10 of the Best Campsites in the Outer Hebrides
Camping in Scotland is a bucket list location for many campers - providing unbeatable views, unspoilt beauty, an abundance of wildlife, and an endless list of things to see or do. Maybe the Outer Hebrides provides the ultimate picturesque scenery and the perfect location for camping in Scotland..? The Outer Hebrides is a chain of more than 70 idyllic islands off the North West coast of the Scottish mainland. With only 15 of these islands inhabited, it is likely that you will start your holiday either in the North, on the Isle of Lewis, or slightly further South on the Island of Barra. The prospect of camping in Scotland, or vanlife in Scotland might make you consider the idea of wild camping, but often having good facilities nearby is essential especially if you are camping as a family. Many of these campsites in the Outer Hebrides we have visited ourselves, but some have been carefully researched using our extensive knowledge of camping holidays in Scotland and put together giving you Scotland’s best campsites in the Outer Hebrides.
How do you get to the Outer Hebrides?
There are several ways to get to the islands with your vehicle, or campervan. Ferries sail seven days a week during the summer months, with a reduced timetable from October to March. The most common routes are with Caledonian MacBrayne Ferries:
Alternatively, if you’d prefer to start your camping holiday in the Outer Hebrides further south on the Island of Barra, you can sail on the Caledonian MacBrayne Ferry from Oban to Castlebay, Barra. This is nearly a five hour ferry journey, but absolutely worth it. Read more about why you should definitely include Barra in your trip to the Outer Hebrides here.
What are the best campsites on the Outer Hebrides?
The campsites in the Outer Hebrides vary widely between more formal campsites with lots of facilities, to back-to-basics sites with limited facilities, however something they all have in common is the stunning location and (nearly always) stunning ocean views. You will not regret a camping holiday in the Outer Hebrides!
The hospitality from Angus and his family at this stunning campsite in Barra is unforgettable. Scurrival Campsite is situated on the North of the island and boasts spectacular views. For opening times, local events, tantalising photos and regular updates, follow them on their active Facebook page.
Situated on the west side of the Isle of Barra, with prime views of the Atlantic, this campsite is in an ideal location to pitch your tent or park your campervan whilst you explore what the island an has to offer.
Buy your Google Map guide to the Outer Hebrides here. It includes:
Campsite recommendations, overnight parking/community wild camping spots, chemical disposal points, must-see attractions and towns, beaches, hikes, food and drink recommendations, driving routes and blog post links.
Situated on the west of Barra with stunning views, Borve Camping and Caravan campsite is only two miles from Castlebay. Located next to the main, curricular road that wraps around the whole island makes it an ideal base to easily explore the Isle of Barra.
A family run campsite located on the picturesque west coast of North Uist. Located next to a beautiful white sandy beach, this campsite is in a position for exploring Uist. Horseshoe Bay is only 40m from the site entrance and is great for walking, kite surfing, swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding and watching the sunsetting. It offers plenty of space for tents and campervans, as well as a range of facilities, including a small shop selling snacks, soft drinks, ice cream, small gifts, postcards and stamps.
Located on the Isle of Lewis, this campsite is situated with stunning views of Traigh na Beirigh Bay. This community run campsite, is approximately 35 miles from the main town of Stornoway.
A back-to-basics campsite (without EHU) located on a stunning beach on the west coast of Harris. Horgabost Campsite (or sometimes referred to as Traigh Horgabost Caravan Park) is among several family-friendly campsites on the Isle of Harris.
Huisinis Campervan / Motorhome Site
This ‘campsite’ is almost too good to share. The term ‘campsite’ has been used loosely because it’s operated on a first come, first served basis and has room for only five campervans/motorhomes with EHU. However, there are also more non-electric pitches closer to the beach, along with facilities. A £15pn donation should be made via the on-site honesty box for EHU pitches, £10pn for non EHU.
The most formal campsite in the Outer Hebrides, Laxdale holiday park is a family run campsite set in peaceful tree-lined surroundings, just 1.5 miles for the town of Stornoway. Whilst the facilities are modern, the campsite manages to retain the traditional friendly atmosphere that is typical of the Islands. Stornoway is the main town of the Western Isles and with a population of around 6,953, it is by far the largest town in the Outer Hebrides, as well as the third largest island town in Scotland!
Situated on the Isle of Harris, this back-to-basics campsite offers a peaceful haven, surrounded by stunning views. Please note there is no chemical disposal point, but one can be found in nearby Tarbert.
Located at the southern end of the Hebridean island of South Uist, beside the road that runs along the south shore of the island. The campsite looks out across a small bay with white shell-sand beach and enjoys magnificent views, with its sparkling turquoise seas. There is an adjoining café, with a good range of facilities, including a washing machine and tumble dryer.
In summary, these majestic islands will be sure to captivate you and are the perfect place for your next holiday in Scotland. Surrounded with so much beauty, it would be hard not to fall in love with camping in the Outer Hebrides. If you’d like more specific information about vanlife on the Islands of Harris and Lewis, then click here, or for more information about camping on the Isle of Barra, click here.
Buy your Google Map guide to the Outer Hebrides here. It includes:
Campsite recommendations, overnight parking/ community wild camping spots, chemical disposal points, must-see attractions and towns, beaches, hikes, food and drink recommendations, driving routes and blog post links.
