Finding campervan overnight parking in Scotland just got a lot simpler — and far more affordable. Thanks to Forestry and Land Scotland’s Stay the Night scheme, there are now around 50 forest car parks where self-contained vans can legally stop overnight for just £10 a night, or £40 for a week. That’s a big deal if you’ve ever been caught between “no overnight parking” signs and overpriced sites.
It’s a real step forward for affordable, responsible van life. These sites are dotted across the country, so whether you’re hugging the North Coast 500 or just meandering through the Highlands, it adds a bit of freedom to your trip. It also supports local councils and businesses, rather than some of the big faceless campsite chains, which is a nice bonus.
My tip? Mix it up—use these spots to cover your essentials and save a bit of cash, then treat yourself to a wild spot with a view when the weather’s right. Scotland’s always had the scenery—now it’s starting to have the infrastructure to match. Cheers to that.
Scotland’s Stay the Night Scheme & How to Use It
Forestry and Land Scotland’s Stay the Night scheme is a proper win for vanlifers who want to explore without rinsing their budget. For just £10 a night (or £40 for the week if using council-run equivalents), you can park up in some of Scotland’s most scenic forest car parks — legally and safely. A handful of sites even offer chemical toilet disposal for £3, which is rare at this price point.
Now, let’s be honest — the booking setup isn’t super obvious. You don’t pre-book online like a campsite. Instead, once you’re parked (between 6pm and 10am), you pay using the RingGo app or by calling their payment line. Each site has a unique location code on the signage — that’s what you’ll need to pay. If you’re in a signal black hole (likely in some remote spots), don’t stress — you’ve got up to 72 hours after leaving to pay.
A few rules to keep it all sustainable: you’ll need a self-contained van (onboard toilet is a must), no generators, no fires, no barbecues. Keep noise down, stay at least 4 metres apart from others, and only stay one night at a time, with a 48-hour gap before returning to the same location. It’s all about low-impact travel that respects the land — which is what vanlife should be about anyway.
