Wild Camping In Argyll & Bute

From Luss to Southend On The A83 & Campbeltown to Skipness on the B842

If your idea of a dream vacation involves wild camping in your campervan or car, or sleeping under the stars, fighting off midges, then wild camping in Argyll & Bute is just the ticket. The route from Luss to Southend is a veritable smorgasbord of natural beauty, historic landmarks, and quirky local attractions that will make even the most seasoned camper swoon.

Here we show the route that we took in out 7 metre Hymer A Class and the places that we stopped in along the way. We also advise where you might want to avoid if you are worried about reversing or not keen on single track roads.

1. Luss Village

Luss is like the Disney version of a Scottish village—charming, picturesque, and almost implausibly cute. Nestled along the western shore of Loch Lomond, this village is the perfect kick-off point for your wild camping odyssey. Check out the 19th-century cottages adorned with vibrant flowers, and make sure to pop into the local shops for some delicious shortbread.

You can’t miss visiting the Luss Parish Church, an ecclesiastical gem dating back to the 19th century. If you’re lucky, you might catch a wedding and get to see some traditional Scottish kilts in action. For a bit of fun, challenge your travel companion to a skipping stones contest down at the loch.

Before you pitch your tent, take a short hike to the Falls of Luss, a tranquil spot where you can dip your toes in the water and pretend you’re in a shampoo commercial. The gentle sound of flowing water will be your lullaby as you drift off to sleep under a canopy of stars.

Perfect for children is the Fairy walk through the forest that has many stopping points to keep the yound ones happy.

Parking in Luss

Luss has two main carparks, and Luss itself is all about making money. There used to be a small secion of road after the carparks that you could park overnight without any issues. This section was here until the beginning of May 2024 when they decided to double yellow line the whole route into Luss. This is not my favourite village as for me it is nothing special and just a money grabbing place.

The main carpark behind the petrol station is free to park from 6pm until 9am, so perfct as a drive by if you are going through towards Invarary or Oban. We have parked here twice without any issues and have bought a ticket for the carpark in the morning for a couple of hours whilst we went for a coffee in the very nice but not cheap coffee shop in the centre of the village.

2. Inveraray Castle

Next up is the fairy-tale-esque Inveraray Castle, a must-see for fans of Downton Abbey and anyone with a pulse, really. This stunning 18th-century castle is the seat of the Duke of Argyll, and its opulent interiors and sprawling gardens are straight out of a storybook.

Take a guided tour to learn about the Campbell clan’s history and gawk at the lavish decor, then wander through the gardens where you can practice your royal wave. Don’t forget to snap a selfie with the castle in the background; your Instagram followers will thank you.

Once you’ve had your fill of aristocratic fantasy, set up camp near the shores of Loch Fyne. The calm waters and scenic vistas provide the perfect backdrop for an evening of campfire stories and toasted marshmallows.

Parking In Inverary

In a small van you can park on the pier at Invarary after 6pm for free. Ther are not many spaces but the views are great if you can get one. There is a big carpark in the center of town that allows motorhomes but says no overnights.

Then there is the coop carpark as you are leaving Invarary towards Tarbert. We have stayed here several times overnight as this carpark is seperate from the main parking. To date we have not had any issues parking here. The coop is 50 metres away and open until 10pm so ideal for late shopping.

3. Crarae Garden

Your next stop should be Crarae Garden, often described as a slice of the Himalayas in Scotland. This stunning botanical garden boasts a collection of exotic plants that make you feel like you’ve been transported to another continent.

Wander through winding paths lined with vibrant rhododendrons and azaleas, and take a moment to appreciate the peaceful ambiance. It’s the perfect spot for a midday picnic; just watch out for those cheeky squirrels eyeing your sandwiches.

After exploring the garden, find a secluded spot to camp nearby. The blend of floral scents and the rustle of leaves in the breeze will make your camping experience feel like something out of a dream… or at least a very fancy perfume ad.

