Aviemore Campsites | The 5 Best Places To Stay
With so many Aviemore campsites to choose from, deciding where to stay can be tricky. So I’ve put together this guide to help you plan.
The Cairngorms is an unmissable part of Scotland, a world away from busy cities and an opportunity to disconnect from the day-to-day. For many travellers, the best way to experience the raw beauty of the Cairngorms is a camping break, often in the charming town of Aviemore.
Whether in a campervan or tent, it provides the ultimate freedom and, for me at least, a feeling of sleeping under the stars.
The challenge? Choosing the best of these Aviemore campsites for your trip.
Aviemore may not be a huge town, but it does have an impressive number of campsites. Each has their own distinctive vibe, facilities, location, and set-up, catering to different camping styles and types of trips.
Additionally, due to Aviemore’s continual popularity not just amongst local travellers seeking weekend getaways, but also those visiting from around the UK and overseas, there are often limited spaces in sites; booking in advance is essential, you can’t simply decide on the day.
With this post, after staying in most Aviemore campsites over the last year (in our campervan), I’ve made the job of choosing your site much easier.
As well as the pros and cons of each location, I’ve given a review of the facilities and set up. So, whether you’re looking for a week holiday in your camper or a few nights in your tent, this article has you covered.
Here’s my guide to the best Aviemore campsites.
The main campsite areas
Aviemore itself is a small town set around a busy high street packed with coffee shops & cafes, restaurants, cosy pubs, and shops.
It’s also a popular base for the Cairngorm Mountain Resort, where outdoor enthusiasts will find ski slopes and hiking trails. The resort is a 20-minute drive, or bus journey, outside of Aviemore and the road between the town and the mountain is lined with beauty spots and a handful of amenities.
Outside of the town centre, much of the surrounding area is dominated by forests and rolling hills, and only a scattering of quaint villages with limited services.
Due to the sprawling nature of the Cairngorms, it’s important to realise that all these places are quite separate, and transport is often needed to link them together. There is public transport, but buses (or trains) are infrequent in more rural spots.
For campers and tourers, I think the first thing you need to decide is how close to Aviemore town centre you wish to be - because, apart from two sites, most Aviemore campsites are actually outside of the town.
Aviemore Campsites: At A Glance
I’ve shared more details on the campsites below, but to give you a quick overview, have summarised their location below.
Aviemore | stay in the town centre with easy access to restaurants, pubs, and shops.
Stay: High Range (motorhomes only) or Oakwood Camping Park (30-minute walk)
Rothiemurchus | on the road between Aviemore and Cairngorm Mountain resort, this is a leafy haven with forest trails and pretty lochs. Walk to Aviemore in 1-hour or take the bus.
Stay: Rothiemurchus Campsite
Glenmore | a popular spot for anyone spending time at Cairngorm Mountain. Also close to Loch Morlich and popular forest walks, you’ll need transport into Aviemore and there is a regular bus service.
Stay: Glenmore Campsite
Kincraig | a wonderfully peaceful option in the forest, around a 10-minute drive from Aviemore.
Stay: Dalraddy Holiday Park
My Top Aviemore Campsites
Below I’m listing my favourite Aviemore campsites, with a focus (as always) on being amongst nature and the most tranquil forest, or waterside, campsites. However, I’m also including those campsites closest to town, for those times you just want to be close to civilisation!
1. Dalraddy Holiday Park
Location: Kincraig, Kingussie, PH22 1QB
Open: all year
Best for: tranquillity, scenery, and woodland walks
One of my favourite campsites in the Aviemore area, Dalraddy Holiday Park is a beautiful site and where you’ll find the most wonderfully tranquil experience.
Pitches for campervans & caravans are scattered amongst the trees, split across four areas: three secluded loops, and one area in the heart of the site. There’re a range of pitch types, including grass, hard standing, and optional electricity. Whilst tents have a dedicated and spacious field (though no electricity).
Shower, wash up, and laundry facilities are good and but spotlessly clean, with toasty hot water. Equally brilliant at Dalraddy campsite are the outdoor facilities - covered areas, BBQs, and fire pits dot the campsite, perfect for long summer evenings.
Plus, there is a wonderful coffee & cake van onsite (genuinely the best coffee in the area), a food truck, and a communal yurt complete with a wood burning stove to relax in.
You’ll also find a wonderful pub and cafe in nearby Kincraig (approx. a 30-minute walk on the Speyside Way), though no shops and Aviemore is a 10-minute drive away: so come prepared.
Any time I visit the Cairngorms in my campervan, Dalraddy is my top choice. I love this site and the way the pitches are so beautifully scattered amongst the native trees.
