Exploring the Edge: A Campervan Adventure Around Port of Ness

Port of Ness Harbour. Daniel

Welcome to the second leg of our campervan road trip in the Outer Hebrides! During this part of our itinerary,, we’ll look at the top attractions, best campsites near the Port of Ness. Your drive from our first stop on Stornoway, to the Port of Ness should take approximately 45 minutes, but feel free to stop at a viewpoint or an attraction that catches your fancy along your road trip to the Port of Ness. Our campervan road trip itinerary is meant to be flexible and to provide our readers with the freedom to stay as long as they like, or compact several attractions into a weekend or bank holiday. Decide what works best for your trip, and map it out with our handy guide. If you’re thinking of staying a little longer up this way, it’s worth having a proper look at the campsites in Outer Hebrides to see what suits your travel style.

• The Best Campervan Road Trip in the Outer Hebrides

Pretty Port of Ness has a picturesque harbour and a lovely beach and promises a captivating blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage. The Port of Ness is a must-visit, with a beautiful harbour constructed in the early 19th century and a range of exciting historic and natural attractions nearby. Port Ness, or Port Nis, rests at the end of the A857 road and holds a small, interesting harbour. One end leads to a lovely sandy north-facing beach. We’ll explore the top attractions in Port of Ness below.

• Port of Ness Things to Do
• Camping in and Around Port of Ness, Isle of Lewis
• Best Campsites at Port of Ness
• Tent Camping at Port of Ness
• Caravan Camping at Port of Ness
• Hire a Campervan For Port of Ness
• From The Port of Ness, Discover The Rest of The North Isle of Lewis

Port of Ness Things to Do

Port Of Ness Beach. Alexandra.Garcia66

Kick start your Port of Ness escape in style with a day at Eoropie Beach in your campervan hire, a beautiful north facing beach that is often uncrowded leaving miles of golden dunes at your feet. Famed for its stunning white sands and crystal-clear turquoise waters, this lovely stretch of beach is peaceful with minimal tourists and is often overlooked while exploring Lewis. Head there on a windy, sunny day, and you can admire the spectacular waves, while the kids lark on the sand and enjoy the breeze. Visitors often call it the cleanest beach in the UK, and there are plenty of good walks through the sand when the weather decides to play ball. Visit during sunset, with your canine companion, a bottle of Prosecco for the adults and a well-stocked hamper for the kids, and watch the sunset dip under the waves.

Next wind your campervan down to the Butt of Lewis Lighthouse, which stands tall and proud on the northernmost point of the Isle of Lewis. This historic landmark boasts sweeping views of dramatic coastal scenery, and is open to visitors to climb to the top for panoramic views of the surrounding seascape and cliffs.

Pop over to the Ness Historical Society Museum, and explore the rich history and cultural heritage of the port of Ness. Explore exhibits, photographs and artefacts that tell tales of the local maritime history, traditions, and the evolution of life on the Isle of Lewis through the ages. Pop over to The Harbour View Gallery and purchase some bright coastal paintings or some cards and prints that remind you of your road trip through the Outer Hebrides.

For more historical attractions, visit the Clach Stein standing stones. Easily reached, they rest in a small fenced section from the public road to Dun Eistein. The stones were once in the Stornhold of Clan Morrison, and were used as an execution ground!

There’s plenty of beautiful walks and hiking trails for the active sorts that start from the Port of Ness. work up an appetite on a gentle coastal stroll or take a challenging hike through beautiful heather-clad hills. There’s plenty of options for all abilities and ages.

Hebridean Huts

Hebridean Huts

Isle of Lewis, Western Isles

Isle of Lewis, Western Isles

Two stunning glamping cabins perched on the fringes of the Atlantic Ocean guarantee gorgeous views across the rugged coastline and the beautiful blues of the sea and sky

When you’re ready for a meal, take your pick of unique flavours at the eateries at the Port of Ness. Sample the freshest seafood delicacies and enjoy a meal with a view. You can also explore the handmade craft stores selling Harris Tweed textiles, or browse the local craft shops and enjoy the welcoming hospitality of the locals.

Pristine beaches, historical landmarks and cultural offerings are the orders of the day when you stay at Port of Ness, a naturally beautiful and yet untamed area that is a fresh breath of air compared to the trampled tourist tracks in Scotland. Use our guide to map your stay and read on for top places to stay.

