Wild Camping at Yellowcraig Beach in Scotland

Wild Camping at Yellowcraig Beach in Scotland [Updated for 2026]

Camping at the beach has always been on my bucket list!

I’ve dreamed of heading off, pitching tents, and just enjoying the waves for what feels like forever.

So, when the opportunity presented itself, I jumped at the chance.

Who knew that my first visit to Yellowcraig Beach would help tick off a major bucket list item!

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Wild Camping at Yellowcraig Beach in Scotland

I sat on the beach, my feet buried in the warm sand, watching my son joyfully build sandcastles and run around. 

As L and I chatted, we couldn’t help but admire the beauty of the beach surrounding us.

The sight of tents pitched nearby sparked an exciting idea as we chatted away.

We decided right then, a camping trip to the beach was definitely on the agenda!

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CAMPING TIP: Make sure you take a tent that is easy to set up! You don’t want to waste half the day fighting with it. I highly recommend the Dome Camping Tent with Rainfly and Carry Bag, 3-Season Easy Set-Up Tent, L has it and I LOVE it.

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Making the plans for Wild Camping at Yellowcraig

Before deciding to camp, we needed to check if it was possible.

So, we both hopped online that night and, to our delight, discovered wild camping was allowed.

HUZZA!

Excitedly, we started planning over WhatsApp.

We set the date: Tuesday, 20th July, at Yellowcraig Beach.

On the Monday before, I had plans with my sister-in-law and the kids, so I couldn’t organise until later that night.

I found myself in a whirlwind, making sure we had everything for the trip.

Our list included:

• Food
• Water
• Swimwear
• Toiletries
• Large Beach Towels
• Clothes
• A tent (We have one similar to this – Vango Apollo 500 Family Tent for 5 People)
• Sleeping bags (We used these ones – Active Era Professional 300 Warm Mummy Sleeping Bag)
• Blow-up beds (We use these – Bestway Double Air Bed)
• Camping stove (We have this one – Campingaz Party Grill 400 CV, All-in-One)
• Portable toilet (L brings this one – Thetford 92820 Porta Potti + Bike Tent for privacy)
• And a whole host of other miscellaneous items.

Luckily, I still had leftover wood from my camping trip with S in June, and L had a portable fire-pit which meant we could have a fire!

My bucket list camping adventure was coming together perfectly.

Everything You Need to know About Wild Camping at Yellowcraig Beach

Before I go any further into our camping adventure, let me share some details about wild camping at Yellowcraig Beach.

It’s a fantastic spot!

I’ll cover the essential rules for a smooth wild camping experience, how to get there and more.

If you’re considering a trip, this info will help you get started and make your experience the best possible.

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CAMPING TIP: I HIGHLY recommend you take a first aid kit with you, you never know when an accident will happen. This First Aid Kit Bag – 220 Piece Survival Kits is a MUST buy.

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Where is Yellowcraig Beach?

Yellowcraig Beach sits near North Berwick, East Lothian, just a short drive from Edinburgh. Starting at Brunstane BSU, the drive takes only 29 minutes.

We traveled from my friend’s house in North Lanarkshire, reaching the beach in just over an hour. For bus travelers, the nearest stop is a little over a mile away at Station Road in Dirleton.

I love that Yellowcraig feels a bit secluded. It stays peaceful, making it perfect for a relaxing day away from crowds.

What Yellowcraig has to offer

At Yellowcraig, there’s so much to explore and enjoy!

As you walk along the beach, you’ll see stunning views of Fidra Island and its historic lighthouse, built in 1885.

Fun fact: Fidra was Scotland’s first unmanned lighthouse! And it’s beautiful to wake up to in the morning.

The beach’s gentle curve makes it a delightful walk from one end to the other.

You’ll love the scenic beauty!

Plus, the spacious car park costs just £2 per day, and the public toilets are surprisingly clean.

The walk to the beach takes about 5-7 minutes, depending on your pace.

On your way to the beach, you’ll find a fantastic play park for the kids.

Besides the beach, you can stroll along part of the John Muir Way, a 45-mile footpath honoring the conservationist John Muir.

And don’t forget, it’s all dog-friendly!

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CAMPING TIP: Make sure you take high quality cookware, we learned the hard way on our first ever camping trip when our pans went up in flames and fell apart! I highly recommend this Camp Kettle Camping Cookware Set – Buy Now!

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Wild Camping

Not only is Yellowcraig Beach a wonderful day out, it’s also a great experience for wild camping!

Wild camping is an amazing adventure that will create lasting memories.

In Scotland, we’re fortunate that wild camping is allowed, and I truly hope it stays that way.

It’s one of the most rewarding experiences you can have. If you haven’t tried it yet, I highly recommend it!

However, there are rules in place you must follow.

I highly suggest you familiarise yourself with the Scottish Outdoor Access Code before attempting any sort of wild camping.

Make sure that if you do go wild camping that you leave no trace of being there.

It’s so important to clean up after yourself and to not destroy any of your surroundings.

