Van life guide: Scotland
Van Life in East Lothian: Best Spots, Meetups & Where to Park
Meet other van lifers, plan walks and brews, or meet someone special in East Lothian. East Lothian is a compact stretch of golden beaches, golf links and farmland within easy reach of Edinburgh.
The van life scene in East Lothian
North Berwick Law rises above a coast of long sandy beaches and tidal flats, while the Lammermuir Hills form the southern edge. The Bass Rock gannet colony sits just offshore.
When you are parked up in East Lothian, it is easy to meet people when you plan a brew with people who get the lifestyle. The seaside town of North Berwick has its own guide, and Edinburgh is a short drive west.
Meeting people in East Lothian
Suggest a brew somewhere public and busy, tell a friend where you are going, and keep your exact pitch to yourself until you trust someone. With VanDates you choose what you are open to, whether that is friendship, convoys or romance, and you only ever show an approximate area.
East Lothian at a glance
- Where: East Lothian, Scotland
- Best time to go: May to September
- Local flavour: Scottish seafood, East Lothian potatoes and local craft beer
- Approximate location only: never your exact pitch
Best spots in East Lothian
Favourite stops in East Lothian include North Berwick and the Law, Bass Rock, Tantallon Castle, Dunbar, Gullane beaches and the Scottish Seabird Centre.
Things to try: a climb up North Berwick Law, a boat trip to Bass Rock, a beach walk at Gullane, a castle visit at Tantallon.
Parking up and staying legal in East Lothian
North Berwick and Gullane car parks are busy in summer, with limited space for larger vehicles. Check overnight rules and use campsites.
In Scotland, access rights cover lightweight tent camping in small numbers for two or three nights, but they do not include motor vehicles, so staying overnight in a campervan or motorhome is different. Landowners and councils can restrict where you park, and some areas, such as parts of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, have camping byelaws. Use campsites, motorhome stopovers or pubs that welcome vans, and follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.
Read the Scottish Outdoor Access Code guide to camping. Please leave places as you found them, be considerate to residents, and see our Community Guidelines and Safety Tips.
Ready to meet van lifers in East Lothian?
Join The Crew. Discover who is parked or travelling near you, join upcoming community meetups, or find someone special who truly gets life on the road. Membership is £1.99 a week and you can cancel any time.