2. Oakwood Campsite
Location: Granish, Park, Aviemore, PH22 1QD
Open: March till October + Christmas & New Year
This Aviemore campsite is located just a little outside the town, in the midst of stunning rural countryside. There’s a 30-minute walk to the town centre with its shops and eateries, but its an easy and pleasant stroll along the Orbital Trail.
Tents are welcome at Oakwood Campsite, with a dedicated tent area cornered off to the side - some pitches have electric hook up, though not all. And campervans will be happy with the generous pitches and massive 16amp hook-up.
If I’m visiting Aviemore in my campervan and want to be within walking distance of the town centre, Oakbank Campsite is my top choice.
Facilities here are some of the best we’ve experienced in any campsite, with a brilliantly modern and toasty warm shower block, great laundry facilities, and an easy-to-use service point.
Though you’ll find the A9 runs close to this campsite, so there is a very small degree of road noise. Ask for a quieter pitch at the back of the site if you think it’ll bother you (personally we didn’t find it a problem).
3. High Range
Location: Grampian Rd, Aviemore, PH22 1PT
Open: all year except November
Best for: proximity to town
Located at the start of the high street, High Range is the closest of all the Aviemore campsites to town.
It’s an ideal place for anyone looking for quick and easy access to Aviemore’s amenities, as it’s only a 5-minute walk to the main part of town with coffee shops, eateries, and outdoor stores, plus its best pubs, like The Old Bridge Inn.
It’s important to note that this site is only for campervans and caravans, however, there are a number of lodges onsite and a very reasonably priced motel.
In terms of facilities, the shower block and laundry could do with an update but are kept spotlessly clean. The service point is well laid out and spacious. Pitches are a good size too, with decent a amount of space, despite being so busy. All have electric hook up.
If there’s a negative to be found it’s the sites proximity to the A9 - a major road that runs close to High Range; you definitely will hear road noise and I’d recommend asking for a pitch on the top level which is furthest away.
No Cairngorm views in this campsite, but top marks for proximity to town.
4. Rothiemurchus Campsite
Location: Coylumbridge, Aviemore, PH22 1QU
Open: all year except November
Best for: peaceful woodland camping
If you’re looking for an Aviemore campsite that’s walkable from town but is also peaceful with stunning views, then check out Rothiemurchus Campsite.
It’s an hour-long walk along the Old Logging Way into Aviemore, or cycle along the traffic-free trail. Alternatively it’s a 10-minute drive. Whilst the local bus will whisk you into town or up the hill to Cairngorm Mountain.
This is a beautiful and quaint campsite near Loch an Eilein, with pitches nestled amongst the trees. There’s a focus on being amongst nature here and it is genuinely unspoilt; more like wild camping with seriously good facilities.
Expect red squirrels in the ancient Caledonian pines, dark skies, and total tranquillity.
Pitches have electricity but are all different shapes and sizes due to the forest setting - but both tourers and tents can stay, and the site will help you find the best spot for your set up.
Nearby, you’ll find The Barn cafe for treats or lunch and a farm shop. However, for everything else you’ll need to be organised and pack wisely.
My top Aviemore campsite for rural vibes combined with a good location.
5. Glenmore Campsite
Location: Glenmore, Aviemore, PH22 1QU
Open: all year
Best for: Cairngorm Mountain
For anyone looking to camp close to Cairngorm Mountain, Glenmore Campsite is your best option.
Located roughly halfway between the mountain resort and Aviemore, so long as you’re happy either driving or using public transport, this is a solid base.
A 15-minute drive in one direction will have you in Aviemore, with its amenities. And a 10-minute drive in the other direction is Cairngorm Mountain, with its slopes and hikes.
Plus, nearby are some of Aviemore’s most popular walks like Ryvoan Bothy. And the site has direct access to Loch Morlich, perfect for water sports fans and wild swimmers.
The Pine Martin Bar is an easy 10-minute walk and serves lunch, dinner, and a range of drinks. But there’s no other amenities within walking distance, so you’ll want to be organised for this Aviemore campsite.
Both campervans and tents are welcome, pitches range from grass or hard standing, there’s heaps of space, and a range of decent facilities. Also, the site changed hands in 2023 and improvements are planned for the end of the year.
Aviemore Campsites: Wrap Up
With so many Aviemore campsites, it’s guaranteed you’ll find a site that perfectly suits your travel style.
Each have their own distinctive style and vibe, as well as very different locations. Be sure to factor all that into your planning and remember, Aviemore campsites book up quickly, so book your chosen site in advance.
Whilst my personal favourites are tranquil sites Dalraddy and Rothiemurchus, there’s definite merit to Oakbank (a lovely rural spot), High Range (top choice if you’re looking to enjoy Aviemore nightlife). And Glenmore Campsite (especially good for walkers and skiers spending time at Cairngorm Mountain, or water fans for Loch Morlich).
