What’s the Stay the Night Scheme in Scotland?

If you’re exploring Scotland by motorhome, you might have heard of the Stay the Night scheme - a great initiative run by Forestry and Land Scotland. It allows self-contained vehicles to stay overnight in some of their forest car parks, giving travellers a safe, legal and environmentally responsible way to enjoy Scotland’s natural beauty. Having originally been launched as a pilot, the scheme has proved so popular and successful that it’s now a regular part of the Scottish motorhome experience.

The idea is simple. Offer affordable, managed overnight parking options to reduce pressure on informal wild camping spots, support rural tourism, and also protect the environment. It’s designed for self-contained vehicles only - that means your motorhome or campervan must have built-in accommodation and toilet facilities that can be used inside the vehicle. External tents, awnings and toilet tents aren’t permitted. Each stay is limited to one night only, and you can’t return to the same site within 48 hours.

How the scheme works

The Stay the Night scheme is easy to use - you can stay overnight between 6 pm and 10 am, with no advance booking required, and it operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Spaces are limited, so it’s a good idea to arrive in the early evening to secure a spot.

Most car parks charge a modest fee of £10 per night, while those offering extra facilities, such as chemical waste disposal, cost around £13. The payment needs to be made via the RingGo app or by phone (you can find the phone number on the website). If you’re parked somewhere with poor mobile signal, don’t worry - some locations allow a short grace period (usually up to 72 hours) to make payment once you regain a decent signal. If you’ve got a Blue Badge displayed you can stay for free.

To keep the scheme running smoothly, Forestry and Land Scotland asks all visitors to follow a few simple rules. You aren’t allowed to use generators, and you should always leave at least four metres between you and your neighbour. You need to avoid blocking gates or forest trails, and you should keep noise levels low (especially between 10 pm and 7 am) and make sure to take all your rubbish away with you. Fires and barbecues aren’t permitted, and dogs must be kept on leads. Essentially, it’s about being considerate, self-sufficient and, of course, leaving no trace.

Where does it operate?

Stay the Night operates across a large amount of Forestry and Land Scotland car parks, located in some of the country’s most scenic spots, from forested glens to coastal trails. As of recent seasons, there are around 50 participating car parks, though this number can vary depending on the time of year and local conditions - there is a slight reduction in the number of car parks available over the winter months. The scheme does run year-round, though, which is great.

Each car park offers a different experience; some are remote and peaceful, while others are closer to walking routes, lochs and amazing viewpoints. A few sites even offer additional services, such as chemical waste disposal or nearby water access.

Before setting off, it’s always best to check the official Forestry and Land Scotland website for the latest list of participating car parks, their opening times, and any updates on charges or closures.

Some key things to know

If you’re thinking of using the scheme, there are a few key points to remember. First and foremost, your motorhome must be fully self-contained, which means you must have (and use!) your own onboard toilet and waste facilities. Vehicles without internal toilets aren’t eligible, and external setups aren’t allowed. Larger vehicles (over 7 metres in length) are only allowed at certain carparks, so do read the small print before rocking up.

Because the car parks operate on a first-come, first-served basis, and you can’t book ahead, it’s wise to have a backup plan in case your chosen location is full. If you get to your desired location and find it’s sadly full, you can look at the Visit Scotland website to help you find a local campsite instead.

Always pay via RingGo or by phone as soon as you can, and make sure your vehicle registration details are correct when paying. Remember too that you can only stay for one night and that you must leave by 10 am the next morning, waiting at least 48 hours before returning to the same site.

As we stated, they ask that you leave at least 4 metres between you and any neighbours when parking up, so do stick to this rule.

Finally, be respectful. Follow all the site rules, keep any noise to a minimum, and take every bit of rubbish away with you. The ongoing success of Stay the Night depends entirely on visitors behaving responsibly and respecting Scotland’s landscapes and communities.

(But no awnings allowed, remember!)

Sounds good, right?

There’s no doubt that Stay the Night has transformed the experience of touring Scotland by motorhome. The main advantages are clear - it offers safe, legal and affordable overnight stays in some of the most stunning forest locations. It also helps relieve pressure on wild camping hotspots and provides an alternative to busy campsites, while still supporting rural economies as visitors hopefully spend money locally.

However, there are some limitations. Space is limited, and because it’s first-come, first-served, there’s no guarantee of availability. The facilities are basic, if present, and the scheme relies heavily on users being self-sufficient. Remember the mobile signal can be patchy, making payment tricky in some remote areas, too.

For motorhome travellers, Scotland’s Stay the Night scheme is a fantastic way to experience the country’s forests and wild spaces responsibly. Whether you’re passing through on a Highland adventure or taking a slow amble around the Scottish coasts, these car parks offer a peaceful and sustainable option for overnight stays.

Just make sure your vehicle is fully self-contained, arrive early, and always leave the place as you found it. If everyone does their part, Stay the Night will continue to offer one of the most enjoyable and environmentally friendly ways to explore Scotland by motorhome! Excellent news.