Campervan Hire Edinburgh

Camper Champ compares multiple campervan hire companies in Edinburgh and around the UK. Motorhomes are available from depots a short distance from Edinburgh Airport (EDI).

Rental prices for campervans in Edinburgh vary by season and start at approximately £50/day for small campers and reach around £250/day or more for larger models.

Edinburgh is the most popular starting point for campervanning around Scotland, with Glasgow being the main alternative.

Exploring Edinburgh and the southeast of Scotland in a campervan is ideal, thanks to the abundance of campsites open throughout the year. Edinburgh is also a popular entry point for travellers heading to the famous North Coast 500 route.

The cost of hiring a campervan in Edinburgh can vary depending on several factors, including the size and luxury level of the vehicle, the time of year, the length of the hire, and any additional features or services you require. Typical daily rates for a smaller 2-berth campervan hire range from around £70 to £180 per day.

Standard 4-berth motorhomes typically range from £100 to £200 per day. A premium / luxury 4-berth model could cost from £150 to £220 daily. Use our search engine for the most accurate and up-to-date pricing.

Hiring a luxury motorhome provides the ultimate comfort experience, as you have everything you need on board—and even more! Luxury motorhomes have a higher hire price, so if you’re looking for a cheaper option but don’t want to compromise on features, a budget-friendly camper may be a better way to go. Edinburgh’s surroundings are stunning, and one of the best ways to explore them is to venture off and see where you end up! If you plan to drive on rougher rural tracks, a 4WD camper can be handy—but for most routes around Edinburgh and the rest of Scotland, a standard campervan is usually more than enough. For overnight stays, stick to campsites or clearly permitted overnight parking spots and follow local guidance.

The cheapest time to hire a campervan in Edinburgh is during the low/off-peak season, typically November to March (winter). Many operators then offer lower ‘shoulder’ pricing in April and October, while rates are usually highest from late spring through summer.

It's important to note that Scotland’s conditions are often changeable year-round, and winter brings shorter days and colder temperatures, which could impact your travel plans.

Saving money is easy and can be done in a few simple ways. There’s so much to see, do and eat in Edinburgh, so it’s important to prioritise if you’re on a budget. Effortless things like hiring a campervan with cooking facilities can save you a substantial amount, as you’ll be less tempted to eat out every night if you have fresh food to cook in your camper.

Here are some top tips to save money on your campervan holiday:

Visit in off-peak season: Peak season is summertime when visitors come from all around the world to walk the streets, taste the food and feel the vibrant energy of the city. It’s a beautiful time to visit the city, as flowers are in full bloom and the sun illuminates the grand architecture. This also means campsite prices increase, and it can be harder to book onto a site unless you get ahead and book early. Travelling at the tail end of spring or the beginning of autumn is a quieter and cheaper time to visit.

Use wild camping spots: The area boasts some superb campsites for your motorhome holiday, but using them for the whole trip can cost a lot. Head out of the city centre and slightly inland to find free, wild camping spots. Wild spots also allow you to capture the true essence of Scotland. Not to mention parking outside the city is likely to be quieter, and you’re less likely to draw any unwanted attention.

Hire a campervan: Hiring a campervan saves you from splashing out on hotels and car rental. The capital tends to get very busy with tourists during the summer, and prices of hotels soar, so save yourself some money and explore in a campervan instead. Parking a little outside of Edinburgh costs less as car parks are cheaper, and you can get your step count up by walking into the city instead.

The average annual temperature for Edinburgh is a chilly 9℃ (48℉), so if you want to experience sunshine and blue skies, the best time to visit in a campervan is definitely during the summer!

Don’t be put off by the cold weather, though, as Edinburgh is a magnificent place to visit regardless of the season and tends to be milder than rural Scotland. If rain starts to fall, you can always dip into one of the many cosy cafes lining the streets and dry off around a crackling fire.

