Best Camping in Edinburgh with Jackery

Scotland's capital, Edinburgh, is well known for its storied buildings, thriving arts scene, and exciting festivals. However, camping offers access to a world of untamed beauty and wilderness beyond the city's busy streets and tourist attractions. We'll go into great detail about the best camping in Edinburgh in this guide, including where to go, what to carry, and what to avoid.

Moreover, electricity is essential in your camping trip, so we highly recommend Jackery Solar Generators (a combination of Jackery Solar Panels and Portable Power Stations) to charge all camping appliances outdoors without noise and pollutants.   

Is Edinburgh Good for Camping? 

Edinburgh has beautiful landscapes and a fascinating history, making it the ideal setting for your upcoming camping trip. Edinburgh provides a variety of breathtaking locations for outdoor enthusiasts, whether you're searching for the rough peaks of the Highlands, the tranquil shores of a loch, or the quaint glens teeming with animals.

Camping here is more than just setting up a tent; it's about embracing the wild, getting lost in nature, and savouring the freedom that comes with it.

Due to the region's varied geography, you may explore anything from towering cliffs and sandy beaches to ancient woods and gushing waterfalls. The vast network of trails and paths throughout the nation welcomes hikers, cyclists, and adventurers of all skill levels to find hidden treasures and famous sites.

Scotland is an excellent place for your next outdoor vacation because of its beautiful scenery and friendly people, regardless of your level of expertise in camping.

Do You Need A License for Camping in Edinburgh

The two primary authorisations required to open a campsite in most of the UK are planning permission and a camping or caravan site licence. It makes sense for potential Hipcamp hosts to work towards receiving clearance for both simultaneously, as they are typically issued by your local district or borough council.

However, it's essential to remember that a licence will only be issued for a location that has been granted planning permission. Therefore, you should wait to submit your licensing application until your planning approval has been approved.

How to apply for a campsite licence or caravan site licence?

Planning permit applications are typically more complicated than those for camping or caravan sites, as well as short-term rentals in Scotland. Therefore, the details you provided to obtain planning clearance will be helpful in the form required to apply for a licence.

Obtain this form from your council's licensing department; it may typically be completed online. It will need the address, acreage, and site plan of the location you intend to use.

The application process could cost money, though it's free for areas reserved only for tents in many places. The final licence may include conditions on the number of pitches, spacing, restrooms, showers, and other amenities.

An Environmental Health officer may visit your location to verify its acceptability as part of the application process. Applications for licenses must be handled in 28 days. If not, you have the legal right to assume they have been given without restrictions.

What To Pack for Camping in Edinburgh?

What belongings are essential for a camping trip? The answer will vary depending on your preferences and degree of minimalism or maximalism, but there are several fundamentals that everyone should learn. The following are the gear for camping in Edinburgh.

Camping Basics

A comfortable camping trip depends heavily on your equipment. Your protection from the weather will come from a lightweight, portable tent, and a suitable sleeping bag will guarantee your nighttime warmth. Additional comfort and ground insulation are provided with a sleeping pad.

Clothes

Layering up is essential when camping in Edinburgh because the weather might change suddenly. To keep sweat off your skin, use base layers that wick away moisture. For added warmth, layer on insulating mid-layers like fleece. Then, put on an outer and windproof layer for wind and rain protection.  

Camping Kitchen

With the correct equipment, cooking outside can be a pleasure. Meal preparation is made simple with a portable camping stove, and cleaning and cooking are made easy with lightweight cookware like pots and pans.

Navigation & Emergency

Part of the experience is navigating the stunning scenery surrounding Edinburgh. A reliable compass and map are essential for navigating, particularly in isolated locations. A multitool is helpful for many jobs, such as fixing things and preparing meals

Your camping needs a power supply for the standard supplies to meet its daily electricity needs. The Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus and 1000 Plus are great power sources for camping trips because they let you camp in remote areas without access to regular power.

Best 8 Camping Spots in Edinburgh 

Camping in Edinburgh provides a chance to get away from the bustle of the city and enjoy an authentic outdoor experience in beautiful scenery. These are the top 8 campgrounds available.

1. Dalkeith Country Park

Location: Via King's Gate, Dalkeith EH22 1ST, United Kingdom (Open with Google Maps)

Phone: 44 131 654 1666

Website: Dalkeith Country Park

Facilities: Public toilets, picnic tables, dog allowed, trails, gift shop

Everyone can find something to do at Dalkeith Country Park. At Fort Douglas Adventure Playground, have fun with your family. Experience the thrills of Go Ape. Take in the Park's beauty by strolling along designated routes.

