The Isle of Lewis is located in the north of Scotland. Camping on the Isle of Lewis is a wonderful experience, and you will create memories that you are sure to remember for a lifetime. This place has a rich history and culture dating back thousands of years. Gaelic is spoken in addition to English, and the island is rich in wildlife.
The island is connected to the Isle of Harris, where you can feel the great contrast between eras and cultures, both in the cities and in the smaller towns. When you add “right to roam” on top of everything, you’ll see why this is the ideal place to camp, but more about that later.
Wild camping: Is it legal on the Isle of Lewis?
Lewis and Harris, located in Scotland, are open to wild camping. All campers who are responsible and do not leave litter behind them are always welcome. You should always plan to go to your site in the evening and leave early in the morning to avoid disturbing others.
“If you like isolation and quiet, it’s great. If you like outdoor pursuits, it’s great. Even if you like wildlife, you’ll see golden eagles every day and probably have deer wandering through your garden.”
– user on Reddit
Best time for camping on the Isle of Lewis?
The best time to camp on the Isle of Lewis is usually from mid-June to mid-July, when the weather is usually nice and sunny. In August, the area is already much busier, and most of the vehicles during this time are campers. Of course, despite the high volume of traffic, there are always some quiet places where you can put your tent.
Things you should bring with you:
- Midges in Scotland appear at the end of May and are actually at their worst at the end of July and August so you definitely need a midge net for your tent and a midge repellent. Most people don’t mind midges, so they will camp near the sea where the wind keeps them away, and they also don’t like intense sunlight, so sunny weather near the ocean is a double benefit.
- Bring tick repellent with you, because you will be out in nature a lot, and the same goes for midges
- Windbreaker will save you from strong, cold winds.
Since there isn’t a big number of stores on the Isle of Lewis, you should check out our 16 No-Cook Camping Meals For Quick Energy Boost guide.
Isle of Lewis Campsites
1. Bothag Bhuirgh
Bothag Bhuirgh is a family-run campsite located in the town of Borve on the west of Lewis, halfway between Barvas and Ness. It is relatively new. The facility also has a large field area where you may camp and it requires a stay of at least one night. All campers are allowed to use the shower and restroom facilities as well as the services in the barn for that fee. Bothag Bhuirgh is closed for camping from 10th September 2022 until April 2023.
Things to do around
- Hiking
- Cycling
- Surfing
- Enjoying spectacular views
Pricing:
Starts at £10 per night, check the official website here.
Address:
Unnamed Road, Isle of Lewis HS2 0RX, UK
2. Laxdale Holiday Park
Small, family-run Laxdale Holiday Park is located in a serene forest area. Although the facilities are new, the park nevertheless has the warm, welcoming feel that is characteristic of the Islands. Laxdale Holiday Park is located 1.5 miles from the town called Stornoway.
Things to do around
- Festivals in July
- Strolling through the park
- Relaxing
Pricing:
£11 per person per night
Address:
6 Laxdale Ln, Laxdale, Isle of Lewis HS2 0DR, UK
3. Borve Camping & Caravan Site
Borve Camping & Caravan Site is open from April to October, and it consists of beautiful scenery, a rich history, and a vibrant sense of community. “Great site, perfect location, easily accessible, fantastic views, incredible empty beaches nearby, windy as anything, well worth including as part of any sightseeing holiday. The site is really worth using, facilities are good.”
Things to do around
- Golf
- Kayaking & Surfing
- Swimming
- Relaxing on the beach
- Walking
- Exploring archeological sites
Pricing:
Pricing starts from £10.00
Address:
104 Borve, Isle of Barra HS9 5XR, UK
4. Mangersta Croft Holidays
The breathtaking west coast of the Isle of Lewis is home to the Mangurstadh Gallery, which is located on a working farm. The accommodations are appropriate for a wide range of groups, including hikers and landscape photographers, families wanting an enjoyable seaside escape and couples searching for the ideal island retreat. Dogs are also allowed.
This campsite doesn’t have classic tent pitches, but cabins instead. That’s why the prices are higher than other campsites listed here.
Things to do around
- Swimming
- Relaxing on the beach
- Walking
- Hiking
- Exploring
- Surfing and kayaking
Pricing:
Pricing starts from just £85.00
Address:
5 Mangersta, Isle of Lewis HS2 9EY, UK
5. Badrallach Campsite
A small, friendly, charming, and comfortable spot close to the shore of Little Loch Broom is the best description of Badrallach Campsite. The Guardian described them as ‘one of Scotland’s remotest and most picturesque campsites.‘ Deers sneak around in the meadows around Badrallach Campsite, so you’ll have the chance to encounter a variety of wildlife, and panoramic views of the nearby Munros and Corbetts are available from every pitch.
Also, this is one of the few campsites open for various events such as weddings, Christmas, New Year’s Eve, etc. If you want to secure your place, you should definitely book in advance.
Things to do around
- Exploring
- Photographing the incredible mountain views
- Relaxing
- Swimming
- Surfing
Pricing:
Pricing starts from just £7.00
Address:
Badrallach Campsite, Bothy & Cottage, Croft 9, Badrallach, Dundonnell, Garve IV23 2QP, UK
Conclusion
The island of Lewis doesn’t need to offer any expensive museums or breathtaking buildings but its beauty speaks for itself. While camping on the Isle of Lewis, you’ll be thinking about the breathtaking scenery while you’re hillwalking, surfing, or building sandcastles. We would strongly advise you to use this camping trip to learn how to live in the moment and enjoy the beautiful scenes of nature around you.
