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This site is wonderful when it is not too full. You can walk over the dunes from the campsite right onto the fabulous beach with the mountains in the distance.
We have been here twice before and like the openness and informality of it. You can pitch where you like ensuring there is a decent amount of space (7m/23ft) between units.
There are 3 toilet/shower blocks on site so you are usually not too far from one. There is a big covered barn like room with bench tables and chairs for campers, where you can use the microwave and hotplate for £1 in the slot meter. There is also a kettle, large fridge, and a freezer for freezer blocks only. The Laundry has excellent washing machines that wash and spin well in a short time and the huge tumble dryers dry quickly so you do not have to spend too much money on them!
I didn't manage to connect to any of the Highland WiFi Hotspots on site, but the normal mobile phone signal was ok.
The large on site shop is well stocked with food and other holiday provisions. There is a new cafe on site but we didn't try it this time.
I like the relaxed atmosphere on this site. Many of the pitches are in and amongst the sand dunes so you can find a private little space to yourself. The shop on site was well stocked and appeared reasonably priced. There is a cafe on site that I think is fairly new.
There is a small slipway for boats and kayaks for hire.
A large area/ campers shelter was provided with microwave/ fridge/freezer and sofas.
The facilities were the best we had in the 8 sites we stayed at on our two weeks away.
I find Gairloch itself a little tired. ( we used the butchers but not that impressed )
Stayed here for 2 nights. Fabulous views and a stunning beach, no formal layout just park where you want just ensure you leave 7 metres between you and your neighbour. Fantastic showers and toilets and even a bath, although I think it's for the little ones. Large laundry and pot wash. Good playground for children ( although we don't have children) and very peaceful at night. A fab day out is Inverewe Gardens. The site also has The Barn Cafe which does amazing breakfasts, lunches and evening meals and has lovely friendly staff. Can thoroughly recommend.
This is actually the second time we have visited this fantastic campsite, we were also there in 2012, and it is not often that we simply have to go back to a site again!
We are also going back for a third time this July. Says it all, really.
The site is situated in a fantastic location, and has all that a camper needs for a wonderful holiday. We found the views and sunsets breathtaking, and the fact that you can step over the dunes to a wonderful and often deserted beach, and even have a campfire on the beach at night as long as you take everything back with you and clear up, just perfect for us.
We have a small boat which we launched from the slipway at the end of the site, and feasted on fresh fish that we caught and barbecued on the beach.
The site does get busy in the Scottish school holidays, and there is a bit of pressure on hook up pitches, but you can usually find one somewhere, a good idea to arrive just after the weekend when some people have left.
The only space restrictions are that you have to pitch 7m away from the next unit, and if you need electric hook up you do need a long lead depending on where the nearest space is to a hook up point.
If you don't need electricity the possibilities are endless, there is always a little nook to be found where you can pitch.
The only downsides are the midges, which can be a pain, and the weather, which can be pretty unpredictable, we had rain and strong winds for the first week, but if you go prepared for anything as we do, this is not a major issue, and we also enjoyed some wonderful sunny weather too.
The facilities at Sands are brilliant, the shower block is always clean and with plenty of hot water and we never had to wait as there are plenty of showers and toilets provided. The campers' kitchen is a wonderful addition, with cooking facilities, fridges, freezers, sockets for charging phones etc, sofas and picnic tables to eat at in bad weather.
The shop is extremely well stocked with a wide range of groceries, camping equipment, kids toys, household bits and pieces, pretty much everything you might need, and I found it to be well priced too.
The laundry facilities are equally reasonable value and clean and efficient.
There is a very good playground for children, but the biggest draw in my view is the space for kids to run about in the dunes and on the beach, a kids' paradise!
We did find the cafe/restaurant very expensive, though, and feel that the site is missing a trick with this, especially for snacks, at £3 for a bacon roll, nothing fancy at all, we felt that it would put people off using it, especially as the shop is so reasonable.
We didn't have a meal at the restaurant partly for that reason, there are other eateries not too far away that offer far better choice and excellent value, the one near the waterfall walk in Gairloch is really good value, as is the Badachro Inn, about 15 minutes drive away.
