Planning to hike in the Scottish Highlands and looking for the best Ben Nevis hotels and campsites?
Then you’ve come to the right place!
This article will bring you the top 10 spots based on a range of budgets, accommodation styles, locations and facilities.
It’s your one stop shop to finding the perfect place to stay if you want to hike the highest mountain in the UK… my only recommendation is to make sure you book well in advance!
Brimming with tourists all year round, this national icon certainly knows how to pull in the crowds and if you’re looking the enjoy the stunning elevated scenery up here, you’ll certainly be best placed to book your bed at least 3 months ahead of your trip.
And with that top tip out of the way, it’s time to crack on with the top 10 places to stay in and around Ben Nevis…
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A Word About Sleeping Around Ben Nevis
The main thing you need to know if you plan to see, hike or enjoy winter sports around Ben Nevis is that there isn’t any accommodation on the mountain itself… because it’s a freaking mountain!
As such, you’ll need to get to the bottom of the slopes and the hamlet of Achintee, close to Glen Nevis, to find the nearest accommodation options, which are a mix of camping, hostels and self-catering properties.
There’s also an overnight campervan parking post just outside Achintree too.
After this, the main town of any significance is Fort William, which lies about 2 miles away from Glen Nevis – the glen at the southern foot of Ben Nevis.
Fort William is a good-sized town with plenty of amenities including supermarkets and a train station.
There’s also a lot of accommodation options here, which is why many of the 10 best places to stay near Ben Nevis on this list are in Fort William.
It’s a short taxi ride or a 30 minutes walk from the centre of fort William to the Ben Nevis Visitor Centre – where most hikes up the UK’s tallest mountain start from. There’s also 6 daily bus services that run from Fort William to the Ben Nevis Visitor Centre car park in the summer months.
Fort William was where I stayed when I made the hike up Ben Nevis and found it a great base for my time in this part of Scotland.
And just a quick FYI, Glen Nevis is a U-shaped valley formed by glaciation that lies beneath the southern slopes of Ben Nevis. If you’re hiking this mountain you’re likely to start at, or walk through, Glen Nevis.
Best Ben Nevis Hostel
#1 Fort William Backpackers
The award for the best hostel near Ben Nevis has to go to the incredible Fort William Backpackers, which is situated in (surprise surprise!) Fort William and is just a 5 minute walk from the train station here.
Set up on a hill, this old and atmospheric house boasts a roaring fire, a cute garden, a guest kitchen and gorgeous views from its elevated spot.
Mixed dorms rooms of both 6 and 8 people are available and the friendly staff can offer loads of advice about hiking The Ben!
Fort William Backpackers is where I stayed with a group of friends when we were exploring the Western Highlands of Scotland and I can highly recommend it for solo budget travellers and groups.
Book your stay at Fort William Backpackers here.
Best Ben Nevis Campsites
#2 Glen Nevis Caravan & Camping Park
If camping at Ben Nevis is what you want to do, then here’s the perfect place!
This award-winning campsite spans over 30 acres of beautifully maintained grounds and boasts incredible views of Nevis itself.
Situated super close to the foot of the mountain, on the main road running to Glen Nevis, you can arrive here from Fort William, by taxi (easy), bus (infrequent) or by foot (if you’re feeling strong!) and then choose between the excellent camping, caravanning or self-catering facilities.
For campers, there’s 5 fields dedicated to tent-only pitches (both regular or electric options), or you can choose from their fantastic pre-erected pods, which are comfy, high spec and can accommodate both double beds or two singles.
Holiday caravans can also be rented, otherwise if you’re bringing your own campervan, caravan or motorhome, then there’s 4 fields set aside for vehicle-based pitches. Choose from standard or fully serviced options, the latter of which comes with water and drainage. Either way you’re assured of some wonderful views of the surrounding mountains.
Even though this accommodation option is “only camping”, I still recommend booking your pitch well in advance, especially during the summer months. If you’re travelling in the shoulder seasons, look out for their 4 nights for the price of 3 deal, which run from March to May and September to November.
