A Guide To Camping In Fife: Best Campsites, Wild Camping, Tips & More!

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Last updated on July 4, 2023 by Wandering our World

Fife is well-known for being the home of golf, but this region is also full of rich history and features authentic fishing villages, as well as stunning landscapes such as the Orchil Hills.

And it’s exactly because this region of Scotland is home to some spectacular natural scenery and so many things to do that camping in Fife is becoming more and more popular year after year.

And if you’re thinking of your own Fife camping holiday then you’re in luck!

We know this area well, so below we share with you some of the best campsites in Fife. We also give you information on wild camping in Fife, share some ideas for wild camping spots, let you know the best time to go camping in the region and more!

So read on to begin your Fife camping adventure!

CONTENTS:

  1. The Best Campsites In Fife
  2. Wild Camping In Fife
  3. Some Ideas For Wild Camping Spots
  4. The Best Time To Visit
  5. Some Of Our Favourite Walks In Fife
  6. Fun Things to Do When Camping In Fife
  7. Free Camping Game
Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/nortonrsx

The Best Campsites In Fife For Fun, Views & Adventure!

1. Silverburn Park Campsite

This campsite sits just 400 metres from the famous Fife Coastal Path, so you’ve got the best of both worlds as it’s close to the beach and coast, while also being within walking distance of Leven town centre. The town’s services, such as local restaurants and shopping facilities, make this a particularly convenient Fife camping option.

You can expect stunning woodland trails in the vicinity of this campsite too, as well as the opportunity to enjoy the serenity of being situated in the 27-acre Silverburn Park.

On top of that, this campsite has magnificent views across Leven Links Golf Course and the iconic Firth of Forth towards Berwick Law and Bass Rock.

There’s only space for four campervans and 12 tents though, so it’s best to book in advance if you want to stay here. But as an added bonus, this Fife campsite is pet friendly!

In terms of amenities, Silverburn have well-maintained toilet and showers facilities with three separate units. There is also a washing up area & recycling area.

And for socialising with your fellow campers they even have a communal fire pit with log seating – perfect for toasting marshmallows and recounting your day’s adventures!

What’s Close By

The Wellsgreen Golf Range is close by and has everything you need to practice and master your golf skills. The range has some spectacular views, while the restaurant is well known for its lovely home cooked food.

If you want some fun for the whole family then the adrenaline-packed Xtreme Indoor Trampoline Park at Glenrothes is a great potential day out too.

Whilst if you love alpacas, then why not visit Claireville Alpaca farm in nearby Leven where you can greet these funny furry animals, and even take them for a walk around the countryside! Now that’s a photo opportunity you shouldn’t pass up.

And if you want to enjoy some tranquility (but without the alpacas) then Letham Glen is a public park situated in the north-east corner of Leven. There are river and woodland walks there, as well as a play area and fitness area.

Lastly, for any Outlander fans, nearby Balgonie Castle is a must visit. In the series, it features as MacRannoch’s home, where Dougal and the MacKenzies rest before continuing on their journey. The castle tower offers some impressive views overlooking the sea, so it’s a stunning spot to visit.

Price: From £15 per night

Address: Largo Rd, Lundin Links, Leven KY8 5PU

Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/SolisImages

2. Forth House Caravan Site

This peaceful and serene adults-only touring site has wonderful countryside and coastal views. Forth House is also conveniently located by the main Upper Largo to St Andrews road (A915) which means there’s easy access to St Andrews and East Neuk.

Why’s that good news? Well St Andrews has some fantastic history and architecture to explore, as well as many services. While the East Neuk region of Fife is famous for its charming fishing villages and spectacular coastline.

This campsite is close to some award winning golf courses too – including St Andrews Links – and is a fantastic place for walkers as there’s countless footpaths and country roads in the surrounding area. Also in the immediate surroundings is the Largo Law which is part of an ancient volcano that you can now walk.

