A Guide To Fort William Camping: Best Campsites, Wild Camping, Tips & More!

Fort William is a town in the Scottish Highlands, located on the shores of the beautiful Loch Linnhe. The town is a popular tourist destination, with many visitors coming to take advantage of its location near Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the UK.

Situated in an area of outstanding natural beauty with mountains, lochs and forests all within easy reach, there’s a real focus on outdoor activities here. So it’ll come as no surprise that camping in Fort William and the surrounding area is very popular too.

And if you’re planning a Fort William camping holiday then you’re in the right place!

We know this town like the back of our hand, so below we share with you our five favourite Fort William campsites.

We also look at the rules around wild camping in Fort William (it’s legal) and share some ideas for wild camping spots in Fort William too.

And if you’re travelling with kids (or you’re a fun adult!), we have our very own ‘scavenger hunt’ game that’s perfect for camping in Fort William which you can print out for free. That’s right at the bottom of this article.

So read on to get all the information you need for your upcoming Fort William camping adventure!

Camping In Fort William: The Best Campsites For Fun, Views & Adventure

There are several campsites to choose from if you’re looking for a Fort William camping holiday. And luckily they tend to be perfectly located to take advantage of the many activities in the region, like hiking, mountain biking, fishing and kayaking.

There are also a number of caravan parks in the area, as well as a few self-catering cottages.

Below are five campsites in Fort William worth checking out. Each will bring you fun, spectacular views, and a whole lot of adventure.

1. Glen Nevis Caravan & Camping Park

Situated right at the foot of the tallest mountain in the UK, Glen Nevis Caravan and Camping Park is a paradise for walkers and cyclists, with incredible scenery!

Nestled in a forested Highland estate, it offers excellent touring and camping, as well as handy camping pods and a super selection of self-catering lodges. You can fish on the River Nevis, spot Scottish wildlife, and play in the great outdoors.

The site is equipped with well maintained shared facilities such as free showers and toilets, hand basins, razor points and hair dryers. You’ll also find dishwashing areas, free WiFi, a play park, plus many areas for kids to play ball games. The site is also home to a well-stocked shop that sells groceries, goods, equipment and gifts.

On top of all that you can enjoy a delicious hot lunch, evening meal, and refreshing drinks at the popular on-site restaurant. Make sure you try something from their diverse Scottish Malt Whisky selection.

There’s also a snack van open from May to September for hot food takeaways. If you’re feeling outdoorsy, why not take your food and enjoy the beautiful views while sitting at one of the many picnic tables.

And if you’re feeling extra adventurous, you can also go fishing nearby! Permits are available for purchase at the on-site shop.

This place has pretty much everything you need for a Fort William camping adventure. Exceptional views, fantastic facilities, on-site food and drink, and easy access to the UK’s highest mountain!

What’s Close By

The Glen Nevis area where this campsite is located is a dream for walkers and cyclists, with superb routes available right at the site’s doorstep. If you’re looking for a more challenging walk, the trail up Ben Nevis is just a short walk away, while the long-distance West Highland Way also passes through Glen Nevis.

In addition to the walks, the area is excellent for wildlife spotting, with rare red squirrels being among the species you can see here. If you’re a fan of fishing, there are also fishing opportunities by the River Nevis.

In the nearby area, visitors can explore where Harry Potter played quidditch in the movies, see the locations from Braveheart and the Highlander movie, and more. Other attractions in the area include the Jacobite (Harry Potter) steam train and the Glenfinnan Viaduct and Monument.

Price: From £11.50

Address: Glen Nevis Caravan & Camping Park, Glen Nevis, Fort William PH33 6SX

2. Ben Nevis Holiday Park, Highland Holidays

At Ben Nevis Holiday Park, you’ll find yourself surrounded by the incomparable beauty of the Highland landscape. With Ben Nevis and other majestic mountains in sight, this is the perfect place to get away from it all. You’re also just 10 minutes from Fort William, with all its amenities, and Glen Nevis, whose natural wonders will take your breath away.

On-site, you can choose to park your tourer on hardstanding or set up a tent on roomy grass pitches. There are plenty of electric hook-ups available.

There’s well-maintained toilets, showers, and a laundry room, and plenty of open spaces for kids to run around and have fun.

This place is also pet friendly and has dog walking areas, as well as a playground for kids, free WiFi, and you can even hire equipment for enjoying the great outdoors.

