Fantastic places to Camp and Caravan in Orkney
The Orkney Islands are a brilliant place to explore, and taking a caravan, motorhome or tent is a brilliant way to see the best of the islands.
Burnmouth Bothy in Hoy is a very basic camping bothy with space to pitch tents and a toilet and tap. However, what Burnmouth lacks in facilities it more than makes up for in atmosphere. The Bothy stands next to beautiful Rackwick Beach, which is strewn with giant boulders.
We’ve written a handy guide, which we hope will help you, to the many great caravan, motorhome and camping sites in Orkney!
Please make sure you familiarise yourself with the Scottish Outdoor Access Code before visiting.
Kirkwall
Kirkwall Bay Touring Park
Kirkwall Bay Touring Park is a high quality motorhome and caravan facility located approximately 1½ miles north of Kirkwall. All pitches have electric hookups and facilities including toilets / showers, a disabled / family washroom, chemical disposal point (available for customers only) and washing-up area. Visitors should check ahead for availability. Visit https://www.kirkwallbay.co.uk/ for more info.
Orkney Caravan Park at the Pickaquoy Centre
Orkney’s largest four star caravan and camping park has 81 pitches, 31 electric hook-ups, 28 hard standings and 2 camping pods. There is water refill and chemical disposal points and a comfortable amenities block with a lounge, free wifi, kitchen, laundry, showers and toilets including baby changing and accessible facilities. The site is located at the heart of Orkney, just a short walk from Kirkwall town centre, shops and transport links, as well as being ideally located to explore the Mainland and South Isles. Visit https://www.orkneycaravanpark.co.uk/ for more info.
Stromness
The Point of Ness Caravan & Camping Site
The Point Of Ness is situated on the shoreline of Stromness, one mile from the ferry and town centre, with views of the hills of Hoy. You’ll enjoy watching boats going in and out of the harbour! There are 27 pitches and 12 electric hook-ups, toilets, shower facilities, facilities for those with disabilities, washing amenities and a lounge with TV and wi-fi. Visit http://www.orkney.gov.uk/Service-Directory/S/point-of-ness-campsite.htm for more info.
Please note – when disembarking MV Hamnavoe your satellite navigation will tell you to turn left, but that will take your caravan or motorhome through the narrow streets of Stromness! Instead, it is best to turn right and go via the Ferry Road, turn left at the roundabout onto North End Road, and then turn right up the Back Road to the Point of Ness Caravan & Camping Site.
West Mainland
Birsay Hostel and Campsite, Birsay
A highly-rated campsite in a lovely corner of Orkney with 20 pitches and 10 electric hook-ups. The campsite is located next to the Birsay Hostel and the Birsay Community Hall and playpark. There are toilets, showers, washing facilities, food preparation areas and a TV lounge. The facilities are suitable for those with disabilities. Visit http://www.orkney.gov.uk/Service-Directory/S/birsay-outdoor-centre.htm for more info.
Stonehigh, Evie (was Nigley)
A Caravan Club Certificated Location with space for five caravans or motorhomes (no tents) – for Caravan Club Members only. This site has spectacular views over Eynhallow Sound to Rousay and is located 100 yrds past the Evie Primary School (from Finstown). Facilities include electric hook-ups, water provision and waste disposal. Visit https://www.caravanclub.co.uk/certificated-locations/scotland/orkney/kirkwall/stonehigh/ for more info.
East Mainland
Deerness Caravan And Camp Site, Deerness
Located next to the community centre amongst quiet farmland on the East side of the Orkney Mainland. Tents can be pitched in a grassy area and caravans sit in the quiet car park. There are electric hook-ups, toilets and showers with access for disabled people in the community centre and the camp site is 1/4 mile from a local shop. Visit http://www.scottishcampingguide.com/link.php?n=45&c=10 for more info.
North Isles
Eday Youth Hostel, Eday
This SYHA Youth Hostel is located close to the beach at London Bay and offers a camping area and 2 electric hook-ups for caravans and motorhomes. It has excellent self-catering facilities, free internet access, wet rooms, disabled toilet and a laundry. Well behaved dogs are welcome by appointment. Visit https://www.hostellingscotland.org.uk/hostels/eday/ for more info.
Ayres Rock Campsite, Sanday
Situated on the Noust of Ayre (ideal for otter and seal-watching) Ayres Rock Campsite has 9 pitches and 2 electric hook-ups. Facilities include toilets, showers, washing facilities, chemical disposal point, campers’ kitchen, lounge and WiFi. Hostel facilities and 3 cosy camping pods available too. Chip Shop meals available every Saturday. Visit http://www.ayres-rock-hostel-orkney.com/ for more info.
The Barn Hostel and Campsite, Westray
Also known as Chalmersquoy Campsite, there is space for tents and 14 electric hook-ups here, a short walk around the bay from lovely Pierowall Village, where you can find shops, pubs and great evening meals. Facilities include showers, toilets, laundry, drying room and a fully equipped kitchen with hob, microwave and fridge. Visit http://www.chalmersquoywestray.co.uk/campsite.html for more info.
Rousay Hostel and Campsite at Trumland Farm, Rousay
A hostel with a camping area next to it which is located close to the Rousay Ferry. The island known as ‘Egypt of the North’ because of the many Neolithic tombs found there! The camp site has 5 pitches for tents and motorhomes, and excellent shower, kitchen and laundry facilities. Dogs are allowed and bikes are available for hire. Visit http://www.aroundrousay.co.uk/trumland/ for more info.
59 Degrees North, Sanday
59 Degrees North is elevated and gently sloping with stunning views of farmland and the sea. Vistors will find 5 hard standing motorhome/campervan pitches and a campsite with 10 tent pitches set within a wildflower meadow. Facilities include black and grey waste emptying facilities, a fresh water filling point and five electric hook-ups. The on-site café and pizzeria has a new luxury family bathroom for campers use. Visit https://www.59-degreesnorth.co.uk/
South Isles
Burnmouth Bothy, Hoy
A very basic camping Bothy with space to pitch tents and a toilet and tap. However, what Burnmouth lacks in facilities it more than makes up for in atmosphere. The Bothy stands next to beautiful Rackwick Beach, which is strewn with giant boulders. You’re unlikely to find a more peaceful or lovely place to camp! Visit https://www.northlinkferries.co.uk/orkney-blog/a-trip-to-hoy-in-orkney/ for more info. Caravans and Motorhomes enjoy parking in the large car park half a mile further from the beach.
Wheems Bothies and Camping, South Ronaldsay
Wheems is located in South Ronaldsay on a hillside above sea-cliffs and beaches. There are up to 20 pitches for tents and camper-vans. Families include showers, toilets, kitchen, washing machine and drying line. 2 cosy, equipped, solid wooden camping bothies are also available at Wheems. Visit http://www.wheemsorganic.co.uk/ for more info.
Pool Farmhouse CL, St Margarets Hope
A Caravan Club Certificated Location with space for five caravans or motorhomes (no tents) – for Caravan Club Members only. This site has excellent sea views and is located in South Ronaldsay. Facilities include electric hook-ups, water provision and waste disposal. A toilet is a short walk away.
Visit https://www.motorhomeorkney.co.uk/ for more info.
Wondering about fantastic places to Camp and Caravan in Shetland?
By Magnus DixonOrkney and Shetland enthusiast, family man, loves walks, likes animals, terrible at sports, dire taste in music, adores audiobooks and films, eats a little too much for his own good.
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