Ballater Caravan Park

Ballater Caravan Park sits beside the River Dee on the edge of Ballater, with the village centre a short walk away. Its riverside setting and access to shops, cafés, pubs and restaurants make it a practical choice for visitors who want countryside surroundings without being remote from everyday amenities. Ballater Golf Course is next to the site, adding another option for time spent close to camp.

Pitches cater for tents and campervans, with around 40 electric hardstanding pitches for campervans, five electric grass pitches suitable for either tents or campervans, and five electric grass pitches reserved for tents. Toilets, showers, laundry facilities and a washing-up area cover the essentials, and booking is available online. Dogs are welcome but must remain on a lead and cannot be left unattended. Hot surfaces must be kept off the grass.

For a local walk with a distinct change in perspective, Craigendarroch rises above Ballater. Paths explore its oak woodland, while the summit offers views across the village and River Dee towards the Cairngorm mountains, including Lochnagar. The ascent is steep and rocky in places, so it is more than a gentle village stroll. Further afield, Royal Lochnagar Distillery at Crathie offers guided tours and whisky tastings; advance booking is recommended, particularly during busier periods. It makes a contrasting outing to the woodland paths and hill walks around Ballater.