Camping in The Cairngorms National Park

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

99% (39 reviews)

United Kingdom
—
Scotland
—
The Cairngorms National Park

99% (39 reviews)

Popular camping styles for The Cairngorms National Park

Community favorites in and near The Cairngorms National Park

Stories from the community

Weekend Trip to Badrallach Campsite

Perfect quiet little campsite, lovely and peaceful with some fantastic walks nearby. The host was extremely helpful and sorted our issues out straight away :).

Andrew

2 weeks ago

Weekend Trip to Aberdeenshire Airstream

Stuart really put thought and effort into making the Airstream and area into an amazing place to stay. With a deck, gas BBQ, firepit and lots of spots to sit outside it makes for a very relaxed time away. The area is very quiet but there is lots to see and do that's not very far. Truly a great host, it was a pleasure to stay there.

1 night at West Highland Way Hotel & Campsite

It was amazing! The view of the surrounding fells and farms was so tranquil and peaceful. Andrew was a friendly and helpful host. The property was beautiful and there was a good community of campers there that socialized over breakfast. There were also trails on the property that we didn't get to. I would definitely recommend this campsite to anyone that is going to Scotland

Mandy

3 weeks ago

4 nights at St Conan's Escape

St. Conan's Escape was lovely- the perfect place to stay during our venture to western Scotland. The accommodations were perfect, the view was excellent, and the host was very friendly and helpful. I will definitely be looking up this cute little Basecamp for our next adventure in Scotland! Thank you!

Mandi

April 2025

1 night at West Highland Way Hotel & Campsite

Very friendly staff. Easy to find. Great facilities. Lovely walks right at back of premises. Only downside for me was the noise off other campers. People turning up and setting stuff up after 10 pm. Also loud group of lads. But I’m use to wild camping so maybe noise would be acceptable for most.

Robert

April 2025

3 nights at Highland & Transylvania Glamp. Pod

The pod was very clean and organized. The hosts came in and tidied up and left clean towels just like a hotel. They also gave us a tour when we got there and explained how the shower and door lock works instead of us having to use trial and error. The pod has plenty of storage space under the bed and all of the appliances work. Definitely will stay there again. The space is okay for two people, but probably not three.

1 night at Badrallach Campsite

Absolutely stunning place and fantastic hosts. We would love to go back.

1 night at Loch Katrine Eco Camping

Quite basic - you're sleeping in a car park - but it's beautiful setting and the toilets were clean.

Top camping destinations

12 top campsites in The Cairngorms National Park

97%

(39)

Cairngorms Glamping and Campsite

10 units · Motorhomes, Tents10 acres · Strathdon, Scotland

Pitches and pods in the Cairngorms National Park

95%

(104)

Loch Katrine Eco Camping

22 units · Glamping, Motorhomes1 acre · Stirling and Falkirk, Central Scotland

Loch-side sleeping and exploring in one of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park's most historic locations

91%

(34)

Badrallach Campsite

12 units · Motorhomes, Tents1 acre · Ross and Cromarty, Highlands

Where the end of the road is the start of your adventure

80%

(33)

West Highland Way Hotel & Campsite

46 units · Glamping, Motorhomes, Tents10 acres · Glasgow, Lanarkshire, South Scotland

A welcoming campsite on the West Highland Way

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!

Booked 9 times

Woodland Camping

10 units · Tents10 acres · Glasgow, Stirling And Falkirk

Get away the a little part of Scottish Heaven. We cater for all campers, regardless of the size of your tent or group. Included in your stay is access to free, fast WIFI. Free breakfast with tea/coffee available 24 hours. We are a very dog friendly site, so all furry campers are more than welcome.

88%

(25)

Culdees Castle Estate Glamping

5 units · Glamping, Motorhomes17 acres · Perthshire , Scotland

Luxury woodland cabins, each with a private hot tub, in the grounds of a Scottish castle

100%

(2)

The Nest at Loch Lomond

1 unit · Glamping5 acres · Stirling and Falkirk, Central Scotland

This modern space can sleep up to 4. The Nest sits at the top of a 5 acre field. It has a full kitchen, smart TV and dining area. Views overlooking Loch Lomond. We are the perfect base for your adventures- so many hiking and mountain biking routes directly from The Nest. Covered veranda with outdoor seating with Bluetooth surround sound to enjoy your sundowners!

Bankhead Croft

14 units · Glamping, Tents10 acres · Gamrie, Scotland

I am a ten acre Croft. I have an on-site cafe. I rescue animals which surround the property. We are two miles from Gardenstown seaside. I offer camping, glamping B&B, and tiny home, cabins. Many properties have hot tubs and are set alone. It’s a quiet area and for those who want to chill on the countryside.

100%

(1)

Aberdeenshire Airstream

1 unit · Glamping2 acres · Scotland

Reconnect with nature at this unforgettable escape. Nestled in the tranquil rolling foothills of the Cairngorms in beautiful northeast Scotland is this tastefully renovated 1979 Airstream Argosy. Unwind in the peaceful landscape of Aberdeenshire where you can enjoy hiking and cycling trails straight from your door, relax on one of the two big decks or lounge in the hammocks. Surrounded by fields and woodland and situated off the beaten tourist track, this is a perfect place to truly kick back.

