Our 5 favourite campsites along the NC500 for motorhomes & campervans

The North Coast 500 (NC500) is a breathtaking route that winds around the northern coast of Scotland, offering some of the most stunning views in the UK.

For motorhome and campervan enthusiasts, the NC500 is a dream road trip. However, with so many places to stay, choosing the right campsite can make or break the experience.

That is exactly why we’ve highlighted five of our very favourites along the route, each offering adventurers something unique and different to the last, all without sacrificing convenience or comfort.

1. Sango Sands Oasis, Durness

Situated on the dramatic cliffs of Durness, Sango Sands Oasis offers panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean. This campsite is ideal for motorhomes and campervans due to its large pitches and easy access to the beach, but also thanks to facilities like electric hook-ups, fresh water, and a motorhome waste disposal point.

Being close by to the Durness Smoo Caves and Balnakeil Beach makes it a fantastic spot to relax after a day of exploration, and to top it all off, it even has a takeaway and a local pub within walking distance too.

Why it’s the best:

• Stunning cliff-top views
• Spacious pitches ideal for motorhomes
• Direct beach access

2. Fortrose Bay Campsite, Fortrose

Fortrose Bay Campsite is a short walk from the historic seaside village of Fortrose, and is a great base to explore the rest of the Highlands. The Black Isle benefits from its own micro climate, often having better weather than other parts of Scotland.

Rosemarkie has a beautiful sandy beach, rockpools and caves and the local area is well-known for its varied wildlife. Dolphins, whales, seals and porpoises frequent Chanonry Point but also sea birds, birds of prey, deer, otters and pine martins live on the Isle.

Why it’s the best:

• One of the best places to view dolphins
• Chemical waste and grey water disposal areas
• Plenty of local restaurants, pubs and cafes

3. Scourie Caravan Park, Scourie

Scourie Caravan Park is a peaceful site situated on the west coast of Sutherland. Known for its quiet and scenic location, it provides motorhome-friendly amenities like electric hook-ups and a chemical toilet disposal point. It ticks every box.

The nearby Scourie Bay is perfect for a relaxing evening stroll or a morning dip. The site also offers excellent wildlife spotting opportunities, including sea eagles and otters if you happen to be in the right place at the right time.

Why it’s the best:

• Peaceful and scenic location
• Motorhome-friendly facilities
• Close proximity to nature and wildlife

4. Achmelvich Beach Campsite, Lochinver

Achmelvich Beach is often rated as one of the most beautiful beaches in the UK, and this campsite puts you right next to it. The site offers motorhome-specific pitches with electric hook-ups and access to fresh water, and it’s a favourite for those looking to combine a beach holiday with a road trip.

Achmelvich’s white sands and turquoise waters are hard to beat, making it a fantastic stop along the NC500 for any beach lover and it can also make a great day off the road too if you need a break along the way.

Why it’s the best:

• Walking distance to a world-class beach
• Perfect for relaxing in nature
• Large motorhome pitches with all essentials

5. John O'Groats Caravan and Camping Site, John O'Groats

Located at the northeastern tip of Scotland, John O'Groats offers motorhome and campervan travellers an unbeatable location. The site has well-maintained pitches with electric hook-ups and essential motorhome facilities.

More interestingly still, you’ll be steps away from the famous John O'Groats signpost and have easy access to boat trips to the Orkney Islands. The area is also a great spot for spotting seals and other wildlife, all thanks to your stay on the edge of the coast with views out to the horizon of the Orkney Islands and even the Pentland Firth. Truly awe-inspiring.

Why it’s the best:

• Iconic location at the tip of Scotland
• Great motorhome facilities
• Easy access to Orkney and wildlife tours

Summary

Putting it simply, the NC500 is not short of incredible places to pitch up, park up or camp for the night. It’s an incredible trail of countless things to see and places to visit along the way, and everyone likes to do it a little bit differently.

With the route being done in a minimum of two days and up to a couple of weeks, you can mix up your route however you like to make sure you get the absolute best out of the trip that you possibly can, and with a campervan or motorhome, you can do that in real luxury.