Small highland campsite near Helmsdale with sea views, showers and basic facilities at budget prices.
About Crakaig Camp Site
Crakaig Camp Site is a modest operation in the Highlands near Helmsdale, offering a quiet alternative to larger sites. The campground has showers and flushing toilets, keeping facilities straightforward but functional rather than elaborate. Pitches are limited in number, so this is a place that stays peaceful rather than filling up with crowds, and the reasonable nightly fee makes it attractive for budget-conscious campers.
The site sits in secluded countryside with sea views across the water. The location is genuine backcountry, which adds to the appeal but means the approach road can be rough in places, so check conditions before travelling. This suits people after a quiet, no-frills wild camping experience with just enough modern conveniences to make it comfortable.
Good to know
Parking
- ✓Free car park
Details via Google — worth confirming with the site before you travel.
Photos
Photos via Google
Visitors say this campsite offers stunning sea views and a secluded, peaceful atmosphere, with basic but functional facilities including hot showers and flushing toilets. They also highlight the reasonable £20 fee, making it a great budget option for a wild camping experience with some modern conveniences.
Some reviews mention the roads can be difficult.
Summary via Google
Can I bring...?
Facilities
No takeaway delivery found for this location on Just Eat or Deliveroo — you'll likely need to bring or buy supplies before you arrive.
Nearest supermarkets
Handy if you're self-catering or need to stock up on arrival.
- Co-op, Brora 5.2 miles
Straight-line distances — the drive will be longer. Store data © OpenStreetMap contributors.
What visitors say
We really wanted to camp here but it's just not suitable. We are used to wild camping but the track is very bumpy and raised on the middle so not ideal for a van with undersunk tanks, there's also nowhere to turn around if you want to bail. We got stuck trying to turn around and when we thought we'd found a suitable pitch it wasn't level enough to be able to set up and there was dog poo and cigarette butts everywhere. We decided to bail and go somewhere else. Unfortunately the track has caused some damage to the underneath of the van.
· via Google
Arrived late but just pulled In and thee perfect spot for a first ever tent box night, Totally spoilt views and will be hard to ever have a better experience. If your doing the NC500 and miss this spot you’ve done it wrong Perfect!
· via Google
This place feels like you’ve left the real world behind. The beach is beautiful. The road in is bumpy. It’s disorganized. Lots of caravans but not many people so it feels a little eerie at first. But at half the price of other nearby campsites it’s a great budget option. Some others report that you need a 4x4. That’s totally not true. Any good driver will have no problem with the roads. The bathroom was clean, the shower was hot. You don’t need to plan ahead. Just show up. They’ll come collect your fee. Great option for people with a hint of adventure. Best to avoid for those that are less adventurous and have high expectations.
· via Google
Really incredible site with a very chill and free attitude, basic facilities such as a warm shower, flushing toilets and chemical disposal. The water is sign posted as non drinkable but many people were without issue but if you have a sensitive stomach it may be best to bring your own drinking water. Pull up, park up and pick a spot. The lady will come around an hour or so before dusk and pick up the £20 cash and then you can leave whenever you like in the morning or stay again if you wish. Can't recommend highly enough for a site that gives the feeling of wild camping but with a few modern conveniences, there are fire pits and benches situated around the site, and many spots to park overlooking the beach.
· via Google
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