Enter the charming courtyard of Restoration Yard, designed with a Tuscan theme, to eat at the restaurant that has won awards, shop till you drop at The Store, rejuvenate in the wellness and fitness centre or enjoy a cup of coffee and some cake at The Coffee Bar.

2. Springfield Farm Holiday Pods

Location: Springfield Farm, Penicuik EH26 8PR, United Kingdom (Open with Google Maps)

Phone: 44 754 006 9265

Website: Springfield Farm Holiday Pods

Facilities: Free WiFi, electric car charging point, hot tub, heating, BBQ, fire pit, dog-friendly

Its position just south of Edinburgh makes us the perfect rural getaway for vacationers wishing to explore the countryside or go on city excursions. They can host you in one of their opulent glamping pods for a romantic getaway for two, a family vacation, or a get-together with friends.

They are excited to have you visit Springfield Farm, whether you are looking for an off-road adventure, a city experience, or a peaceful getaway in the countryside.

3. Linwater Caravan Park

Location: Clifton Rd, Newbridge EH53 0HT, United Kingdom (Open with Google Maps)

Phone: 44 131 333 3326

Website: Linwater Caravan Park

Facilities: Reception, heated showers, privacy cubicles, toilets, urinals, washroom, baby changing area, hair dryers, laundry room, outdoor seating area, dog-friendly, drop-off points, electric hookups

Open year-round. In addition to a range of exquisitely furnished self-catering vacation cottages and static caravans, Linwater Caravan Park, located close to Edinburgh, offers spots for caravans, motorhomes, camper vans, and tents. You may unwind after a long day or enjoy leisurely walks with the dog in the lovely landscape surrounding you.

Its play park will be a hit with the youngsters because it allows them to run around and make new friends. For everyone else, there are lots of amenities available on the premises to guarantee a comfortable stay.            

4. Hilly Cow Wigwams

Location: Leyden Rd, Kirknewton EH27 8DQ, United Kingdom (Open with Google Maps)

Phone: 44 782 477 0568

Website: Hilly Cow Wigwams

Facilities: Toilet, shower block, kitchen, washer, dryer, campfires, BBQ, play area, large game room, party barn

Staying at Hilly Cow Wigwams will provide your wigwam trip something genuinely unforgettable. Savour the warmth of heated wigwam camping while taking in breathtaking views of the Pentland highlands and the Forth Valley.  

While Hilly Cow Wigwams is close enough to Edinburgh and the Lothians to take advantage of all their attractions, it still offers all the farm's views, walks, and cycling trails. The Wigwams is the ideal location for a relaxing getaway, whether you're going to be walking, fishing, shooting, horseback riding, golfing, cycling, or just touring.

5. Wilding on A Whim

Location: Whim House, West Linton EH46 7BD, United Kingdom (Open with Google Maps)

Phone: 44 750 109 0258

Website: Wilding on A Whim 

Facilities: Glamping pods, cooking facilities, microwave, fridge, ottoman bed, TV, shower, toilet, basin, heated shower rail

During your summer stay, which is my preferred season, you can wander and be transported into the wild while imagining the original grounds of Whim Hall, which have a fascinating history. The rewilding project is evident and central to all the efforts to assist and restore nature, from removing non-native plants (rhododendrons) to replanting native trees and wildflowers. Edinburgh is only 12 miles from your location, but you could not feel more at home in the countryside.

6. Balmule Valley

Location: Valley of Dunfermline KY12 0RZ, United Kingdom (Open with Google Maps)

Phone: 07 449 302 882

Website: Balmule Valley 

Facilities: Toilet, hot shower, underfloor heating, kitchen, fire pit, BBQ grill, fire starting kit, adults only, dog allowed, bike hire, drinking water, disabled facilities, entertainment equipment, electric hookups

The off-grid glamping hut for two, located on a fishery close to Dunfermline in Fife, allows you to get closer to nature without sacrificing comfort! It has everything you need, including a fully functional kitchen, an ensuite bathroom, and a BBQ grill and fire pit for chilly nights.

Solar panels power it. A lake fishing permit good for four hours is also included with the cabin. Do you need fishing equipment? You can bring your own or hire from Balmule Valley!    