Camping in and Around Port of Ness, Isle of Lewis

Port Of Ness Beach. Alexandra.Garcia66

If you’ve created an itinerary and found a campervan for your adventure, you’ll need to find a quiet base to rest your head during your stay. We recommend staying at a few different campsites to get an authentic feel of the area. However, this depends entirely on your budget and the duration of your holiday. Our top picks for campsites in Port of Ness are Isle of Harris, Stornoway North, and Broadway. These locations are close to the Port of Ness and are ideal for exploring the other stops along our road trip through the Outer Hebrides. Read on to see what attractions you can expect to explore at these locations and the top spots to hire a campervan nearby. Scroll to the end of the page to find more campsite options near your chosen destination, and filter results based on the type of camping accommodation you require. It’s a great spot to kick things off or wind things down before heading across the islands.Visit our campsite page for more campsites in UK.

There’s no better way to explore the Isle of Harris's beauty and rich culture than by camping under the stars, snacking on local dinners and mapping out an adventure for the following day. Explore beautiful white sand beaches lapped by azure waters that rival tropical paradises. Visit mystical standing stones and witness traditional craft-making in the works. Follow rugged trails through the Harris hills and soak in breathtaking views at nearly every turn. After a day of sightseeing, relax in a cosy campsite with warm hospitality, crackling campfires, and perhaps the relaxing sound of a guitar being from a pitch nearby. Our campsites in the Isle of Harris locations include campsites in Isle of Lewis, campsites in North Uist, campsites in Liniclate, campsites in Portree, campsites in Isle of Skye, campsites in South Uist, and campsites in Kyle Of Lochalsh.

Stornoway North is a fine base for camping holidays, providing an often unexplored look at the natural beauty of Scotland. Whether you enjoy quiet walks with panoramic views, explore impressive castles, or dive into local history, our campsites in Stornoway North are ideal for memorable escapes. Let the kids run free on beautiful beaches, observe a wealth of wildlife on boat trips and drives to nature reserves, and listen to the locals converse in Scottish Gaelic at the local shops and eateries. You’ll truly feel like you’re away from it all, and that’s precisely the kind of holiday we hope to offer. Check out more campsites in Lochinver and campsites in Gairloch.

Gairloch Holiday Park

Gairloch Holiday Park

Gairloch, Highland

Gairloch, Highland

Gairloch Holiday Park is a family-owned holiday park with 75 hardstanding grass pitches ideal for tents, motorhomes and caravans. Almost all the plots come furnished with 16 amp electric meters, and several even boast stunning sea-front positions.

Wake up to sweeping views of the glittering ocean at your campsite in Broadbay, a beautiful gateway to the natural wonders and wildlife. On relaxing coastal strolls, spot seals basking on the rocks and seabirds gliding above the waves in hopes of a catch. Explore intriguing attractions like the historic Arnol Blackhouse, detailing the life and times of island life in centuries past. Wander along peaceful woodland trails or picnic in quiet gardens with blooming flowers. There’s no better feeling than ending your day at a calm campsite around a crackling barbecue grill and a canopy of stars twinkling above. Other nearby locations include campsites in Wester Ross, campsites in Kinlochbervie, campsites in Ullapool, campsites in Elphin and campsites in Dundonnell.

Best Campsites at Port of Ness

Take a look at our campsite picks in the Port of Ness. We recommend Callanish Camping, Laxdale Holiday Park, and The Uncles Croft Campsite—three beautiful locations ideal for camping by the coast or deep in the quiet rural landscape. These sites offer a range of handy home comforts, are well-placed for exploring Port of Ness and the surrounding attractions, and are reasonably priced. Take a read, and stay at one (or all three).

Callanish Camping Site in Isle Of Lewis

Callanish Camping Site, Isle Of Lewis

You’ll have a hard time leaving Callanish Camping, a beautiful camping space in a spectacularly scenic area on the Isle of Lewis. The site has four beautifully furnished glamping pods, ideal for escaping the elements on those blustery days. Despite its far-from-it-all atmosphere, the site is well-placed, resting only 5 minutes by foot from the Callanish Visitor Centre. Drive out to gorgeous coastlines like Dalmore and Dalbeg, 20 minutes from the campsite, or marvel at the sea stacks at Mangersta Beach, 45 minutes away. The white sand beach of Eoropie is also within easy reach. Stornoway, the capital of Lewis, offers a modern sightseeing escape that blends beautifully with the natural scenery around your campsite.

Laxdale Holiday Park in Isle Of Lewis

Laxdale Holiday Park, Isle Of Lewis

Laxdale Holiday Park is handy for campers who prefer setting up a base near lively Stornoway while enjoying the quiet and the scenery of tree-lined surroundings. The camping area is incredibly spacious and holds pitches for touring vehicles, tents, a hostel for more cost-effective holidays, and several pods, perfect for adventures in the year's colder months. Stornoway is only a few minutes away, and the knowledgeable staff are more than happy to answer your questions about the local area. Guests have access to standard amenities, and the campsite is ideal for those getting on and off the ferry, as the terminal is 5 minutes away by car.

