pay a visit to the Applecross Inn for a hot meal and possibly some live entertainment, before either staying the night in Applecross or beginning the journey back to Inverness to round up your NC500 road trip.

milky way above our motorhome Ellie

Seven Day North Coast 500 Motorhome Itinerary

Spending an entire week on the northern route allows for a slower and more relaxed pace, with a couple of days spent in locations unique to this part of the world. This is the most popular length of time to explore the North Coast 500.

Day One – The first day of the trip can be spent exploring the city centre of Inverness, soaking up the culture you begin your journey north to Dornoch . Visit the Inverness Castle and the Museum and Art Gallery , and learn about the history of the region and the different cultures it has been host to over the centuries.  

Enjoy a walk along the River Ness to the secluded Ness Islands and take in the beautiful serenity of nature that can be found not far from the centre of this northern capital. If you want to learn more about the history of the city, tour buses give an excellent overview of Inverness and the surrounding area, a perfect way to get to know the history of Scotland before you begin your road trip.

Before you leave the city, be sure to spend some time exploring the high street and stocking up on souvenirs and essential supplies before you head northwards.  

Spend the night here in the city itself or further north in the small town of Dornoch . Either way, be sure to explore the local area and enjoy the bars and restaurants that the area has to offer.

Inverness castle

Day Two – Start off the day with a luxurious hot chocolate from the Cocoa Mountain Cafe in Dornoch and stretch your legs on the endless golden sands of Dornoch Beach .

Turning your attention west, head inland to witness the natural phenomenon of the leaping salmon at the Falls of Shin . Here you can see the spectacular migration of salmon making their way up the insane heights of the waterfalls, as they head inland to breed. 

Continuing north, the next stop is at the beautiful Dunrobin Castle , one of the most picturesque castles in Scotland. Towering over the splendid gardens that sit at the back of the castle, it is possible to either enjoy a guided tour of the interior or simply wander through the gardens and soak up the peace and tranquility there.

The famous Brora Sands sits another 25 minutes further north of Dunrobin Castle and is well worth a stop. The beautiful, white-sand beaches stretch along the coast for miles and the town is small and quaint. Cows wander around the shoreside golf course and offer the perfect photo opp if you like cute animals.

Our next stop is one of our highlights of the trip, the Whaligoe Steps . This staircase has been built into the vertical drop of the Whaligoe slate cliffs and provides a stunning view below. The Whaligoe Steps are a series of limestone steps leading down the 250ft cliffside to a sheltered harbour area below.

Just 15 minutes on from Whaligoe, the next stop is at Castle Wick . This castle ruin sits on an outcrop of land from the surrounding cliffs, with perilous drops on either side. The Castle of Old Wick is believed to date back to the 12th century. However, all that remains today is the towering ruins of the 4-storey tower.

Further on towards the end of the world you’ll find the rather impressive remains of Castle Sinclair and Girnigoe . This is definitely the most awe-inspiring castle ruin we have ever visited. If you are a Game of Thrones fan you do NOT want to miss this!

Finish off the day at the northern point of John O’Groats and relax in the one of the bars or restaurants with a stunning view of the ocean.

The famous John O'Groats signpost

DON’T FORGET

Your trip to Scotland will be a lot more comfortable with a midge net and midge spray . These little biting bugs can be enough to ruin a trip if you don’t have the equipment to protect yourself from them. A repelling candle can also be helpful if you are sitting oustide.

Check out the prices of them here.

Day Three – Start the day off nice and early with a sunrise view over the incredible sea columns known as the Duncansby Stacks . Sitting 60m above the unforgiving swells of the North Sea, these sea stacks are a testiment to the unbelievable power of nature in this ancient part of the world.

From here, head back into John O’Groats for a quick photo with the iconic signpost before turning west along the northern coast. Not too far away sits the beautiful stretch of sand known as Dunnet Bay , a crescent moon-shaped beach that spans some 1000m along the north coast.

Next up, visit the nearby Castle of Mey and enjoy a tour of the splendid interior of the castle that dates back to the 16th-century and was a set of the hit Netflix show, The Crown.

Further along the coast, on the border between Caithness and Sutherland, the small cove known as Puffin Cove is a slightly tricky walk from the main road. However, the final destination is worth the effort. Puffin Cove is one of the more undiscovered sights on the NC500 that is definitely worth a visit.

