10 Top NC500 Campsites To Stay At

We have been back from our NC500 adventure for less than 4 weeks, and I would jump at the chance for us to go and do it again. If you are in the planning stage for your NC500 adventure, don’t fear, we are going to be bringing you all the top tips for your trip, starting with the best NC500 campsites to stay at.

Our visits were done over July and August, which is regarded as the busiest time of the year due to the school holidays and most of the sites we stayed at were fully booked. So one of my first tips for you is to make sure you are booking in advance if you are going in high season. Yes, it means a little bit of planning, but once you get it done, it just gives you a bit more peace of mind before you head off.

Without further ado, let’s jump into the campsites we stayed at on our trip. Some are just off the NC500 as we travelled back down south, and we have also included a round-up on key points you may want to know.

Fortrose Bay Campsite – Fortrose

Location – Our pitch was situated overlooking the water, offering a beautiful pebble beach area to stroll along. Not located far from Fortrose or Chandonry point and lighthouse, there was plenty to do in and around the campsite if you wanted to get out and explore.

Facilities – There are 2 shower blocks and toilet facilities on site, with a point for you to top up your water and dispose of grey waste. There was also a chemical disposal point. They also had a laundry point, should you need to get a refresh of clothes too.

Camping Golspie – Golspie

Location – Located on the main road into Golspie, it is not the quietest of campsites and doesn’t really have a view, but it is located within walking distance of Golspie, which has a selection of shops and places to eat. It is also within walking distance of Dunrobin Castle and Big Burns waterfall if you want to get your steps in.

Facilities – There are 2 toilets and a shower available, though the shower is paid for on usage, so bear this in mind if you plan to use it. As with most campsites, there is also the option for water, grey waste and chemical waste too.

The Croft Site – Wick

Location – Based just outside of Wick, this is one of my favourite located campsites (I may be biased here, but we managed to see dolphins and orcas thanks to a very kind local). The views here are stunning, and they allow you to just take time away from the everyday hustle and bustle of everyday life and unwind. Wick is not very far from the site and has plenty of shops, a self-serve laundrette and other conveniences you may need.

Facilities – Here, there are no showers, toilets or washing facilities, but the usual water, grey waste and chemical waste are available.

Murkle Caravan Park – Thurso

Location – This site is just outside Thurso and is on a main road through, but don’t let that put you off. We didn’t find the traffic bad at all, and it was located not far from the beautiful Murkle Bay Beach, which is a must-visit if you are staying at this campsite.

Facilities – They have men’s and women’s toilets and a shower in each, both of which were good. There is an outdoor sink, and the usual water, grey waste and chemical waste are available. There is no clothes washing or drying facilities here.

Bettyhill Caravan and Campsite – Bettyhill

Location – With stunning views over a beach, this campsite has a great location however it is located up (or down) a very steep hill so be warned. There is a little shop near by that has petrol and a post office. There is a few other places to eat too nearby if you want to try these out but we just ate in the motorhome over night.

Facilities – The facilities on this site I felt were one of the best, they were clean and spacious. With a small kitchen area to wash, use the microwave and even wash/dry your clothes.

Sango Sands Oasis – Durness

Location – What can I say about this site, it is one of the best locations on route around the NC500. Overlooking a beach, food and drink options nearby and even places to visit all within walking distance. We hit the jackpot with our pitch for the night, the views were spectacular.

Facilities – Although they may seem a little dated, you had all the facilities you need on this site. From washing your clothes, yourself and your dishes all the way to the best breakfast on the go from the breakfast bar (top points for tattie scones and black pudding, don’t miss out!). It had everything you needed to be comfortable before heading off for your next leg of the journey.

Scourie Campsite – Scourie

Location – Overlooking the coastline, you get to enjoy a beautiful view whilst enjoying some downtime on your trip. This site is well located for local views, good food and stunning sunrises and sunsets.

Facilities – This site comes with the famous Spar with a bar that gives you everything you need from a shop, with delicious hot food, freshly squeezed juice and many other things. There is also great showers, plenty of toilets and cleaning facilities that you need. Just down the road there is popular Crofters Kitchen which we will share in another post.

Ardmair Point – Ullapool

Location – This campsite is located right on the bay, overlooking the coastline from a pebble beach. It allows you to listen to the waves rolling in whilst you enjoy the local surroundings. It is just outside of Ullapool, so if you wanted to take a trip in to town, it is not too far away.

Facilities – The site has everything you need from washing facilities for you and your clothes, to a small shop with a cafe. There is also a small play area and a place to top up your van water and clean the waste.

Sands Caravan and Camping – Gairloch

Location – We were unfortunate that we got hit by Storm Floris on arrival at Sands and I have never experienced winds like it, so we never got the chance to explore the area around the caravan park. We were parked near the dunes though and a short walk over the next morning opened up to a beautiful large beach, which was empty following the storm!

Facilities – This was the largest site we stayed in but everything was still there what you needed. As well as the usuals you would expect, they have a large shop on site, a takeaway that was delicious and a cafe should you prefer to sit down somewhere a little different.

Shieldaig Campsite – Sheildaig

Location – Like with the previous campsite, this one was also unfortunately one of Storm Floris’s victims as they had no power on arrival. The campsite itself is located on the top of Sheildaig, overlooking stunning views. Just a short walk down from the campsite was a small fishing village with a pub, shop and a few other bits but all of this was closed due to the weather unfortunately.

Facilities – Although it was a small site, we can’t fault it. There was water taps on the pitches, which were a good size. Toilets and washing facilities were great and there was a place to wash clothes and dishes too. Communication through the loss of power was great too.

So there you have it, our top 10 sites to stay at if you are planning on doing the NC500. Stay tuned as we bring you more of our favourite NC500 beaches, places to eat and places to visit.