Scottish Canals Motorhome Stopover Scheme: A Guide to Staying by Scotland’s Waterways
Looking for somewhere different to spend the night on your next Scottish road trip? The Scottish Canals motorhome stopover scheme offers designated overnight parking beside some of Scotland’s waterways, with stays from £10 per night.
All the stops in this guide, along with their information, are on The Campervan Bible app. Here’s where you can stay, what it costs and what you need to know before arriving.
What is the Scottish Canals stopover scheme?
The scheme provides overnight parking for self-contained campervans and motorhomes at three canalside locations.
These are simple stops for a night between destinations. You’ll need your own sleeping accommodation and onboard toilet, and your vehicle must be under eight metres long. Tents and vehicles without toilet facilities are not permitted.
Locations and prices
Stopover | Canal | Price per night |
Bridge of Oich | Caledonian Canal | £10 |
Fort Augustus | Caledonian Canal | £15 |
Lock 10 | Crinan Canal | £10 |
With options on both the Caledonian and Crinan canals, these stops are worth keeping in mind when planning your route through Scotland. www.outandaboutlive.co.uk
How long can you stay?
Overnight stays run from 6pm until 10am the following morning.
You can stay for one night only, with no return to the same stopover within 72 hours.
Do you need to book?
Spaces are first come, first served, and advance booking is not permitted.
On arrival, park in an available designated motorhome bay, then pay through the online payment system linked from the Scottish Canals stopover page.
Only pay once you have arrived and secured a bay. Paying beforehand does not reserve a space. If the designated bays are full, you’ll need to move on to another stopover or campsite.
It’s worth saving a backup stop on your app before setting off, particularly if you’re arriving later in the evening.
What facilities are available?
The three transit stopovers provide basic overnight parking, so arrive ready to be self-sufficient. You must use your own onboard toilet facilities.
Bring enough fresh water and battery power for your stay, and plan your toilet and waste-emptying stops separately. Don’t assume that nearby facilities for canal boat users are available to motorhome visitors.
If you need showers, laundry facilities or electric hook-up during your trip, head to the Campervan Bible app to find a service stop into your route.
Rules to know before you arrive
Leave at least four metres between your vehicle and neighbouring vans.
Keep gates and trails clear, and do not park on verges.
No generators, fires or barbecues.
Take all rubbish away with you.
Keep noise down, particularly between 10pm and 7am.
Keep dogs on a lead or under close control, and always pick up after them.
Can you also stay at The Falkirk Wheel?
Yes—The Falkirk Wheel offers another Scottish Canals overnight option, with its own price, facilities and arrival arrangements.
Detail | The Falkirk Wheel |
Overnight price | £18 per night |
Parking area | Upper Deck car park |
Check-in | Visitor Centre reception during opening hours |
Advance booking | Not currently available |
Facilities | Showers, washing and drying machines, and chemical toilet disposal |
Facilities access | Refundable £10 cash deposit |
Electric hook-up | Not available in the overnight parking area |
Only self-contained motorhomes are permitted, and you must obtain agreement to stay when checking in. Tents, awnings and barbecues are not allowed.
Overnight parking can be suspended for events, so check availability and Visitor Centre opening hours before travelling. www.scottishcanals.co.uk
Find these stops and more on The Campervan Bible app
There are more overnight schemes like this to discover across the UK, and you’ll find them on
The Campervan Bible app map, alongside pub stopovers, campsites and service stops.
Whether you’re planning a Scottish road trip or looking for somewhere to stop tonight, keep your options together in one place.
nformation checked: 20 October 2026. Check current signs and any temporary closures before staying.