As well as pitches for motorhomes and caravans, Forth House also has pitches for tents. All the pitches are hand standing and fully serviced.

Amenities wise, Forth House Caravan Site has everything you’d usually expect like showers, toilets, and dishwashing facilities. Drinking water is also possible from a private borehole, and dogs are allowed!

What’s Close By

Nearby Charleton Golf Course has some breathtaking views over the Firth of Forth along with a challenging 18-hole parkland course. So for golf-lovers, this is absolutely a must visit. As is the world-famous St Andrews Links.

The nearby Dumbarnie Links Nature Reserve, managed by the Scottish Wildlife Trust, is a rich dune featuring grassland that offers ideal conditions for rare plants to grow. There are nearly 2000 species there, including as much as 1200 insects, and some perfect opportunities for birdwatching too.

And just a short drive away from this Fife campsite is Upper Largo Hotel & Restaurant. It’s a fantastic place for dinner thanks to their delicious homemade food.

Price: From £15 per night

Address: Forth House Caravan Site, Newburn, KY8 6JE

Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/olrat

3. Pillars of Hercules Organic Farm

Pillars of Hercules Organic Farm is situated a mile outside of Falkland near the village of Strathmiglo beside the pretty River Eden. They have a small back-to-basics campsite that’s conveniently situated at the gateway of the beautiful Falkland Estate, as well as being close to the Lomond Hills Regional Park, which is a nature reserve with stunning views, rocky outcrops and gushing waterfalls.

That makes this Fife camping option a fantastic one if you’re looking to really get back into nature and away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

As this campsite is also located on a farm you’ll get to experience life on a farm whilst camping – which can be especially fun for kids who will love the chickens! However being situated on a rural farm also means you will be further away from towns like St Andrews and all the services they have.

This is a family friendly campsite which has two spacious camping fields for campers to use – so lots of space for kids to run around, kick a ball and have fun. Only tents and small camper vans up to 6 metres in length are accepted, and no dogs are allowed.

As for facilities, there are showers and toilets available, as well as an area for washing up. They also have a farm shop selling organic produce, and a small cosy cafe which has Wifi – you can occasionally get that WiFi signal on the outside seating area too.

What’s Close By

The Lomond Hills Regional Park is a great place to visit for walks, wildlife, and picnics.

Another fun way to spend the day if you have kids is to visit Fife Zoo. It’s a small zoo situated not far from this campsite which has around 45 animals and more than 15 species – some even from continents like Africa and South America!

Price: £10 per adult (children are free)

Address: Falkland, Cupar KY15 7AD

Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/West

4. Sauchope Links Park

Sauchope Links Park is situated right on the coast by the beautiful fishing village of Crail, which has a few shops and restaurants to try out. Also, just twenty minutes away is the lively town of St Andrews with its beaches, many shops, and world-class golf opportunities.

In our opinion staying at Sauchope will give you one of the best opportunities in Fife to enjoy coastal walks and seaside scenery. The region also offers the possibility for sailing, kayaking, canoeing, kitesurfing and windsurfing. So, there’s lot of activities to choose from. Whilst on-site there’s even a heated swimming pool and indoor games room!

The site offers holiday caravans, glamping domes, and limited touring caravan pitches. Luxury holiday lodges are also available and each has a private hot tub with patio.

On top of all that, the facilities are excellent. There’s well maintained toilet and shower facilities, as well as a washing up and laundry block.

As we mentioned there’s a heated swimming pool during the summer months, weather permitting. And kids will enjoy the outdoor play area and indoor games room which has table football and a pool table.

What’s Close By

With world-class golf courses nearby, this campsite is especially for golf enthusiasts. Crail Golfing Society is just a stone’s throw away too, and offers some stunning landscapes along with golfing.

The Isle of May is nearby, and is a national sanctuary for seabirds and one of the best places to see Scottish birdlife.