The Hideyhole Campsite

6 units · Motorhomes1 acre · England

Explore the beautiful Moray Coast from the comfort of your caravan nestled in our award-winning family run Hideyhole Campsite here on Westfield Farm. Taking a maximum of only 6 caravans at any time, you’ll enjoy the peaceful setting here on the farm and appreciate the wealth of wildlife we are lucky to have. Enjoy exploring the ancient beech woodland and stunning farmland of Westfield. Dogs will love the peace quiet and space to run about. We have a tarmac tennis court available to book on-site for the sporty campers. Perfectly located for exploring the numerous beaches and seaside villages of the Moray Firth, all within a short drive from the site. Moray is famed for its many golf courses, distilleries, and coastline as well as some great local eateries and seafood. The National Cycle Route 1 from Dover to the North of Scotland runs through the farm, a short distance from the campsite. For those exploring the NC500, and wishing to continue the adventure, we are well placed for an extra stop off before or after you reach Inverness.

100%

(14)

Muiredge

8 units · Glamping3 acres · Perth and Kinross, Central Scotland

Rural glamping in a converted railway carriage, shepherd's hut, or bell tent in blissful Scotland

Dog-friendly getaways

100%

(10)

St Conan's Escape

4 units · Glamping4 acres · Dalmally, Scotland

Dog-friendly lodges on a Scottish mountainside with incredible loch views

Mondhuie Chalets

1 unit · Glamping1 acre · Nethy Bridge, Scotland

Just under an acre, close to Ancient Caledonia Forest , on the Speyside Way (which runs from Elgin to the South) Garden space for pets, kids and a run around! Our house and 2 Chalets (1 sleeps 5, 1 ideal for 2 or small family) are on the property. Not fully fenced from road. On the outskirts of NethyBridge. Private driveway, and car park

Cosy Caravan in Roshven

1 unit · Glamping1 acres · Scotland

This self-contained trailer has been a well loved part our home since 2010. We’re happy to welcome friends and visitors to stay in it from time to time. A beautiful, wild and remote setting on the West Coast of Scotland. Peace and quiet! A useful stopover on the way to the Skye ferry. Cars/bikes and wellington boots are recommended. Eggs from our free range hens are available to buy. It is a drive to reach the small local shops/pubs. Walks to beaches and woods. We look forward to welcoming you. The vintage caravan is a cosy, quiet, self-contained space positioned close by our house. It is surrounded by honeysuckle and clematis. Through the windows you can glimpse mountains and trees. There’s a small double bedroom and another small bedroom that can be arranged either with a generous single or small twin beds that are ideal for young children. The living area has couches and a dining table. The kitchenette has all the basics, fridge, microwave and a gas cooker. The bathroom has a shower, washbasin and toilet. This self-catering accommodation has its own private lockable entrance. Guests have access to the caravan, garden, and driveway. Nearest shops/pubs are a 20-30min DRIVE away - it's a good idea to bring everything you need as the road is long and you may not feel like going out again! Please let me know in advance if you require the small twin beds made up. From the last week of May through to early September it is midge season in the Scottish Highlands, so be prepared to encounter these tiny biting flies - however, a light breeze and a stick of citronella incense is usually enough to disperse them! On still nights I strongly recommend that you keep the windows closed, otherwise you may find clouds of midges invade your space. There is a cooling fan to make warm evenings more comfortable. A haven for creatives! During April and October we host artists’ residencies specially for socially engaged practitioners who would benefit from some time to rest and reconnect with nature. When you book via Hipcamp, a small community fee is added to your daily booking charge and this goes to support these residencies by helping to pay for logs for the wood stove during the artists' visits.

100%

(2)

Pirnie Lodge Farm

3 units · Glamping8 acres · Slamannan, Scotland

Lodges with hot tubs in peaceful countryside near Falkirk

Mongolian Yurt in Stunning Highland

1 unit · Glamping1 acre · Lochearnhead, England

When travelling in Scotland, you will want to have the confidence in the quality of your accommodation, knowing that it will play a big part in the whole pleasurable experience of your holiday. Our location in Lochearnhead provides an ideal base for walking, water-sports, cycling, with flora & fauna and wild life in abundance. There are many local historic places to inspire you and bring the history of the highlands to life. Or perhaps you'd simply choose to curl up with a good book and enjoy the peace and tranquillity of a slower pace of life. Wester Auchraw is located on the A84, Cycle Route 7 and the much loved walk 'Rob Roy Way'. It sits amongst spectacular scenery in Highland Perthshire yet is only 1 hour's drive from Glasgow, Edinburgh and Perth.

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

Booking is recommended for all campgrounds in the national park.
Most sites allow booking many months in advance, so make your reservations as soon as you know travel dates.
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.