There is also an excellent Chinese takeaway in the local town, Strath, as well as Strath stores, which is a good general store with a deli and local produce too, a good but rather expensive butcher, and there is also a McColls next to the Chinese, so plenty of choice for groceries and treating yourself! No major supermarkets though unless you want to go to Ullapool or Inverness for the Tesco's there.
The endless supply of wonderful scenery nearby is a huge plus for us when staying at this site, there are some wonderful walks, on some of which you don't meet a soul!
All in all an excellent, atmospheric and friendly site, with all the facilities that couples and families of all ages could want.
Fantastic Site! Great Views, Great Beaches. Love the idea of 'free choice' pitching - BUT, if you want an EHU, take a Loooong cable. Ablution blocks are modern and clean. Pot wash areas have lots of hot water and the indoor cooking/dining area is a great idea for lightweight campers and rainy days.
My one criticism would be, the WiFi - it's operated by a 3rd party. It's expensive and slow and the HotSpots are more like Micro-Dots.
Oh, and another piece of advice would be a portable toilet for nighttime emergencies - you could be a long way from the toilet block.
After reading the reviews for Sands Caravan Site we were really looking forward to staying here. We were however left with mixed feelings about the place.
On the positive side: It had a lovely beach location with a river and sand dunes where we enjoyed walking. We also had an enjoyable meal in the gazebo part of the Barn Cafe/Restaurant where we were able to sit and relax with the dog and the girl who served us was very nice and attentive.
The site was good for families with children, although we didn't have any with us so this didn't matter to us.
It had a nice shop with plenty of provisions and the site was clean and tidy.
On the negative side: There was no friendly customer care approach from reception and it had a commercial feel about it.
We were given a map of the site and told to drive round and park where we wanted in the areas pointed out to us.
We had been given no guidance of where there were any free spaces then it was pot luck as to which direction we headed! There were no markings for pitches and there were very few hardstanding 'Super pitches', as they were called, for Motorhomes and they were all taken. It was a free for all and boggy in places. We had already decided we didn't like it.
The site was big and spread out and although some units had plenty of space between them there were others who were inconsiderate and didn't seem to bother how much space they left, so long as they got a sea view!
We had parked on the top which was quite windy but just about the only spot we could find that had an electric hook up point that we had paid for.
When we went to park up we noticed blocks and a table had been left in a space that was clearly someone elses. So, we parked further away, leaving space for the Motorhome to park on their return and leaving the required amount of space between us and them. However, this didn't seem to be of any concern to 2 other Motorhome drivers who duly pitched up, either side of the space, almost making it impossible for the driver of the Motorhome to get in his space when he returned and blocking the parking space at the side of the caravan on the far side.
Excellent facilities. Plenty of space, water points and hook up points. Good idea to let people choose their own pitch.
Good, clean toilets/shower and a good, clean kitchen area. £1 for twenty minutes stove time, the kettle was free.
The one let down was The Barn, the café. I choose to have pasta off the specials board at £ 10. 95. Sounded good. However the garlic bread did not arrive. The sauce was watery and lacked seasoning and the cheese topping was missing. Probably only one mushroom, sliced, was in the dish. Strangely it was served on a plate and not in a bowl. The gp on this dish I think must have been around the 80% region.
Perhaps it would pay for Sands to bring in a consultant chef to show them how things can be improved.
However, eating at The Barn is optional and does not detract from the site.
Just returned from Sands Caravan and Camping, near Gairloch. The site is in a fantastically scenic location, with a beautiful beach on site. It was also really easy to find. The staff at reception and in the shop were very polite and friendly. You choose your own pitch, I had EHU so this does limit you a bit, if you choose to do without there are countless areas to pitch. One thing to bare in mind, if you have EHU a very long cable or extension might be needed, I did not have one but a very kind and friendly couple nearby loaned us there spare one for the duration of our stay. The weather whilst we were there wasn't good and it got quite windy and it also was wet most days, this didn't put off the younger campers using the playground though, which seemed well equipped. The on site shop was surprising, it had a large range of everything you might need, from groceries to alcohol to fishing bits and bobs and the prices were very reasonable, better in my opinion to the shops in the village. The on site cafe does a small takeaway selection in the evening which was reasonably priced and very tasty. There were adequate water points and rubbish bins dotted around. Of the three toilet blocks, the one I mostly used seemed quite modern the other a little dated, I did not use the other one. The dishwashing facilities were fine, I did not use the on site laundry however so can not comment. The showers are a push button type and the water was hot. There is also a half bath which was a nice addition, alongside the usual shaver points and a couple of sockets. The toilet block was never really busy even though the site seemed pretty full and I never had to queue for anything. The park was a little noisy during the day and evening but it was a happy noise of children enjoying there holiday as we were fairly close to the playpark. There was no noise after 10. 30 PM, I think this was down to the campers following the rules rather than the staff having to enforce it. The park grounds were very tidy and practically litter free, as was the beach. Overall I was impressed with the site but there are a few niggles. The gents toilets weren't always that clean, I understand there probably only cleaned once a day and the park was busy so this is probably the reason. Also the site is advertised as having fishing on site but the loch is not that close and its a bit of a trek to get there, once you actually find it as there is no signage. All in all I would recommend the site to anyone planning on visiting the area.
