Stunning Campervan Road Trip Guide to Dunvegan, Isle of Skye

Dunvegan. Jean Balczesak

Welcome back to another exciting campervan road trip in the Inner Hebrides. We’re exploring the sprawling array of islands off Scotland’s west coast, and began our trip in Portree, the main town on the Isle of Skye and a bustling port with plenty of character. Hop in your campervan and follow our trip while we explore the very best attractions in the Inner Hebrides, complete with locations to hire a campervan in the Hebrides, and the most scenic camping locations on the isle. We’ll provide a list of the most beautiful attractions in Dunvegan, and take you off the trampled tourist tracks to get a true taste of the island’s magic, opening the door to peaceful stays at campsites in Highland. Explore our wide selection of campsites across the UK and find the perfect place for your next escape.

• Campervan Road Trip Itinerary Through The Inner Hebrides

Croft Bunkhouse

Croft Bunkhouse

Isle of Skye, Highland

Isle of Skye, Highland

Croft Bunkhouse is a well-appointed site offering an array of hostel accommodations for guests who want to get away from it all whilst enjoying a budget-friendly holiday.

Before you head out, you’ll want to sort out your means of transport and accommodation. Hotels plus bed and breakfast options are often expensive on the Isle of Skye, and planning your holiday along with ferry timetables may seem like a lot of work. Happily, you do not need to book a ferry to reach the island or fork out for pricey abodes. Hire a campervan in Scotland, you’ve got the most effective means to get around and explore this wild landscape, a cosy home that travels wherever you go. Campervans come with various comforts, including portable kitchens, some with gas hobs and heating and generally always with fridges, so you’re well prepared to tackle the unpredictable Scottish weather. You can also drive your campervan from mainland Scotland onto the island on Skye Bridge in the Kyle of Lochalsh, eliminating the need to take the ferry. Check to see if it is open here.

• Is Dunvegan Worth a Visit?
• Dunvegan Road Trip Itinerary
• Camping in and Around Dunvegan
• Campsites Near in Dunvegan
• Dunvegan Campervans Prices
• Campervan Hire Towns in Dunvegan
• Leaving Dunvegan in Our Rearview Mirror

Is Dunvegan Worth a Visit?

Dunvegan Castle. Simon Varwell

The small village of Dunvegan rests at the head of Loch Dunvegan, sandwiched between the sleepy hamlet of Duirinish and the Waternish Peninsula. Despite its tranquil settings and scenery (rugged sea lochs, moorland hills, and sweeping coastal views), Dunvegan was once a busy port and a stopping point for steamers gliding around the Outer Hebrides (linking Skye with Harris and Lewis routes). The settlement soon became a tourist hotspot famed for its rich history (centred around Dunvegan Castle, seat of Clan MacLeod), natural beauty (clifftop walks and seal-rich waters of Loch Dunvegan), and cultural significance (Gaelic heritage and long-standing clan traditions). Let’s explore the must-see attractions in Dunvegan and how you can savour its atmosphere while soaking in views along the way.

Before you head out on your campervan road trip in the Inner Hebrides, stop in town to explore a range of shops and stock up on essentials, pop in at the post office if you would like to whizz out a postcard or two, and refuel at the petrol station so you’re well-prepared for a long drive.

Dunvegan Road Trip Itinerary

Start at the town's doorstep, and take a two-minute drive via the A863 to the quiet hamlet of Kilmuir to explore the St Mary's Old Church. This beautiful roofless ruin is believed to have been constructed in the 13th century, making it one of the oldest ecclesiastical structures on Skye. Not only does the church have long historical connections to the MacLeod clan, but it is still cherished by locals and visitors alike and enjoys a beautiful location with views of the rolling hills and distant lochs.

From the church, take the A850 to the Duirinish Stones. Despite looking like a Stone Age relic, the monolith was erected by the locals during the turn of the millennium using old methods—manual labour. The stone rises five meters in the air and weighs several tons, standing as a reminder to future generations of our current life and times.

