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Forestry and Land Scotland has extended its ‘Stay the Night’ initiative permitting self-contained campervans and motorhomes to use up to 50 of its car parks across Scotland for overnight stays.
Stay the Night is now available throughout the year, with the number of participating car parks slightly reduced over the winter months across participating sites spread throughout Scotland. Self-contained motorhomes and campervans (those with toilets and accommodation) can stay between 6pm and 10am, with no return to the same car park within 48 hours.
Views over Loch Ness from Fargaig Forest near Inverfa l Forestry and Land Scotland
This is fantastic news for motorhome visitors to Scotland, as the additional overnight parking opportunities will take some of the pressure off the popular locations. Scotland has seen a significant increase in tourism, with visitors from the UK aand overseas keen to experience its breath taking beauty.
Self-contained motorhomes and campervans (with all facilities including toilet inside the vehicle) only are allowed. This means that both the Spaceships Luxury and Compact motorhomes, as well as the VW Cosmo Campervan with its Porta Potty will be able to "Stay the Night". Tents and car camping is not permitted.
The participating carparks will operate on a "first come, first served" basis. Payment can be made through RingGo with details of how to do this at each car park.
There is a £10 charge to stay at most car parks, increasing to £13 if the car park has chemical waste disposal facilities. You can also use the chemical waste disposal only for £5, with all payments made through RingGo by phone or using their app.
There is no booking or advanced payment and you have up to 72 hours to pay after your stay.
Bonnie Scotland
It's not surprising that Scotland has become such a popular destination for campervan and motorhome trips. The combination of breath taking scenery in the Highlands, islands and around the coast, together with world class food and drink and the friendliness of the people make Scotland the perfect choice for a road trip.
A Spaceships Luxury Motorhome lands in the Highlands
As well as enjoying some Scottish hospitality, it is still a wilderness where you can truly escape and get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. With vibrant cities, beautiful roads with spectacular views seemingly around every corner, not to mention some of the world's most beautiful beaches (yes, that's right - in Scotland!), a road trip to Scotland has something for everyone.
Respecting the environment and communities
This popularity of the NC500 coast road around the north of Scotland has increased the pressure on certain areas, particularly during the busy summer season. It is a common misconception that "wild camping" is legal in Scotland. This is the case if you are camping in a tent, but it is important to remember that overnight stays in a motorised vehicle on private land are illegal in Scotland. You can stay overnight with the permission of the landowner and there are designated places and attractions where "free camping" is permitted. You can also park in a lay-by, but should not set up "camp" with an awning and outdoor tables and chairs for example. Read more about Wild Camping here.
It's also important to respect the local communities who live and work in Scotland. It's your holiday, but it's their home. This is especially true of the popular tourist routes like the NC500, where the roads can become clogged with campervan and motorhome visitors during busy periods. Read our guide to driving the NC500 here.
The Caravan and Motorhome Club site at Dunnet Bay near Thurso
Together with our partnership with the Caravan and Motorhome Club, which gives Spaceships customers free temporary Club membership for the duration of their hire, the "Stay the Night" initiative is another way to camp responsibly and sustainably. Find out how you can get temporary access to the Caravan and Motorhome Club with your Spaceship.
Stay a little longer
Craigvinean Forest in Perthshire overlooks the River Tay l Forestry and Land Scotland
The "Stay the Night" scheme is another way to help campervans and motorhomes find overnight parking. Stuart Chalmers, FLS’ National Visitor Services Manager, said; “Stay the Night has proved to be hugely popular with campervan and motorhome users and we have had support from communities and partners across the country.
“Motorhomes and campervans are a major part of Scotland’s tourism traffic and allowing people to stay at our carparks overnight, will help to meet the growing demand for stopping places.
“It also encourages people to stay a little longer at locations they would otherwise have passed through, which should provide a boost to many small rural businesses.”
Full details including a list of the participating sites with a location map can be found here, so when you are ready to take off to Scotland in your Spaceship, you can stay the night with Forestry and Land Scotland.