Huge site set behind the sand dunes that lead to a long sandy beach. Although it was peak season and very busy because the site is so large it never felt overcrowded. I parked high up so had a beautiful view but I imagine that it can get very blustery there in less favourable weather. Pitches lower down don't get the views but would be sheltered. Smashing facilities - toilets, showers but also the shop and restaurant on site. Gairloch itself (some 5/6 miles away) is a delightful village with a very good museum and good range of shops. Lots of good walks from the site. After my initial booking-in with site staff when they appeared friendly but very busy, I never saw them again but then I only stayed a few nights.
This is a large sprawling site with no marked pitches. You take your choice on being in the dunes or having a view. The site is well drained but undulating, and completely flat sites are hard to find. The facilities are very good and cleaned regularly throughout the day, but water stand pipes can be a trek, depending where you camp. We enjoyed our stay of 5 nights, and were made welcome at reception and in the shop (which is quite well stocked). Go prepared for the midge and a minority who like to entwine guy ropes and you will have a great time.
Returned to the sands again this year. Why, the site has all the amenities clean toilets, showers hair dryers kitchen facilities, lovely beech and a safe place to swim and the views are stunning. Helpful friendly staff at the well stocked shop and also at the cafe/restaurant. As previous reviewer has said a lot of pitches were occupied when we arrived 17th but we found an area all to ourselves until our last night (21st) as such very quite and peaceful. Met other campers who did say that there was some noise from young kids in tents close to them but they were set up right bang in the middle of the main tent area.
My only concern and it has nothing to do with the site or staff. Dog owners please clean up after your pets. Walking along a beech and finding dog mess is disgusting especially when you consider that humans are swimming in the inviting water.
We visited this site as part of our ten day trip up the West Coast of Scotland with our two children. Initially we had planned on travelling straight from the Isle of Skye to Clachtoll beach but decided at to have a stopover of three days on the way up.
So glad that we did, and that we chose Sands to stay at.
Initially on arrival I was shocked at the huge number of caravans, motorhomes and tents…. It seemed that it would be just the sort of site that we hated, busy and noisy. However this wasn’t to be the case, I think the overall size of the site meant that although there were hundreds of people there you never felt like you were in a crowd.
We had booked an ehu pitch for our folding camper. Luckily we had approx 60 meters of cable with us as due to the fact that there are no designated pitches it can mean that you might not be able to get close to the hookup at all and need to run a cable quite a length, we actually had to run ours across the access road as well.
However, the site itself is fantastic, we were a stones throw from the beach and there is a wonderful play area in the centre of the site that will entertain your children for hours and hours.
The facilities on the site are very modern and very large which meant that even with the large numbers of people on the site there never seemed to be queues forming.
There was a campsite shop as well that had a surprising good selection of food stuffs as well as toys and games for the kids plus camping essentials and the prices were quite good as well instead of the usual inflated ones.
Overall we had a fantastic three days there and will be trying to get back for another break soon, easily one of the nicest sites we have stayed at.
Inverewe Gardens were a few miles up the road and well worth the visit.
