8 of the Best Camping and Caravan Sites on Kintyre & Gigha

Kintyre is made for camping and caravanning holidays! You’ll find cracking campsites and caravan parks in idyllic settings right along the coastline. There’s no better way to fully appreciate the scenery of this beautiful part of Argyll than a camping or caravanning holiday. Wake up to the sparkling sea, spot the wildlife all around you and fall asleep to the sound of waves lapping the shore. Here’s our guide to the perfect pitches on Kintyre and Gigha.

The community-owned Isle of Gigha, the most southerly and one of the most beautiful of the Hebridean Islands.
The community-owned Isle of Gigha, is the most southerly and one of the most beautiful of the Hebridean Islands.

Camping & Caravan Sites in Kintyre

Kintyre’s brilliant beaches, make it the ideal place for a family camping holiday.

Tarbert Holiday Park

This new holiday park, situated just south of the fishing village of Tarbert, offers facilities for campervans, motorhomes and caravans, as well as glamping pods and a camping area for tents. Tarbert Holiday Park and is ideal for people looking for an active break in the great outdoors. West Loch Shores’ paddlesports centre is nearby, where you can have a go at kayaking or stand up paddleboarding in the calm waters of bay. There’s also fabulous walking, including the Kintyre Way, and mountain biking right on your doorstep. The site is also super handy for the ferries to Islay, Arran, Gigha and the Cowal peninsula. Tarbert Holiday Park is run by West Loch Shores,  which offers lodges for rent near Tarbert. 

Point Sands Holiday Park

This glorious holiday park is further down Kintyre’s west coast at Tayinloan. Rent a luxury static caravan and enjoy spectacular sea views and stunning sunsets from your private decking. It’s a great place for kids, with a playpark and a beautiful sandy beach just a stone’s throw from the caravans. There’s also a CaraPod, which comes complete with a wood-fired hot tub. Point Sands Holiday no longer take tents, caravans or motor homes. Fancy a day trip? The ferry to Gigha is just along the road.

Kintyre is a fantastic destination for on the water activities.
Kintyre is a fantastic destination for on the water activities.

Bellochantuy Beach Holiday Park

Rent a lodge right on the beach at this fabulous holiday park at Bellochantuy. Each holiday home no further than 200 metres from the beach and you’ll be treated to stunning views of Islay, Jura and Gigha. The safe sandy beach is great for children and dogs, while the Westport Beach, famous for its surf, is only five minutes away.

Machrihanish Holiday Park

This small, friendly four-star holiday park is set alongside the famous Machrihanish Golf Club and offers facilities for tents, campervans, motorhomes and caravans, as well as timber wigwams, luxury static caravans and a lodge for rent. With beautiful views across the golf course to Machrihanish Bay and the Paps of Jura and Islay, the setting couldn’t be more glorious. This site has great facilities, with a small shop on site selling essential supplies. Machrihanish Bay has three and a half miles of golden sands and is a great spot for surfing. Campbeltown is just a five-mile drive and there’s a good bus service from Machrihanish to Campbeltown.

Machrihanish Campsite also offers luxurious glamping options.
Machrihanish Campsite also offers luxurious glamping options.

Pennyseorach Farm

Right down on at the southern end of Kintyre near the village of Southend you’ll find Pennyseorach Farm, which has ten lovely caravans available for hire. All of the caravans are situated to look out over the sea with beautiful views of the southern tip of the Mull of Kintyre. A mile-long secluded beach is just a short walk away from the caravans. This area is popular with divers, and there is diving air and boat launching available on site. Fancy a round of golf? Dunaverty Links Golf Course is just two miles away and Pennyseorach can supply golf clubs.

Carradale Bay Caravan Park

Over on Kintyre’s east coast is the Carradale Bay Caravan Park, a beautifully maintained, site overlooking what is one of the best beaches on the Kintyre peninsula. You’ll find a mix of touring pitches for caravans, motorhomes and tents, with plenty of space for everyone. Carradale Bay is the perfect family beach, with lots of room for beach games and paddling and stunning views across to Arran.

You might be lucky and spot the wild goats in Carradale.
You might be lucky and spot the wild goats in Carradale.

Peninver Sands Holiday Park

The family run holiday park, also on Kintyre’s east coast, offers caravan holiday homes for hire as well as pitches for touring caravans and motor homes. Sit back and relax as you enjoy the views across the Kilbrannan Sound to Arran, Ailsa Craig and the Ayrshire Coast. The beautiful An Ceardach Garden is nearby and well worth a visit. Or how about pony trekking at Crosshill Training and Trekking at Peninver?

Camping & Caravan Sites on Gigha

Gigha is a wonderful wee island to explore, with lovely beaches, a golf course and Achamore Gardens.

Head to the Isle fo Gigha via ferry from Kintyre.
Head to the Isle fo Gigha via ferry from Kintyre.

Gigha Campsite

For idyllic camping right on the beach, the small, low-key campsite on Gigha is pretty unbeatable. You can pretty much step out of your tent onto the white sands of Ardminish Bay and paddle in the turquoise waters. Plus, you’re right next to the Gigha Boathouse Restaurant, where you can feast on local seafood or treat yourself to a cracking coffee in the morning. Gigha Stores and Gigha Hotel are also just up the road, and the ferry terminal is just around the bay. Tents and motorhomes are welcome. 

Road Safety on the Kintyre 66

  1. Drive with caution on single-track roads: The Kintyre 66 features many narrow, rural roads. Always be prepared to pull over at passing places to allow oncoming vehicles to pass. Be patient and considerate when sharing the road with other drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians.
  2. Watch your speed: Adhere to the speed limits and drive at a safe speed, especially on winding country roads where visibility may be reduced. Wildlife, such as deer, is common in the area, so be alert, especially at dawn and dusk.
  3. Be mindful of others: You will be sharing parts of the Kintyre66 with cyclists using the National Cycle Network, walkers using the Kintyre Way and local horse riders moving between off road tracks. Please be mindful or your surroundings and other road users, especially during dawn and dusk.
  4. Leave no trace: Respect the natural beauty of Kintyre by disposing of waste responsibly. Use designated facilities for litter and motorhome waste, and leave the environment as you found it to help preserve it for others.
  5. Be prepared for rural conditions: Mobile phone signal may be limited in certain areas, so carry a physical map and ensure your vehicle is well-equipped for emergencies. In case of breakdowns or disruptions, stay safe by pulling over to a safe spot.