Located just off the western coast of Scotland, the Isle of Mull feels worlds away from the hustle and bustle of the mainland. Whether you’re looking for children’s activities, wildlife viewing, historical sights, or outdoor recreation you’ll find no shortage of things to do on this picturesque island. Regardless of how you choose to spend your time during your visit, you’ll quickly see that island’s natural beauty is central to every aspect of life. Camping on the Isle of Mull provides an unforgettable way to experience this special place to the fullest.
There are great options on the Isle of Mull for every type of camper, from luxurious glamping pods to caravan parks to seaside tent pitches. There are even some amazing wild camping opportunities if you know where to find them. Keep reading to learn about all of the best places to camp on the Isle of Mull and find your perfect campsite.
In This Post
The Basics
Before you set out on your Isle of Mull camping trip, there are a few keys things you’ll want to keep in mind. This includes what time of year to camp, what to pack, and what to expect from a trip to the Scottish Highlands.
When to Camp on the Isle of Mull
Scotland is known for its temperamental weather, and the Isle of Mull is no different. The weather can change incredibly quickly in this part of the world, so campers should be prepared for wet, cold, or windy weather any time of year. It’s certainly possible to camp on the Isle of Mull year-round, although you’ll want to be prepared for some challenging conditions in the winter months.
The most pleasant and settled weather tends to occur in the spring and early summer (April-June), although you can get plenty of sunshine in the later summer and fall as well. Winter brings many wet and dark days, but significantly fewer crowds (and no midges).
July and August are typically the most popular and most crowded times for camping on the Isle of Mull. During these popular holiday months, you’ll find campgrounds at their fullest and an advance reservation is often essential. Of course, if you plan to wild camp you’ll have more flexibility, but should still be prepared for increased crowds. It is also important to note that if you plan to take the ferry from Oban in the summer, you will need to purchase your tickets in advance.
How to Get to the Isle of Mull
There are three ferry routes that service the Isle of Mull, all of which are operated by Caledonian MacBrayne. The most popular and direct route is the ferry from Oban to Craignure. This is a great option for those traveling without a car, as there are bus connections and campgrounds within walking distance of the ferry terminal in Craignure. This is a very popular route, however, and you’ll need to purchase tickets ahead of time. There is also a route that runs from Lochaline to Fishnish, which is convenient if you plan on camping in the centre of the Isle of Mull. Finally, the ferry from Kilchoan to Tobermory in the north of Mull is another option. The Lochaline and Kilchoan ferries do not require advance bookings.
What to Bring
We’re sure you’ll already have the essentials like a great tent, sleeping bags, and camp chairs, but below are some of our favorite items for camping on the Isle of Mull:
- Map: A good map is essential to exploring the area and learning more about your surroundings. We always recommend bringing an Ordnance Survey map, especially if you are looking for places to wild camp. This one includes the eastern side of Mull, and this one covers the northern section of Mull and Tobermory.
- Camping Stove – This classic piece of gear is perfect for cooking up deluxe campsite dinners.
- Cooler – Keeping food and drinks cool is essential when camping.
- Midge repellent – Camping in the Western Highlands is almost synonymous with midges. Be sure to pack some bug repellent to fight off these tiny nuisances!
While there are no outdoor sports stores on the island, you can find anything you may have forgotten back on the mainland in Oban.
Best Places to Camp on the Isle of Mull, Scotland
Isle of Mull Campgrounds
Shieling Holidays Mull
Camping Options: Caravan & Camper pitches, Tent pitches, Glamping tents, Cottages
Reservations: Recommended. Click here to reserve.
This well-established campground is a favorite destination on the Isle of Mull. Shieling Holidays is conveniently located just down the road from the Craignure ferry station and several shops and restaurants, so it’s easy to get to even though you’ll feel worlds away from civilization. Due to its position on a peninsula, the campground enjoys great views in all directions- across the Sound of Mull, Loch Linnhe, and all the way to Ben Nevis on clear days. There are several great walks in the area, including to Torosay and Duart castles. Campers consistently rave about the cleanliness of the facilities and the excellent hospitality.
