Your ultimate guide to camping in Fife

So, you’ve decided to take the plunge and go camping.

Camping is a wonderful experience that everyone can enjoy, from the very youngest to the very oldest. You’re in for a treat of stunning scenery, exciting exploration, and magical memories.

If you’re looking for some inspiration on exactly where to pitch your tent, look no further than the ancient Kingdom of Fife. Miles of breathtaking coastal scenery, renowned golf courses, and a rich history are just some of the experiences awaiting you. Here are a list of Fife campsites.

Okay, so in reality, you’ve probably planned at least some of your holiday activities before you left home, but if you still need some inspiration, here’s the lowdown on things to see, do and eat while you’re here, as well as all the essential info you need for the perfect camping trip.

Places of Interest

There’s something for everyone in the beautiful Kingdom of Fife, which draws its name from its ancient Pictish roots going back to around the 5th century AD. Beautiful coastal walks, notable historic sites, and plenty of family-friendly leisure activities can all form part of your Fife camping holiday. 

Scotland’s Newest City

In 2022, Dunfermline became Scotland’s 8th city when it was granted city status as part of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations. Once Scotland’s ancient capital, Dunfermline is intrinsically linked with Scotland’s royal history and Dunfermline Abbey is the burial site for 7 of Scotland’s kings. 

Home to a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Fife lies on the shores of the Forth of Firth, which means it has some simply breathtaking views. On the south side of the Forth of Firth lies Edinburgh, which can be reached via the Forth Bridge. This railway bridge was built in 1890 and was a marvel of human engineering, so much so that it was awarded UNESCO World Heritage Status in 2015. For the best views of the distinctive red bridge, stop off in North Queensbury. 

Knockhill Racing Circuit

If you’ve got kids with you (including big kids!), you may want to plan a trip to Knockhill Racing Circuit, Scotland’s National Motorsport Centre. Mario Kart lovers will rejoice at driving real-life go-karts, while fast car lovers will enjoy a luxury car driving experience. 

World-Class Golf Resorts

Fife is famous the world over for its golf courses, none more so than those in St Andrews. With such a variety of golf courses to suit all budgets, a camping trip in Fife is the perfect time to hone your skills and test out your golfing prowess. 

Walkers are Spoilt for Choice

In the heart of the Scottish countryside, walkers and nature lovers are truly spoilt for choice in Fife. No camping trip here is complete without exploring the beautiful coastal region and its picturesque countryside. 

Fife Coastal Path

Spanning 117 miles (188 km), the Fife Coastal Path takes you from North Queensbury in the south up to Tay Bridge in the north. With a huge range of different walking paths to suit all walking abilities, you’ll have your choice of short, easy walks for the whole family or more challenging treks to enjoy the most remote corners of Fife. 

Pack a picnic, put on your hiking boots, and join the trail to explore the pretty historic castles, murky caves, and quaint fishing villages dotted around. Don’t forget to take a few photos! 

Explore an Ancient Dormant Volcano

Not for the faint-hearted as the walk can be steep and slippery, ascending Largo Law is an experience to remember. This ancient dormant volcano is 290m high and located in the East Neuk region of Fife. From the summit, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the Forth of Firth and Craig Rock, one of the volcano’s side vents. 

Eat Local

Part of the appeal of camping is cooking and eating in the great outdoors. When you camp in Fife, you are spoilt for choice when it comes to delicious local delicacies. 

With its amazing location on the shores of the Forth of Firth, it should come as no surprise that fresh seafood is abundant here. So why not make the most of the coast and grab a few prawns and fresh fish and fire up the BBQ? It’ll make for a memorable meal.

Of course, you’re on holiday, so there are going to be days when you don’t want to turn on the camping stove. Fife’s foodie culture is thriving, and you’ll find many award-winning chefs have opened their kitchens here. In fact, Fife is home to no less than nine Michelin-star restaurants such as Haar Restaurant, The Newport, and The Peat Inn. 