Portree Campsite

Portree Campsite

Isle of Skye, Highland

Isle of Skye, Highland

Pitch a tent or park on the peaceful, well-appointed, beautifully located Portree Campsite. Make this lush site your base for exploring the varied attractions on the Isle of Skye and enjoy a range of traditional camping fun paired with spotless amenities.

On your way back to town, stop at the Giant Angus MacAskill Museum, dedicated to Angus MacAskill, the "Giant of Scotland". The museum rests in a former Highland croft and celebrates the life and legacy of the world's tallest true giant, who stood 7 feet 9 inches without medical conditions. Visitors can see personal belongings belonging to Angus, including his boots and furniture and get a true sense of his size courtesy of a life-size statue at the entrance.

Dunvegan. Manuel Osdoba

Don your walking shoes and take around a 10-minute drive from the town to Macleod's Tables, two distinctive flat-topped hills, Healabhal Mhòr and Healabhal Bheag.

Set for the summit, soaking in the sweeping views as you imagine being invited to the summit for a feast by a Clan Chief!

Arguably the biggest attraction in Dunvegan, Dunvegan Castle is the ancestral home of the Chiefs of Clan MacLeod. It is one of Scotland's most iconic and historically significant landmarks and enjoys a location on the shores of Loch Dunvegan, serving as an ancestral seat for over 800 years.

Explore a blend of beautiful architectural styles, a walled garden with flourishing flowers and manicured lawns and a water garden with ponds and waterfalls. The castle also has a beautiful woodland garden and a jetty from which visitors can head on a seal-spotting boat ride over Loch Dunvegan.

Torvaig Caravan and Camping Site

Torvaig Caravan and Camping Site

Portree, Highland

Portree, Highland

The quiet, spacious Torvaig Caravan and Camping Site rests amid a lovey setting of romantic rolling countrysides that gives way to green, jagged mist-clad peaks that look out over the enclosing area under big clear skies.

No trip is complete without a trip to the beach, and Claigan Coral Beach, a ten-minute drive away on the A850, is perfect for dipping your toes in the sand. While the beach has limited parking and no facilities, it is well worth the visit, boasting clear Caribbean-esque waters and white sands peppered with white shells. The beach is pet-friendly, ideal for picnics, and safe for a dip. Please keep your canines on a lead as the walk to the beach passes through farmland, so you'll likely encounter sheep and cattle. Take a 2-minute climb up the small hill, Ghrobain, for sweeping landscape views. The lesser-known Orbost (Varkasaig) Beach is another wonderful shoreline with spectacular views across Loch Bharcasaig and beyond.

Plenty of attractions are nearby, including Orbost Beach, Neist Point Lighthouse, and the Fairy Bridge. We recommend stopping at The Three Chimneys for a hearty meal with gorgeous views of Loch Dunvegan.

Camping in and Around Dunvegan

Now that we’ve explored the best things to see in and around Dunvegan on your campervan road trip, we’ll dive into some fine locations to find a campsite in Dunvegan. We recommend booking your campsite in Scotland in late spring or early autumn to avoid most holiday crowds. We recommend finding campsites in Roag, Colbost and Glendale, three peaceful campsite locations ideal for resting your head away from the crowds while enjoying proximity to local attractions. When you’re exploring camping spots around Dunvegan, you can also stumble upon well-loved campsites in Isle of Skye tucked into the local landscape.

Dunvegan. Patrick Down

Roag is a small peaceful hamlet on the Isle of Skye, just 8 minutes or 3.4 miles from Dunvegan. When you stay at a campsite in Roag, you can easily explore the tranquil beauty of Loch Bracadale, a beautiful loch ideal for quiet walks or simply soaking in the scenery. There are plenty of walking routes around our campsites in Roag, and the surroundings brim with wildlife like seals and otters, plus various species of birds. Look forward to beautiful nights of star gazing courtesy of the settlement’s remote location, which is ideal for quiet nights around the campfire. Visit local artisans and pick up some local arts and crafts to take home as a memory of your visit.We also recommend searching for campsites in Portree, campsites in Liniclate, campsites in North Uist and campsites in Mallaig.

