There’s a special kind of calm that arrives when the water goes glassy and the hills turn copper in the evening light. For anyone planning motorhome hire in Scotland, lochside stops are the moments you’ll talk about for years. This guide brings together some of the most inviting, motorhome-friendly lochs to include on Scottish road trips, whether you’re travelling as a couple, a family, or trying campervan travel for the first time. With fully equipped vehicles from Go Explore Scotland, you can keep plans flexible, follow the weather, and lean into slow mornings by the water. If you’re ready to set dates, you can book online in a few clicks.

About lochside Scotland - what makes it special
Scotland’s lochs are varied and characterful. In the Central Belt you’ll find broad, island-dotted waterways like Loch Lomond with easy access and classic viewpoints. Move north to the Highlands and the scenery steepens - silver birch, pine forest, and corries plunging to dark, deep water. Many lochs sit close to excellent walking paths, forest trails, and gentle beaches, so you can step from your pitch to the shore with a flask in hand. For family motorhome holidays, the combination of safe paddling spots, wildlife watching, and short drives between highlights keeps the days relaxed and rewarding.

Top lochs and where to stay
Loch Lomond, Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park
One of the most accessible lochs for first-time trips, Loch Lomond offers classic scenery and a wide choice of official places to stay. On the east shore, Cashel’s waterfront setting is hard to beat for sunrise views, while the village of Luss on the west bank adds cafés and short boat trips. Please follow National Park guidance and use authorised campsites or designated permit areas during the seasonal management period.

Loch Morlich, Cairngorms
Fringed by Caledonian pine and backed by the Cairngorm plateau, Loch Morlich has a sandy beach and a gently shelving shoreline ideal for paddleboards and family picnics. The nearby Glenmore campsite places you within walking distance of the water and multiple forest trails. On clear nights, the sky here can be wonderfully dark - bring a warm layer and enjoy a little stargazing.

Loch Ness, Highlands
Beyond the folklore, Loch Ness rewards with far-reaching views, easy access to the South Loch Ness Trail, and boat tours from various points around the shore. The well-located Loch Ness Shores campsite offers modern facilities and direct access to the water for those early morning photos when the loch is still.

Loch Tummel, Perthshire
Calm waters, birch woodland, and the famous Queen’s View make Loch Tummel a dependable stop when routing between the Central Belt and the Highlands. Tummel Bridge camping options sit close to the loch and connect with scenic loops to Loch Rannoch and the high moorland beyond. Perthshire’s softer contours lend themselves to relaxed low-level walking and riverside cycling.

Loch Maree, Wester Ross
Wild, grand, and dotted with ancient Caledonian pine islands, Loch Maree is one of the north-west’s most atmospheric waters. Facilities are fewer here, so plan to use nearby official sites such as Kinlochewe or in the Gairloch area, and treat the shores with extra care - it’s a sensitive environment and a perfect place to practice leave-no-trace travel.

Things to do by the loch
Mornings tend to start slow: a brew with the door open and the calling of curlew or oystercatcher across the water. When you’re ready to roam, short shoreline walks and forest trails are plentiful around Loch Lomond, Loch Morlich, and Loch Tummel. Paddleboarding is popular on calmer days, while boat trips provide a relaxed way to spot wildlife and take in the views without additional driving. Food options range from lochside cafés and chippies to farm shops where you can pick up local venison, oatcakes, and cheese for simple lunches. Keep binoculars handy - red deer, golden eagle, and pine marten all share these landscapes.

Travelling by motorhome - why it works so well
The joy of campervan travel lies in shifting the plan to match the skies. If there’s low cloud on the west, you can pivot east for brighter hours, or add a spontaneous stop you discover en route. Vehicles from Go Explore Scotland are fully equipped with cooking gear and comfortable sleeping spaces, so you can settle quickly when you reach the water. Heating handles cooler spring and autumn nights, while showers and ample storage make longer Scottish road trips straightforward. Responsible travel matters here - stick to official sites, use chemical waste points, and keep shorelines pristine for the next family who parks up. If you’re planning a multi-day loop, browse suggested routes to build a circuit that fits your timing, such as an NC500-inspired Highlands sampler or a Central Highlands and Cairngorms week.

When to visit - seasonal pointers
Late spring brings fresh greens and longer daylight, with fewer midges than high summer. July and August are the busiest months, so book campsites early if your dates fall in school holidays. September often offers calm days, golden light, and quieter lochs. Winter can be magical for sunrise colour and snow-rimmed peaks - just allow extra time for driving, check local road conditions, and choose serviced sites where facilities operate year-round. If you find a good window, secure it and book online before it goes.

Practical travel tips

• Plan official overnight stops in advance, especially in National Parks or popular Highland lochs.

• Carry midge repellent from late spring through early autumn.

• Keep fuel topped up in rural areas - distances can be longer than they look.

• Use designated day-parking areas by lochs and follow local signage.

• Pack quick-dry layers and a warm hat - loch breezes can be cool even in summer.

• Check ferry timetables if your itinerary hops to sea lochs or islands.

• Build your itinerary with flexible gaps - the light often rewards those who linger.

• For more ideas and seasonal pieces, you can read more on the blog.

Your lochside adventure starts here
Lochside living is about simple pleasures done well - unhurried breakfasts, a short walk to the water, and the freedom to choose the next view along the road. Whether you’re eyeing Loch Lomond’s island-scattered bays or the quiet grandeur of Loch Maree, a carefully planned route and the comfort of a well-equipped vehicle make all the difference. Start sketching your circuit with these lochs in mind, explore suggested routes, then book online with Go Explore Scotland to lock in your dates. The water will be waiting.