Loch Lomond Camping: Permit Zones, Wild Camping Rules and Booked Sites

Wild camping is permitted across much of Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park under the Scottish Outdoor Access Code but must be done responsibly and away from sensitive habitats and private land.

Wild camping means setting up a tent outside formal campsites and permit zones, often in remote areas such as the western shore near Inversnaid or the northern head of the loch. The eastern shore near Balmaha, however, restricts wild camping to protect ancient woodlands and fragile ecosystems. Campers should remain at least 150 metres from buildings, roads, and farmland and keep group sizes to fewer than six tents to limit environmental strain. Pitching tents after 6 pm and leaving by 9 am helps reduce disturbance to wildlife and residents. Open campfires are prohibited except when using portable stoves or designated fire pits. All litter and human waste must be removed or buried discreetly at least 30 metres from water sources.

Consult the Scottish Outdoor Access Code for comprehensive rules and best practices (last checked May 2026).

Several established campsites near Loch Lomond provide pre-booked pitches with facilities like toilets, showers, and sometimes electric hook-ups for tents, caravans, and campervans.

Cashel Campsite, about 2 miles east of Balmaha on the A811, charges approximately £20 per night for a tent pitch. Facilities include chemical toilets, water taps, and waste disposal points but no electric hook-ups. Sallochy Campsite, located on the west shore near Inversnaid, is quieter and more basic, with pitches costing between £15 and £18 per night. It is accessible by a short walk from the Sallochy car park on the A82. Parklea Holiday Park lies just outside Drymen village on Gartness Road (B821), offering pitches starting at £25 per night, including showers and electric hook-ups; cabins are also available.

Reservations are strongly recommended from May through September, especially on weekends and holidays. Booking is possible online or by phone; check each site’s website for current availability and facilities. These campsites serve as practical bases for hiking Ben Lomond or joining boat cruises from Balmaha pier.

See more on local camping options in Drymen Camping and Campsites (last checked May 2026).

Preparation for camping at Loch Lomond involves obtaining necessary permits or bookings, checking weather forecasts, understanding local regulations, and packing appropriate gear for variable conditions.

First, identify whether your chosen spot requires a permit or advance booking, such as Sallochy or Cashel Forest. Permits are available online or at visitor centres in Balloch and Drymen. If wild camping, review the Scottish Outdoor Access Code to ensure compliance. The weather here changes quickly: waterproofs, warm layers, and sturdy footwear are essential even in summer. Mobile phone coverage is patchy, so bring a detailed Ordnance Survey map and compass for navigation. Pack sufficient food and drinking water, as shops may be several miles away from remote campsites or wild camping locations. Transportation planning should include parking options; Milarrochy Bay permit zone has limited parking with a 10-20 minute walk to the pitches.

Public transport options have changed recently: as of 2026, Stagecoach services run regular buses from Drymen village to Balmaha (approximately 6 miles), with buses timed to connect to some campsites. Check current timetables at Traveline Scotland.

For detailed local advice, see Loch Lomond Weather: What to Expect Each Season and How to Read the Hill Forecast.

Respecting Leave No Trace principles and park regulations is essential to protect Loch Lomond’s fragile environment and wildlife during camping.

Always camp on durable surfaces within designated pitches or permit zones to avoid damaging vegetation and soil. Avoid disturbing wildlife by keeping noise low and maintaining distance from grazing Highland cattle common near Sallochy. Dispose of all rubbish by carrying it out; do not bury or burn waste onsite. Human waste should be buried in a small hole at least 30 metres from water sources or disposed of at campsite facilities. Campfires are discouraged due to wildfire risk and soil damage; use a portable stove for cooking instead. Stick to marked footpaths when hiking to reduce trampling plants and erosion. Avoid camping near nesting sites or deer habitats, especially during spring and early summer.

More on responsible outdoor conduct is at the Leave No Trace Scotland page (last checked May 2026).

