North Coast 500 (NC500)

Keely Ball
Dec 29, 2025
3 min read

The NC500 by Campervan: Scotland's

Ultimate Road Trip & Why it's made

for Van Life

If there's one route that feels purpose built for campervans, it's the North Coast 500. Five hundred-ish miles of raw coastline, empty single-track roads, fairy - tale beaches & villages where the pace of life slows to a friendly wave. Do it by car and it's epic, do it by campervan and it's unforgettable.

Whether you're chasing family-friendly adventure or a budget escape that still feels widely special, here's why the NC500 and campervan travel are a perfect match and how to make the most of it.

What is the NC500?

Starting and finishing in Inverness the NC500 loops around the very top of Scotland through the Scottish Highlands. You'll skirt dramatic cliffs, wind through mountain passes and discover beaches that look more Caribbean than Caledonian (honestly)!

Most people take 5-7 days, but with a campervan you can slow it down, linger longer and wake up right where the magic happens.

Why the NC500 is better by campervan

Wake up to the view.
Sleep steps from the sea. Park up near a quiet bay, pop the kettle on & watch the light change over the water.
Total Flexibility
Weather turning moody? Stay put. Found a beach the kids wont leave? Stay another night. The van lets you follow the vibe, not a rigid booking schedule.
Budget - Friendly (especially for families)
Eating out every meal add up fast. With a campervan kitchen you can mix pub treats with easy home cooked dinners = saving money without sacrificing comfort.
The Journey is the destination
Some of the NC500's best moments are the unexpected ones; a roadside waterfall, a sunset layby, a seal popping its head up beside you. Campervans let you stop when the moment strike.

Highlights you wont want to miss!

Bealach na Ba - A Jaw dropping mountain road with hairpins and views that feel illegal.
Smoo Cave - A sea cave you can walk into (yes, really!)
Duncansby Stacks - Towering rock stacks at the very edge of the mainland
Achmelvich Beach - White sand, turquoise water, zero crowds if you time it right.

Campervan tips for the NC500 - We learnt the hardway!

1 . Go steady on single track roads - passing places are your friend

2 . Plan fuel stops - especially in the North & West, they aren't many petrol stations!

3 . Respect the land - leave no trace, park responsibly & be a good guest.

4 . Midges are real - Bring repellent. You've been warned!

Places to stay on the NC500

John O'Groats camping site, amazing views and great base for exploring Thurso, the northernmost tip of mainland UK.
Wick Caravan & Camping Park, a peaceful site near the historic town of Wick.
Dornoch Caravan & Camping Park - set by the beach near Dornoch.
Clachtoll Beach Campsite - One of the most scenic campsites!
Sands Caravan & Camping - Great for sunsets & costal walks.
Sango Sands Durness - Dramatic costal locations.
Melvich Bay Caravan Park - New waterfront site near Melvich.

Scotland's wild camping laws means you can camp in many remote spots for free - just follow the Scottish Outdoor Access code.

Final thought

The NC500 isn't about ticking boxes. It's about slowing down, breathing deeper and letting Scotland show off at its own pace. In a campervan you're not just travelling through the Highlands you're living in them, even if just for a week.

If you're dreaming of a big landscapes, simple living and the freedom to chase the next view.... the NC500 is calling. North Coast 500 - The ultimate road trip around the North of Scotland