Rounding off the third day on the route, the sliver of land home to the Strathy Point Lighthouse is a fantastic place to marvel at the sunset on the northern coast.

Facing directly west, watch as the sun sets into the ocean before heading for your bed for the night, another long day to look forward to tomorrow.

puffin cove from above

Day Four – If seeing another sunrise is on the cards, the nearby vantage point of Strathy Beach is the place to view it. Perched high above the beach itself, the car park delivers incredible views of the bay and the surrounding cliffs.

The road trip continues to head westward towards the northern coast, along winding roads and between towering giants. As you drive along the coastal road, the sea far below to the right, keep your eyes peeled for the isolated paradise of Coldbackie Beach , hidden from view by the guarding sand dunes around it. This beach is one of the most secluded and beautiful on the route, sitting only a few hundred metres from the main road and yet undiscovered by most. The near-vertical path leading down to it puts off most visitors, however, it is actually easier than you think to get down.

Continuing on through the town of Tongue , the next stop sits on the horizon to the south, overlooking the Kyle of Tongue. Castle Varich sits high atop a hill, proud and defiant against the dramatic backdrop of mountains. The trek to this ruin is short and easy, and the views from the castle of the bay below are simply incredible.

Back onto the road and across the causeway leading away from Tongue , the next stop sits in the town of Durness and is one of the most fascinating on the trip. The ancient Smoo Cave dates back to the time of the Vikings and has been the discovery point of many artifacts suggesting their residence in this cave. Tours run through the cave system and give an incredible insight into the history of this area.

There are a few beaches in this area that are beautiful to behold, from the dramatic cliffs over Ceannabeine Beach to the golden Sango Sands and Balnakeil Beach , these beaches are all a perfect place to relax and enjoy the view. If you are looking for a place to spend the night, the Sango Sands Oasis is an award-winning campsite overlooking the beach.

sango sands

Day Five – The next day the route turns southwards, leaving behind the north and introducing you to the rugged wilderness of the famous western coast. Explore the winding roads along the northern coast of Loch Inchard , towards the town of Kinlochbervie, and wander along the beautiful Oldshoremore Beach .

The next stop lies to the south on the very western coast of Sutherland at Tarbet harbour . Here you can catch a small boat across to the nature reserve of Handa Island , a crucial nesting spot for thousands of sea birds that make their way to Scotland each and every year. Explore the island for a couple of hours and make sure you don’t miss the boat back to the mainland.

Heading southwards, the award-winning Kylesku Bridge bends the road through the seemingly impenetrable horizon of towering peaks and deep lochs, eventually leading you to the beautiful banks of Loch Assynt . Here the road turns west towards one of Scotland’s most famous and beautiful beaches, Achmelvich Bay . The torquoise water and white sand here resemble that of the Caribbean, although the water temperature, unfortunately, doesn’t.

Doubling back towards Loch Assynt , the road passes by the ruins of Castle Ardvreck , which sits on a spit of land towards the middle of the loch, and winds its way southwards through the ancient and fascinating landscape where continents collide the Knockan Crag Nature Reserve .

Depending on how much daylight is left, the one-hour hike to the Allt nan Uamh (Bone Caves) is definitely an activity that cannot be missed. Visit the ancient caves where the bones of multiple ancient predators were discovered, such as polar bears and wolves.

Continue south through the nature reserve, passing the visitor centre where you can learn about the geology of this landscape, including a discovery that revolutionised the thinking of geologists across the world.

The final stop for the day is in the harbour town of Ullapool , the perfect place to end a busy day with warming pubs, delicious restaurants, and a beautiful view of Loch Broom .

View from inside the Bone Caves.

Day Six – Start the day off early with a quick walk up Ullapool Hill , where you can enjoy panoramic views of Loch Broom and the surrounding landscape. From here, look southwards towards the first stop of the day at the deep and powerful Corrieshalloch Gorge , located at the southern end of Loch Broom .

The endless cascade of the Falls of Measach carves a deep ravine into the land, falling 46m into the Corrieshalloch Gorge . The waterfall can be viewed either from the suspension bridge that leads over it or from the viewing platform at the end of the trail that looks back towards the bridge and waterfall.

