The best locations in Cairngorms National Park to go tent camping

Back to blog list  February 01, 2019

Scotland is the only section of the United Kingdom that embraces wild camping away from authorised campsites. With the exclusion of modern conveniences like hot showers and toilets, campers can savour life on the open land and drink in Scotland’s’ breath-taking beauty. Tent camping is a great way to appreciate the majestic outdoors while accessing basic facilities and the Cairngorms presents the views and the setting for a memorable camping trip. You’ll wake up in UK’s most northernmost and largest national park to relaxing birdsong and the soothing trickling trickle of rivers and lochs. The wind sweeps across parks vast marshlands, whips through the dense Caledonian pine forests and dances atop the highest peaks of Scotland’s six highest mountains which dot the park. Crumbling and well-preserved castles including Blair Castle and Braemar Castle dot the region and a wealth of wildlife including inquisitive otters, majestic eagles, and wildcats call the park home.

The best time to head out for a tent camping expedition is from late spring to the end of October when most campsites are open; however there are a few sites that operate around the year. Several campgrounds offer caravan sites plus rural and wigwam pods. Be equipped to deal with swarms of midges which are tiny insects that drink blood, leaving behind an uncomfortable rash.

Rothiemurchus Estate

Rothiemurchus. Image by gingercatpictures on Instagram

The Rothiemurchus estate has been with the Grants of Rothiemurchus family for over 18 generations and is fondly christened "one of the glories of Wild Scotland” by David Attenborough. The family welcomes visitors all year round to camp within one of the largest, oldest woodlands in Europe. You’ll have to choose between three prime camping spots set on edges of old Caledonian forests. Sheltered campsites rest near a stream, an island enclosed by a split stream and amid native pines. A well-heated building contains amenities like toilets, dishwashers and launderettes. Wildlife flourishes on the island, and you can choose a host of outdoor activities at the Rothiemurchus Centre, set 2 miles away from the camping areas.

Atholl Estate

Atholl Estates. Image by costontrevor on Instagram

Blair Castle presents a camping park called the Atholl Estates - the first private castle opened to the public - that grants campers heaps of woodland and miles trails plus low admission fees to explore the palace and its gardens. Campers here can select from numerous outdoor activities and country sports including pony trekking, deer stalking, fishing and shooting. The tent camp amenities include 100 grass pitches, plus larger pitches by the River Tilt with some providing water and electrical connections. A maximum of 2 dogs are welcome, and the site guarantees your campsite is never more than 50 yards away from the shower facility.

Lazy Duck Camping

Lazy Duck Camping. Image by anomalousdeviation on Instagra,

Lazy Duck camping takes on select groups and lets visitors genuinely get away from the bustling cities. The campsite can only accommodate four pitches for two-three tents and travellers, and for over 100 years, traders once used the campsite clearing. Open from May till late October, the campground's on-site facilities include hot and cold washing up spaces. Flush toilet and a two-person sauna.

For more travel and camping ideas check out the five best castles in Ireland.