Camping in The Cairngorms National Park

Experience the Cairngorms’ dramatic beauty and outdoor thrills by setting up camp.

99% (41 reviews)
99% (41 reviews)

Popular camping styles for The Cairngorms National Park

Under £50

Dog-friendly getaways

12 top campsites in The Cairngorms National Park

100%
(6)

The Loft Glamping & Camping

12 units · Motorhomes, Tents5 acres · Kinloss, Scotland
The Loft Glamping & Camping is situated at East Grange Farm, Kinloss, Moray. It 's a working farm that has evolved over the years to include Wigwam Glamping and Camping for campervans, motorhomes and tents. A number of the old farm buildings are also perfectly appointed as venue spaces for Weddings, Events and Workshops. The "wilderness" campsite offers pitches suitable for tents and small campervans whilst the Stackyard area is suitable for motorhomes and mega tents. All motorhome pitches have electrical hook-up and we have a good number of electric tent pitches. Unfortunately we do not take bookings for caravans. Onsite, we also have Original Wigwam cabins which are wooden camping cabins (Pods) that offer all year round protection against the elements. With heating, electricity, fridge, kettle and toasters. For those wanting a bit more luxury there are also ensuite Wigwam Cabins onsite with wood fired hot tubs. We welcome families, groups, well behaved dogs and do allow campfires outside the wigwams and at pitches and can provide fire hubs on the campsite (this must be pre-arranged). The Loft Glamping & Camping looks forward to welcoming you throughout the year!
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
Showers
Trash
from 
£27.50
 / night
100%
(12)

Hillside Meadows

4 units · Motorhomes, Tents5 acres · Fraserburgh, Scotland
If you wish to visit the north-east of Scotland with sandy and rocky beaches, magnificent cliffs, old lighthouses and famous whisky distilleries, Hillside Meadows is the place to stay. You can enjoy near wild camping experience provided by hosts Michal and Gosia, who are developing on site fully off-grid permaculture family farm. Don't be surprised to be welcomed to your temporary home by a wired-haired dachshund Dubby or woken up in the morning by Pablo the Cockrell. There are usually fresh quail and hen eggs available. The site is handily located just off the A981 Strichen-Memsie road. It makes the site easily accessible for camper vans and caravans owners. There might be some noise from passing traffic, but it’s hardly a distraction from your surroundings, rolling hills, open fields and woodlands. It goes without saying that our 5-acres site is ideal for self-sufficient campers. There are just a handful of pitches, well distanced from each other, tucked among the high grass meadows, which gives campers plenty of space and sense of privacy. Park up or pitch your tent. Then you can just relax and concentrate on the important stuff – like getting that campfire going! The basic facilities, including composting toilet and tap water (cold), are available on site if needed. Just 3 miles away from our site lies Fraserburgh, a little coastal town with a sandy beach, Museum of Scottish Lighthouses, as well as a range of convenience stores, shops, cafés, restaurants and bars. Within 5 miles from our site, you'll also find Waters of Philorth Nature Reserve, New Aberdour beach, Rattray old lighthouse, Strichen stone circle, Aden Country Park and more.
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
Trash
from 
£10
 / night

Star Hosts in The Cairngorms National Park

Available this weekend

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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Camping in The Cairngorms National Park guide

Overview

The U.K.'s biggest national park, the sprawling Cairngorms National Park encompasses lush native forest, lochs, waterfalls, and five of the country's highest mountains set alongside 55 mountains over 3,000 feet (914 metres)—known in Scotland as Munros. This wild mountainous landscape is a magnet for wildlife lovers who come to spot eagles, snow buntings, ptarmigan, capercaillie, and red deer. From snowsports to hiking and water activities on Loch Morlich, outdoor enthusiasts will also find plenty of thrills. One of the best ways to experience the landscape and get closer to nature is by pitching a tent in Rothiemurchus Forest, glamping in a camping pod, or parking your motorhome or campervan in the heart of the Cairngorms.

Notable campgrounds

  • Best for families: Glenmore Caravan and Camping Site is one of the park’s largest, with electric hookups available and bbq grills allowed.
  • Best for caravanning and snowsports: Braemar Caravan Park is minutes from Glenshee Ski Centre. 
  • Best for pristine surroundings: Rothiemurchus Camp and Caravan Park in Coylumbridge has sheltered pitches surrounded by Caledonian pine trees.

Tips for snagging a campsite

  1. Booking is recommended for all campgrounds in the national park.
  2. Most sites allow booking many months in advance, so make your reservations as soon as you know travel dates.
  3. Advise ahead of time if you will be arriving late.

When to go

Summer is the most popular time to visit Cairngorms National Park, but the season does bring crowds and booked-up campsites. If planning to visit in the summer, it’s a good idea to at least avoid school holidays and weekends—if unavoidable, be sure to book sites well in advance. In spring, Scots enjoy water sports, hiking, and climbing, while late February through March is the best time for skiing and other winter sports.

Know before you go

  • If you choose to wild camp, be sure to follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, which applies to all wild camping.
  • The park offers dozens of car parks, with the largest at Balmoral Castle, Linn of Dee, and Glenmore.
  • Cairngorms stretches into parts of Aberdeenshire, Banffshire, and Inverness-shire.
  • Small biting midges are a common summertime nuisance in the Cairngorm Mountains and wider Scottish Highlands. It’s a good idea to bring insect repellent.
  • Much of the park and its facilities are wheelchair accessible.
  • You’ll find plenty of places to buy food and camping gear in Aviemore or Blair Atholl.

Top towns in and near The Cairngorms National Park

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