The charming hamlet of Colbost is a peaceful spot for a camping stay with plenty to explore nearby. Located just 15 minutes or 5.2 miles from Dunvegan, our campsites in Colbost are ideal for exploring some of Skye’s iconic landmarks, including Neist Point Lighthouse, which boasts dramatic views over the cliffs, the sea and sometimes dolphins and whales frolicking in the water below. Watch artisans craft beautiful textiles at the local weaving studio and explore more traditional ways of life at the Colbost Croft Museum. Stunning walking opportunities range from gentle strolls along the coastline to more challenging routes with fantastic views of the Cuillin Mountains. If you’d like places to stay whilst you are exploring the area, take a look at our campsites in South Uist and campsites in Kyle Of Lochalsh.

Skye Eco Bells

Skye Eco Bells

Isle of Skye, Highland

Isle of Skye, Highland

For totally off-grid camping and the opportunity to camp out amid some of the most exceptional scenery on the Isle of Skye, make your way towards the Skye Eco Bells eco glamping site for your next escape into nature.

Glendale is located on the northwestern tip of the Isle of Skye, a beautiful area famed for its rugged landscapes, coastal beauty, and tranquil atmosphere. Campsites in Glendale are incredible bases for nature lovers, history buffs, and adventurous sorts seeking to explore the hidden treasures on the Isle of Skye. A short 19-minute drive (7.4 miles) leads to Dunvegan, where you can admire Dunvegan Castle and Gardens, the ancestral home of Clan Macleod. Learn about the area’s traditional crofting practices by visiting old croft houses and ruins. If you prefer browsing through more options, take a look at our campsites in Isle Of Harris, campsites in Gairloch and campsites in Lochcarron.

Campsites Near in Dunvegan

We've selected three beautiful campsites in Dunvegan that should help make planning your road trip to the Isle of Skye as easy as pie. Set your sights on Skye Camping and Caravanning, Kinloch Campsite, and Uig Bay Caravan and Campsite. These campsites present a stunning blend of comfort, convenience, and views, making them excellent bases for escaping the holiday crowds and enjoying a peaceful night's rest. Let's look at what each site offers and why it'll make a great stop along your campervan road trip in the Inner Hebrides.

Skye Camping And Caravanning Club Site in Isle Of Skye

Skye Camping And Caravanning Club Site, Isle Of Skye

As the name suggests, Skye Camping and Caravanning Club Site is a club site on the shores of Loch Greshornish. If you want to park as close as possible to the water and spend your time on the campsite admiring the glittering waters and the wildlife it attracts, this is the perfect place. It is a clean, well-managed camping space managed by themselves. There are 105 pitches, 85 equipped with 16 amp electric meters, of which 46 are on the hardstanding. Glampers can enjoy the camping pods and the two yurts. Modern facilities include toilets with underfloor heating, a small laundry, and a shop selling bread with fresh eggs.

Kinloch Campsite in Isle Of Skye

Kinloch Campsite, Isle Of Skye

Kinloch Campsite is a beautiful, family-friendly campsite tucked on the shores of Loch Dunvegan. Overlooked by the MacLeods Tables, the campsite is a remarkable base for exploring Dunvegan, a leisurely 5-minute stroll away, with its pubs, shops, cafes, and services. Not only can campers park right by the shores of the sparkling loch, but there's a high chance to spot seals, who are regular visitors. Pitches on grass and hardstanding with optional electric meters are perfect for tents and touring vehicles of all sizes. Amenities include a modern shower and toilet block, laundry and drying facilities, free Wi-Fi and more.

Uig Bay Caravan and Campsite in Isle Of Skye

Uig Bay Caravan and Campsite, Isle Of Skye

Uig Bay Caravan and Campsite is a lovely, sheltered site with beautiful views and a fantastic location close to the ferry to Harris. Take your pick between grass or hardstanding bases perfect for tents, small campervans, motorhomes and caravans. Excellent facilities, including showers, toilets, a laundry room and dishwashing, are available, and the site enjoys lovely views backed by hills with a glittering loch next to the grounds. Sit back in the garden area and enjoy the views, or use the site as a stopover for exploring the Hebrides. Dogs are most welcome to tag along.

