Camping Management Byelaws Review 2026 – Frequently Asked Questions

The Camping Management Byelaws are legally enforceable regulations that apply in designated loch-shore areas of the National Park, during the period from March to September. They set rules for where people may camp overnight, limit the use of fires, and prohibit the removal of deadwood in those areas.

The byelaws were introduced to protect fragile natural environments, ensure that visitors can camp responsibly, and minimise negative impacts on wildlife, landscapes, and the experience of other visitors and residents. The intention has always been to allow camping to continue but in a managed, sustainable form, especially at popular and accessible locations.

They apply only to designated Camping Management Zones that historically experienced the greatest pressures. These areas represent a small portion of the National Park’s land area. The majority of the Park, including upland and remote areas, remains fully open to informal wild camping under the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.

Yes. The National Park is required by Scottish Government to review these byelaws at periodic intervals. This review is part of that statutory obligation to ensure that the regulations remain proportionate, evidence-based, and fit for purpose before any continuation or modification is proposed.

The Park Authority routinely reviews the byelaws to ensure they remain effective and proportionate. The current review is examining whether any changes are needed, whether any aspects of the byelaws should be clarified or adjusted, and whether any parts could be removed. This review is evidence-led, drawing on patrol data, permit usage, environmental observations, visitor surveys, and stakeholder input.

The review is examining the existing byelaws to consider whether any changes should be made, whether any new byelaws would be appropriate, and whether any existing provisions could be amended or removed. The emphasis is on assessing the legal wording, operational clarity, and regulatory purpose of the byelaws themselves.

Certain related but separate visitor-management issues are not part of this byelaw review. For example, decisions about constructing new camping facilities, reviewing the design and layout of permit areas, addressing littering or human waste infrastructure, or creating wider strategies for motorhome and campervan management, are not being considered as part of this review. These matters are handled through other workstreams and operational programmes.

The review is being informed by an Evidence Report which is based on robust data from Ranger patrols, camping permit records, booking statistics, and both quantitative and qualitative information gathered by the Park Authority. Environmental data, visitor trends, and lessons since the introduction of the byelaws will also be incorporated.

Camping is still available in the designated areas via the Camping Permit Scheme for tents and motorhomes, and through low-cost campsites managed by the National Park. These are supported by signage, Ranger services, online booking, and behaviour-change communication designed to help visitors understand and follow the requirements for responsible camping.

Following the evidence-gathering and statutory review process, proposals relating to the byelaws will be developed and prepared for wider engagement and a formal public consultation. After that stage and following consideration by the National Park Authority Board and relevant Scottish Government processes, any proposed changes be finalised.

In late 2025, the Park engaged with 41 stakeholders across nine workshop sessions, including community councils, visitor management groups, landowners, outdoor recreation organisations, conservation bodies, and operational partners. These groups brought varied perspectives, ranging from community experience to environmental expertise, and generated rich qualitative input for review.

The workshops told us there is strong and consistent support for continuing the byelaws, with many stakeholders saying they have transformed problematic loch-shore behaviour and protected key sites. Some stakeholders shared that their confidence in the management of byelaws has increased since 2017. Some stakeholders were unpersuaded that byelaws were necessary or proportionate, but none argued strongly that they should be removed rather than refined.

Visitor monitoring is robust. Between 2020 and 2025, Rangers carried out over 5,000 land patrols and recorded more than 54,000 Ranger observations. Over these patrols, they had more than 51,000 positive interactions with visitors, showing that most people respond well to engagement and guidance. Satisfaction with the permit areas has consistently remained around or above 90%, with many visitors saying they would recommend the experience.

Although behaviour has improved dramatically, some issues persist. These include littering and waste disposal at informal sites, occasional inappropriate fires, and camping just outside the byelaw boundaries. Ranger presence continues to be critical for maintaining compliance, particularly during evenings, weekends, and peak holiday periods.

Fire damage has been a major ongoing concern. Stakeholders have raised strong interest in stricter controls, noting that fire scars and damaged vegetation can last for years. Evidence from multiple areas suggests that open ground fires cause long-term ecological harm, and some suggested adopting approaches like Cairngorms National Park’s “no fires” policy.

Motorhome and associated roadside camping impacts are acknowledged but largely sit outside the scope of this byelaw review. Instead, these issues are being examined through other strands of National Park policy and national-level work around roadside camping and vehicle-based overnighting.

Some communities believe that the byelaws have pushed camping into areas just outside the management zones. While these perceptions are real, stakeholders acknowledge that strong evidence of displacement is limited. The National Park Authority continues to gather and analyse data to better understand regional behaviours and impacts. National partners are skeptical of displacement evidence.

Several stakeholders suggested that the current March-to-September operational period may not reflect modern camping patterns. Increasing numbers of visitors continue into October, and some begin earlier in February. Other stakeholder suggested It is also important that we look at enforcement peak times as well as volume.

Findings from Phase 1 and the stakeholder workshops have informed the production of an Evidence Report. This document provided the basis for the Phase 2 engagement stage in February 2026. This phase will be followed by public consultation in which residents, visitors, and interested individuals may voice their views before any final decisions are made.