5 Beautiful Motorhome Sites (Aires) in Argyll & the Isles

Contrary to popular belief, you’re not allowed to park a campervan or motorhome anywhere you like in Scotland. However, more and more landowners across Scotland are setting up overnight parking areas, also known as Aires, that allow you to truly experience the natural wonders of Argyll & the Isles from the comforts of your motorcaravan.

Here’s all you need to know when spending the night at an Aires and a selection of the most beautiful motorcaravan overnight spots in Argyll & the Isles

What are Aires stopovers?

The word 'aire' is short for the French term 'aire de service', which is essentially a low-cost camping area for self-contained motorhomes only. These sites are very common across Europe and are increasingly popping up across Scotland as well. 

These motorcaravan stopover sites are usually unmanned and payment is taken either by an honesty box or via a simple mobile payment system. Unlike formal campsites, the majority of Argyll’s Aires motorhome sites work on a first-come, first-served basis with no pre-booking options available. Most sites do not provide onsite facilities such as toilets, showers or electric hook-ups, allowing you to enjoy your natural surroundings truly.  

5 Beautiful Motorhome Sites (Aires) in Argyll & the Isles

Argyll & the Isles is known for its remote, secluded, unspoiled, and wild places, making it a  dream destination to explore on your next motorhome holiday. Go island hopping, walk in the wilderness, breathe pure air, watch magnificent sunsets, and see starry skies that will take your breath away – all from the comfort of your motorhome.

Here are 5 overnight motorhome sites (Aires) in Argyll & the Isles: 

• Castle View Aire at Carrick Farm
• Cologin Campervans 
• Tiroran Aires
• Bays and Bens Holidays
• Luss Caravan & Campsite

Castle View Aire at Carrick Farm

Safe, quiet overnight parking within stunning scenery.

Castle View Aire is located in Carrick Castle, Lochgoilhead, a small village on the shores of Loch Goil, within the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. In this slice of paradise, it is the perfect place for you to relax and unwind. There are plenty of walks for all levels whether that be in the hills, within the ancient woodlands at Coromonachan or along the lochside. With Loch Goil Kayak Hire operating from the adjacent site, you can also get out on the water on kayaks, SUPs and canoes. 

Please note Castle View Aire is for the overnight parking of motorcaravans only there are no camping activities allowed such as awnings, tents, and fires. There is a drinking water tap on site and we can take dry rubbish up at the farm. 

Cologin Campervans Aire

Hard-standing Aire in historic Lerags Glen near Oban

Cologin offers 4 motorhome sites on the grounds of their tranquil holiday farm site just a couple of miles south of the motorhome site, Aire Cologin makes a great touring base for a few nights at just £10 per van, per night. You can book one of the pitches online in advance - the others are available on a first-come, first-served basis. 

The site is dog-friendly. At present there is no wastewater disposal, electrical hitch-ups, or toilet facilities. Learn more about the motorhome site and advanced bookings here.

Tiroran Aires 

Quiet motorhome site near community forest on the Isle of Mull

The Tiroran Aires offers a very simple overnight motorhome site with five pitches. Located near the community-owned forest, the site is perfect for families seeking a nature adventure. The motorhome site is located close to Mull’s iconic Fossil Tree, which can be accessed via a challenging yet beautiful coastal walk.

Whilst on Mull, make sure to visit Tobermory with its colourful harbour, iconic distillery, and many local food producers and independent shops. 

There are no facilities other than hardstanding for pitches. Learn more about this motorcaravan site here.

Bays and Bens Holiday Park

A peaceful location meets stunning loch and mountain views.

This is one of the most stunning areas to visit in the West of Scotland, if not in the whole of Scotland. Located only 12 miles (19km) from Oban and close access to ferry links, this peaceful Aires site is the perfect stopover for your next West Coast adventure. The spectacular alpine and sea views you get of Loch Etive, Ben Cruachan and the surrounding mountains are second to none.

Learn more about this motorcaravan site here.

Luss Caravan & Campsite

Camping and touring facilities, with range of pitch sizes, offering spectacular views over Loch Lomond.

Situated on the 'Bonnie Banks', the site offers 52 hardstanding pitches all with electric hook-ups and 45 camping pitches. Laundry facilities are available as well as grey water and chemical waste disposal. Varied pitch sizes allow you to pick the most suitable pitch for your own requirements. The family & pet-friendly site has quick access to the loch and is only a short walk to Luss village where you can enjoy a FabuLUSS holiday experience.

Learn more about this Aires site here.

Respect. Protect. Enjoy.

Are you planning on exploring Argyll & the Isles with your motorhome? Here are a few tips to be considerate and respectful whilst travelling:

• Know your limits – Learn your motorcaravan’s height and width dimensions to avoid problems
• Take your rubbish with you – the majority of Aires sites do not offer waste disposal. Please be mindful of this and make sure you take your rubbish with you.
• Respect the locals – Argyll & the Isles is known for its spectacular wildlife. Whilst you try spotting our locals, please stay on designated paths and keep your distance.
• Support local communities – For some this is an adventure, for others it's home. Be mindful of field entrances and support local businesses where you can!