From here, continue south along the A832, winding your way between the shoulders of the giants that lie dormant in this part of Scotland, and stop off to enjoy the views from some of the harbour towns that sit along the route, such as Poolewe and Gairloch .

Driving south along Loch Maree , the beautiful Victoria Falls sits just a short walk from the car park, easily accessible by a flat, dirt path. From here, continue along the banks of Loch Maree and stop off at the Beinn Eighe Visitor Centre to learn more about the fascinating and diverse wildlife and flora that can be found around the highlands of Scotland.

As the day comes to an end, make the most of the remaining daylight by visiting the viewpoint at Glen Docherty, which looks back down the A832 towards Kinlochewe and Loch Maree , and then double back towards the town. Either spend the night here or further along the route towards Torridon .

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Day Seven – One the final day of the route, be sure to take your time as you make your way through the stunning scenery of Wester Ross, along the narrow and winding roads that navigate this region. Along the lower banks of Loch Torridon and past Loch Shieldaig , the road turns south towards Lochcarron and the final stretch of the road trip.

Your journey, however, is far from over, as this final day contains one of the most scenic and nailbiting drives yet. By taking either the direct route over the mountainous terrain of the Applecross Peninsula, known as the Bealach na Ba Pass  or by touring the longer scenic route on the northern coast, Applecross is the final destination for this trip.

Make your way around this desolate and unforgiving part of the country and take extra care on the narrow, winding, and slightly eroded roads that lead the way. Keep an eye out for wildlife on the northern route, with sheep, highland cows, and even deer inhabiting the area.

Once you reach the town of Applecross , spend some time exploring the main street and the small shops that can be found along here, or head out to the Applecross Walled Garden for a coffee and cake.

Finish the trip off with a night to remember in the cosy and welcoming Applecross Inn , with delicious food, refreshing drinks, and live entertainment.

Bealach na Ba Pass

Struggling to plan your North Coast 500 road trip?!

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Complete with all of the best sights , where to eat and stay, campervan facilities (water points and waste disposal), sample itineraries,  and and so much more , this guide is a must-have for your next trip!

Click here to read reviews on why it is the best NC500 guidebook on the market

Before You Leave on the North Coast 500

Before you head off on your trip around the NC500, there are certain things you will need to get organised to ensure a smooth trip. These include how to get around the route, including being aware of single track roads, etc., what to pack for Scotland, where to stay along the route and what travel insurance to book.

Read more planning tips for the North Coast 500 in our full guide.

How Do I Get Around the NC500?

Given the remote location of the NC500 and the majority of the sights along the route, the best way to get around this road trip is by driving. There are of course other methods that are still popular, such as cycling and hiking, however, if you have a short amount of time on the route, neither of these are very suitable.

As for public transport, the use around the NC500 is understandably difficult due to how remote each location is, however, with the increasing problem of congestion along the route, this is a good option to research if you have time. If it is something that interests you, you can read a public-formed itinerary of how to get around the NC500 by public transport over here .

If you are looking to rent a cosy, reliable, and luxurious campervan for your trip along the NC500, we highly recommend hiring through Spaceship Rentals. 

Browse the full range of vehicles on offer at Spaceship Rentals over here.

Passing Place by the Bealach na Ba Pass.

What Should I Pack for the NC500?

When it comes to packing for a trip along the NC500 there is one item of clothing that you are going to need all year round: a waterproof. It rains in Scotland on average 250 days a year, meaning that during your 7-day NC500 road trip you will probably experience at least a drizzle of rain. Due to this, the number one item on any Scotland packing list is a good waterproof jacket .

As for the rest of the year, the temperature in Scotland and the central heartlands is reasonably mild for most of the year. During the winter months, you will most likely experience snow, however, temperatures usually sit around freezing, so it is not too cold. For your reference, the average temperatures in Scotland are listed below during each season.

Spring (March, April, May) – 5-10 degrees C

Summer (June, July, August) – 15 degrees C

Autumn (September, October, November) – 5-10 degrees C

Winter (December, January, February) – 0-5 degrees C

As you can see, the weather never really gets above the teens, with anything over 25 degrees C considered a heatwave. The best way to pack for your trip to the highlands is with layers that can be added and removed as you need them. You will definitely need a hat and gloves during the colder months and will most likely need sunscreen to protect you on the long days in the open.

