Camping in Aviemore

Aviemore in the Scottish Highlands is one of the best places to camp in Scotland. There is so much choice here between many dedicated campsites and wild camping options in the Cairngorms National Park. The Aviemore locale has many forests, lochs, treks, and cycle routes, ideal for the avid wild camper. Camping is also one of the cheapest ways to spend time near this beautiful town.

Let's investigate the best campsites and wild camping areas around Aviemore.

Best campsites in Aviemore

Here are four of the most popular campsites near Aviemore.

Glenmore Campsite

Perhaps the most well-known campsite in this article, Glenmore Campsite, has everything you will need while camping in Aviemore. Situated within the Glenmore Forest on the shores of Loch Morlich and placed at the foot of the Cairngorm Mountain range, it is a spectacular place to camp. It's a very tranquil park with towering Caledonian pine trees offering shelter from the weather.

Two hundred and six pitches make this one of the larger campsites near Aviemore. Hard standings are available for touring caravans and motorhomes.

Special facilities include:

• Toilets & showers.

• Hardstanding and grassy pitches, with or without electricity.

• Direct access to the sandy beaches of Loch Morlich.

• An enclosed children's play area.

• Laundry facilities.

Approx cost: £24.95 per night for a grass pitch with no electricity.

T. 01479 861271
E. enquiries@campingintheforest.co.uk
W. Glenmore Campsite

Please see my article on the best things to do at Loch Morlich.

 

 

Oakwood Caravan & Camping Park

Oakwood Caravan Site & Camping Park is north of Aviemore, a relatively new campsite with modern facilities. Glamping pods and pitches for caravans and motorhomes are available too. This campsite is only a 30-minute walk to Aviemore via the Aviemore Orbital foot/cycle path.

Special facilities include:

• Lovely landscaped grounds.

• Modern toilet shower block.

• Excellent disabled facilities, including disabled shower with seat.

• Covered picnic area.

• Enclosed children's play area.

Approx cost: £14 per night for a grass pitch with no electricity.

T. 01479 258197
E. info@oakwoodcampingpark.co.uk
W. Oakwood Camping

Rothiemurchus Camp & Caravan park

Rothiemurchus Camp is a very picturesque and secluded camping site situated in the Rothiemurchus Estate. The camping pitches are spotted around areas in the forest, next to the River Druie. As all the pitches are different sizes to fit amongst the trees, they can only be booked via email or telephone to ensure your pitch fits your exact requirements.

Coylumbridge Hotel facilities are just across the main road to the north, including the Funhouse soft play centre. There are also quad bike treks and Treezone near the Rothiemurchus Centre.

Special facilities include:

• Heated amenity building with toilets and showers.

• Laundrette.

• Plenty of walking and cycling routes.

• Within walking distance of Loch An Eilean.

• Seventeen sheltered level pitches for caravans and motor homes.

Approx cost: £24.30 per night for two adults for a grass pitch with no electricity.

T. 01479 812800
E. campandcaravan@rothie.net
W. Rothiemurchus Camp

Dalraddy Holiday Park

Located south of Aviemore, this is a lovely spot (originally heather moor land) with views of the hills and surrounding birch forest. Dalraddy has a capacity for 50 tents within its three camping zones - Tent Field, Woodland and Quarry.

Hard standings are available for caravans and motorhomes.

Special facilities include:

• Alvie Forest Food (amazing).

• Camping supplies shop.

• Washing blocks.

• Enclosed children's play area.

T. 01479 810 330
E. dalraddy@alvie-estate.co.uk
W. Dalraddy Holiday Park Camping

 

 

Highland Wildlife Park

This fantastic zoo is a short distance from Dalraddy Holiday Park. There are many animals here from around the world, with the biggest attraction being three polar bears. Please see my article on Highland Wildlife Park.

Wild camping in Aviemore

Wild camping is actually frowned upon somewhat in the Aviemore area; the authorities would much rather you camp in designated camping spots rather than find your own quiet spot in the wilderness. As usual, a few bad campers spoil things for everything else, be it from littering, damaging trees, starting fires or drunken partying into the wee hours.

The general rules are:

• Camp in small groups only away from buildings and roads.

• A maximum stay in one location of two days.

• Take all belongings and litter home with you.

• Be considerate of wildlife and in particular, farm animals.

• Please only use stoves and no campfires.

• Bury human excrement or take it home in a bag/sealed container. However, public toilets are located around the park, for example, Loch Morlich beach.

• Do not cut down or damage trees.

The spring and summer months are midge season; please see my midge survival guide for help with mitigating this annoying pest!

Can I camp anywhere in the Cairngorms National Park?

Yes, Scotland's laws allow wild camping in unenclosed areas. Just use common sense when choosing a location, such as away from roads, fields of crops, farm animals, historical buildings, etc., and of course, the local community.

If you camp with a hammock-style system, be aware that some areas are completely devoid of trees to hang your hammock! Check first on google maps.

Can you wild camp at Loch An Eilein?

Yes, there is a dedicated camping spot near the car park at Loch An Eilein, this should be used instead of finding your own spot closer to the loch, as it is an area of special conservation. It's not wild camping though, and you have to pay a fee to use the campsite. Loch An Eilein is lovely, though and definitely worth a single night. See my article here on kayaking on Loch An Eilein.

Where are the best wild camping spots in Aviemore?

Loch Morlich

Loch Morlich looks like a stunning place to wild camp. I've walked past many times and noticed tents pitched on the treeline where it meets with the golden beach - it looks perfect.

Loch Garten

The nature reserve at Loch Garten is stunning, with lovely wooded areas and a large water expanse. Wild camping is permitted for one night, and the car park may be used for motor homes. It's possible to see Osprey hunting for fish on Loch Garten, making it a very special place.

Ryvoan and Lochan Uaine route

Ryvoan and Lochan Uaine is a lovely 5-mile circular walk near Aviemore, taking in the beautiful Green Loch. There are some excellent wild camping opportunities along this route as well as Ryvoan Bothy.

 

Loch Eanaich

A beautiful treeless Loch surrounded by mountains gives epic panoramic views. Loch Eanaich is actually the main water source for Aviemore itself. Walking or cycling to this Loch can be challenging, but camping at the Loch is well worth the effort.

The beautiful Cairngorms National Park

One of the biggest draws to the Aviemore area is its stunning location, nestled within the biggest national park in Scotland. The forests, lochs, and wildlife are all a massive draw to the area and outdoor activities such as watersports and skiing. There is some world-class camping to be found in the Cairngorms National Park.

Alternatives to camping in Aviemore

There is no shortage of great places to stay in Aviemore to take advantage of everything the area has to offer. Camping is great, but if you fancy a proper bed and stay for a week, you can't go wrong with Scandinavian Village on the west side of the town. It's in a nice quiet area of Aviemore but still within easy walking distance of all the amenities.

I highly recommend the Cairngorm Hotel for shorter stays; very down-to-earth and has excellent food.  Cobbs Cafe is excellent for breakfast.

Key information on camping in Aviemore

• Ideal for camping, with numerous dedicated campsites and wild camping options.

• Features forests, lochs, treks, and cycle routes.

• Camping is one of the cheapest ways to spend time in the area.

• There are four main campsites: Glenmore, Oakwood, Rothiemurchus and Dalraddy.

• Dalraddy Holiday Park has Alvie Forest Food, one of the best places for food in the area.

• Wild camping is discouraged in favour of dedicated campsites but is not illegal.

Conclusion

I hope this primer on camping in Aviemore has been helpful; please see my guide on the best things to do in Aviemore for some activity ideas while you are in the area.