'Four seasons in one day' goes the old saying about the Scottish weather… But did you know that many of Scotland's best campsites stay open to overnight guests in spring, summer, autumn and, yes, even winter? Outdoor stays aren't just available in Scotland in the high season – going away at other times of year comes with a fair few advantages. Read on to find out more about where you could go and what you could do, as well as for some factual info to help you decide whether off-season Scottish breaks could be right for you.
Year-round accommodation in Scotland
Cosy Highland bothies and well-insulated glamping lodges, well-serviced touring pitches and places to pitch a tent are available in Scotland throughout the year – although we’d seriously recommend a read of our winter camping guide if you find yourself considering the latter. A lot of these sites are dog-friendly or geared towards families, but it’s also possible to find adults-only locations or tiny sites with low numbers of other guests if you’re going away in winter for the space and seclusion.
The nightly rates generally a lot cheaper at this time of year, and as a bonus the midges and mosquitos will be a lot thinner on the ground, almost all major tourist attractions will be quieter and you stand a good chance of seeing the hills under a blanket of snow. There are also lots of autumn and winter festivals and special events to get excited about too – experience the festive fun of Hogmanay, join a St Andrew’s Day parade or attend a traditional Burns supper and you’ll see what we’re talking about.
Where to go in Scotland off-season?
Autumn hotspots
OK, perhaps ‘hotspots’ is overdoing it, but the milder climes of Scotland’s southern and western regions are certainly worth exploring after the summer months are over, making the area suitable for camping well into the autumn. Head to the wooden glens of the Trossachs on the Highland boundary fault for some truly spectacular colours, or appreciate the Gulf Stream-kissed blooms at coastal Benmore Botanic Garden or Glenwhan Gardens for unseasonably green days out.
Winter Highland flings
Book a camping stay in Scotland outside of the peak season for the chance to go skiing in top mountain resorts like Glencoe or in the Cairngorms, or cosy up by the fire on site instead and get set for evenings of stargazing in Tomintoul and Glenlivet Dark Sky Park.
Christmas city breaks
Scotland's towns and cities are also well worth exploring off-season: Edinburgh's Botanic Gardens usually hosts magical open-air light shows in the winter, while there are top Christmas markets to explore in Glasgow, Stirling, Perth and Inverness. Afterwards, a quiet campsite makes an excellent antidote to that busy day out.
Be a railway rover
Hillwalking when there’s snow on the path is a serious undertaking that needs special skills, but luckily there are plenty of ways to experience Scotland’s high-altitude scenery all year round. One of our favourites is setting off on scenic autumn and winter train journeys, whether that involves admiring the views from the Glenfinnan Viaduct on West Highland Line or getting a load of the Grampians from the Highland Main Line. Find a campsite along either route and book a Scottish camping holiday where you can leave the car behind.