It is also important to stay hydrated, especially if you are out exploring in the marvellous landscape of Scotland. We use Water to Go water bottles to fill up with water from running streams when we are hiking.

For our full list of items that we pack no matter where we go in the world, check out our full packing guides over here.

Given the beautiful sights and scenery that you are no doubt going to see around Scotland, we highly recommend packing a good camera for your trip. If you want to read more about the cameras we use and why we love them, check out the link below.

You can read what else we keep in our camera bag over here.

Photography Equipment

Main Photography Camera –  Sony A7v Mirrorless Camera  and  Sony A7iii Mirrorless Camera

Microphone – Sony Mic ECM-B1M

Main Lens –  Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8

Zoom Lens –  Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8

Camera Tripod –  ZOMEI Z669C Camera Tripod

Gorilla Pod –  JOBY JB01507-BWW GorillaPod

Action Camera –  GoPro Hero 11  and  Insta 360 One RS

Drone Camera –  DJI Mavic Pro 3

Camera Bag –  Wandrd PRVKE 41L  and  The Nest by Tropicfeel

Phone Tripod –  Manfrotto MKPIXICLAMP-BK, Mini Tripod with Universal Smartphone Clamp 

Sturdy Phone Tripod & Selfie Stick –  ATUMTEK 61″ Selfie Stick Tripod, Sturdy Phone Tripod Stand with Wireless Remote

Hard Drives –  LaCie Rugged Mini, 5TB, 2.5″, Portable External Hard Drive

SSD –  SanDisk Extreme Pro 1TB Portable NVMe SSD

Travel Adapter – Worldwide Travel Adapter Universal Travel Plug with 4 USB Ports+Universal AC Socke

Where Should I Stay on the NC500?

The remoteness in the highlands of Scotland will leave you with little choice of accommodation in each location along the NC500, however, there are still enough options to choose from to ensure a comfortable trip. These are mostly in the shape of B&Bs, Airbnbs, converted cottages and other quirky accommodations.

Depending on how adventurous you are, there may be more accommodation choices than just the above, often with an even better view. Caravan and camping sites are abundant along the NC500 , drawing camping enthusiasts from all over the world. For some of the most spectacular bedside scenery along the North Coast 500, we recommend packing a tent and getting in touch with nature for the week.

As we travelled along the North Coast 500, camped in our trusty Vango tent on a mixture of campsites and wild sites. Wild camping is a fantastic way to enjoy the beauty of the highlands, however, it must be done respectfully. Read our full guide to Wild Camping if you wish to give it a go so you know everything you need to for a comfortable and sustainable trip.

camping in scotland

What is the Best Travel Insurance?

We know travel insurance is the least enjoyable thing to purchase and look at when you’re planning a trip, however, you wouldn’t want to be without it in the event that something happened. Accidents can happen anywhere and the extortionate medical bills will ruin your trip if you are not covered.

To ensure you have a stress-free trip with no worries about potential medical bills, make sure you cover yourself when you travel. We can recommend using SafetyWing , a backpacker-friendly and cheap insurance company that provides good coverage and support. It is also nomad-friendly, unlike most other insurance companies, meaning you do not need to worry about being out of your home country for too long.

Get a quote for your travel insurance right here and get covered!

So there you have it your complete North Coast 500 motorhome guide . If you have visited the NC500 recently, let us know what you thought of the sights listed above, or if you have any suggestions let us know in the comments below .

As always, sharing is caring so make sure to share this photo guide with your family and friends and inspire them to head off on their own North Coast 500 adventure. If you are planning the trip for yourself, make sure you have a look at the rest of our  Scotland content  for more inspiration to our beautiful home country.

When you set off on your own adventure, be sure to tag us in your photos on  Instagram  and we will share them with the rest of our community. In the meantime, why not follow us over there to see what we are currently up to and keep up with us on our Instagram Stories.

  • Instagram Guide to the North Coast 500 – Most Photogenic Spots
  • North Coast 500 Packing Guide – What You Will Need for the NC500
  • 7-day North Coast 500 Itinerary – FREE, Detailed and Unforgettable!

This article may contain affiliate links that provide us with a small income. For more information read our Affiliate page.

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