Wild Camping Tips and Tricks

Wild Camping Tips and Tricks

Wild camping can be a wonderful experience and you will notice we do a new wild camping blog every year at Scottish Tourer. I suppose it’s for us to share the enjoyment we get from it and that it can be simple with a few easy hints and tips. 

Why go wild camping? 
•    Most people think about wild camping as a tent, but it can be even easier in a motorhome as you literally have almost a house on wheels, so you are completely self-contained. 
•    We love not being tied to booking and out timings and you can come and go as you please. If you are like us and often go on spontaneous days out that last longer than you expect, you don’t need to be cutting things short, rushing or having to book another night. 

Is it allowed everywhere? 
In Scotland wild camping is legal on unenclosed land however this doesn’t extend to motorhomes. Some places require a permit and other will have signs that we would advise you to respect however as there are so many places to park up you don’t need to use somewhere that states No Overnight Parking. Some parkings asks for a small donation. 

Top tips for wild camping 
•    Utilise handy apps like search for sites to find a parking spot overnight. 
•    Be careful and check it out first as we have found ourselves down roads, we have had to make some rather interesting reverses and turns. Google maps can be handy to check particularly if you are already pretty rural. If it looks narrow, stop, get out and check and double check. We have had customers damaged motorhomes and put themselves at risk to reach a camping spot. 
•    We have handy folders in each motorhome that will tell you where you can empty toilets, fuel up, gas up and the West Coast route guide. 
•    Always lock and secure your motorhome, when you leave for any length of time. 
•    Abide by any no camping and no overnight stays. There are so many possible places to camp you don’t need to be using these spots. 

What to check for and what you need in a pitch? 
•    In a warm weather you can often get away with grass pitches, however, the weather can change super quickly in Scotland therefore be aware of any boggy ground or wet areas. We would always encourage you to seek a hard standing spot. 
•    Take note when you collect your motorhome from us at Scottish Tourer the size and height as they are all different. Remember to leave yourself space for sitting outside and if you plan to have a BBQ. 
•    Ensure you use the handbrake, levelling ramps and get someone to check as there is nothing worse than being in bed and realising the van is lopsided. 
•    Ensure before you drive you put away everything securely, we often pop some kitchen towels in between plates and ensure all cupboards are secure. Ensure all skylights and windows and closed and secure and that you haven’t left anything sitting that will become dislodged when you are driving. 
•    When leaving your van for the day, always put everything inside your van don’t leave things sitting out.