Campsites in Aberdeenshire

Explore Aberdeenshire

Aberdeenshire captures Scotland’s contrasts in its varied landscape. To the west are the rolling hills and majestic mountains of the Cairngorms National Park, while to the east, wide open skies hang above towering cliffs and golden shores. And in midst of it all sits the port city of Aberdeen with its silvery granite buildings.

At twice the size of the Lake District, the Cairngorms National Park is something of a natural wonder. Paths wind through ancient forests, waterfalls tumble over granite rocks and five of the UK’s highest mountains reach towards the clouds. Dotted among it all you’ll find friendly villages and even the odd distillery where some of the country’s best known whisky is made.

On the coast, you’ll find beautiful sandy bays that curve beneath rugged cliffs. Stone fishing villages nestle against the crags as the waves crash in, and seabirds soar overhead. Aberdeen itself is perched on the coast, with a beach within walking distance and a resident pod of dolphins in the harbour.

To choose one of our campsites in Aberdeenshire is to choose breathing space, a sense of freedom and a chance to be awed by nature at its very finest.

Reasons to visit Aberdeenshire

With its wealth of wildlife and almost endless opportunities for outdoor fun, Aberdeenshire has something for everyone.

Diverse wildlife

Wherever you go in Aberdeenshire, you’ll find an abundance of wildlife. A short drive from our Stonehaven campsite is the St Cyrus National Nature Reserve, an area rich in birds and insects. Visit in summer and you’ll discover countless butterflies among the vivid purple bellflower, while peregrine falcons hover above in search of prey. Offshore you might see grey seals and even dolphins and whales further out to see.

The Cairngorms National Park is a haven for mammals and birds too. Look up and you might see a golden eagle riding the thermals above you or a red squirrel scampering through the trees; look carefully closer to the ground and you could catch a glimpse of the secretive wildcat. It’s a great place to introduce kids to wildlife – you can engage them by compiling a checklist of creatures to spot.

Outdoor fun

The opportunities for outdoor fun in Aberdeenshire are never far away. Visit in the summer and you can explore on horseback by booking a trek with one of the stables dotted across the region. Head through the ancient and endangered Caledonian Forest from Glen Tanar or across open parkland and fields near Aberdeen.

It goes without saying that camping in Aberdeen brings a wealth of opportunities to hike. Organised walks with a knowledgeable guide take place in the Cairngorms between May and October and are a great way to learn more about the flora and fauna of the Park. If it’s coastal scenery you crave, the Aberdeenshire Coastal Trail spans 165 miles and takes in enchanting coves, quaint fishing villages and sandy shores. You can pick it up wherever you like, and there are plenty of places to stop for lunch or an ice cream along the way.

In the winter months the mountains of the Cairngorms become a haven for snow sports enthusiasts. Cairngorm Mountain is suitable for all ages and abilities, with several green runs (the easiest) and a freestyle area if you want to practise tricks. For non-skiers who simply want to enjoy the atmosphere and panoramic views, there’s a mountain exhibition and viewing terrace at Ptarmigan Top Station.

The Granite City

Aberdeen itself had lots to entertain all ages. Active kids can try skating at the ice rink, ride the flumes at the Beach Leisure Centre or grab an Action Pass for the Boardwalk House of Fun, where they can go bowling, play laser tag or bounce away their energy at the trampoline park.

You can mix learning with fun at the interactive Aberdeen Science Centre, which uses hands-on exhibits and live science shows to introduce children to the world of physics. They can make slime, look at fossils and try out the Virtual Reality headsets among a host of other activities.

For a day of thrills and spills, Codona’s Adventure Park is great fun. Older kids can tackle the Looping Star roller coaster and White Water Log Flume, while youngsters can enjoy the Pirate Island crazy golf course and whizz around on the dodgems. There are also plenty of places to grab a bite to eat or some refreshments when you need to refuel.

Why choose Experience Freedom?

At Experience Freedom, our campsites in Aberdeenshire give you access to the very best attractions that the region has to offer. Whether you’re happiest having a quiet picnic by a glittering loch, speeding down a piste on a snowboard or exploring castles and museums, you’ll find plenty to occupy you near our camping locations. Select a campsite to learn more or to book a stay.