Address: Sauchope Cres, Anstruther KY10 3XJ

Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/Apicha Thumvisead

5. St Andrews Holiday Estate

St Andrews Holiday Estate is a campsite located in Strathkinnes beside St Andrews. This estate has some stunning countryside and sea views which overlook the Old Course in St Andrews – considering by many to be the home of golf.

The village of Strathkinnes is a quaint location to be based in too, and there is a pub with a restaurant there. And for a wider selection of shops, pubs and restaurants, you can make the short trip to neighbouring St Andrews.

At this campsite you can expect a relaxed and tranquil atmosphere in a spot that’s wonderful for just simply pausing and enjoying the peace and quiet of nature. Especially as the nearby Eden Estuary is perfect for bird watching.

There are a total of 45 pitches for tents, caravans and motorhomes. In terms of facilities, you’ll find heated toilet and shower blocks here, a kitchen area, and facilities for baby changing. There is also a play park and football pitch for kids to enjoy.

What’s Close By

St Andrews Botanic Garden is a beautiful place in the heart of historic St Andrews that is well worth visiting. It has around 8000 species of plants from around the globe. There’s also a natural play area and seasonal activity trails for the whole family to enjoy.

Nearby St Andrews Aquarium is pretty special too as it’s Scotland’s only family owned aquarium. Kids will love to roam around and admire the hundreds of fish, but the fun never ends as there are even more species to spot, such as penguins, marmosets, and seals. Who wouldn’t find those adorable, right?

For history-lovers, head to St Andrews Castle, a ruin located right on the coast. The castle is stunning as it sits on a rocky promontory and even has a small beach beside it called Castle Sands.

Lastly, St Andrews West Sands Beach is around a 15-minute walk from the town centre, and despite being in Scotland this beach is actually one of the sunniest and driest places in Britain! It’s also a fantastic place to take long walks and admire some spectacular sunrises and sunsets.

Address: Kinkell Braes, St Andrews KY16 8PX

Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/bokan76

Wild Camping In Fife: Everything You Need to Know!

DISCLAIMER: Below we give general advice, but we always recommend staying in an official campsite. If you choose to go wild camping/dispersed camping, then make sure you do so with someone who already knows the area where you’re planning on camping for your own safety.

Thankfully wild camping is permitted and legal in Fife thanks to Scotland’s Right to Roam Act. However, campers must “tread lightly” and respect a few guidelines when wild camping in Fife. Those include:

  • You should camp away from enclosed fields, and pitch your tent away from buildings, roads, paths, and historic structures.

  • Campers should be vigilant to avoid disturbing wildlife such as deer, eagles, and grouse.

  • When wild camping in Fife, it’s best not to light fires as you could damage the environment. Instead it may be worth looking at using a stove or storm cooker – but check local laws first to see if they’re allowed. The Swedish brand Trangia make great camping storm cookers that are safe and virtually indestructible.

  • Take any rubbish with you, and leave your camping spot exactly the way you found it.

The Right to Roam Act gives you access to much of Scotland’s land and inland water, as long as it does not encroach on someone’s privacy or private land. Do be careful of peat and bogland, as these areas can be dangerous and it is possible to get stuck and sink into them.

Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/Eshma

Here is a list of what the Right to Roam Act doesn’t give you access to, and therefore what you should avoid when wild camping in Fife:

Where You Must Avoid:

  • Walking in and going through buildings. An exception would be bothies – small rural huts that can be used by walkers and hikers – see a list of bothies and where they are by clicking here.
  • Land clearly attached to a building (private garden, backyard).
  • Sports fields.
  • Schools and school land.
  • Building sites.
  • Quarries.
Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/Ashley-Belle Burns

Ideas For Wild Camping Spots In Fife

DISCLAIMER: The below wild camping spots have been collected from anecdotal accounts, so proceed with caution. You should always be wary of any potential dangers in a region (quarries, bogs, dangerous paths and so on) and should wild camp with someone who knows that specific area well.

