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Hello folks

We are going to Orkney in June and there are few campsites available, from what I can see. We have a VW camper and are not adverse to a bit of wild camping if necessary. However, it would be easier to have a permanent spot, get the awning up and not have to worry about upsetting the locals. Does anyone have info/advice on good places on the mainland?

Thanks

I went this summer and wild camped except for one night. Wild camping is possible on the mainland but you may have some probelms using an awning. The best places on the mainland are by the churchill barriers on south mainland and on the headland near Yesnaby on the west coast. but they do get quite busy.

Try the islands particularly Hoy at Rackwick were there is an area set aside for wild camping. Ianork is the guy on here with all the information about were to go.

Look here for past posts http://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/chatter/search.asp?search=orkney&searchMode=allwords&searchIn=Topic&forum=4&searchSort=dateDESC&Submit=Start+Search

There are touring sites at both Kirkwall and Stromness.
Kirkwall would give you the easiest access to both East and West Mainland.

I can recommend the Pentland Ferry from Gills Bay near John O'Groats to St Margarets Hope on South Ronaldsay, then cross the Churchill Barriers en route to Kirkwall.

There is an Orcadian member who posts on here so he will probably offer you more detailed advice.

However, it would be easier to have a permanent spot, get the awning up and not have to worry about upsetting the locals.

Why not ask the locals? Go to the nearest village and pop into the shop or pub and ask if it's acceptable to stay at X for a few days. That way you've politely introduced yourselves and also they know you're only staying for a limited time. If they see you parked up with awning out etc. without knowing anything about you, someone might assume you're planning to take root.

We visited Orkney this summer and found wild camping sites few and far between at first as it was cold, wet and getting dark either they were already full of other vans or the ground was too sloping or too near the road.

We preferred the site at Stromness as where else could you sit in your van and watch the ferries arrive and depart.  We arrived in the rain with no booking and no warden around.  She posts what time the office will be open (usually coinciding with the ferry's arrival) we just pitched up although we chose to have no electric and paid when she arrived.  You could walk along the shore and watch the seals. 

Kirkwall was very handy for the town and plenty of facilities but lacking the view of Stromness. We were happy to pay for these as they are council run and very good.

Once of course we were booked on a site we found wildcamping possibilities at The Ring of Brodgar and seemingly near the RSPB reserve near Skara Brae.  There is a village hall that has electric hook ups south of Kirkwall (from memory) so that could be a possibility will try and find the booklet with the name of the place in it.  Saw vans at near another beach however no spaces when we were looking it seemed to be a car park with toliets.  Would have to look at the map to find the name.  Typical really you look like mad and can't find anything then as soon as you don't need them there they are.