But it’s not all fancy food in Fife, here you’ll also find a growing takeaway and street food scene like The Cheesy Toast Shack and Ox and Anchor make it easy for you to grab a quick bite and head back to your campsite. 

No trip to Scotland is complete without a trip to the local distillery. Of course, once you’ve sampled a dram or two of the best whisky in Fife, you may need a hearty meal! A traditional Scottish pub meal is the perfect follow-up to a distillery tour, and you won’t go far wrong with any of the traditional pubs in Fife.

Getting Ready for Your Camping Trip

To really make the most of your camping trip, it’s best to be prepared! Making sure you’ve planned thoroughly and packed for every eventuality can often make or break your camping experience.

What to Pack?

It goes without saying that you’ll need a tent and your favourite camping gear. Every camper is different. Some like to head out with just the basics, like a tent, sleeping bag, cooking equipment, change of clothes, and water. Others prefer to take advantage of the advances in modern camping technology. Whichever side of the camping line you’re on, do a practice run to check that your camping gear is a) in good condition and b) can fit in your car.

For those of us who prefer an even more hassle-free holiday, there’s the wonderful option of glamping or staying in a caravan home! Eradicating the need to pack a tent at all, you’ll save lots of boot space for the real essentials, like food and great company! 

Don’t Forget about the Weather!

In your excitement to go camping, don’t forget to pack for the weather. Fife is located on the eastern coast of Scotland, which means it has a temperate climate. While you won’t face any extremes in weather, you’ll need to be ready for sunshine, rain and the drop in temperature as day progresses to night. 

To cope with the weather when you’re camping, you need to remember the mantra, “lots of layers”. Ensuring you have lots of layers means you can add or remove clothing as the temperature changes throughout the day. Of course, you wouldn’t be remiss to pack a lightweight raincoat. Another useful tip is to pack a dry bag – a waterproof bag that you can keep dry clothes in, just in case it does rain or you splash about while exploring places like the wistful waterfalls of Lomond Hills. 

Other Essentials

For many of us, camping means getting back to nature, and Fife is the perfect place to do just that! That means a sturdy pair of shoes should be high on your list of things to pack. Don’t forget a pair of wellies or crocs to keep your toes dry when you trek across the dewy campsite first thing in the morning.

When you’re on a campsite, it’s unlikely you’ll be near any bright city lights. If you’ve never been camping before, it may come as a bit of a shock just how dark it may be at night. A torch or head torch is a must when you’re camping, as well as a solar charger or battery pack for your electronics, plus a first aid kit. 

Check Your Car Before You Go

Before heading out on any long-distance road trips, you should be in the habit of checking your car before you go. This handy rule of thumb is particularly valid for camping trips, where you’ll often find yourself on unfamiliar and remote roads. A few quick and easy car checks will prepare you for any unexpected turns of events. 

First up, think about how much weight you’ll be carrying in your car. Perhaps you’re planning to tow a caravan or trailer? In that case, you’ll need to consider the tire pressure and tread depth on your car and caravan or trailer, plus the type of towbar you’ll need to move around safely.

Don’t forget to do a quick check that you have sufficient oil, washer fluid, and coolant. Then check all the bulbs are fully working in your lights. Pack your breakdown kit and make sure you’ve got a first aid kit. 

While it might seem like overkill, it’s better to be safe than sorry, and there’s no guarantee that you’ll have a signal when you’re out and about in the countryside. 

When It’s Time to Go Home

Like all good things, your camping trip will come to an eventual end. By that time, if you’ve followed some of our handy tips, you’ll have explored, eaten, and enjoyed the very best of Fife! 

When it is time to go home, don’t forget to be a responsible camper. Pack up your gear, pop waste in the recycling bins, and leave the campsite for others just the way you’d wish to find it yourself. Head home with a smile, knowing that you’ve kept this beautiful part of the world just as beautiful for the next campers. 

What Are You Waiting For? 

Now that you know all the wonders awaiting you in picturesque Fife, search out your perfect campsite and book your pitch. Your fun-filled camping trip is just around the corner.

Blog by guest Millie Fuller from The Writer's Diary.