Glencoe Campsites: 3 Best Places to Camp (Tents & Campervans)
Looking for the best Glencoe campsites for your next trip? I’ve been camping in Glencoe for years, so I’ve got first-hand experience of the best campsites in this Scottish Highlands gem.
Looking for the best Glencoe campsites for an adventure trip to the Scottish Highlands?
Then this guide is going to help. I’ve been camping in Glencoe for years, both in a tent and a campervan, and know how important it is to choose the right one to make your trip the best experience it can be. That means your campsite needs to have all the essentials, whether it’s a hot shower, electricity, or a gorgeous location.
In this guide, I cover three Glencoe campsites which welcome tents and campervans, what to expect from each one, and why I think each is worth visiting.
Each Glencoe campsite on this list has excellent reviews, plus a range of facilities you really need in a campsite, so you know exactly what’s onsite before arriving.
Read to book your ultimate Glencoe camping adventure? Then let’s go.
The 3 Glencoe Campsites
There are three Glencoe campsites to choose from (which allow both tents and campervans), but each is a vastly different experience. Here’s a quick overview but you’ll find more details below:
Red Squirrel Campsite
- Wild camping experience
- Tent are scattered through the forest
- Campervan pitches are dotted amongst the trees (but no facilities)
- No electricity
- Basic showers and toilets
- Dishwashing
- Accessible by bus
Glencoe Camping & Caravanning Club
- Small site
- Mountain views
- Everyone welcome, no membership required
- Plenty of hot showers and toilets
- Drying room
- Dishwashing
- Electricity available
- Dedicated tent area
- Perfect Glencoe campervan site
Caolasnacon Campsite
- Relaxed, wilderness camping vibe
- Waterfront position
- 5-minute drive from Glencoe
- Electricity available
- Plenty of hot showers and toilets
- Dishwashing
- Large grassy area for tents and vans
- Facilities for campervans
Essential tips camping in Glencoe
Glencoe is a popular area, especially in summer and sites can fill up. Be sure to book your Glencoe camping spot in advance.
All of the Glencoe campsites are at least a 10-minute drive to the nearest shop, so stock up in advance.
In summer, midges are a problem in Glencoe. I recommend you bring midge repellent spray, a midge repel lamp for inside, and a midge net for outside.
Also make sure your tent has insect nets over the doors, like this MRS tent.
If you’re looking for Glencoe campervan sites be sure to check on facilities for vans before booking. I’ve listed the best Glencoe campervan sites below (options 2 and 3).
Best Glencoe Campsites
If you’re looking for the ultimate Scottish Highlands adventure, here’s a round up of the best Glencoe campsites:
1. Red Squirrel Campsite
Best for: wild camping experience with basic facilities.
The Red Squirrel is likely to top of the list of best Glencoe campsites for most people, because of its dedication to providing a wild camping experience - with facilities. Simply put, that means if you want to tent but also have a hot shower and a toilet nearby, then this is for you. Yes the facilities at the Red Squirrel Campsite are small and basic, but it works perfectly with the relaxed feel at the Red Squirrel.
There’s also a food truck onsite in summer, plus the Clachaig Inn is only a 15-minute walk.
Tents can pitch anywhere amongst the trees, and there’s a dedicated family area. Small campervans can also stay, with a designated area also in the forest. Although if you’re seeking a Glencoe campervan site do note there’s no facilities at Red Squirrel for vans - this is very much a tent first site.
Nearby you’ll find the Pap of Glencoe hike and Glencoe Lochan walk, with Glencoe’s other classic mountains like Buachaille Etive Mòr only a short drive through the valley.
2. Glencoe Camping & Caravanning Club
Best for: dedicated pitches and great camping facilities.
Located on the road into Glencoe, this is the best Glencoe campsite for those looking for a range of extensive and well-maintained facilities. And don’t worry about the “club” part - everyone is welcome, though it’s a little cheaper for members.
At the Glencoe Camping & Caravanning Club, you’ll find a properly good shower & toilet block, with piping hot showers and a huge area for getting ready. Everything is spotlessly clean, plus there’s a drying room for hikers to sort their walking kit.
Tents have a dedicated area and there’s the option of electricity. Whilst those looking for a Glencoe campervan site will love the spacious pitches.
From the Glencoe Camping & Caravanning Club it’s a 30-minute walk (or 5-minute drive) into Glencoe village and a short drive to the surrounding Glencoe mountains.
3. Caolasnacon Campsite
Best for: waterfront views and a relaxed feel with facilities.
This is one of the best Glencoe campsites for quintessential Highland views.
One of the most remote campsites on our list, it’s located around a 5-minute drive outside of Glencoe. But the biggest draw here is the view - Caolasnacon Campsite is located right on the water and surrounded by rolling mountains. Honestly, it’s absolutely magical.
This campsite isn’t bookable in advance, simply turn up and pick a spot to pitch your tent on a flat grassy area by the water. It’s also a perfect Glencoe campervan site, with all the necessary facilities. Be warned that though there are some pitches with electricity, they’re on a first-come-first-served basis.
Combining good shower and toilet facilities with a wilderness feel, you’ll love how relaxed this Glencoe campsite is.
Shops near The Glencoe campsites
If there’s one thing of all Glencoe campsites on this list have in common, is their considerable distance from a shop. So, be sure to stock up with food in advance. The best shop in Glencoe for food, fresh produce, and drinks is the Co-Op at the neighbouring village of Ballachulish. Find it here on Google Maps.
So, this concludes my round up of the best Glencoe campsites, for both tents and campervans.
If Glencoe camping is top of your adventure bucket list, then these sites are perfect. Each has excellent reviews and is perfectly placed for getting outdoors. Campers can choose a Glencoe campsite that meets their travel style, whether wild camping with facilities or all the mod-cons.
Plus, if you’re seeking Glencoe campervan sites, my above options have plenty of those essential facilities.
Have you been Glencoe camping? Or are you thinking about booking a site this year? I’d love to know what Glencoe campsite you chose - leave me a note in the comments below!