Spring (March-May):

Spring brings a welcome hint of warmth after what is usually a cold winter season. Along with sunshine and quieter roads, spring also brings lower campsite prices than summer. The average temperature is a mild 15℃ (59℉), but as the UK’s weather can often be dubious, it’s best to pack waterproofs and a brolly just in case!

Summer (June-August):

Summer days have an average temperature of 19℃ (66℉), and since it doesn’t tend to get dark until 9 pm, you can enjoy alfresco dining as the stars slowly begin to light up the sky. The energy of the city during summer is infectious, and you can expect the streets to be lined with colour, music and traditional Scottish food.

Autumn (September-November):

If you’re hiring a campervan and heading to Edinburgh in autumn, you can look forward to the stunning red, orange and yellow leaves that coat the streets. It’s a blissful time to visit the city as the high energy from summer fades and is replaced with an air of nostalgic calmness. Temperatures drop considerably, with the average autumn temperature being around 9℃ (48℉), so be ready for some crisp mornings in your camper!

Winter (December-February):

With an average temperature of 7℃ (44℉), winter is on the colder side, so you’ll need to pack a blanket or two in your motorhome. Make sure you choose a camper with a good heating source, as temperatures can drop below zero.

Edinburgh isn’t a huge city, but it’s easy to run out of time before you’ve done everything you wanted to do. If you’re on a tight timescale, 5-7 days is a decent amount to scratch the surface. To delve deeper into the city’s history and visit all the sites on offer, two weeks is a better amount of time for your campervan trip.

The best way to find water for your campervan is to visit one of the nearby petrol stations or swing by a campsite and ask if you can fill your water tank. Make a good impression with the locals and ask before using a tap at a garage.

Parking your campervan at Holyrood Park and heading up the hill will eventually take you to Arthur’s Seat, the top of an extinct volcano that offers majestic views over the city. The walk to the top isn’t too intense, so it’s perfect for a range of fitness levels, and you are rewarded with great views from the top.

One of Edinburgh’s oldest attractions, Camera Obscura, offers over 100 illusions across several floors. It’s a great place to take the whole family, and adult tickets are £24.95 (2026), with early online timeslots offering £4 off. As Camera Obscura is right in the centre of Edinburgh, you can make it a full day out and have dinner in one of the nearby restaurants.

Dynamic Earth is a popular attraction in Edinburgh that uses science to give visitors an interactive experience from when time began. Its popularity is unsurprising as you can’t find anything like Dynamic Earth anywhere else in Scotland.

Towering over the city on Castle Rock – a volcanic plug formed around 350–400 million years ago – is Edinburgh Castle. Not only does the castle offer a window into Edinburgh’s history, but it also offers epic views over the city. Entry is paid, and note there’s no public parking at the castle itself; Holyrood Park has paid car parks (no overnight parking) if you’re planning to walk into the Old Town.

Home to more than 2,500 animals across 82 acres of land, Edinburgh Zoo is a must for animal lovers. Online adult tickets are £30 (walk-up £32.50) (prices vary by date).

The National Museum of Scotland is a unique place offering everything from art, science and engineering, to world culture and Scottish antiques. Entry is free, so it’s worth parking in a nearby car park and walking to the museum for a fun and educational day out.

Just south of Edinburgh is Rosslyn Chapel, a 15th-century chapel full of mystery and wonder. The chapel became well known after it played a central role in Dan Brown’s Da Vinci Code, and with cheap tickets online and a large car park, there’s no reason not to add this impressive place to your list.

For nature lovers, the Royal Botanic Gardens in Edinburgh is a place you’ll want to add to your list. With 13,500 plant species from 157 countries, you’ll experience plant science at its best. The gardens are free to visit, and the glasshouses are currently closed while they are redeveloped.

Running through Edinburgh’s Old Town is The Royal Mile, a street lined with independent, local shops and eateries that links Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Walking down The Royal Mile has a unique feel as you look up either side and see the towering gothic architecture protecting the cobbled street and its visitors below.