7. Silverburn Park Campsite

Location: Largo Rd, Lundin Links, Leven KY8 5PU, United Kingdom (Open with Google Maps)

Phone: 44 133 342 2418

Website: Silverburn Park Campsite

Facilities: Glamping pods, golf courses, beach access, dog allowed, toilet, shower block, washing up area, recycling area

Glamping pods, campervan spaces, and tent pitches are available at the award-winning, modest, peaceful, and family-friendly Silverburn Park Campsite in Fife. The campsite is within the stunning 27-acre Silverburn Park - a fantastic position just five minutes from the beach and surrounded by golf courses.

Pets are allowed in tent and campervan accommodations; a dog-friendly eco-pod is also available. With Leven Beach and gorgeous forest walks outside your door, your four-legged buddy will have a blast visiting us.

8. Forth House Caravan Site

Location: Newburn, By Upper Largo, Leven KY8 6JE, United Kingdom (Open with Google Maps)

Phone: 44 771 878 8317

Website: Forth House Caravan Site

Facilities: Electrical hookups, drinking water, drain, motorhome service point, heated toilet, shower blocks, dishwashing, WiFi, shop

Based in Fife, close to St Andrews in Central Scotland, Forth House Caravan Site offers comfortable caravan, motorhome, or tent accommodations to take in the breathtaking landscape and peaceful, open countryside.

To simplify things, several of the pitches have hard-standing and complete services - after all, you are on vacation! Pitch services provide power, a separate water supply, and a drain. Sluices for disposing of cassettes are well situated at the site's corner. We also offer WiFi and a motorhome service station (with 4G accessible). On-site restroom, shower, and dishwashing facilities are offered.

Jackery Solar Generators for Camping in Edinburgh

Jackery Solar Generator is suitable for camping in several ways. It provides a consistent power supply outdoors, and it is eco-friendly, portable, flexible, and quiet, making camping more enjoyable while meeting sustainability goals. Campers can be helpful and worry-free with these generators while enjoying the outdoors.

Jackery is a well-known company that makes high-quality solar goods. Our Portable Power Stations use lithium batteries to provide a reliable power source. Jackery Solar Panels increase solar energy, giving you an eco-friendly way to power your camping trips.  

Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus

Jackery has unveiled the Solar Generator 2000 Plus, a cutting-edge portable power solution with exceptional performance for caravans. Thanks to its substantial capacity and formidable power output, this device can sustain the operation of standard caravan appliances for several weeks and fulfil all the power needs associated with outdoor adventure.

The Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus allows adding extra battery packs, which boosts the capacity from 2 kWh to a remarkable 12 kWh, thus enhancing the solar charging capabilities significantly. With the ability to be expanded to 3000W, this solar product offers a 30% higher rated power than other 2 kWh solar goods available in the market. Practically all essential household equipment is energised.

The Explorer 2000 Plus is an industry's pioneering add-on battery pack that can be recharged using solar panels. This feature enhances versatility, improves charging efficiency, and reduces charging time. The LiFePO4 battery, with its sophisticated technology, guarantees a lifespan of 10 years, even with daily usage limited to once per day.  

Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus

The Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus is the best portable power supply for camping. It combines Jackery Explorer 1000 Plus with SolarSaga 100W solar panels to use solar energy effectively.  

Featuring a 2000W full-power pure sine wave inverter and a stunning 1264Wh long-lasting LiFePO4 battery, the Explorer 1000 Plus offers abundant energy for almost all essential devices. Remarkably, it can increase its capacity to 5 kWh by incorporating up to 3 additional battery packs.  

It takes 100 Mins for a wall charge (from 0 - 100% of battery) and 2 hours of solar charging with 4 SolarSaga 200W solar panels. Additionally, the innovative ChargeShield technology and consistent power delivery avoid equipment damage.    

The Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus and 1000 Plus are perfect for various outdoor activities, particularly camping, and are popular among long-term hiking, exciting boat trips, or family campers. It can operate a diverse array of devices and is highly eco-friendly, making it the optimal choice for the modern outdoor enthusiast.

Camping in Edinburgh Tips

Scotland's breathtaking landscapes may be experienced through camping in and around Edinburgh, but it's essential to go by specific rules to make sure you enjoy the great outdoors properly. Here's how to enjoy camping fully while abiding by the Scottish Outdoor Access Code and other crucial guidelines.   

Tip 1: Arrive Early and Set Up During Daylight Hours

The Scottish Outdoor Access Code is a guide for using your freedom to travel responsibly. You have the "right to responsible access" rather than the "right to roam."

