Any suggestions for Scottish campsites for next 10 days or so? Ideally north of central belt, things to do for DC close by. Panic stations?

[Thelioninwinter]

For various reasons we haven't been able to confirm actually leaving to go on holiday on Friday until today. All the campsites we wanted to go to on the Road to the Isles are fully booked. Aaargh. Does anyone have any suggestions for lovely campsites in Scotland - anywhere? cairngorm, loch Ness, near a beach, with something fun to do close by? Starting our plans and search again tonight... Thanks. We have a belltent, all the gubbins, 3 dc (9,6 & 3) and two weary, slightly annoyed adults.

The obvious one is Loch Ness, there's a fab site right on the water; there's a camp site right next to Perth Racecourse (opposite Scone Palace) for one a little more southerly, and there's a gorgeous site a lot further north at Embo, just past Dornoch.

I've stayed at all three, and highly recommend them.

We stayed at Bunchrew just west of Inverness last summer. Simply stunning location right on the Beauly Firth (tents get best spots ), stony foreshore for paddling & loads to do in Inverness and Black Isle. Beautiful sunsets over the distant mountains. Also a Go Outdoors store about 2 miles away which was quite exciting

Site is smallish, has good basic facilities & a decent wee shop. We loved it - not into "holiday park" style sites.

This year we're going to Comrie Croft whose website looks great. Your kind of place?

Comrie croft is lovely - although we were there in the pissing rain. If your kids like biking they have a bmx track, also a nice cafe. Comrie itself is nice too, as is auchingarrich wildlife park.

Is the bike track actually in the campsite at comrie? We are thinking of having a big get together there, but have never been before.

Yes, the smaller pitches are right next to it - that's where we went as with 2.5 yr old, 5 yr old and pg me we needed to be near the loos. There are more "wild camping" sites about a 5 min walk away.

The road noise bothered me at Comrie Croft, but that was before I discovered ear plugs.

We like to go to Nethercraig near Alyth, we pop to Perth or Dundee if its pouring but it's a spacious site with lots of room for running about and woods for playing in.

We have just got back from a campsite at Arisaig, first time I have ever managed to secure a booking, think I will book now for next year ( we managed to miss the best of the weather though ).

Have you checked if Glenmore or Rothiemurcus are booked up, they are always good and among the best for nearby activities.

My off piste suggestion is Dumfries and Galloway, Beeswing Campsite is very nice and the site at Loch Ken is one I am planning to try.

Have you found anything yet, TheLion? Happy to ask on the Scottish local boards and on FB/Twitter for you.

Our favourites are Cairnsmill in St Andrews and Woodlands in Carnoustie.