Dunvegan Campervans Prices

Motorhomes and campervans are perfect for visiting the Inner Hebrides. Why spend your holiday stationary when you can marvel at the changing views as you rumble along, park amid breathtaking sceneries, and explore some of Scotland’s extraordinary landmarks? Book a campervan or motorhome in the summer starting at £90, and discover the freedom to roam as far as your heart desires. Try and book your holiday outside the busier tourist months for a more competitive rate, and book your vehicle for a longer period to be eligible for discounts. Take a look at our homepage to find plenty of campervan hire options available across the UK.

Campervan Hire Towns in Dunvegan

Dunvegan’s central location makes it a wonderful gateway to Skye’s beautiful scenery and must-visit destinations. When you hire a campervan in Dunvegan, you can explore a range of stunning attractions like Coral Beach, Orbost Beach and Talisker Distillery without being tied to accommodation schedules. Stay overnight at scenic spots and enjoy Skye’s starry skies and abundant wildlife. For campervan hire locations in Dunvegan, we recommend searching for campsites in Lonmore, Cuidrach, and Kensaleyre, three central locations with plenty to explore as soon as you rumble out the driveway. As part of the journey, when it comes to enjoying a campervan adventure in Dunvegan, experiencing campervan hire Isle of Skye adds an extra layer of freedom and pleasure to the journey. Read on for attractions and campervan hire options near these areas.

Dunvegan. Jean Balczesak

Lonmore, a sleepy hamlet near Dunvegan, promises a serene start to your campervan road trip in the Inner Hebrides. While it may not offer the bustling attractions of larger towns, it is a lovely start to a charming campervan journey with iconic attractions within easy reach. Hire a campervan in Highland, and you’ll be surrounded by Skye’s spectacular scenery, with sweeping views of the Cuillin Mountains, rolling hills, and expansive moorlands stretching outside your campsite. The settlement also serves as a fab base for exploring the coastline in your campervan and retains an untouched atmosphere, perfect for off-the-beaten-path escapes. If you’d like to browse more models, check out our campervans in Lonmore, campervans in Portree, campervans in South Uist, campervans in Kyle Of Lochalsh and campervans in Lochcarron.

When you hire a campervan in Aberdeenshire, Then head over to a breathtakingly beautiful corner of Scotland. Located on the Trotternish Peninsula, Cuidrach is a hidden gem and a centre for exploring beautiful landscapes, wildlife encounters, and cultural heritage. Explore attractions like Quiraing, Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock, and Mealt Falls with ease and reconnect with nature, observing wildlife like golden eagles, otters, and more. If you’d like more rental options, check out our campervans for hire in Cuidrach, campervans for hire in Gairloch, campervans for hire in North Uist and campervans for hire in Liniclate.

The small village of Kensaleyre is a small, peaceful location to kick off your campervan road trip in Dunvegan. Located a short drive from Portree, it is perfect for relaxing on the shores of Loch Snizort, a beautiful location surrounded by rolling hills. Bring your fishing gear to catch trout and salmon, or use the calm waters to kayak or paddleboard. Admire gorgeous views of Skye’s spectacular scenery, and head to historical sites like the Kensaleyre Standing Stones and the Clachan Church Ruins to glimpse the island’s rich past. Take a break from driving, stretch your legs on beautiful hiking and walking routes, and refuel at a local pub, enjoying a warm welcome from our friendly locals. We have more campervans in Kensaleyre, campervans in Strathcarron, campervans in Isle Of Harris, campervans in Mallaig and campervans in Shiel Bridge if you would like to check out more campervan locations nearby.

Leaving Dunvegan in Our Rearview Mirror

And so we conclude the next stage of our An Itinerary for a Campervan Roadtrip through Inner Hebrides in Dunvegan. You can pair this guide with trips to the small islands of Mingay, Isay, and Clett or take short drives from the village to locations like Waternish and Edinbane Pottery to get a deeper look at traditional crafts and history. We’ve got plenty more stops on our journey through the Inner Hebrides, so get ready for the next stop on our trip when we head to Broadford.