What’s Close By

There’s no doubt about it, Scotland is home to some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world. If you’re looking for a way to really appreciate all that natural beauty, getting out there on foot or on your bike is definitely the way to go.

For example, if you’re visiting nearby Glen Nevis from this campsite then be sure to enjoy its perfect waterfalls and then perhaps turn your attention to climbing legendary Ben Nevis. For history enthusiasts, there’s Old Inverlochy Castle to explore.

If you’re looking for something a bit more active, why not try salmon fishing in nearby River Lochy or take a gondola ride up Aonach Mor on the Nevis Range Mountain Gondola?

Or if you’re feeling in the mood for a bit of whisky tourism, Ben Nevis Distillery is definitely worth a visit and is close by to this campsite too.

Price: From £16 per night

Address: Camaghael Rd, Fort William PH33 7NF

3. Linnhe Lochside Holidays

This place is in a sublime location that overlooks the wild and dramatic scenery of Loch Eil and the mountains beyond. It’s a peaceful setting that’s dotted with blooming flowers and neat shrubs, and it’s just 5 miles from Fort William, the UK’s superb Outdoor Capital.

Campers have the option of staying on grassy areas near where Loch Eil meets Loch Linnhe or they can pitch beside the loch beach which has stunning mountain views.

The famous Hogwarts Express train (the Jacobite steam train) that features in the famous movies chugs along in the summer right beside this campsite, providing a delightful sight for kids!

As for facilities, the site offers free showers, a drying room, dishwashing amenities and a bath for those looking to clean up after a long day of adventuring. There is also a convenient slipway and fishing spot for those who love to fish, as well as the campsite’s private loch beach for relaxation.

The site is also equipped with WiFi, making it easy for guests to stay connected, and there’s a playroom for small children, complete with indoor and outdoor play areas.

And on top of all that, Linnhe Lochside offers simply stunning landscapes that are perfect for photoshoots or simply taking in the natural beauty of the area.

It’s a fantastic Fort William camping option, and perfect if you’re looking for a lochside holiday rather than one at the foot of the mountains.

What’s Close By

The nearby lochs and forests of Glenmore make for a stunning backdrop to any nature lover’s day out, with plenty of opportunities for wildlife spotting, fishing and more.

If you’re looking for a bit of peace and quiet, you’ll find it here. Sit back and relax by the river, or take a hike through the stunning scenery.

In the winter, the area is a mecca for skiing and snowboarding, with the added bonus of red deer in the mountains.

Price: From £16 per night

Address: Corpach, Fort William PH33 7NL

4. Bunroy Park

Bunroy Park is a beautiful campsite located on the banks of the River Spean, with stunning views of the Nevis Range. It’s the perfect spot for those who want to escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and enjoy some peace and quiet in nature.

The campsite offers a variety of pitches, including hardstanding pitches with electric hook-ups, and grass pitches with optional electric. All of the pitches are well-maintained and offer plenty of space for awnings and cars.

Bunroy Park also has a number of glamping camping pods which are perfect for cosy stays for up to four people.

Well-behaved pets are welcome at Bunroy Park too, and there are plenty of lovely paths along the riverbank and through the surrounding woodland for dog walking.

The site facilities are excellent and include all the amenities you could hope for – toilets, hot showers, wash hand basins, and more. There’s even a laundry room with a washing machine, dryer, iron and ironing board. Plus, there’s a fridge, freezer, and dishwashing area.

If you’re looking to do some fishing, the site offers that too. And if you need any downtime, the campsite has a dry room open 24/7.

What’s Close By

The Highlands is a great place for an active holiday. There are plenty of opportunities for fishing, hiking, and biking, as well as other outdoor activities. The scenery is beautiful and there’s plenty of river walks beside this campsite, while there are some great restaurants in the area as well.

If you’re looking for an adventure, the Nevis Range is only a short drive away from this campsite, with plenty of activities to keep you busy. Or, you could take a boat trip on Loch Linnhe, visit some of the area’s castles, or explore the nearby Glen Coe valley.

Price: From £28 per night

Address: Fort William, Roy Bridge PH31 4AG, United Kingdom

5. Bunree Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite

Bunree Caravan Site is a beautiful destination, set right on the banks of the lovely Loch Linnhe around ten miles from Fort William.

This location is perfect for watersports enthusiasts due to the loch, and for cyclists and hikers as The Great Glen Way and Inchree Forest are both close by.

