Aberdeenshire Campsites

Known for its historic castles, fishing villages, whiskey distilleries and picturesque landscapes, Aberdeenshire is a great camping destination for the whole family. Here are some popular things to do in the county.

Explore the quaint villages



There are plenty of beautiful villages in Aberdeenshire that are worth wandering around and exploring. A few notable villages include,

• Ballater: Here, you’ll find beautiful Victorian architecture and stunning views of the Cairngorms.
• Braemar: Located in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park, this village is well known for its picturesque landscapes and annual Braemar Gathering, a traditional Scottish games event
• Tarland: Discover artisan shops, charming cafes, and visit the annual Tarland Agricultural Show, which showcases local produce and livestock.
• Crathes: A tranquil village famous for Crathes Castle and its gardens. This village is ideal for a peaceful escape where you can enjoy stunning landscapes.
• Alford: Well known for its heritage centre and the Alford Valley Railway, this village is steeped with history and has scenic views.

Visit historical landmarks



Home to an estimated 300 castles, Aberdeenshire holds the title for the most castles in Scotland and the most castles in any other county in the UK. Some famous castles you must add to your list of things to do when camping in Aberdeenshire include:

• Balmoral Castle
• Ballindalloch Castle
• Dunnottar Castle
• Crathes Castle
• Fyvie Castle
• Drum Castle
• Slains Castle
• Craigievar Castle

A great way to dive into Aberdeenshire's history is by booking a trip to the local museums. Highland Folk Museum is an open-air museum that displays the history and culture of the Highlands. Other museums to visit include Aberdeenshire Farming Museum, Peterhead Prison Museum, and Aberdeen Maritime Museum.

The county is also popular for its stone circles. Notable ones to visit include,

• Easter Aquhorthies Stone Circle
• Loanhead of Daviot Stone Circle
• Sunhoney Stone Circle
• Cullerlie Stone Circle
• Tomnaverie Stone Circle

Relax on the beach



Camping in Aberdeenshire does not necessarily mean you have to constantly be on the go. Take time out of your busy schedule to relax on the beach, watch the waves dance back and forth, and just switch off.

You’ll find beautiful beaches around Aberdeenshire, including Blue Flag beaches, which are recognised as some of the cleanest, safest, and most environmentally friendly beaches. Popular ones to visit on your camping trip include:

• Balmedie Beach: known for its incredible sand dunes, and clean waters, Balmedie Beach is a great spot to build sandcastles, try watersport activities or set up a picnic and unwind with a good book.
• Collieston Beach: If you’re looking for a quiet Blue Flag beach with incredible coastal views, then Collieston Beach is a great option to visit.
• Newburgh Beach: Get your binoculars ready, as this beach is home to a large seal colony and is perfect for wildlife watching, surfing, paddleboarding and kayaking are also popular activities on Newburgh Beach.
• Aberdeen City Beach: Alongside a beautiful sandy beach, you can also walk along the promenade and visit the cafes and shops. Treat yourself to some beach goodies, ice cream or warm fresh doughnuts.
• Fraserburgh Beach: Another Blue Flag beach with clean water and incredible sand dunes, is Fraserburgh Beach. It offers plenty of space to unwind and relax during your camping break.

Go on a scenic drive



Scotland road trips are incredibly popular, especially since they offer a range of different landscapes and stunning routes. The NC500, one of Scotland's most famous road trips, passes through a small section of Aberdeenshire. If you want a scenic route covering Aberdeenshire’s coastline, countryside, castles, and distilleries, then take the North East 250 route.

Another popular scenic driving route is the Cairngorms Loop. This route is ideal for both driving and mountain biking, allowing you to explore the diverse landscapes of Cairngorms National Park. The loop starts and ends in Aviemore and consists of approximately 70 to 100 miles of stunning scenery, showcasing the area's natural beauty and cultural heritage.

The Lecht Road, also known as A939, is another scenic route that connects Tomintoul in the north and Cockbridge in the south. The road offers panoramic views of mountains, valleys and rolling hills.

Book a distillery tour



Aberdeenshire has a rich whiskey production background and is home to several notable distilleries. Learn about the history of whiskey making and how the distilleries came up with their signature drinks, taste some of their beverages and purchase gifts for yourself or loved ones. Distilleries in Aberdeenshire include:

• Glenlivet
• Cardhu
• Glen Garioch
• Royal Lochnagar
• Fettercairn

Take the family on a fun day out



Aberdeenshire has plenty of fun family activities to enjoy. If your little ones love animals, why not visit the Highland Wildlife Park and see animals from around the world or discover magical underwater creatures at the Macduff Marine Aquarium?

For thrill seekers, visit an adventure park and test your limits with zip-lining and tree-top walks at Highland Adventure or Go Ape in Abernethy Forest.

Codona’s Amusement Park also makes for a fun family day out. Whether you enjoy fast rides or water rides, this amusement park has it all. You can also find a 3-level go-karting track, adventure golf course, laser tag and arcade games.

Venture into the outdoors



Aberdeenshire is a fantastic destination for walking and cycling enthusiasts. The Cairngorms National Park, the largest national park in the UK, offers a vast network of trails for you to explore. Established in 2003, this expansive park covers 1,748 square miles and is home to five of the six highest mountains in the UK, including:

• Ben Macdui
• Braeriach
• Cairn Toul
• Sgor an Lochain Uaine
• Cairn Gorm

Alongside scenic walks and breathtaking landscapes, the park is also home to beautiful wildlife. Keep an eye out for red deer, golden eagles, ospreys, and many other species.

For thrill seekers, there are excellent activities to take part in. In the winter, wrap up warm and head to Cairngorm Mountain Resort, where you can go snowboarding and skiing. On warmer days, enjoy water sport activities such as canoeing, kayaking, white water rafting and swimming in the River Spey. You can also get your fishing rod ready and enjoy a relaxing evening catching your dinner.

You could easily spend days exploring Cairngorms National Park, and a perfect place to rest during your adventure is at our Tarland by Deeside Club Site. This campsite is located on the edge of the national park, and provides convenient access to many activities and adventures.

Outside of Cairngorms National Park, Bennachie Hill, Mither Tap, and Scolty Hill are great locations for a walk and to see panoramic views of the county. If you’re after a coastal walk, Bullers of Buchan, Stonehaven, and Cruden Bay are must-see spots.