It’s worth noting that Glen Nevis Caravan & Camping Park closes between November and March, but outside of these months, you can book your pitch here.
#3 Linnhe Lochside Holidays
Otherwise, if you’d rather camp closer to Fort William (with all its handy amenities), then Linnhe Lochside is definitely one of the best Ben Nevis campsites.
With space for tents, caravans and motorhomes, as well as luxury lodges and chalets available for rent, this stunning spot is situated on the banks of Loch Eil – a short drive from Fort William centre, near the village of Corpach and the Caledonian canal.
Take the A830 to get here from Fort William or arrive into the village’s train station, which is serviced by the West Highland Line.
With both garden and lochside pitches available for tents, there’s also specific family areas here. Close to the beach, all tent spots at Linnhe Lochside are electric-free, which keeps things super peaceful and relaxing.
Bring your own boat, canoe and dog and enjoy this waterside spot to the max!
Otherwise, for caravan and motorhome drivers touring the West Highlands, Linnhe Lochside is easily accessible from Skye, Mull and Lochness, and their electric pitches are perfect.
This great Ben Nevis campsite is open all year round (except between November 1st and 14th December) and is a great family owned option with an onsite shop and free wifi.
Book your Ben Nevis camping spot at Linnhe Lochside here.
Best Ben Nevis Guesthouses
#4 Lawriestone Guest House
A 4* star guesthouse situated on Achintore Road in Fort William, the Lawriestone Guest House is set within a glorious Victorian townhouse that dates back to 1885.
An intimate and family-run business, this top-rated guesthouse boasts 4 ensuite rooms and views over Loch Linnhe.
The centre of Fort William is easy to walk to from the property and there’s plenty of free onsite parking available for guests too.
Outdoor activities in the West Highlands, as well as wildlife watching, boat trips, castle sightseeing, steam train rides and distillery visits can all easily be reached from this top Ben Nevis place to stay.
Book your stay at Lawriestone Guest House here.
#5 Ashburn House
This luxury guesthouse is also located in Fort William and offers king, double and single rooms.
Set within a Victorian villa, dating back to 1876, Ashburn House is located on the shores of Loch Linnhe and boasts views over to the Ardgour Hills.
Breakfast is included in the room rate and fast, free wifi available throughout definitely makes this one of the best places to stay near Ben Nevis.
From Ashburn House it’s just a 10 minute walk to the town centre and then there’s a cosy conservatory to relax in after your day out walking, sightseeing or enjoying the nearby water.
Family-owned and run, this brilliantly-reviewed bed and breakfast is open from January through November (closed in December).
Book your fantastic room at Ashburn House here.
Best Ben Nevis Apartments
#6 The Hobbit House
This super cute one bedroom apartment is the perfect place to stay near Ben Nevis if you’re looking for a unique stay in a cosy, comfortable and cute spot.
Located in Fort William, close to Glen Nevis, this private 1 bedroom property with a separate bathroom, kitchenette and patio with garden views, is a winner.
Bike hire, ski storage space, barbecue facilities, wifi and free private parking are all available and ideal for those who want to enjoy the many available outdoor activities for a reasonable price.
The Hobbit House sleeps up to 2 adults and is only 550m from Ben Nevis Whisky Distillery – the perfect way to unwind after a long day in the great outdoors!
Book your stay here.
#7 Stobhan Apartment
Located in Inverlochy, on the outskirts of Fort William, this fabulous apartment offers accommodation for 2 adults and boasts 2 rooms (bedroom and living room) plus an ensuite bathroom.
TV, wifi, coffee maker and mountain views are all thrown into the deal!
On one side, it’s just 10 minutes to the centre of Fort William, while, in the other direction, walks to Caol, Neptune’s Staircase and the Great Glen all await you.
Clean, cosy, warm and inviting, book your stay at the top-rated Stobhan Apartment here.