Of course one of the best parts about wild camping in Fife is finding your own special spot to pitch your tent for the night. That’s part of the fun of wild camping!

However, if you’re looking for a little inspiration, then below are some potential wild camping spots in Fife. Just make sure your tent is midge proof as these little biting flies can be a real pain!

As always, if you are unfamiliar with an area – or it’s your first time visiting – then be careful as peat bogs and other dangers exist.

When wild camping, we always recommend using known paths and sticking to them. We also recommend taking a camping friend who knows the area you plan on camping in very well. That’s the best way to stay safe.

Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/Everste

1. Fife Coastal Path

Although this isn’t a specific wild camping spot, it’s worth pointing out that thanks to Scotland’s Right to Roam Act you can wild camp along the Fife Coastal Path.

That allows you to pitch your tent as you walk this stunning route, which is known for its gorgeous beaches, coves, and seaside scenery. Look out for dolphins, seals, and if lucky – puffins!

2. Loch Leven Heritage Trail

This trail goes around the gorgeous Loch Leven where there’s plenty of wild camping spots on and around the shoreline. The trail is popular in some parts though, so make sure you camp away from the path as a matter of courtesy and set up your tent at dusk, and take it down at dawn. The further along the trail you get, the less busy it becomes though.

This is one of our favourite sunset and sunrise locations in Fife and you’ll have access to fresh water which is always a big plus when wild camping.

You can find parking at both Burleigh Sands and Kirkgate. And after a night of camping make your way to Loch Leven Larder – that’s a small farm shop and cafe on the banks of the loch that serve an excellent breakfast from 9-11:30am.

Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/Anatolly_Gleb

3. Near the Caiplie Caves

If there’s one thing you can almost always guarantee on a wild camping trip in Scotland, it’s rain. So why not choose a wild camping spot in Fife where you can have seaside views and a cave to shelter in if it starts pouring down while hiking!

First used as a place of worship by Christians more than a 1000 years ago, Caiplie Caves – also known locally as The Coves – can be found on the Fife Coastal Path between Anstruther and Crail.

You get some wonderful views there, although unfortunately in recent years the caves have been occasionally used by kids who sometimes leave rubbish there.

That being the case, we recommend camping near the caves – and visiting them during the day – rather than camping at them.

4. Glen Vale

Glen Vale is one of the most beautiful, and remote, parts of the Lomond Hills. There you’ll find challenging walks, rivers, and raging waterfalls.

Park at Glen Vale Car Park – best to do so early as it’s small and fills up quickly – then take your pick of the trails that lead off from there. You can spend several hours hiking the paths, summiting Fife’s highest point, and exploring waterfalls. As you do look out for a good flat wild camping spot on your way.

Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/Izf

Camping In Fife: The Best Time to Visit

Fife, located on Scotland’s eastern coast, has a temperate maritime climate.

This region rarely experiences very extreme weather, and summers are typically warm rather than hot, while winters are mostly cool to cold. Fife can be visited throughout the year, however there are some factors to consider while planning a Fife camping holiday.

The hottest month tends to be July with average temperatures hitting 18-20 Celsius. Summer is definitely a good time to visit as the weather ranges from mild to warm with the possibility of some occasional hotter days. And since the days are at their longest, it also means more daylight to explore!

However, spring is also a great time to visit Fife, especially if you wants to avoid the midges – tiny biting flies that are a real annoyance in Scotland! The average daytime temperature ranges between 9C and 14C from March to May. Spring also offers a mixture of sunny days with cooler and wet weather.

There are some fantastic festivals in Fife which you may want to plan your holiday around too.

To name a few, the Pittenweem Arts Festival is in the beginning of August and is a must-visit for art-enthusiasts. It’s a celebration of the visual arts; taking place in galleries, homes, studios and venues throughout Pittenweem.