Amenities at Shieling Holidays include toilets, showers, electric hookups, chemical disposal station, and laundry. Dogs are welcome at this campground.
Pennygown Holiday Park
Camping Options: Caravan & Camper pitches, Tent pitches, Camping Pods
Reservations: Recommended. Click here to reserve.
Pennygown Holiday Park is centrally located and can easily be accessed from the Craignure or Fishnish ferry stations. The camping pitches are set right along the water and enjoy fantastic views of the Sound of Mull. The friendly owners operate a traditional family farm alongside the campground, which adds to the peaceful and bucolic experience. Even better, the new and modern facilities are kept spotlessly clean. All sites are hardstanding and are equipped with electric hookups.
Amenities at Pennygown Holiday Park include toilets, showers, and laundry. Dogs are welcome.
Salen Bay Campsite
Camping Options: Hard-standing and grass pitches for tents and motorhomes.
Reservations: Recommended. Click here to reserve.
This lovely campground is perfectly positioned for incredible views in every direction. Located down the old pier road, Salen Bay Campsite feels off the beat track, while still being walking distance to shops and restaurants. Even better, there are two paths from the campground that provide access to a huge expanse of rugged shoreline in either direction. The hard-standing pitches have water and electric hookups, and tent campers can choose between standard grass pitches and those with electric hookups.
Amenities at Salen Bay Campsite include toilets, showers, laundry, and free wifi. There is an indoor washing and sitting area, and there are picnic tables and barbeques throughout the campsite. Pets are welcome.
Crannich Holiday Caravans and Campsite
Camping Options: Holiday caravans, hard-standing pitches for tents and motorhomes.
Reservations: Recommended. Contact info@crannich.co.uk or call 01680300495 to reserve.
Nature lovers will appreciate this beautiful little campground, which shares its home with an impressive variety of flora and fauna. The campground owners have made an effort to restore the native woodlands on the property, planting hundreds of new trees each year. Crannich is located in a truly idyllic setting, with plenty of great options for walking, running, and cycling right from the campsite. Those looking for a bit of luxury can stay in one of the cosy holiday caravans, while the spacious pitches are great for both motorhome and tent campers.
Amenities at Crannich Holiday Caravans and Campsite include toilets, showers, wifi, and gray water disposal. Pets are allowed with prior notice.
Fidden Farm Campsite
Camping Options: Pitches for tents and motorhomes.
Reservations: Not needed.
Beach lovers will appreciate pitching their tent just steps from some of the beautiful white sands on Mull’s west coast. Fidden Farm offers low-key camping and clean facilities on their open-plan site. Fidden Farm is close to a great pub, small grocery, and the ferry to Iona. This is a great place to stay before exploring the other islands in the area.
Amenities at Fidden Farm include toilets, showers, and electronics charging (on request).
Catchean Pods & Caravans
Camping Options: Static caravans, glamping pods, pitches for tents and motorhomes.
Reservations: Recommended. Click here to reserve.
Located on the Ross of Mull, the peninsula on the far west side of the island, this is a quiet and peaceful place to camp. The campground is just a ten-minute walk from the village of Fionnphort, which has a shop, pub, and ferry terminal (to the Islands of Iona). There is also an excellent restaurant just down the road. Catchean has two fully-equipped static caravans for hire, as well as two rustic camping pods. They also allow tents and motorhomes to pitch on the property.
Amenities at Catchean include toilets and showers.
Tobermory Campsite
Camping Options: Static caravans, sheperd’s huts, pitches for tents and motorhomes.
