Camping in The Cairngorms National Park

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.

• 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.

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.

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.

• 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.