NC500 with a Campervan: Everything You Need to Know
The complete guide to driving the NC500 in a campervan — hire tips, wild camping rules, top campsites, and tackling the Bealach na Ba.
Why a Campervan Works Well
A campervan is one of the most popular ways to tackle the NC500, and for good reason. It gives you the freedom to stop wherever the view takes your fancy, saves money on accommodation, and lets you wake up in some truly spectacular locations. That said, driving a large vehicle on single-track Highland roads requires confidence, patience, and a bit of planning.
Hiring a Campervan
Inverness is the logical place to pick up and drop off, since it’s the start and finish point of the route. Several hire companies operate locally, including Highland Campervans, Bunk Campers, and Spaceships. Book as early as possible for summer — popular vans are reserved months in advance for July and August.
Expect to pay between £80 and £180 per night depending on the season and size of the vehicle. Smaller campervans (two-berth, under 6 metres) are much easier to handle on narrow roads and fit into smaller campsites. Think carefully before hiring anything over 7 metres long — you’ll struggle on the tightest sections and the Bealach na Ba is extremely difficult in a large vehicle.
Check what’s included in the hire cost. Bedding, cooking equipment, mileage, and insurance excess levels vary between companies. Ask about breakdown cover specifically for the Highlands, where recovery can take a long time.
Wild Camping Rules
Scotland’s right-to-roam legislation means you can wild camp in most places, and this extends to campervans with some important caveats. You should only stop for one night in any location, leave no trace, and avoid blocking passing places or access routes. Camp well away from houses and farm buildings, and never dump grey water or waste onto the ground.
In practice, wild camping in a campervan has become increasingly restricted along the NC500 due to overcrowding and irresponsible behaviour in previous years. Several areas now have bylaws prohibiting overnight parking, particularly around Durness, Achmelvich, and parts of Wester Ross. Look for signed designated areas or use formal campsites to stay on the right side of the rules and support local communities.
Best Campsites Along the Route
There are excellent campsites dotted around the entire loop. Sango Sands in Durness sits on clifftops overlooking a stunning beach and is a firm favourite. Clachtoll Beach Campsite offers pitches right by the sea with views of the ruined castle. Broomfield Holiday Park in Ullapool is well-equipped and handy for the town’s restaurants and pubs.
On the east coast, Dunnet Bay Caravan Club site gives you access to one of the north’s finest beaches. Shore Caravan Site in Achmelvich is basic but beautifully located. For a more remote experience, Badrallach in Little Loch Broom is wonderfully wild and off the beaten track.
Book campsites in advance during summer. Many are small with limited pitches, and turning up at 6pm to find a full site is no fun when the next option is 40 miles away.
Tackling the Bealach na Ba
The Bealach na Ba (Pass of the Cattle) on the Applecross Peninsula is the most dramatic road on the NC500 — and the most challenging for campervan drivers. It climbs to 626 metres with steep gradients, tight hairpin bends, and sheer drops. The road is single-track with limited passing places, and visibility can drop to near zero in cloud or rain.
If your campervan is under 6 metres and you’re a confident driver, the pass is doable in good weather. Take it slowly, use low gear on the descent, and pull over to let faster vehicles past. If your vehicle is larger, seriously consider taking the alternative coastal road via Shieldaig instead — it’s still beautiful and far less stressful.
The pass is often closed in winter due to snow and ice. Check Traffic Scotland for current road conditions before attempting it in any season.
Practical Tips for Campervan Drivers
Fill your water tank and empty your waste at every opportunity. Disposal points are less frequent than you’d like, and running out of water in the middle of nowhere is inconvenient. Carry a spare gas canister for cooking, and keep your fuel tank above half — petrol stations are sparse.
On single-track roads, use passing places considerately. If you see cars queueing behind you, pull over and let them past. Drive at a pace you’re comfortable with, but be aware that locals on their daily commute don’t want to spend an hour behind a campervan doing 20mph.
Mobile signal is patchy to non-existent across much of the route, so download offline maps before you leave Inverness. The Maps.me app and Google Maps both allow offline downloads and are reliable.
Waste and Water
Be a responsible visitor. Use designated chemical toilet disposal points at campsites and service areas — never dump waste in nature. Grey water should go down proper drains, not into rivers or lochs. Carry bin bags and take all rubbish with you. The communities along the NC500 are small, and irresponsible waste disposal has caused real problems in recent years. Leave every spot cleaner than you found it.