When you walk along The Royal Mile, you will come across St. Giles Cathedral, a building welcoming visitors to experience its deep history. Admission is free, and you can expect to be blown away by the cathedral's stained glass windows and intricate details.

Whether you want to be right in the middle of the action or on the outskirts of Edinburgh, there are plenty of parking spots. We’ve put together a few places where you can park overnight in your motorhome, but always check the local rules/signage—some sites allow overnight parking, while others do not.

• Hermiston Park and Ride.
• Sheriffhall Park and Ride.
• Newcraighall Park and Ride.
• Wallyford Park and Ride.
• Ingliston Park and Ride (overnight parking is not permitted—use Hermiston instead).

Campervanning has become very popular, and if you’re a social person, talking to other campers is a great way to find out about other overnight parking spots in the area. Regardless of where you park, leave no trace and respect locals if you stay overnight in a residential area.

Parking overnight in the centre of Edinburgh might be difficult; however, if you drive your campervan a little further away from the city, you’ll find a wild spot or campsite in no time.

Wild camping is generally permitted in Scotland under the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, so options are often broader than in other parts of the UK; however, there are local restrictions and responsibilities, and some wild spots have been closed due to litter being left by campers. If you find a spectacular spot in the forest, take everything away as bins or facilities to dispose of waste are scarce.

Car Parks

It’s worth making use of car parks on the city fringes as they save you parking your motorhome in the centre, where spaces are limited, and roads can be tight. A good alternative is to park outside the city, use a park-and-ride system, and head into the city on a bus. Many car parks have height barriers, so if you’ve hired a large motorhome, check any restrictions before heading to a parking spot!

Street Parking

Edinburgh is a busy city with narrow streets that, unfortunately, often aren’t very campervan friendly. Therefore, it’s best to stick to car parks that accept motorhomes and campsites that aren’t too far from the city. If you want to spend several days exploring the city and are worried about where to park your campervan, many nearby campsites have bus stops not too far away.

Edinburgh is a beautiful city with a rich history and many stunning natural areas to explore. Although there aren’t any national parks in the city itself, there are over 100 parks, making it the greenest city in the UK. Popular ones include Holyrood Park, Lochend Park, and Braidburn Valley Park.

Some of the best national parks to visit near Edinburgh include:

The Cairngorms National Park is located in the eastern part of the Scottish Highlands and is known for its rolling hills and rugged peaks that rise like jagged teeth. The deep glens and sparkling lochs in this park are like something out of a fairytale and provide endless opportunities for outdoor adventure. This park is a paradise for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts, with miles of trails to explore and breathtaking views to enjoy.

The Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park is located west of Edinburgh and is a verdant paradise, with its forests, lochs, and mountains that stretch as far as the eye can see. The serene beauty of this park is like a balm for the soul, and its many hiking trails and waterways are perfect for a day of exploration.

Edinburgh is located in close proximity to these beautiful national parks, making it a great place for a campervan holiday. With a rental, you can easily explore the stunning natural beauty of the Scottish Highlands and beyond.

Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park is northwest of Edinburgh, and although entry to the park is free, between the 1st of March and the 30th of September, a ticket is required to stay overnight. You can buy a ticket up to four weeks in advance for £4 per night. The Cairngorms National Park is a couple of hours north of Edinburgh and is free to enter and park overnight in a campervan.

Price: From £20.50/night

Website: https://www.caravanclub.co.uk/club-sites/scotland/edinburgh/edinburgh-club-campsite/?utm_source=localsearch&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=gmb

It’s hard to beat the location of the Edinburgh Club Campsite, as it is effortless to reach the heart of the city. On-site, you will find toilet and shower facilities, a dishwashing area, and silver-rated Wi-Fi to keep you connected. BBQs are also permitted at the site to cook up a feast outside your motorhome on a summer’s day.

