North Coast 500
The North Coast 500 - Highlights
The Ultimate NC500 Guide: Best Locations & Motorhome-Friendly Campsites
If you’re planning your NC500 adventure, you’re in exactly the right place. At Zoom Motorhome Hire, we’re all about helping you discover Scotland’s most breathtaking landscapes in comfort and confidence. And there’s no better showcase of Scotland’s rugged beauty than the North Coast 500 — a 516-mile loop of shimmering beaches, misty mountains, coastal cliffs, and charming Highland villages.
To help you make the most of it, we’ve put together a simple, road-tested guide to the best stops along the NC500, plus motorhome-friendly campsites for each location. Whether it’s your first big road trip or your tenth, this guide is designed to keep things effortless, enjoyable, and unforgettable.
Starting Point: Inverness — The Gateway to the Highlands
Inverness
Your NC500 journey begins in Inverness, the capital of the Highlands and the perfect place to stock up on supplies, stretch your legs, and settle into your motorhome. Wander along the River Ness, visit Inverness Castle, or take a small detour to Loch Ness for some Nessie-spotting.
Ideal Campsite Near Inverness:
Bught Park Caravan & Camping Site
A simple, peaceful spot close to the river — good access, easy parking, and plenty of space for motorhomes.
Assynt & Coigach
️ Assynt & Coigach — Scotland at Its Wildest
Just north of Ullapool lies one of the NC500’s most iconic landscapes. Think ancient mountains rising straight out of the earth — Suilven, Stac Pollaidh, Quinag — and vast stretches of untouched wilderness. This area feels remote, peaceful, and absolutely magical.
Campsite Recommendation:
Shore Caravan Site, Achmelvich
A favourite for its dazzling white-sand beach and crystal-clear waters. Pitches are steps away from the sea — brilliant for swimming, paddleboarding, or simply relaxing to the sound of the waves.
Durness
Durness — Sea Caves, Wild Beaches & Northern Wonder
Welcome to the top of mainland Britain. Durness is raw, wild and unforgettable — home to dramatic cliffs, huge beaches, turquoise waters and one of the UK’s most impressive natural attractions: Smoo Cave. This stretch of coastline is where many travellers fall completely in love with Scotland’s far north.
Top Campsite:
Sango Sands Oasis
Perched right on the cliff edge with unbelievable sea views, this campsite is a Zoom traveller favourite. Facilities are excellent, and chances are you’ll spot seals or dolphins in the bay. It’s also within strolling distance of beaches, cafes, and the entrance to Smoo Cave.
John O’Groats
️ John O’Groats — The Edge of the World
Turning east, your next big stop is John O’Groats, a classic milestone for long-distance travellers. Grab a photo at the famous signpost, take a coastal walk to Duncansby Head’s spectacular sea stacks, and enjoy the dramatic scenery of Scotland’s far northeast.
Where to Stay:
John O’Groats Caravan & Camping Site
A friendly, flat, easy-access site with wide open views over the Pentland Firth. Great for motorhomes of all sizes and ideal for ferry trips to Orkney if you’re extending your adventure.
