Camping in Dunbar

Dunbar sits on the Scottish coast, which means the legal position on camping here is more generous than in England: under the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, wild camping is generally permitted on most unenclosed land, including much of the coastline and countryside around the town, as long as campers follow the code's principles of leaving no trace, camping away from buildings and roads, and moving on after a night or two. That makes the coastline either side of Dunbar, including stretches near Belhaven Bay and the John Muir Country Park, a genuine draw for backpackers and wild campers walking the John Muir Way, though pitching within the country park itself is more restricted and it is worth checking current East Lothian Council guidance before setting up camp there. For a more straightforward option, there are established campsites and caravan parks around Belhaven and further along the coast offering pitches for tents, campervans and caravans, generally with better facilities and a more sheltered spot to weather the area's notoriously changeable coastal weather. The terrain here is a mix of dune grassland, clifftop path and open farmland, exposed to wind off the North Sea, so a sturdy tent and warm kit matter more here than in more sheltered inland spots. Late spring through early autumn, roughly May to September, is the most comfortable window for camping, with longer daylight and a better chance of dry, settled weather, though the coast can turn blustery with little warning at any time of year. For those who want the outdoors experience without the wild-camping logistics, glamping options including bell tents, pods and static caravans have grown around the East Lothian coast in recent years, offering a comfortable base for exploring the castle, harbour and the country park's birdlife without needing to carry a full camping kit.