Camping Near Ben Nevis: Your Complete Guide
If you’re looking for campsites near Ben Nevis — or wondering where to wild camp nearby — this short and practical guide shares the very best options. It’s based on personal experience, including some of my favourite nights spent under the stars at the foot of Scotland’s highest mountain.
Written by: Lesley Stewart | August 2025
There’s nothing quite like unzipping your tent or sliding open your van door to see Ben Nevis towering above you, especially when you’ve got a hot coffee in hand and the midges haven’t noticed you yet.
One of my favourite memories from this summer was a stay at Glen Nevis Campsite, somewhere I’ve returned to more times than I can count — usually in my campervan. It’s become one of my go-to Highland bases for everything from pre-hike prep to post-hike recovery.
But I’ve also loved the simplicity of a wild night under canvas, waking up on the mountain with the sun rising over the Lochaber hills.
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Home to soaring summits and mountain ranges, outdoor capital Fort William is prime for getting outdoors — and combining a camping trip with a hike on Scotland’s highest summit is the perfect adventure!
Whether you're a seasoned camper or just want to pitch up for one night before your climb, this guide will help you choose the right spot.
Your Guide To Camping Near Ben Nevis
Let’s start with the options closest to the mountain itself. There are four main ways to camp in and around Glen Nevis:
Wild camping on Ben Nevis (tent-only)
Wild parking in Glen Nevis (for vans and motorhomes)
Ben Nevis Overnight Parking (motorhome field, no amenities)
Glen Nevis Campsite (tents, campervans, pods, full facilities)
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>> Read next: The Complete Guide To Hiking Ben Nevis
Glen Nevis campsite
My top recommendation? Glen Nevis Campsite — easily the best-located campsite near the mountain. Set in the heart of Glen Nevis, it sits right at the foot of the Mountain Track. If you want to roll out of bed and be hiking in under ten minutes, this is the one.
There are glamping pods, plenty of space for tents, and dedicated pitches for campervans, all surrounded by the dramatic scenery of the Glen.
The facilities are genuinely excellent:
Clean, hot showers and modern toilet blocks
Laundry room and service point
A brilliant campsite shop selling gas bottles, tent pegs, maps, and all the essentials — and surprisingly good deli-style food: Scottish cheeses, local meats, pastries, and more
An on-site food truck that’s definitely not your average burger van — think fresh coffee, hot rolls, porridge bowls, and delicious food in the evenings.
A traditional restaurant plus cosy, dog-friendly bar serving excellent food (the burgers are amazing) and local beers from Glean Spean Brewery.
I’ve stayed here in all seasons, and I keep coming back for the convenience, but also the community feel. You’ll spot seasoned Munro-baggers, weekend campers, West Highland Way walkers (the path passes right through), groups planning their walks to Steall Falls… and everyone’s got their own Ben Nevis story.
There’s something comforting about that, especially if you're a first-timer.
The tent fields are huge, so you’ll nearly always find space, and if you can, grab a spot with a picnic bench. Electric hook-ups are available but should be booked in advance. For campervans and motorhomes, I’d strongly recommend booking ahead during summer (it does get busy).
Local tip: Don’t confuse this with the nearby Ben Nevis Holiday Park. Despite the name, it’s 10 minutes away from the trailhead and more of a family-style holiday park with static caravans. It’s a solid fallback if Glen Nevis is full, but not quite the same experience.
Wild camping on Ben Nevis (tents)
If you’re hoping for a wilder experience, Ben Nevis has a few options — though wild camping on the mountain itself is best reserved for those who are well-prepared.
The best-known wild camping spot is at Halfway Lochan (find it in our Ben Nevis Pocket Guide) — a large, grassy plateau roughly halfway up the Mountain Track. There’s space to pitch away from the path, and the views, especially at sunset, are spectacular.
It’s exposed, so you’ll want a quality, sturdy tent that’s meant for the mountains (not a festival). Remember to pack strong pegs, guy lines, and be prepared for wind — but the sense of space and isolation is hard to beat.
Remember, wild camping is legal in Scotland, but you must follow the outdoor access code. Leave no trace, don’t light fires, and know what to do when nature calls!
Wild Camping in Glen Nevis (vans)
For campervans and motorhomes, wild camping usually means overnighting in a lay-by somewhere in Glen Nevis.
You’ll need to park responsibly: no tables or chairs outside, no awnings, and always take your waste with you. It’s a popular area, and inconsiderate behaviour puts pressure on both the local environment and community.
That said — I’ll be honest. It’s not ideal.
You’ll be parked beside a road, likely squeezed between other vehicles, and cars will start arriving from early morning. There are no facilities, and it can feel noisy and exposed. If you’ve got the option, I’d always recommend either heading into the campsite or choosing the next option.
You can also find more information in this campervan blog.
Ben Nevis Parking
A bit of a hidden gem, this small overnight parking field for campervans offers a brilliant base just five minutes from the start of the trail.
For £10 (overnight) or £20 (24 hours), you get your own grassy pitch and permission to stay. It’s quiet, locally run, and rarely full — and in the morning, you’ll wake to the sound of sheep in the nearby fields and the sight of Nevis rising behind your windscreen.
There are no on-site facilities, but for an extra £5, you can use the service point at Glen Nevis Campsite before setting up. It’s a great option for self-sufficient vans.
Wrap-Up: More Ben Nevis Resources
This post is part of a full series of guides dedicated to climbing Ben Nevis — whether you’re planning your first summit or looking to improve your next one. You’ll also find posts on how to climb Ben Nevis, where to eat nearby, how to check the weather, and what to wear on the mountain, all written to help you feel more prepared, informed, and inspired for your Highland adventure (more posts coming soon!)
Browse the full series →