Camping permits in Loch Lomond’s designated zones cost between £8 and £12 per night, while booked campsites charge from £15 to £35 per night depending on facilities and location.

Permit fees contribute to conservation and park maintenance and are payable online or at visitor centres in Balloch and Drymen. Group permits, for parties of three or more tents, are sometimes available at a discounted rate. Some permit zones may also require payment for parking, typically around £5-10 per day.

Booked campsites vary in price with amenities: basic tent pitches without electricity at Sallochy or Cashel start at about £15-20 per night, while sites like Parklea Holiday Park with showers and electric hook-ups range from £25 to £35 a night. Cabins or glamping units cost more, usually from £50 per night upwards. Check the individual campsite’s website or call ahead for current prices and booking policies.

For current fees and booking contacts, visit Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Camping Permits.

Choosing quieter permit zones like Cashel Forest and camping outside peak months helps avoid crowds and enhances your stay around Loch Lomond.

Early May and late September see fewer visitors, cooler but manageable weather, and less competition for pitches. Cashel Forest, about 1.5 miles east of Drymen village, is popular with locals seeking a peaceful spot away from the busier Balmaha or Sallochy zones. Highland cattle graze near Sallochy Campsite, so keeping a respectful distance prevents disturbance or stress. Drymen village, roughly a 10-minute drive from several campsites, has a Co-op supermarket on Main Street and outdoor shops stocking last-minute camping supplies.

For a better understanding of the area’s landscape and history, guided tours such as the Loch Lomond Scottish Highlands Full Day Sightseeing Tour add context without taking you too far from your base.

More local information can be found in the guides to Drymen, Balmaha, and Midges at Loch Lomond.

Public transport options to Loch Lomond include buses connecting Glasgow and Stirling with villages such as Drymen and Balmaha, providing reasonable access to campsites and hiking routes.

Stagecoach buses run service 65 from Buchanan Bus Station in Glasgow to Drymen village, taking about 50 minutes. From Drymen, local buses connect to Balmaha on the eastern shore, approximately 6 miles away, with a journey time of 20 minutes. Balmaha’s bus stops sit within 10 minutes’ walk of Cashel Campsite and the Balmaha pier. Sallochy Campsite on the west shore is less accessible by public transport; the nearest bus stop is Tarbet village, about 5 miles south, requiring a taxi or a long walk.

For those arriving by train, the nearest stations are Balloch on the south shore and Alexandria, both about a 20-minute taxi ride from Drymen. Taxi services operate regularly but should be booked in advance, especially in evenings or off-peak hours.

More public transport and parking details are available in Getting Around Loch Lomond Without a Car.

The optimal camping season at Loch Lomond runs from May through September, offering milder weather and longer daylight hours, though July and August see the highest visitor numbers.

Spring months (May and June) provide relatively stable weather with temperatures ranging from 12°C to 18°C and fewer midges. Autumn (September) brings cooler, crisper air and a drop in campsite occupancy, ideal for quieter trips. July and August often bring warmer days up to 20°C but also larger crowds and busier campsites; early booking is essential to secure a spot. Winter camping is possible but requires advanced preparation due to short daylight, frequent rain, and cold temperatures often around 0°C to 5°C.

Seasonal weather and crowd guidance can be found at Best Time to Visit Loch Lomond.

Camping around Loch Lomond is generally safe, but visitors should take common-sense precautions regarding weather, wildlife, and navigation.

The main hazards relate to sudden weather changes, especially on hills like Ben Lomond or Conic Hill, where fog and rain can reduce visibility. Carry waterproof clothing, a map, and compass, and inform someone of your plans. Highland cattle are present near some campsites; keep a safe distance and do not feed them. Avoid camping near roads or private farmland to prevent conflicts. Insects like midges are a nuisance in summer evenings—repellent and head nets can help. Follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code and park rules to avoid fines or complaints.

More on safety and local advice is covered in Loch Lomond Weather and Safety Tips.