Reservations: Recommend. Call 01688 302615 or email to reserve. (Two night minimum for tent/motorhome pitch bookings)
This excellent campground is equipped to accommodate campers of every style. There are two grassy tent areas, hard standing and grass pitches for trailers and motorhomes (with electric hookups), several cozy sheperd’s huts, and a handful of deluxe static caravans. If you plan on visiting for two or more nights in the peak summer season, it is advisable to book your pitch in advance. First-come, first-served pitches are also available for tents and motorhomes, but it’s a good idea to get there early in the day to secure a spot. The facilities are clean and high-quality, and the campground is walking distance from the shops and restaurants in Tobermory.
Amenities at Tobermory Campsite include showers, toilets, wifi, chemical and waste water disposal, a cooking shelter and a dish washing area. Dogs are welcome.
Isle of Mull Wild Camping
If you’re looking for a close-to-nature experience, consider wild camping on the Isle of Mull. Wild camping is permitted throughout the Isle of Mull, and there’s an endless array of beautiful places to spend a night under the stars, given you stick to some important guidelines. Below we’ll cover all of the need-to-know information and provide recommendations for some of our favorite wild camping destinations on the Isle of Mull.
Need to Know
Before you set out to wild camp on the Isle of Mull, it is essential that you familiarize yourself with the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. The Code protects public access to much of Scotland’s wild areas, including beaches, forests, moors, and some farmland. Generally speaking wild camping in a tent is permitted on most land, given you follow some important rules:
- Only camp in small groups for no more than 3 nights in one place
- Follow the Leave No Trace Principles
- Do not camp in any of the following areas: close to houses or other buildings, near livestock, on school grounds or sports fields, and in places that charge for entry
- No open fires (use a camp stove for cooking)
While technically the Code does not extend to motorized vehicles, it may be possible to discreetly camp in a motor home or camper van throughout the Isle of Mull. Be sure to follow this advice on car parking when accessing the outdoors to make sure that you are respecting local communities and the surrounding environment.
Best Wild Camping Spots on the Isle of Mull
Lochbuie: Located in the southern part of Mull, this tranquil coastal village offers overnight parking for cars and camper vans as well as a site for tents. There are toilets and a cafe nearby.
Calgary Bay (tents only): This is a beautiful area for waterfront camping on Mull’s northwest coast. Keep in mind that camping in this area is restricted to tents and small camper vans only. For conservation reasons, it is important to pitch your tent within designated areas. There are public toilets nearby, but you’ll need to bring your own water.
Tomsleibhe Bothy: If you don’t want to carry a tent and are willing to walk a bit, Tomsleibhe Bothy provides a memorable wilderness experience. Located at the foot of Beinn Talaidh, this cozy mountain hut sleeps up to ten people in a charming stone building. While technically you’ll be sleeping indoors, this is similar to wild camping and you’ll need to bring all of your own supplies. Check with the MBA if planning to visit August 15th-February 15th, as there may be restrictions during the hunting season.
Loch Frisa: This remote Loch is a great place to view wildlife and immerse yourself in nature. There’s a car park on the south side of the B8073 between Tobermory and Dervaig, just west of the Mishnish Lochs. From there, you can walk in any direction to find a nice spot to pitch your tent. There are no facilities, so be sure to leave no trace.
Loch Na Keal: There are gorgeous places to pull off and wild camp on the shores of this incredible Loch, especially on the southern side along the B8035. Exploring this scenic area in search of a campsite is a rewarding experience in itself.
Motorhomes and Camper Vans
Motorhomes can park overnight at the Ulva Ferry or Ardalanish Beach for a small fee. There is also the possibility of overnighting at Uisken Beach, but be sure to make arrangements with the Uisken Croft when you arrive.
This map provides information about chemical and waste water disposal sites on the Isle of Mull.
Enjoy Your Trip!
The Isle of Mull is a perfect place to appreciate the beauty of nature and sleep out under the stars. With so many great camping options, there is something for everyone. Got questions or want to tell us about your trip? Be sure to leave a comment below. Happy trails!