Just returned from a fantastic 4 nights at Sands. We decided on this occasion to try out the Wigwams as we were unsure how the weather would be ! Very comfortable stay, we were in the small wigwam Raasay, more then enough room for the 2 of us, lovely views down to the beach and neighbouring Islands. This site is extremely well kept the toilet blocks and campers kitchen are kept clean at all times. Large hot showers and dare I say it every womans dream on a campsite, hairdryers and plugs for your straighteners ! camping kitchen consists of a large freezer for ice packs and a fridge for essentials plus a microwave and a Hob. There is a well stocked shop on site (sells alcohol !)and a small restaurant which also does takeaway.
All in all a fantastic say, plenty to see and do in the surrounding area, would definitely recommend this site and we will definitely be back in the not to distant future.
Just back from a another great few days on this excellent site. The site was quite busy but the spacious camping and pitching areas meant we were able to get our own little area close to the dunes and just behind the spectacular beach.
The children's adventure playground looked to have some new additions, including a mini sized football pitch just the right size for primary age children, as well as a zip line that seemed to be very popular.
The toilet and dish wash facilities are spotless and one area has an actual bathroom with a toilet and small bath.
Hair straighteners are available (coin op) hair dryers are free.
The site has a lovely on site Restaurant -The barn -it's not licensed but the well stocked shop has a good selection of wine at very reasonable prices you can take along for £2. 00 corkage
Food was lovely with local crab and trout both on as specials the night we ate there. They also do breakfast lunch and coffee
The shop is very well stocked with all the kit a camper would need as well as enough games and toys to keep children amused
Wifi is available for a charge from a local provider although we could not get it on our pitch, you can get wifi in the gale centre in Gairloch or the harbour cafe
This site is a great base for seeing the area -the only thing wrong is that on a nice day you will never want to leave it as you can pass a very pleasant day just sitting on your pitch listening to the waves or walking on the lovely beach
I would recommend this site to anyone, the facilities are as good as any site we have stayed on in France and the rate £18 pound a night for 2 adults in camper van with EHU was great value
Great site, pitch up where you want in between the dunes (some electic hookups) as long as you leave space between units.
Easy to find and a great location for hill walking.
Well stocked shop and a great little cafe on site, best fish and chips we've had in a long time.
Toilet block that we used was well heated and very clean and this was the older block of the ones on site.
Looked like there was plenty to do for the kids with a good looking play area. Slipway on site for launching boats etc, well recommended and will return.
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Common Questions
Is Sands Caravan And Camping child friendly? YES, it accepts children & has a playground View all facilities
Where is the nearest shop to Sands Caravan And Camping? There is a shop on site View all facilities
A day of all things motorhome and campervan. The show is held both in the main indoor arena and across the grounds. Catering, hot drinks and food options are available. Easy access to the site and free parking included. Win one of five pairs of day tickets
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Tent Pitches 
Caravan Pitches 
Motorhome Pitches 
Small Campervans 
Glamping Units 
Holiday Homes for Hire 
No Statics for Sale 
Seasonal Pitches 
Electric Hookups 
Hardstanding Pitches 
Fully Serviced Pitches 
Families Welcome 
Not Members Only 
No Rallies 
Not Naturist Site 
Dogs Welcome 
No Dogs Allowed 
Groups Welcome 
Motorbikers Welcome 
Toilet Facilities 
Hot Showers 
Washing Up 
Bathroom 
Baby Changing Facilities 
Laundry On Site 
Drinking Water 
Disabled Friendly 
Chemical Disposal 
Battery Charging 
Gas Exchange 
Recycling Facilities 
Kitchen Facilities 
Freezer / Fridge 
Motorhome Point 
Wifi Access 
Shop On Site 
Bar <5 miles 
Restaurant or Cafe or Takeaway On Site 
Kids Playground 
TV Room 
Games Room 
No Evening Ents 
Fishing On Site 
Wild Swimming On Site 
Indoor Pool <5 miles 
No Outdoor Pool 
Horse Riding <5 miles 
No Cycle Hire 
Golf <5 miles 
Tennis <5 miles 
Beach On Site 
Watersports <5 miles 
Boat Launch / Mooring On Site 
Sea Views 
Working Farm 
Campfires Allowed 
Coastside Pitches 
Public Transport <5 miles
Offroad Dog Walk On Site or Direct Access 
Electric Car Charging Point
This site is wonderful when it is not too full. You can walk over the dunes from the campsite right onto the fabulous beach with the mountains in the distance. 
