Camp your way around Shetland — by tent, caravan or motorhome — and you'll find a freedom and flexibility that other accommodation simply can't match.

Whether you’re sleeping in a tent, caravan or motorhome, camping gives you the freedom and flexibility to explore Shetland at your own pace.

There are a number of registered campsites dotted throughout the islands, all of which have on-site facilities. Wherever you stay, you can be assured of a warm welcome.

This page provides details of all the registered sites in Shetland.

Most sites are open all year and booking is not always necessary during quieter months. During peak season — particularly June and July, and around Folk Festival weekend — popular sites can fill up quickly, so always contact campsites in advance to check availability and avoid disappointment.

Useful information

  • Travelling on ferries – all inter-island ferries in Shetland, except those to Foula and Fair Isle, transport motorhomes. Book your travel in advance with the Ferry Services booking office.
  • Petrol stations – you can find an up-to-date list of petrol stations in the Shetland Directory – just search ‘petrol stations’ in the Search the Commercial Directory box.
  • LPG — availability is limited in Shetland. Arrive with a full tank where possible. Rearo Supplies at Staney Hill, Lerwick can fill from bottled stock, but this is subject to compatible fittings and cannot be guaranteed for motorhome habitation use. Call ahead on 01595 692807 to check before you arrive.
  • Electric vehicle charging – there is a network of electric vehicle charging points around Shetland, including at leisure centres, ferry terminals, some health centres and other public buildings.
  • Disposing of toilet waste – for general advice, please see the Toilets page on The Camping and Caravan Club website. Please note: not all Shetland campsites have chemical disposal points. Aquila (+44 (0)1595 840431) is a waste management company based six miles north of Lerwick and may be able to assist with disposal.
  • Bottled gas – is available from Rearo Supplies.

Wild camping

Shetland does welcome wild campers in tents, as long as you are mindful of the Scottish Outdoor Access Code and seek permission from the landowner before setting up camp.

The easiest way to do this is to contact the nearest house, establish who the landowner is, and ask if you may camp there. Don't hesitate to ask their advice – they'll probably tell you whether the site is suitable or recommend an even better location for you.

Please wild camp for no more than 2-3 nights in one location and avoid fields with crops, livestock or nesting bird colonies. Also, avoid public water collection areas and reservoirs.

Toilet and waste disposal are the camper's responsibility, and these tasks should be carried out discreetly and responsibly.

Motorhomes and overnight parking in Shetland

Wild camping in a tent is permitted under Scotland’s access laws, but these rights do not extend to motor vehicles. If you are travelling by motorhome or campervan, please follow the guidance below to ensure you park responsibly and help protect Shetland’s precious natural environment.

1. Permission from landowners

Parking a motorhome or caravan on private land requires the landowner’s consent. Some land managers may be relaxed about short stays, while others are not. If you’re unsure, it’s always best to find someone to ask – even if the land feels remote.

2. Public laybys and car parks

Overnight stays in public laybys or designated car parks are sometimes tolerated, provided that:

  • You remain inside your vehicle.
  • No awnings, chairs, tables or other camping equipment are set up outside.
  • You respect any signage such as “no overnight parking”.
  • Access for other vehicles, farms or emergency services is never blocked.

Aim to arrive late, depart early, and leave no trace.

3. Be self-contained and responsible

Only self-contained vehicles (with onboard toilet and waste facilities) should consider overnight parking outside a site. All waste, including greywater, must be disposed of at proper facilities. Please note that the Shetland Islands Council does not provide disposal points for toilet or grey water waste. The best option, if you are staying outside a formal site, is to approach the nearest campsite and ask to use their facilities. Many sites will allow this for a small fee. Or you can contact Aquila, a waste management company based six miles north of Lerwick, which should be able to help (+44 (0)1595 840431).

You must take all rubbish with you, keep noise to a minimum and show consideration for nearby residents, livestock and wildlife. Open fires are strictly prohibited – Shetland’s moorland can ignite quickly, and even a small fire poses a serious risk.