There are a few basic guidelines to follow when wild camping in Scotland to leave no trace:

• Remove and properly dispose of all of your trash. Leave no trace and remove all indications of your tent and yourself.
• Don't cause pollution or harm to the environment. Ideally, this should be in a location with appropriate bin infrastructure, not at some isolated bin at the end of a glen.
• Don't empty your chemical toilet tank outside if you park your RV or campervan in a rural area.
• Do not cut down trees or fences for firewood if you are in an area where starting fires is permitted.

Tip 2: Lighting Fires

Although starting fires is generally permitted in Scotland, there is a significant risk involved, especially when there is dry grass or peaty soil. Although Scotland may receive a lot of rain, wildfires could still occur. You could be held accountable for any damages if your fire gets out of control.

One should avoid starting fires and utilise camping stoves wherever feasible. If you start a fire, ensure it is completely extinguished before you depart your campground. Remember that gathering firewood harms the environment and is prohibited in many locations. You must provide your firewood, and it is safer to use a fire bowl.

Tip 3: Tips for Avoiding Midges

Timing is Key: Schedule your RV vacation during a season with fewer mosquitoes. Spring or autumn travel is recommended because midges are less active during the cooler months.

Midge-Proof Campervan Accessories: Get window screens and midge nets for your RV or campervan. When parked in places where midges are common, these can be lifesavers.  

Stay Inside During Peak Midge Hours: Midges are more active when clouds obscure the sun and are most active during dawn and twilight. They dislike bright light. Schedule indoor activities during these hours if you are staying in an area where midges are common.

Midge Repellent: When your skin is exposed, especially outside, use a midge repellent. DEET-containing products work well against midges.

Other Things To Do in Edinburgh

Edinburgh offers thrilling activities, from breathtaking architecture and meandering lanes to an incredible castle atop a dormant volcano. During the day, you may take in the sights and sounds of galleries and museums; at night, you can take excursions and see plays and concerts.

Explore Edinburgh Castle

This should be at the top of your list of things to do in Edinburgh because it's perched atop Castle Rock and offers a stunning city view. Important Scottish relics are kept in Edinburgh Castle, including The Stone of Destiny, the Honours of Scotland, the oldest crown jewels, and an old-fashioned emblem of the Scottish monarchy in the United Kingdom.  

Explore the National Museum of Scotland's treasures.

Scotland's weather is notoriously erratic, so if it rains, you might be unsure what to do in Edinburgh. One of Edinburgh's most fantastic indoor attractions is the National Museum of Scotland; admission is free!

With more than 20,000 distinct antiquities to view, the whole family will enjoy themselves. Learn about the marvels of nature, the Egyptian catacombs, and even contemporary technologies throughout the day.

Climb Arthur's Seat and scroll through Holyrood Park.

Arthur's Seat, in Holyrood Park, is one of Edinburgh's most famous tourist destinations. Perched 251 meters above sea level, this old volcano provides a 360-degree vista of Edinburgh and the Lothian region.

On Duddingston Loch, you can feed the ducks and swans and view the mediaeval ruins of St. Anthony's Chapel. There are several accessible roads and trails to explore, such as the wheelchair and stroller-accessible trail to St Margaret's Loch.

Be amazed at Camera Obscura and World of Illusions.

All ages will enjoy this top Edinburgh attraction, and we challenge you not to be amazed. Explore five floors of interactive illusions and wonders, whether you want to try to stay balanced in the thrilling Vortex Tunnel or lose yourself in the perplexing mirror maze.

Camping in Edinburgh FAQs

The following are the frequently asked questions about camping in Edinburgh:

When is the best time to go camping in a caravan park in the UK?

In the UK, the weather patterns mainly determine the camping season. But if you are a seasoned explorer and travel with the best gear, any time could be an opportunity to camp outdoors.

The camping season in the UK usually starts in April (sometimes as late as May) and lasts until September or October.

 Is it possible to spend the night in a layby in Scotland?

The Road Traffic Act of 1984 and The Roads Scotland Act of 1984 and 1991 regulate all on-street parking. Some important things to remember are: All roadworthy vehicles may use a designated layby to rest, even in a campervan, for as long as is necessary. This also applies to turning in for the night.

Where can I sleep in my car in Edinburgh?

Hermiston Park and Ride is open around the clock, with overnight parking for up to three nights. Permission is unnecessary for this, and no information must be provided.

Final Thoughts

Camping in Edinburgh provides a singular chance to escape the rush of city life and take in Scotland's breathtaking scenery. From tranquil wilderness areas in the Pentland Hills to coastal locales like Yellowcraig Beach, the city and its environs provide a variety of possibilities for campers seeking adventure. When preparing for an exciting camping trip, don't forget to bring necessary supplies, apparel, and food.