Best Ben Nevis Hotels
#8 Lime Tree An Ealdhain
And now we come to the top Ben Nevis hotels, which means we can’t overlook the Lime Tree An Ealdhain.
Offering lovely views, this amazing place has its own art gallery and an award-winning contemporary restaurant, which uses seasonal and local products.
Open log fires and views of Loch Linnhe, a beautiful garden and the surrounding hills complete the picture at this top Fort William hotel, which is housed in a traditional building and offers double and twin rooms, along with comfortable apartments.
Book your stay here.
#9 Nevis Bank Inn
And another top Ben Nevis hotel that’s ideal if you’re exploring this area, is the Nevis Bank Inn.
A 4 star hotel located on the banks of the river, there’s gorgeous wooden furniture and quality fabrics included throughout (including Hypnos Super Comfy Beds), along with several other luxury touches.
30 rooms and an onsite restaurant can also be found here, plus breakfast is included and there’s a generous 24hr only cancellation policy when you choose from single, double, twin, superior and suite rooms.
Their motto “the small hotel with the BIG welcome”, says it all, so grab your great stay here.
Best Ben Nevis Luxury Stay
#10 The Garrison
This beautiful 4 star hotel is the most luxurious place to stay in Fort William with beautiful bedrooms and apartments in the heart of the town centre.
Although it may look a bit commercialised from the outside, don’t be deceived however, as this top Ben Nevis hotel also boasts some wonderfully unique and quirky features – not least the ability to stay in a “cell” room.
These authentic old police cells have been converted into modern bunk rooms with a few mod cons to still make sure you get a good night’s rest!
Standard, superior and family rooms are also on offer and, if you book direct, you get a delicious boutique breakfast thrown if for free!
Rooms come with desks, smart TVs, luxury products, USB bedside sockets and great wifi (ideal if you need to remote work) and the modern, slick and spaciousness nature of the whole place only adds to its great relaxing feel.
Top reviews praise the staff, location and comfort, plus there’s free parking and pets allowed too.
Book your luxury Ben Nevis hotel stay at The Garrison here.
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Top Travel Tips for Ben Nevis
When to Visit Ben Nevis?
You can visit Ben Nevis all year round … and many people do!
While hikers and kayakers predominate in the warmer summer months from May to September, winter sports lovers descend on the region in their droves during the colder and snowy times of the year.
The midge issue is always something to be aware of when you travel to Scotland in the summer months, but I visited Fort William and Ben Nevis in August and didn’t find it too bad, so don’t discount the summer months if you’re a fair weather hiker too!
How to Get There?
The easiest way to get to Ben Nevis is first to get to Fort William.
And the easiest way to get to Fort William is from Glasgow either via driving or by train.
Book your rail ticket to Glasgow and then on to Fort William here, or check out these great deals on car rental in Scotland.
You can also fly to Glasgow airport, but the nearest one to Ben Nevis is actually Oman.
As always, I use Skyscanner to find the best flight deals.
Learn more about how to travel from Glasgow to Fort William in this post I wrote all about the journey.
How Long to Spend There?
If you want to hike Ben Nevis, you need to stay a minimum of 2 nights in the area (the night before and directly after the hike).
However if you want to explore any of the amazing day trips around, including to the lochs, beaches, Harry Potter film sites, distilleries, steam train destinations and more, then I’d allow 3-5 nights.
And don’t forget there’s all those amazing Scottish islands, as well as the West Highlands Way, to explore afterwards too!
Top 3 Ben Nevis Packing Items
Travel Insurance for Scotland
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Travel Money for Scotland
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SAVE THIS ARTICLE TO PINTEREST!
So there you have it, my list of the 10 best places to stay in Ben Nevis.
Covering campsites, hotels, hostels, guesthouses and a sneaky luxury stay thrown in for good measure, it brings you the top spots I recommend booking when you travel to this beautiful Scottish region.
Have any questions about Ben Nevis or Fort William?
Then don’t hesitate to drop them into the comments box below and I’ll get back to you…
