Wild Camping in Scotland: Best Practice

It’s easier to answer where you can’t go camping in Scotland than where you can as the list is short due to the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. The Scottish Land Reform Act of 2003 established statutory public rights of access to land, effectively allowing access to all land (including privately owned land) to the public as long as people follow certain rules.

So Where Can’t You Go Camping?

• Don’t camp inside enclosed fields with either crops or livestock.
• Camp away from buildings, roads and historic structures.
• If camping near private homes, ask for permission first.

Camping Rules…

• Camp in small numbers.
• Don’t stay longer than 3 nights in the same location.
• Take away all of your litter.
• Use a stove rather than a fire, but if using a fire ensure it’s safe to do so and it’s contained and supervised.
• Remove evidence of your tent pitch including any fire debris.

Can You Camp on the Side of the Road in Scotland?

Legally, you can camp by the side of the road in Scotland as long as you do so responsibly and you find a suitable location. Ensure that you’re not in a passing place, parked dangerously, or blocking access. The Outdoor Access Code does stipulate you should camp away from roads, yet campervans do it all the time.

If needs must you could pitch your tent next to your car granted there’s no signage saying otherwise and you’re not restricting access. However, why would you want to? Aside from the convenience of not having to carry your equipment very far, roadside camping offers few other benefits. No privacy, road noise, lack of suitable surfaces, an absence of nature etc. We recommend checking local road traffic regulations, finding an appropriate place to park, moving away from the road for safety, and walking a bit to set up camp.

For more detailed guidance on roadside camping and responsible practices, you can refer to this article from Mountaineering Scotland.

In general, no you don’t need a permit to wild camp in Scotland due to the Outdoor Access Code. However, it is required when camping in some specific areas. You do need a permit to camp between March and September at some sites in the Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park. These spots are called Camping Management Zone and exist to protect the areas from overcrowding and damaging the natural landscape. Permits are inexpensive, available for tents and motorhomes and available to buy online. If you camp in these zones without a permit you could be fined.

Find out more

Follow the principles of Leave No Trace and you’re pretty set to be a responsible camper, however, there is more you can do whilst out and about.

• Choose Environmentally Friendly Products – sunscreen, soap, shampoo, bug spray, washing up liquid, toothpaste etc. Consider the products that you’re using out in the wild and their impact when left behind in the water and on the ground.
• Travel Together – To minimise the carbon footprint of driving to your campsite designation and also to avoid crowding limited parking options, car share to where you’re planning to camp. Even better, cycle or canoe!
• Use Reusable – A lot of things involved in camping have historically been disposable. This includes water bottles, cutlery, crockery, batteries etc. Bring a reusable bottle, reusable plates, knives, forks and batteries.
• Consider Campsites – Controversially, evaluate whether you actually need to be wild camping at all. Designated camping areas exist for a reason. Once you’ve picked your rough destination, research local campsites. There are plenty of managed campsites that still offer all the lovely things about camping but also have appropriate facilities to manage waste.