Parking at Crarae Gardens

There is a carprk at the end of the road as you drive towards the gardens. It is big enuogh to turn a 7 metre motorhome around and park no problem. We did not stay here overnight so cannot advise if it is checked or not. There does not appear to be any gates.

4. Kilchurn Castle

Next, make your way to Kilchurn Castle, a ruin that’s as dramatic as the plot twists in a soap opera. Situated on the banks of Loch Awe, this 15th-century castle offers stunning views and a hefty dose of Scottish history.

Take a leisurely walk around the ruins, and imagine what life was like back in the days of clan battles and medieval intrigue. For the brave-hearted, climbing the tower offers panoramic views that are well worth the vertigo.

Set up camp nearby, and let the eerie beauty of the castle ruins set the stage for some ghost stories. Just remember, the only things that should go bump in the night are your fellow campers.

5. Oban

Oban, known as the “Gateway to the Isles,” is a bustling little town that offers a delightful contrast to the serene landscapes you’ve been exploring. This coastal gem is perfect for restocking supplies, indulging in some fresh seafood, and maybe even treating yourself to a night at a cozy B&B.

Visit McCaig’s Tower, a Colosseum-like structure that offers breathtaking views of Oban Bay. If you’re a whisky aficionado, the Oban Distillery provides an excellent tour and tasting session that will warm your heart and your belly.

After enjoying the town’s amenities, find a quiet spot along the coast to set up camp. Falling asleep to the sound of the waves lapping against the shore is the perfect way to end your day in Oban.

We did not stay in Oban as it was far to busy for what we like, and parking looked like it was at a minimum.

6. Kilmartin Glen

Kilmartin Glen is an archaeologist’s playground, boasting one of the richest concentrations of prehistoric sites in Scotland. With over 350 ancient monuments within a six-mile radius, it’s like stepping back in time—without the risk of being eaten by a saber-toothed tiger.

Explore the standing stones, burial cairns, and ancient carvings dotted throughout the landscape. The Nether Largie standing stones, in particular, are a must-see, offering a mysterious glimpse into the rituals of our ancestors.

Mueseum Pub and Coffee Shop

You can also visit the museum which has recently opened along with a very nice coffee shop attached. The Hotel on the main road as you cme into Kilmartin does really nice food. We have stopped there twice now for lunch and dinner and enjoyed both.

Settle down for the night nearby, and let your imagination run wild with thoughts of ancient ceremonies and long-lost civilizations. It’s the perfect setting for a night of stargazing, far from the light pollution of modern life.

Parking at Kilmartin Glen

Kilmartin glen has a small aprking spot right on the road opposite the hotel which I suppose is for guests of the hotel. We have seen campers stopped there on both times that we stopped ourselves. On the first time we stopped in the museum carpark even though there is a small unwarranted sign that says no overnight parking.

On the second time we stayed in the carpark by the standing stones about a half mile from the hotel. This was used by two others for an overnight stop and without any issues.

7. Tarbert

One of my favourite places. A must see especially when it is a sunny day and time for a beer.

A picturesque fishing village on Loch Fyne, Tarbert is your next essential stop. With its colorful harbor and quirky shops, it’s the kind of place that makes you want to buy a boat and a lifetime supply of fisherman’s sweaters.

Explore Tarbert Castle, once a stronghold of Robert the Bruce, and enjoy a leisurely stroll along the harbor. Don’t forget to sample some of the local seafood; the fish and chips here are legendary.

After you’ve had your fill of village life, find a secluded area along the loch to pitch your tent. The gentle sway of the boats in the harbor will lull you into a peaceful slumber.

8. Kintyre Peninsula

As beautiful as you can imagine with lost of little places to stop and admire on the way down to Campbeltown and beyond.

