Spend the night camping in Cairngorms
If you’re going to experience the great outdoors, what better way is there to do it than by camping out underneath the millions of stars – all visible in the night sky that fills the Cairngorms. Throw into the mix the possibility to see the Northern Lights at certain times and you’re all set for a brilliant time away. Check out some of our favourite campsites and other forms of outdoor accommodation:
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Boat of Garten Holiday Park
In terms of location, the Boat of Garten Holiday Park couldn’t be better situated if you could position it yourself. A popular location with both walkers and cyclists thanks to its central location – just six miles from Aviemore – the Boat of Garten Holiday Park also offers a range of luxury lodges for those who don’t fancy a night under canvas, along with on-site facilities such as a children’s play area, pitch and putt golf course, fishing lake and all-important washing area.
To find out more, visit: http://www.boatofgartenholidaypark.com/
Rothiemurchus Camp and Caravan Site
When it comes to camping, you’re best doing it properly. Camping out underneath the stars from the heart of a forest is some people’s idea of heaven, and that’s exactly what you can do at Rothiemurchus Camp and Caravan Site. Situated in the Caledonian pine forest, the camping and caravan site welcomes families and groups, and even has space for you to bring your own caravan if you wish. The award-winning campsite even has a heated amenity building with toilets, showers and launderette.
Find out more about it here: https://coolcamping.com/campsites/uk/scotland/north-scotland/inverness-shire/187-rothiemurchus
Aviemore Glamping
If camping isn’t your thing, but you like the idea of being in the great outdoors rather than stuck inside a hotel staring at four walls, then it’s worth checking out the idea of glamping. It’s not everyone’s cup of tea, but it combines the best of camping with the luxuries of home such as wet rooms, shower facilities and comfy beds. At Aviemore Glamping in the heart of the Cairngorms you even have the opportunity to stay in one of the eco-friendly ‘pods’; making glamping a great alternative to tents and hotels – especially in winter when you can turn up the heating!
Find out more about Aviemore Glamping here: http://www.aviemoreglamping.com/
Lazy Duck Lightweight Camping: Nethybridge
With space for just four tent pitches, Lazy Duck Lightweight Camping is the perfect place to find some peace and quiet during your stay in the Cairngorms. Aviemore is 20-minutes away, making this an ideal “commuter” campsite if you’re in the area for some walking or cycling. With plenty of local wildlife roaming around in the nearby woodland and pine trees as far as the eye can see, the Lazy Duck campsite offers the best in rural country camping.
Find out more here: http://lazyduck.co.uk/
Ecocamp Glenshee
As the name suggests, Ecocamp Glenshee is all about “going green”, so if you’re camping in the Cairngorms and want to do your bit for the environment wherever you go this is the site for you. There are a number of eco-friendly tents and pods to try out, suitable for four to five adults. Just sit back, relax and enjoy the clear night sky free from light pollution and packed full of stars – pure peace and quiet!
Find out more about the site here: https://www.ecocampglenshee.co.uk/
Wildcat Gypsy Caravans
It’s a campsite, but with a difference. Set in Invernahavon Caravan Park and utilising genuine gypsy caravans, the Wildcat Gypsy Caravans site is an alternative venue for your stay in the Cairngorms. With a choice of 14-foot static caravans sleeping between two and four adults, you can get away from the hustle and bustle with a number of home comforts thrown in for good measure including gas stove and comfortable fold-out beds.
Find out more information here http://www.wildcatgypsycaravans.co.uk/
Glenmore Campsite, Aviemore
With more than 200 pitches, Glenmore Campsite is one of the largest sites in the national park. In order to accommodate everyone, the site provides toilets and hot showers along with electric hook ups for caravans. Situated in the heart of the park there are excellent views of the Cairngorm mountains and everything you could possibly need is within a short walk or bike ride depending on your preference. Surrounding the park is the Glenmore Forest meaning there are pine trees and local wildlife all around.
You can learn more about Glenmore Campsite in Aviemore here http://www.campingintheforest.co.uk/scotland/aviemore/glenmore-campsite
Dalraddy Camping and Caravan Site
Dalraddy Camping and Caravan site is located right in the centre of the Cairngorms national park with 360-degree views of the mountains and surrounding woodland. Within walking distance of the river Spey and with 50-pitches there is plenty to see and do in the holiday park with laundrette, washing area, shower and toilet facilities and a licensed shop for any essentials.
Find out more details here: http://www.alvie-estate.co.uk/tents-tourers/camping
Ballater Caravan Park
Located to the east of the national park, in Aberdeenshire, is the picturesque town of Ballater. With the Queen’s residence of Balmoral not far away, Ballater is popular for all kinds of reasons, attracting hundreds – even thousands – to the region every year. Down by the River Dee that runs to the south of the town is the Ballater Caravan Park that offers campers a range of facilities and activities, all perfectly located for walkers and cyclists looking to explore the Cairngorms.
Find out more here http://www.ballatercaravanpark.com/
Blair Castle Caravan Park
A campsite and caravan park favoured by families and groups of adults, Blair Castle Caravan Park has a total of 33 non-electric pitches with a number of washing up, toilet and shower facilities on-site. Blair Atholl estate is located next door, and those staying at the campsite will receive subsidised entry to the Castle meaning it’s the ideal location for those looking for a bit of culture mixed in with their walking or cycling break in the Cairngorms.
More details are available here http://www.blaircastlecaravanpark.co.uk/stay_on_athollestates_camping.cfm
