It's that time of year again when everyone goes a little camping crazy, and where better to check out than the places that past guests have rated most highly?
Outdoor accommodation booking platform Pitchup.com has recently revealed its top-ranked sites across the UK in the past year listed on the platform.
Based on customer reviews, rating each site for aspects like location, value for money, quality of accommodation, activities and cleanliness, guests awarded almost two-thirds of all UK sites listed on the platform in 2021 an overall score of 8/10 and above, with 74 of Scotland’s sites scoring an eight or higher
Here are five of the top-rated sites chosen by 2021 holidaymakers for camping, touring or glamping in Scotland:
Barstobrick Holiday Lodges, Castle Douglas, Dumfries and Galloway
The PitchUp.com team said: "It’s tricky to decide which is more attractive at Barstobrick Holiday Lodges - the stunning scenery of the Dumfries and Galloway countryside or the stylish interiors.
"These gorgeous lodges prove that outdoor accommodation can be luxurious, with fantastic facilities, and visitors in 2021 thought that too - giving it an overall 10 out of 10 rating across 24 reviews, placing it at joint 9th place in the UK-wide Top 10. "
Lauded for its large windows and spectacular views of the Galloway Hills, this site is about 10 minutes drive from both the picturesque towns of Castle Douglas and Kirkcudbright.
They added: "The outdoor table makes a fine setting for an alfresco breakfast, which you can have delivered to your lodge in a hamper for an extra charge. Or if cooked breakfast is more your style, head to the on-site coffee shop. Each lodge has a king-size bed, kitchenette, Smart TV and an ensuite shower room."
Prices start at £90 per night for a one-bedroom lodge for two adults.
Book here: pitchup.com
North Muasdale Farm, Muasdale, Argyll
The PitchUp.com team said: "Cosy up in the comfy cabin at North Muasdale Farm and soak up the spectacular scenery – this spot sits on a hillside above Muasdale village and has views out over the Scottish islands of Islay, Jura, Gigha and Cara.
"This is a splendid retreat close to the Kintyre peninsula’s beaches, walking paths, bike trails and wildlife in Argyll and Bute, with useful facilities like a kitchen, an ensuite and access to Freeview and wifi."
A great basecamp for people looking to experience the scenic road trip route, visitors were delighted by the friendly host, the “unrivalled location and views”, and the complimentary fresh eggs from the farm.
They added: "A picnic bench for eating alfresco and a hot tub are placed outside the cabin so that visitors don’t miss sunset, as the views at that time of day are especially beautiful."
Prices start at £120 per night for two adults, with a minimum two-night stay.
Book here: pitchup.com
Law Farm Campsite, Dechmonth, Lothian
“Lovely scenery all around us, miles away from the rat race,” was how one reviewer described the nearly-wild camping experience at Law Farm.
A 20-minute drive from the Forth Bridge and half an hour from Edinburgh, this working farm has views of the Pentlands, Arthur’s Seat and Binnie Craig.
The PitchUp.com team said: "This pop-up site is only open from July 22 to August 5, but last year’s visitors were so impressed it scored 10 out of 10.
"The farm field is very grassy and spacious, so there's plenty of room between plots. The site has simple facilities like portable toilets, meaning that this is a place best-suited to self-sustaining travellers who appreciate the chance to build a campfire or cook their own dinner over a barbecue."
Prices start at £25 for a non-electric grass tent pitch for up to six people.
Book here: pitchup.com
Macbeth’s Hillock, Forres, Moray
The PitchUp.com team said: "‘Tis said that Macbeth’s Hillock, half an hour’s drive from Inverness, is where the future King of Scotland met with the three witches and first learned his dreadful destiny.
"While the witches might not have existed, Macbeth certainly did and the coastline of the Moray Firth is dotted with reminders of Scotland’s proud and sometimes turbulent history - it's a 15-minute trip to the seat of the real Thanes of Cawdor."
With country views, a picturesque location, comfortable accommodation in pods with ensuite bathrooms, and friendly flocks of chickens and sheep next door, this was another Scottish site with a perfect score of 10.
They added: "Sea fishing, dolphin spotting and Loch Ness cruises are within half an hour and many famed whisky distilleries are within an hour's drive."
Prices start at £75 for one night for four people, with a minimum two-night stay.
Book here: pitchup.com
Castle Point Caravan Site, Rockcliffe, Dumfries and Galloway
Within walking distance of three sandy beaches, this caravan and camping site is loved by guests for its clean facilities, beautiful walks and stunning views.
With a laundry room, washing up areas, a drying room for wet clothes, lockable bike shed, play area, barbecue area and friendly staff, this site was given an overall rating of 9.8 from a staggering 114 reviewers in 2021.
The PitchUp.com team said: "For provisions, a well-stocked food shop is about a mile away at Colvend and a couple of small supermarkets are around six miles away. The 'excellent showers' get quite a few mentions from happy campers too."
Prices start at £22.50 per night, based on two adults, for an electric campervan, tent, caravan or motorhome pitch.
Book here: pitchup.com
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