Price: From £20/night

Website: https://www.drummohr.co.uk/

It’s hard to imagine Drummohr Camping and Glamping Site is only about 16 km from Edinburgh, as it is nestled in some of Scotland’s finest scenery. On-site, there’s an abundance of facilities, such as a shop, book exchange, and BBQ, to keep you entertained during your stay. With views across to Fife, you can wind down and relax, watching the world go by.

Price: From £10.20/night Website: https://www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk/campsites/uk/east-lothian/dunbar/dunbar-camping-and-caravanning-club-site/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_content=Dunbar&utm_campaign=google_places

Beautiful sea views will accompany your stay at Dunbar Camping and Caravanning Club Site. With lots to do in the local area, you can experience even more Scotland than you originally planned. The campsite has everything needed for a comfortable stay in a motorhome, such as a service point, showers, gas, and a designated dog walk area.

Price: From £20/night

Website: https://www.glentressforestlodges.co.uk/

South of Edinburgh, located just outside Peebles, is the idyllic Glentress Forest Lodges. The site offers stays for campervans and boasts facilities such as a shower room, drying room, and communal kitchen area. There’s also a bike store ideal for keeping bikes safely tucked away when you’ve been adventuring in the mud.

Price: From £25/night

Website: https://www.linwater.co.uk/about/

Linwater Caravan Park has achieved several impressive awards for its outstanding facilities. The campsite boasts an indoor camping kitchen with features such as games, books and a TV, and standard kitchen facilities such as a microwave and hob. The reception at Linwater Caravan Park also offers inclusive vegan and vegetarian food, snacks, and drinks.

Price: From £30/night

Website: https://www.caravansitefinder.co.uk/parks/view/2436-lothianbridge-caravan-park

With a great location for heading into the city, Lothian Bridge Caravan Park offers disabled access, a children’s play area, electric hook-up, laundry facilities and even a bar and restaurant. Around the park are various walking paths and hiking trails for enjoying the gloriously green surroundings. The park is less than 16 km from Edinburgh, so it's easy to navigate into the centre from the site.

Price: From £20/night

Website: https://www.meadowhead.co.uk/parks/mortonhall/

The spectacular facilities at Mortonhall Caravan and Camping Park make it an ideal place to stay on your campervan trip to Edinburgh. With a TV room, games room, laundry services, storage lockers, and contemporary toilets and showers, the campsite is the perfect place to slow down the pace for a little while. There are also handy transport links nearby for venturing into the heart of Edinburgh.

Price: From £22/night

Website: https://www.haven.com/touring-camping/parks/scotland/seton-sands

With fresh water points, launderette, toilets, and showers, Seton Sands Holiday Village has everything needed for a campervan holiday in Edinburgh. The stunning coastal location a little further east of Edinburgh will provide a serene break from the hustle and bustle in the centre of the city. The site is less than an hour from Edinburgh, so transport to the centre is hassle-free and easy.

Price: From £27/night

Website: https://www.brandeastfortune.co.uk/station-park

Station Park Caravan Park is best suited to self-contained motorhomes as there are no showers or toilets on the site. Facilities such as electrical hook-up, motorhome service point and coin-operated laundry are available. The on-site farm shop offers locally produced eggs, meat, and essentials to keep you well-fed during your stay.

Price: From £21.70/night

Website: https://www.caravanclub.co.uk/club-sites/scotland/east-lothian/yellowcraig-club-campsite/?utm_source=localsearch&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=gmb

Yellowcraig Club Campsite is a family and dog-friendly site offering a quiet respite from the bustling city. Standard facilities such as showers, toilets, electrical hook-up and WI-FI are all available, and there’s a wooden playground for children too. With sandy beaches nearby, it’s hard to imagine a more peaceful campsite less than an hour away from Edinburgh.

This immersive itinerary will guide you through rugged highlands, serene lochs, and ancient forests as you delve deep into the heart of Scotland's most majestic and unforgettable terrains.

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