Camping on the Isle of Harris is a fantastic way to spend your vacation while connecting with the beautiful scenery and Scottish history. Harris is the southern island of the Scottish Outer Hebrides, along with Lewis. It lies off the northwest coast of Scotland. Although they are on the same island, Harris, and Lewis are completely different and have contrasting topography.
The most popular way to travel to Harris is by ferry from Ullapool, a fishing village on the west coast of the Scottish mainland. Before taking the boat to the remote island of St Kilda, take a moment to look into the greenish sea on a walk and enjoy the white beaches of Luskentyre Beach. Camping on the Isle of Harris immediately puts you close to the stunning landscapes of Scotland.
Wild camping: Is it legal on the Isle of Harris?
Yes, it is legal to wild camp on the Isle of Harris. Technically, the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 allows wild camping anywhere in Scotland. In Scotland, wild camping is perfectly alright. However, there are some regulations you should follow.
- Take care and look out for wildlife
- Open fires are prohibited and not allowed
- Be responsible and don’t leave your trash behind you
- Buy supplies in advance because there aren’t many stores and they’re all closed on Sundays
- Use insect repellent spray, especially in the summer
“The Isle of Harris distillery makes some of the best gin I’ve ever tasted and the bottle is definitely one to keep long after the gin is finished. Chess lovers will enjoy a trip to Uig, home of the Lewis chessmen, there’s even a locally brewed beer that features a Lewis chess piece on the label!”
– ani_svnit on Reddit
Best time for camping on the Isle of Harris?
For camping on the Isle of Harris, it is best to do so from late April to the end of June. Although you are far south of the midnight sun, it never really gets dark in mid-June, and wildlife is at its most abundant at this time. Numerous outdoor activities, including Gaelic singing festivals, agricultural exhibitions, and local versions of Highland games, take place during the summer.
Things you should bring with you:
- Windbreaker – You definitely need a jacket because there are some really cold winds in Scotland.
- Do not camp or put your tent next to the water because water can easily go inside your bed
- Have good quality tent pegs because the wind in the Outer Hebrides is strong, and most tourists say they are unlike any winds they have ever encountered
- Use a storm cooker wherever you are, and don’t use an open fire, especially during dry weather or in delicate areas like peat bogs or forests
If you want to camp during the colder days but wonder if catalytic heaters are safe in tents, read our article.
Official Isle of Harris Campsites
1. Horgabost Campsite
Horgabost Campsite or also called Traigh Horgabost Caravan Park is a campsite that is located in the village of Horgabost on Harris’ West Coast. It is a perfect location for exploring the whole island. The campsite is only open from May 1 to September 30. Since they are usually booked out, it is important to make your reservations in advance to prevent disappointment. It is a short drive from the beach and is situated in a natural setting.
Things to do around
- Visit the Craigtoun Country Park
- Play golf
- Photograph the surroundings
Pricing:
Starts at £10 per night, check the official website here.
Address:
Horgabost Township, Isle of Harris HS3 3HR, UK
2. Lickisto Blackhouse Camping
Enjoy the stunning surroundings, see the diversity of local wildlife, and take a moment to be in awe of all that nature has to offer. All of these and more are offered by Lickisto Blackhouse Camping in the real spirit of the wanderer. You may leave your campervan parked or just set up tents at one of the breathtaking locations, which are either by the sea or surrounded by private forests.
Their ancient Blackhouse, built 150 years ago, provides shower and kitchen facilities as well as a washer and dryer. Lickisto Blackhouse Camping has a strong historical connection to Scotland and is a wonderful place to rest, chat and enjoy the moment. Wherever you decide to go, you will be near the island’s two ferries on the south side and you will be just 10 minutes apart from white-sand beaches in the gorgeous Bays region.
Things to do around
- Experience the natural wonders of the Northern Lights
- Glamp in the traditional Yurts
- Reside in Bedouin Tent
- Enjoy Saturday Nights with Music Night Kayak & Paddle Boards
- Rent a fishing rod
- Try Home-cooked Sri Lankan dishes
Pricing:
£15 per person per night
Address:
1 Lickisto, Isle of Harris HS3 3EL, UK
3. Minch View Caravan Park
The area is excellent for activities such as walking and fishing. A store in a small village is located two miles distant. You can find cafés and restaurants within a five-mile radius. Up until August 2003, this location functioned under the name Laig House Caravan Site.
It was reopened in 2007 by the community and travelers who were still seeking to find it when they arrived in Scotland. The location provides enough for 6 tour groups and 8 tents and has a beautiful view of the Minch. There are features like hot showers, power plugs, and a place to dispose of chemical waste.
Things to do around
- Fishing
- Walking
- Have a picnic
Pricing:
Pricing starts from £10.00 per 2 people
Address:
10 Drinishader, Isle of Harris HS3 3DX, UK
4. Eilean Fraoich Campsite
At this pleasant, family-run campsite in Shawbost, a beautiful crofting community on Lewis’ picturesque west coast, visitors can expect a warm island welcome. It was established in 1992 and is a mile from Shawbost Shore and the freshwater lake that it borders. Eilean Fraoich Campsite is open every year from April to September 30. It is an hour’s drive from Tarbert in Harris or around 25 minutes from Stornoway, the island’s capital.
They have a large, flat field that gives way to slope recreational space that leads to the valley of the town river after accommodating tents, caravans, and motorhomes of all sizes. Indoor bathrooms, kitchens, laundry facilities, optional power hook-ups, and standpipes bubbling with clean, local water supply are among the practical amenities. It is also important to add a strong cell phone signal and Wi-fi.
Things to do around
- Swimming in a pool
- Explore unique Hebridean rock and many megaliths
- See the Iron Age broch and restored ‘Norse Mill’
- Take amazing pictures of the wildlife
- Surfing
- Sea-fishing
Pricing:
Pricing starts from just £8.00
Address:
N Shawbost, Isle of Lewis HS2 9BQ, UK
5. Sauchope Links Holiday Lodge & Caravan Park
One mile south of Carinish hamlet in North Uist, they are a family-run campground that is located on farming land. Moorcroft Holidays is an excellent spot for you if you want to go fishing, bird watching, walk or cycle the Hebridean Way, or just relax. In comparison to typical campsites, it is open from April through October. Some of the amenities include grass pitches suitable for tents (with electric hookup), a kitchen, a laundry room, free Wifi, and hot showers.
Things to do around
- Fishing
- Birdwatching
- Walking the Hebridean Way
- Cycling
Pricing:
Pricing starts from £10.00
Address:
Sauchope Cres, Anstruther KY10 3XJ, UK
Conclusion
The Isle of Harris is a beautiful-looking place open to camping of all kinds. Thanks to the Scotland right to roam act, you can even camp for free if you follow certain rules. However, the campsites are usually super affordable, so you can even stay in an official campsite for a low fee. The nature all around the Isle looks as if Lord of the Rings was shot there, the pretty part of the movie.