With chances of glimpsing wild cormorants or sea otters during your stay at this campsite, you’ll find plenty of wildlife spotting opportunities here and in the village of Onich where the campsite is located.

You’ll get plenty of mountain views and gorgeous sunrises too, alongside the knockout lochside scenery. This place really is perfect for nature lovers.

Pitches for tourers are on hardstanding and include electric hook-ups – making it easy to stay awhile and take in all the splendour this area has to offer. You can also pitch right beside the water’s edge at Loch Linnhe.

There is a dishwashing area, a designated dog-walking area, and a bus stop within a mile that goes to Oban and Fort William – perfect for exploring.

What’s Close By

If you’re feeling energetic, take a hike through the picturesque Glencoe Valley. Just be sure to brush up on your history first, as this region is steeped in the legend of one of Scotland’s most infamous massacres.

For a more relaxed experience, hop aboard the Jacobite steam train for a comfortable journey from Fort William to Mallaig and take in even more of the stunning scenery.

Don’t forget to check out some of the other amazing sights that Loch Leven and Loch Linnhe have to offer too. Inchree Falls and Glenfinnan Monument are both easily accessible from this campsite as well and make for a great day out.

Price: From £19 per night

Address: A82, Onich, Fort William PH33 6SE, United Kingdom

Fort William Camping: The Best Time To Visit

The best time to visit Fort William is during the summer months when the weather is at its best, and there are a number of events and festivals taking place. The town is busiest in July and August, so it’s best to book your campsite in advance if you plan to visit during this time.

If you’re looking for something a little quieter, then September and October are also good times to visit, as the weather is usually still mild and there are fewer crowds. November to February can be cold, wet and snowy, so it’s best to avoid this time of year unless you’re a fan of winter sports.

When it comes to events, the Fort William Mountain Festival takes place in February, while there’s several Highland Games events held in the region from May to September. So you may want to factor those into your decision on when to camp.

Wild Camping In Fort William: 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 Fort William and the surrounding area thanks to Scotland’s Right to Roam Act. However authorities ask campers to “tread lightly” and to respect a few guidelines:

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

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

• When wild camping at Fort William, do not light fires as wild fires are a danger. 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 also gives access to most of Scotland’s land and inland water, as long as it does not encroach on someone’s privacy and private land.

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

Where You Must Avoid:

• Walking in and going through buildings. An exception would be bothies – small mountain and 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.

Now you know you’re legally allowed to wild camp in Fort William, and where to avoid, here’s some of our favourite wild camping spots!

Some Ideas For Wild Camping Spots In Fort William

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 is finding your own special spot to pitch your tent for the night.

However, if you’re looking for inspiration, then below are a few potential wild camping Fort William spots. Just make sure your tent is midge proof as these little biting flies can be a real menace.

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.

1. Stronchreggan Beach

On the other side of the loch from Fort William you’ll find the small hamlet of Stronchreggan which has a long rarely-used beach.

It’s mainly stoney, but there are some places beside it where you can pitch a tent. It’s a lovely place for a lochside pitch with sparkling views across the water.

Parking is a problem though. However there are a couple of small laybys close to the beach on the A861. If you have a small car, then it may be possible to tuck it in while still leaving space in the layby for other road vehicles to use.

2. Water of Nevis

If you take the C1162 Glen Nevis road towards Steall Waterfall, around 1-1.5 miles after passing the car park for Lower Falls, you’ll come across a small parking area on the right that descends down a couple of meters.

3. Binnein Mòr

While many of the mountains surrounding Fort William can be quite busy, Binnein Mòr remains relatively unexplored. Yet it has some of the best views in Scotland, looking down towards Kinlochleven and with Ben Nevis right beside it!

There’s a good, albeit challenging path to the top of what is the highest summit of the Mamores range, but we recommend camping near the start of the path and ascending in the early morning as the hike will take around 7 hours to complete.

If feeling especially adventurous, plan your route so you will end up at Meanach Bothy – a small mountain hut which is free for hikers to sleep in.

There’s also a small flat grassy patch that can be used to pitch a tent by the bothy, although it can get boggy at times.

Camping In Fort William: Scavenger Hunt Game!

If you’re looking to keep kids amused while camping in Fort William – 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 holiday.

The game encourages players to get out and discover wildlife and waterfalls, as well as make new friends and do fun camping activities. Enjoy!