As you journey down the Kintyre Peninsula, you’ll encounter sweeping coastal views that are nothing short of cinematic. This remote area offers a sense of isolation that’s perfect for those looking to truly disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

There is a lovely little free wilding camping spot on the way down that you can fit a 7 metre motorhome in or two T5 campers with direct views acroos to the Isle of Islay.

Beautiful and relaxing. It is quite close to the road and dog walkers do come in their car every now and then so be aware. Not noisy once the traffic dies down after 7pm. If the weather is really nice the miges are out in force, so that you know.

9. Machrihanish

Machrihanish is a golfer’s paradise, boasting one of the best links golf courses in Scotland. But even if your idea of a perfect day doesn’t involve chasing a little white ball, this coastal village has plenty to offer.

Take a walk along the beautiful sandy beach, and keep an eye out for seals and dolphins frolicking in the surf. If you’re feeling adventurous, try your hand at surfing; the waves here are perfect for both novices and seasoned pros.

There is a small layby in the village just after the gold club that you can park in all day without any siiues. It says NO overnight camping. There are toilets here in case you need them.

Drive straight through the village and out the other side and you will come across a very small wild camping space right over the sea with room for one 7 metre motorhome or 2 camper vans. It is a lovely quiet spot and perfect for those who like to gaze out to sea at night. (Me). There is no problem here wild camping. The spot is clearly marked on Park4Night so first come first served. We were there one night and around 15 vans triad their luck that night. This was one of my favourite wild camping spots.

10. Southend

Your final destination, Southend, is a gem at the southern tip of the Kintyre Peninsula. With its beautiful beaches and rich history, it’s the perfect place to wrap up your wild camping adventure.

Visit St. Columba’s Chapel and Well, a site steeped in legend and history. Take a moment to reflect on your journey as you gaze out at the sea where St. Columba himself once stood. Visit the Keil Caves with evidence of occupation from the 3rd century AD.
See the carved footprints and imagine who made them.

Southend has one of my favourite wild camping spots. It is a small parking place opposite the beach right after the grave yard. There is amrked bays for 2 campers, but we stopped in the section that was unmarked for 2 nights without any issues. It is a lovely place with a fantastic beach to walk along, a golf course, coffee shop in the village and lots of history. It is alos very quiet at night for a perfect nights sleep.

Campbeltown

Pop back from Southend into Campbeltown aand visit the three remaining whisky distilleries – Glen Scotia, Glengyle, and Springbank (the oldest independent distillery in Scotland) and take a tour.

See the Linda McCartney memorial garden and heritage center.

Walk to Davaar Island at low tide to see the cave painting of the crucifixion. WE missed this as the tide was not in our favour the days we stopped in Campbeltown.

Campbeltown is very easy to park for a free overnight stop. There are numerous toilets available, good coffee shops and plenty of places to go walking. they also have decent sized shopping centres to get stocked up on food for your next part of the journey.

Carradale

From Campbeltown take the B842 route back to West Tarbert. In Carradale take time to stop at The Network Cafe which has a heritage display, hires out bikes/buggies to explore local trails.

Go forest hiking, mountain biking, river walks, geocaching, and wildlife spotting.

Saddell Bay

Walk along the beach featured in the “Mull of Kintyre” music video by Paul McCartney.

See the Antony Gormley sculpture “GRIP” gazing out towards Arran.

Saddell Castle

The remains of this 16th-century castle are located near Saddell Bay, where you can also see the Antony Gormley sculpture “GRIP” on the shoreline.

Skipness Castle

This 13th-century castle ruin is located in the village of Skipness, about an hour’s drive from Campbeltown.

You can explore the castle ruins, climb to the roof for views of the Isle of Arran, and visit the nearby St Brendan’s Chapel with medieval carved tombstones.

Kennacraig

Take the ferry to the Isle of Islay or the Isle of Jura from here.

Along the way, you’ll drive through stunning coastal scenery with views of the islands of Arran, Islay, and Jura. You can also stop at beaches, go hiking on the Kintyre Way trail, and look for wildlife like seabirds and golden eagles