Camping in Shetland

Camping in Shetland is a different proposition to camping almost anywhere else in Britain: the terrain is treeless moor and coastal grassland, the weather can turn in minutes even in midsummer, and the wind is a constant that shapes where and how you pitch. Wild camping is legal under Scotland's right of responsible access, and it is possible to pitch on open hill ground away from roads and buildings, but in practice most visitors use one of the islands' small registered campsites, which offer shelter from the worst of the weather, proper showers and somewhere secure to leave a tent while out walking or on a boat trip. Motorhomes and campervans are common on the ferry crossing from Aberdeen, and Shetland's registered sites provide designated pitches, waste disposal and hookups rather than relying on informal roadside stops, which are discouraged and, in places, restricted.

The camping season runs roughly from May to September, mirroring the opening dates of most sites and the long daylight hours that make evening walks and late boat trips possible. June and July bring the best chance of settled weather and the peak of the seabird colonies, though rain gear and a four-season tent are essential whatever the forecast promises, since conditions can shift from calm to gale-force within a single afternoon. Early and late season camping is quieter and cheaper, but several sites close outside the summer months, so it is worth checking opening dates before setting out, particularly for anyone planning to reach the more remote sites in the North Mainland or the outer isles.