The Crail Food Festival, taking place in June, is also good fun. You get to enjoy the summer weather along with discovering different foods and drinks. It’s a blast!

Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/doble-d

Some Of Our Favourite Walks In Fife

1. Valleyfield and Balgownie Woods Way

Valleyfield and Balgownie Woods Way is a 14km loop trail close to Dunfermline which takes around three hours to complete. The path is considered an easy route and suitable for most abilities, and is also popular amongst dog walkers.

The trail roams around West Fife’s gorgeous woodlands including Valleyfield Woodland Park, Balgownie Wood and Devilla Forest, and will also bring you to places where you’ll get stunning views of The Ochils.

A special note for Outlander fans, you’ll also get to visit the West Kirk, also known as Black Kirk, while on this walk. In one Outlander episode the villagers believed Tammas Baxter’s illness was due to visiting this Kirk.

2. Heatherhall Wood Circular

Heatherhall Wood Circular is a 3km loop trail situated near Cupar, Fife. It takes around 45 minutes to complete, and is considered an easy route.

Even though the woods are near the town, you can still find yourself in a quiet setting away from everything. It’s a lovely opportunity to enjoy a slower pace of life while admire the surrounding forests. It may be even possible to spot some wildlife, such as the elusive red squirrel.

3. West Lomond from Craigmead

This walk is an 8km long trail starting from Craigmead which takes around three hours to complete. The path is considered moderately challenging due to the descent. However the paths are clear, and if you’re looking for more adventure, it’s possible to combine the path with an ascent of East Lomond – a peak which was once home to an Iron Age fort.

This is a brilliant walk where you’ll also get stunning views of Ballo Reservoir.

4. The Fife Coastal Path: Crail to St Andrews

The Fife Coastal Path from Crail to St Andrews is a 17km point-to-point trail near Anstruther, Fife. It takes around three hours and 30 minutes to complete.

This path is considered moderately challenging, and some parts are not accessible at high tide, so it’s best to walk during low tide.

It’s a gorgeous coastal walk though with some of the best sea views and beaches in the region. Along the hike you’ll enjoy some peaceful solitude and once you arrive in St Andrews you can admire the amazing buildings and grab some pub food or fish and chips!

Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/audioundwerbung

Four Fun Things to Do When Camping in Fife

1. Spend a Day at the Beach

With the surrounding seaside you will have plenty of beaches to choose from, but you can never go wrong with St Andrews when it comes to sand and the sea.

St Andrews West Sands Beach is absolutely gorgeous, but so is the lesser visited Kingsbarns Beach as well.

Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/photobyravis

2. Visit The East Neuk of Fife

Head towards the tranquil fishing villages and spectacular coastline of the East Neuk of Fife and get immersed in authentic Scottish village life.

There’s so much to do in this region like puffin spotting, paddleboarding, as well as some amazing fishing opportunities.

3. Go Golfing

Around the globe the region of Fife is known as the Home of Golf, so grab your clubs and tee off!

Even if you’re new to the sport, there’s plenty of courses to try out and some beautiful landscapes to try your hand at golf for the first time. You won’t regret it!

4. Go Walking

Fife has some great trails for different abilities, ranging from countryside walks to forest hikes, as well as hill ascents. The surrounding seaside has many coastal walks too, with stunning seaside views.

Walking and exploring the historic villages and towns of Fife, with their quaint streets, historical buildings, and plenty of pubs, is well worth doing too.

Camping in Fife: Free Scavenger Hunt Game!

If you’re looking to entertain little ones while camping in Fife – or you fancy having some fun for yourself – then we’ve created a printable scavenger hunt game!

Save the image and print it out, then tick off what you find and achieve during your camping adventures.

The game encourages players to get out and discover wildlife and nature, as well as make new friends!

Author

  • Wandering our World

    Hi and welcome to Wandering our World! This article was written by one of the Wandering our World team - a team of travel enthusiasts who live around the globe.