The Uncles Croft Campsite in Isle Of Lewis

The Uncles Croft Campsite, Isle Of Lewis

The Uncles Croft Campsite is a wonderfully scenic and peaceful site in the village of Fivepenny, one of the small settlements that make up Port of Ness. The site has hardstanding grass and wild pitches for touring vehicles and tents. Electric metres and water are provided to the pitches, and guests are welcome to take a 2-minute drive to the local sports centre for toilets, showers and a sauna. Campers can also look into hiring electric bikes at the sports centre and pedal to the moor to gaze at the Sheilings. The pitches enjoy ocean views, and guests are welcome to huddle and enjoy the warmth of flickering campfires.

Tent Camping at Port of Ness

We hear you like a traditional approach to camping. We've got you covered. Traigh Na Beirigh on the Isle of Lewis is a fantastic camping space on white dunes next to a beautiful beach and stunning flowers in summer. The site welcomes tents and touring vehicles of all sizes and allows campers to pitch where they please without rigid rules and allocated pitches.Look forward to waking up to the sound of the ocean and ending your day with spectacular sunsets. Direct access to the sea promises hours of swimming and lovely long walks. The site is an hour and a half from the Port of Ness, making it an excellent base for days out.

Traigh Na Beirigh

Traigh Na Beirigh

Isle of Lewis, Western Isles

Isle of Lewis, Western Isles

Traigh Na Beirigh is a wonderfully scenic campsite set amidst rolling dunes next to a beautiful beach, offering the feel of camping at the very end of the earth. This picturesque campsite looks out over clear azure waters.

When you’re camping in the Outer Hebrides, you’re bound to have the beach on your doorstep, and West Harris Trust Talla Na Mara is one of those beautiful sites on the gorgeous coastline. Set up your base on Niseabost on the beautiful Isle of Harris, and look forward to a relaxing escape, complete with the bonus of a restaurant a short amble from your plot. The campsite is a community venture and a fine example of what can come when locals invest their time and energy into preserving and showcasing their homes. Sit down on the terrace at the restaurant and soak in fantastic vistas as you sip on a drink or tuck into a meal of choice.

Caravan Camping at Port of Ness

Butt of Lewis/Rubha Robhannais. Martindixon1966

Caravan adventures are just as much fun as campervan escapes, with the freedom to detach your home on wheels and drive around to local attractions. Eilean Fraoich Campsite in North Shawbost is an excellent caravan-friendly site, well-placed for exploring the Port of Ness, just over a half-hour drive away. The site is pet-friendly and welcomes kids of all ages, creating a lovely space under big skies for family-friendly escapes. Mary and Ian, your hosts at Eilean Fraoich, are incredibly friendly and welcoming. They are at hand to offer a warm welcome and help their guests find the most suitable pitch. The site is an excellent base for exploring Lewis and its beautiful beaches and historic sites.

Hop over to Horgabost Campsite, another stunning caravan-friendly campsite in breathtaking settings. Campers are invited to set up their tents or touring vehicles on the dunes and enjoy a no-frill approach to camping, complete with direct access to a beautiful white sand beach. Wake up to far-reaching views over waters in a lovely shade of blue, back in the distance by imposing, windswept and barren mountains. The showers and toilets are a stroll away, making this an excellent site for those with facilities in the vehicles.

Horgabost Campsite

Horgabost Campsite

Isle Of Harris, Western Isles

Isle Of Harris, Western Isles

Horgabost Campsite boasts a delightful campsite location, complete with basic facilities and pet-friendly grass pitches. Uncover the wide range of striking landscapes. Wander from the charming beaches on the west coast to the rugged terrain on the north, and appreciate the beauty of this spectacular isle.

Hire a Campervan For Port of Ness

Are you considering starting your campervan road trip in the Port of Ness? With very few owners renting on the Islands have a look around on our Scotland campervan hire map page for the most convenient locations for pick up. You might have to look a little further out, but there are still some decent campervan hire Outer Hebrides options around if you know where to dig.

From The Port of Ness, Discover The Rest of The North Isle of Lewis

When you’re done exploring the Port of Ness, head back along the road you came down and spend a final night at your campsite of choice before discovering the rest of the North Isle of Lewis.

We hope you’ve had as much fun exploring the Port of Ness as we have in compiling this itinerary. Join us as we explore more of Scotland’s stunning Outer Hebrides in the next part of our campervan road trip itinerary in the Outer Hebrides.