Camping in Cairngorms National Park.

When it comes to national parks, Cairngorms National Park tops the charts. Cairngorms are unique in many ways. Many people are unaware that it is the largest national park ever founded in the UK. It’s 40% larger than the Lake District and twice the size of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs.  The park was founded in September 2003. Another interesting fact was is its home to 16,000 people, living in substantial towns, villages, hamlets, and houses in the countryside.  At 4.2 people per square kilometre, the population density is very low. Major centres of population are Aviemore, Ballater, Braemar, Grantown-on-Spey, Kingussie, Newtonmore, and Tomintoul. Cairngorms Park campgrounds are renowned for their economic benefits and the renowned unspoiled atmosphere that they reside in.

 

There are camping and caravan sites throughout the National Park in Ballater, Braemar, Aviemore, Grantown-on-Spey, Boat of Garten, Rothiemurchus, Glenmore, Newtonmore, Glentruim, Kincraig, Kingussie, Nethybridge, Glenlivet and Dinnet. They range from formal members only club sites to much more low key affairs, or offer camping opportunities next to hostels or community facilities. It is best to check with the provider before you set out.

 

There are many Cairngorms National Park campgrounds, some of which are maintained by the caravan organization. Therefore, the check-in and check-out times, as well as the rules are similar for most of the campgrounds in the park.  For those who are die-hard fans of simple living, the only way to stay at the park is to camp. For the softer explore,  self catering holidays provide flexibility not only with family holiday budget but also with an adherence to routine for families with young children.  A list of some of the main camping site in the Cairngorms National Park is detailed below. Remember in Scotland you can camp anywhere as long it’s in line with the assess for all regulations code.

 

·         Grantown on Spey Caravan Park, Seafield Avenue, Grantown on Spey, PH26 3JQ

·         Lazy Duck Hostel and Camping, Nethy Bridge, Invernesshire, PH25 3ED

·         Tents allowed? Caravans allowed? Campers allowed? Statics / cabins for rent?

·         Badaguish Centre Camping For Groups. Aviemore, PH22 1QU

·         Boat of Garten Holiday Park, Boat of Garten, Inverness-shire, PH24 3BN

·         Dalraddy Holiday Park Aviemore, Dalraddy Holiday Park, Aviemore, PH22 1QB

·         Glenmore Caravan and Camping Site, Forest Holidays, Glenmore, Aviemore PH22 1QU

·         High Range Touring Caravan Park, Grampian Road, Aviemore, Highland, PH22 1PT

·         Invernahavon Caravan Site, Glentruim, Newtonmore, PH20 1BE

·         Kingussie Golf Club and Caravan Site, Gynack Road, Kingussie, PH21 1LR

·         Rothiemurchus Camp and Caravan Park, Coylumbridge, Aviemore, PH22 1QU

·         Rothiemurchus Estate Wild Camping

·         Spey Bridge Caravan Site, Perth Road, Newtonmore, PH20 1BB

·         Ballater Caravan Park Anderson Road, Ballater, AB35 5QR

 

Whether you are a beginning camper or an experienced one, it’s always good to have a list of camping equipment you need to take with you. In fact what I do is have a trunk-like plastic container filled with the non-perishable supplies that I always take camping. This way everything is ready to go. Once a year in the beginning of camping season, I update the items and do a supply check.

 

Food

It is a good idea, just to prepare food. Make a list before you want to prepare meals and go shopping. You can always check the Internet for a good camping recipes. To hand dry spices like salt, pepper, spices, sugar and cream in powder form. Be sure to staple foods such as coffee, bread, potatoes, ketchup, mustard, onions, bacon, put eggs, and marshmallows. Camping convenience, you may want to include items that are granola bars, instant Oatmeal packs and peanut butter and jelly for quick consumption. Do not forget to drink something.

Sleeping Equipment

The tent is a very important part of the campsite. Make sure it is waterproof and has a roof drain for rain. Add a tarp or ground cloth under the tent. Make sure the tent is stored in a dry place so that it is free of mold. Include sleeping to keep you warm and keep an air mattress for you off the ground. Do not forget thePillow.

Lighting

There is nothing worse than walking around a campsite without a light. Bring a lantern powered by either propane or batteries. A good heavy flashlight and it's always good to have a spare one. Do not forget the extra batteries.

Cooking utensils

Add a ladle, stove with fuel, pot with lid, grill, spatula, coffee pot and tongs.

First Aid Kit

A great idea is to together a watertight box filled with the following supplies that you always stored with your camping equipment and is always ready to go. Be sure to Tylenol or other pain relievers, antibiotic cream, antiseptic, band-aids/bandages, tweezers, allergy medications, if needed, sunscreen, bug repellent, antacid tablets and a box of damp towels and baby wipes.

Personal Items

Once again it is a good idea to keep these items stored in a waterproof container for easy accessibility. Include bar of soap, hand sanitizer, shampoo, toothpaste and toothbrush, razor and shaving cream, deodorant, comb/brush, makeup bag, washcloth and towels.

 

Cairngorms Naturally -

 

Remember that you're going to enjoy nature and that means caring for the environment, so that others can have the same experience after you've left.

 

We all know the cardinal rule "Leave the area just as you found it," but here some other tips to keep in mind on your camping trip:

 

Use reusable dishes: Do not use styrofoam and plastic picnic dishes and flatware. Washing dishes can be a chore, but it will reduce the amount of garbage you produce onsite.

 

Sort your garbage: Bringing different waste bags to separate food scraps and other garbage from paper waste can be helpful. When sorted, recycled fibre paper napkins like those from White Swan, can multitask to help you start a campfire later.

 

Repackage food: Remove all food packaging and repack it in reusable containers. Don't bring individual packed food items, and clean up all food scraps while camping. Food left out will attract unwanted wildlife.

 

 Meal time: When eating, be sure to use White Swan napkins to help keep mess to a minimum. Made from 100 per cent recycled paper and created using environmentally sustainable manufacturing process, they have less of an impact on the environment.

 

Bathroom Etiquette: Bring and use one-ply products like White Swan bathroom tissue because it's made from 100 per cent recycled fibre, and breaks down faster.