Some of the Wild Camping Rules

• Leave no rubbish, take everything with you.
• Leave the spot you are camping in, how you found it or cleaner if needed.
• Don’t make a fire near any dry bushes or grass. Build your fire on sand or rocks, or use a Portable Fire-Pit or Travel Stove in a controlled environment.
• Never light an open fire during prolonged dry periods or in areas such as forests, woods, farmland, or on peaty ground.
• Avoid digging or removing vegetation and boulders; choose a flat, dry area to pitch your tent.
• Take care with toilet hygiene. Use public toilets where possible or bring your own Portable Camping Toilet.
• Make sure the fire has been properly extinguished and remove all traces of an open fire before you leave the area.
• Read more HERE.

Important Information Update for Wild Camping at Yellowcraig

[Updated 2025] – Some additional information on responsible wild camping at Yellowcraig Beach which has been provided by East Lothian Council Ranger Service.

Their policy on responsible wild camping is as follows:

Wild camping is:

• Part of a pedestrian or cycled journey.
• Lightweight – every piece of equipment is carried as part of that journey.
• Done in small tents (2 person) and a maximum of four campers together.
• Only for two nights in any one place.
• Done discretely – respecting neighbours and nature.

Please make sure that you are checking the current information on wild camping BEFORE you decide to go.

For more information on wild camping in East Lothian, check out their website. Wild camping | East Lothian Council 

Our Experience Going Wild Camping at Yellowcraig

When we arrived at Yellowcraig Beach, excitement bubbled inside me.

After our day out, I knew it would be the perfect place to unwind. Yet, I couldn’t wait to try the camping experience.

First, we decided to scout for a camping spot before unloading our gear.

In hindsight, this turned out to be one of our best camping decisions.

After about ten minutes, we discovered the perfect spot in a grassy area just off the beach.

It offered a bit of privacy but also let us enjoy watching boats glide by and admire the stunning views.

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CAMPING TIP: Invest in some lanterns or camping lights to help keep your camp illuminated. When the cover of night hits, the darkness is something else, so make sure you take lights and plenty for batteries. Here are my suggestions – Rechargeable Blukar Camping Lantern, Unisex 4 LED Lighted Beanie Cap and LE Camping Lantern.

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A beautiful experience

As you can see in the photo above, we were super close to the sand!

It only took five steps from our camp to the beach! This spot was perfect for us, and I could keep an eye on Little Bear at all times.

After setting up our camp, Little Bear and I changed into our beachwear. We were ready for some fun in the water.

It was amazing having some time together, just the two of us, splashing around and laughing in the sea.

Meanwhile, L was back at camp, cooking up dinner on our trusty camping stove.

When LB and I returned, it was time to enjoy a delicious meal made by L. We all sat in our chairs, savoring dinner while gazing at the stunning sea views.

Honestly, it was one of the best dining experiences I’ve ever had.

After dinner, Little Bear was eager to head back into the water.

The warmth of the evening made it perfect for another dip, so off we went again!

Getting prepared for sunset

As the sun began to set, Little Bear and I left the water.

We headed back to camp to prepare for a cosy fire we had been chatting about all day. Roasting marshmallows was our goal as the sun dipped below the horizon.

L and I worked on the fire and tidied up a bit. We enjoyed a drink while getting everything ready.

Meanwhile, the boys found a large piece of driftwood. They decided it would make a perfect seat for the evening, and they were right!

The boys did a fantastic job moving the driftwood to the sand near camp and setting up the area.

With everything set, drinks poured, and the fire crackling, we finally sat back.

It was time to relax and enjoy the rest of the night.

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CAMPING TIP: I highly recommend taking a set of plates and utensils that will make meal times easier. This Berglander 23 Piece Camping Cooking Utensils Set has everything you need and comes with a handy carry bag.

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Relaxing and peaceful

I couldn’t find a single fault with this camping trip!

It gave us the perfect escape we so desperately needed.

The sun shone bright, heating up the day and making it one of our best experiences ever.

Watching the sunset and seeing the kids play was my favourite part by far. It reminded me that life is all about these precious moments that make everything worthwhile.

Kicking back felt like being on holiday, which was exactly what I needed.

With everything happening in the world, this escape recharged my batteries and filled me with hope and excitement.

Mornings were equally as beautiful, slow paced and quiet.

I loved seeing people taking their horses for walks along the beach, dogs running around, and stunt planes overhead.

The sense of peace lingered throughout our stay, making it a massive success.

Some tips I have for Wild Camping at Yellowcraig

• Take a jumper and a camping blanket for night.
• Camp in a flat area and don’t obstruct any paths.
• Take a camping stove for cooking.
• Get your car parking pass BEFORE 8am. So if you camp overnight, make sure you have your pass before 8am to avoid any fines.
• Go for a walk along the beach.
• Explore the rock pools
• Take a portable toilet, it comes in SO handy as the toilets aren’t open all night.
• Don’t leave any rubbish.
• Make sure you have some swimwear, it’s a lovely place to get in the water.
• Please, PLEASE make sure that you are cleaning up after yourself. Don’t leave any rubbish.
• Be responsible.
• Have fun and enjoy yourself.

Our wild camping at Yellowcraig beach adventure turned out great!

We shared laughs, made memories, and cherished those special moments that make life so wonderful.

If you ever get the chance, I highly recommend wild camping at Yellowcraig.

It’s truly an amazing experience. You won’t be disappointed!

And remember, being a responsible camper leads to a happy camping trip.

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