Arriving at Fort William I have a buzz of excitement. I was finally going to attempt to climb Ben Nevis in Scotland.
Something that has been on my bucket list for far too long, considering it’s the highest mountain in my own country! Glen Nevis Campsite was the perfect place to pitch my tent to take on the challenge.
Here I will give you my full review on Glen Nevis Campsite and whether I would recommend staying here.
Ask me any questions about the campsite in the comments below.
Glen Nevis Campsite, Fort Wiliam
Glen Nevis Campsite Address:
Glen Nevis, Fort William, Scotland, PH33 6SX
Location:
As you might expect many people who visit Fort William are here to climb the mighty Ben Nevis.
The campsite is perfectly located half a mile from the start of the ‘Mountain Path’ route. Also known as the ‘Tourist Path’, which begins from Glen Nevis Visitor Centre.
The campsite is approximately 2.5 miles walk to Fort William itself.
Campsite facilities:
- Large camping area
- Hot showers and washing-up area
- Fully stocked shop
- Parking next to your pitch
- Recycling facilities
- Laundry
- Restaurant and bar (500m down the road)
- Dog walking and exercise areas
- Wi-Fi available (paid option or free at restaurant/bar)
Glen Nevis Options
- Tents
- Camping Pods
- Holidays Caravans
- Caravans & Motorhomes
Camping Cost:
- Adults (16 years+) £9.00 per night
- Children (5-15 years) £2.00
- Infants (0-4 years) free*
Extra costs
- Additional car – £2.50
- Gazebo – £2.00
- Wi-Fi – £5.00
- Booking fee (non-refundable) – £5.00
*Prices correct at time of writing. For latest rates click here: Camping rates
About Glen Nevis campsite
Glen Nevis Campsite is open from 15th March to 5th November each year.
It’s a huge campsite half a mile from Glen Nevis Visitor Centre so the perfect place if you want to hike Ben Nevis. And it’s easy to find too, from the visitor centre there are signs directing you.
And it’s easy to find too, from the Visitor Centre there are signs directing you.
The park caters for caravans and motorhomes, tents. And there are even some camping pods, which have twin or double options.
Check-in at Glen Nevis Campsite
Check-in is a speedy process. I’m given a ticket to add to my tent (don’t forget to do this I saw the warden checking the next morning!!) And a map of the campsite (see above) I can pick one of three camping areas.
Either Ben View, Forest Field or Forest Paddock. It’s between the two options that are closest to the shower/toilet block. Who likes trekking in the middle of the night to use the bathroom…. not me!!
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Setting up Camp at Glen Nevis
I drove up to the first camp area ‘Ben View’, parked my car and went to find a good pitch! The night before there had been some really heavy rain so a couple of areas were a bit squelchy.
But I found a spot that seemed drier. (Well as dry as the ground can be when it’s been raining!)
It was on a very slight incline. My theory is if it rained the water would run downwards!
Becky’s Tip
- Make sure you plan where you’re going to sleep.
- You need to remember to pitch your tent so that when you sleep your head isn’t lower than your feet. I’ve done that wrong once before and you get a serious head rush!
My Vango Banshee tent pitched and I look around, the views are simply breathtaking. I am feeling so excited about my hike the next morning.
Facilities Glen Nevis Campsite
Next, to the reception, there’s a lovely shop full of everything you could possibly need or should I say have forgotten! From food, tinned and fresh, camping equipment and supplies. Even games and postcards. A lovely touch is the fresh goods from the bakery – bread, pancakes and danishes there to tempt you. I stocked up on eggs and some fresh bread ready for the morning.
Spoiler alert!!! After my big hike, yes I made it to the top of Ben Nevis! Although a little cloudy and wet hey it’s a mountain after all. I will tell you more about that later. I was in need of a shower. The shower block closest to me only had two showers but plenty of sinks and toilets. I was able to grab a lovely hot shower before cooking dinner…. oh actually I went to the pub haha!
So I decided on a treat for dinner (and free Wi-Fi was needed). About 500 m down the road is Glen Nevis Restaurant and Bar. I have to admit I settled in for a good few hours as the Wi-Fi was so good and ended up having a huge burger, brownie dessert and to top it all off a large glass of wine. I was beginning to feel right at home there!
Becky’s Tip
- Oh, remember to take a torch with you at night. There are no lights on the road back. Or you could do what I did and use your phone!
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Overall thoughts at Glen Nevis campsite
The Glen Nevis campsite is very well run and organised. They have rules in place to ensure that it is a quiet campsite (after 11 pm).
As most people are here for hiking that works well. The main gates close after this time which means you feel safe and secure too.
My favourite thing was the location. It really puts you in a great mood for hiking Ben Nevis. Sat drinking my peppermint tea, I can remember looking up and thinking, that’s where I am going tomorrow.
For further information or to book go to www.glen-nevis.co.uk/campsite
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*I was a guest at Glen Nevis Holiday Park. However, all views and opinions are my own.
*Becky the Traveller participates in the Amazon Services Associates Programme, as well as other affiliate programmes. If you make a purchase through these, I earn from the qualifying links. This is at no extra cost to you. Read more here.
Hi Becky, just wondered if you are allowed campfires at this site. We’ve never been before and normally set up one for nighttime as our wee boy can get very cold.
Thank you
Hi Nicola, ah yes, a fire does make a big difference. I know that they don’t allow open fires. But they do allow small enclosed fires ie chimineas as long as it’s a safe distance from other tents. Hope you have a wonderful trip 🙂
Hi – I know it was a while ago, but can you remember if the dog exercise area was secure please?
Hi Andrea, I’m sorry, I don’t have a dog so it’s not something I would have noticed. I remember the site being fairly big though, probably easier to get in touch with them directly. Becky 🙂
I camped here in Spring 2019 and it was a lovely campground! The Glen Nevis area is one of my favourites in Scotland!
Ah, how lovely, I hope it bought back some wonderful memories. It really is a stunning place 🙂
Nice review Becky. Very useful. I’ve decided to stop here on my seventh and final night camping along the West Highland Way. Considered a hotel in Fort William as a treat, but as the Glen Nevis site is so close to the end of the route, much cheaper and with good facilities it’s a no brainer ….. unless of course it’s raining ?
Ah wonderful Harry, sounds like you’ve had a rather wet but epic adventure. Yeah, the campsite is lovely, are you planning on going up Ben Nevis tomorrow? Congrats on completing 🙂
Hi Becky! I wonder if the campsite has any kitchen where we could cook our meals? Also if there are any tables where we could eat it? Thanks!
Hi Boris, no there’s no kitchen at the campsite, most people bring their own cooking equipment or eat at the local pub! I can’t remember if there are any tables, there might be a few outdoor benches, sorry, it was a while ago and I can’t remember that detail. Hope you have a fun trip 🙂