Camping and campervans

Camping means different things to different people, for some it’s hiking alone into the wilderness where few venture (wild camping), while for others, it’s pitching your tent or parking your van in a campsite or caravan park with the wilderness nearby, but you can still access a toilet, shower, and kitchen.  

Whether in a tent or campervan please be respectful when camping in the Cairngorms National Park, please do not light any campfire and always follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.   

Campsites and caravan parks 

There are camping experiences for everyone in the National Park, from glamping cabins, eco-pods and large family-friendly campsites to intimate and quiet sites which are off the beaten track. It’s worth planning ahead and booking in advance as campsites are very busy all year round.

Campervans and motorhomes 

If you can’t get booked into a campsite or you are looking for something a bit more off-grid, there are some lovely overnight parking areas where motorhomes and campervans can stay for a small fee or donation. 

Please remember these overnight parking areas often have no facilities, so units need to be self-contained. Always take your rubbish and all waste (including grey water) away with you, and follow guidance on including public toilets, chemical waste disposal sites (black water), recycling points, freshwater, laundrettes, gas suppliers.

Formal roadside laybys may be used for overnight parking, but not camping. If stopping in a road layby all activity must be contained within the vehicle, which means no awnings, tables, chairs or cooking outside the vehicle. Any signage and parking conditions must be complied with. 

Off-road parking (including car parks) overnight requires the permission of the landowner. If this is not clear, then please park elsewhere. 

Going wild with your tent 

Wild camping is carrying all your kit in a rucksack (or on your bike, horse or canoe) and camping in a remote location.  Wild camping is in small tents, in small numbers and only for two or three nights in any one place. You may wild camp in the National Park if you do so responsibly. You should always remove all your litter and all traces of your tent pitch, not cause any pollution and always cook on a stove (no campfires please). 

If you need more gear than you can carry on your back, want to camp with a large group of friends or want to have a flushing toilet on hand - this is an indication that wild camping isn’t for you and an official campsite will be a better option.