4. Keep it short and sensible

Stay no more than one or two nights in the same location unless you have clear permission. Choose hardstanding surfaces such as gravel or tarmac, avoid soft ground, and never park in fields, on crops or near sensitive habitats.

5. Use campsites whenever possible

Shetland has several excellent caravan and camping sites with electric hook-ups, fresh water and waste disposal points. These sites also support local communities and businesses. If in doubt, please choose one of these formal sites.

Get inspired

Camping and Caravan FAQs

  • Can I wild camp in Shetland? 

    Wild camping in a tent is permitted under Scotland's access laws, provided you follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code and get permission from the landowner before pitching. The easiest way to do this is to knock on the door of the nearest house. Please camp for no more than two or three nights in one location, avoid fields with crops, livestock or nesting birds, and take all waste with you.

  • Does wild camping apply to motorhomes and campervans? 

    No. Scotland's right to roam applies to people on foot — it does not extend to motor vehicles. If you're travelling by motorhome or campervan, you need either a pitch at a registered campsite or the express permission of the landowner to park on private land. See our motorhome guidance above for more detail.

  • Do I need to book a campsite pitch in advance? 

    Most sites are open all year, and during quieter months you can often just turn up. In June and July — and particularly around Folk Festival weekend — demand picks up sharply, so book ahead to guarantee your pitch.

  • Can I take my motorhome or caravan on the inter-island ferries? 

    Yes. All inter-island ferries in Shetland transport motorhomes and caravans, with the exception of the ferries to Foula and Fair Isle. Booking in advance is strongly recommended for larger vehicles. You can book online at ferry.shetland.gov.uk or call the Ulsta Booking Office on 01595 745804.

  • Can I get LPG in Shetland? 

    LPG availability is limited. Arrive with a full tank where possible. Rearo Supplies at Staney Hill, Lerwick can fill from bottled stock, but this is subject to compatible fittings and cannot be guaranteed for motorhome habitation use. Call ahead on 01595 692807 to check before you arrive. Bottled Calor gas is also available from Rearo.

  • Where can I dispose of chemical toilet waste? 

    Not all campsites in Shetland have chemical disposal points, so it is worth checking with your site before you arrive. If you are not staying on a formal site, the nearest campsite may allow you to use their facilities for a small fee. Aquila, a waste management company based six miles north of Lerwick, may also be able to assist — call +44 (0)1595 840431.

  • Are there electric hook-ups at Shetland campsites? 

    Most registered campsites in Shetland have electric hook-ups and fresh water. Facilities vary by site — not all have chemical toilet disposal points, so if this is important to your trip, check with the specific campsite before booking.

  • Where can I charge an electric vehicle in Shetland? 

    There is a network of EV charging points around the islands, including at leisure centres, ferry terminals, health centres and other public buildings. For live locations and availability, use Zap-Map.

  • Are open fires allowed when camping in Shetland? 

    Open fires should be avoided in Shetland. The Scottish Outdoor Access Code strongly recommends using a camping stove instead, and prohibits lighting fires during dry periods or near moorland, farmland, peat, buildings or historic sites. Given how quickly Shetland's moorland can ignite, the safest approach is to use a stove at all times and follow any local advice or fire risk warnings during your visit.

  • Can I find petrol in Shetland? 

    Yes, though petrol stations are more spread out than on the mainland. An up-to-date list of stations is available in the Shetland Directory — search 'petrol stations' in the commercial directory.

  • Are there any garages that offer repairs or spare parts for motorhomes?

    There is no dedicated motorhome repair specialist in Shetland. However, several general vehicle garages in Lerwick can handle mechanical repairs, MOTs, tyres and diagnostics — JRJ Shetland at Port Business Park and Lerwick Autos are worth contacting to confirm they can accommodate your vehicle. For habitation-specific repairs — bodywork, gas systems, leisure electrics — you are unlikely to find specialist support on the islands. If you are travelling with an older or complex motorhome, it is worth carrying basic spare parts and checking that your breakdown cover includes remote island recovery before you travel.

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