Camping Management Byelaws

Camping is welcome throughout the National Park but in order to protect some of our most cherished lochshores, byelaws covering camping and firelighting are in effect in some parts of the Park between March and September. Camping from October to February is unaffected.

The camping byelaws were introduced to help minimise the environmental impact of the millions of visitors who come to the National Park every year. By managing visitor numbers and promoting responsible camping within the National Park, we can protect this special landscape for future generations.

The byelaws create Camping Management Zones covering less than 4% of Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park. Camping outside of these areas is unaffected.

Camping within these Zones (March – September) is only possible in campsites or with a camping permit.

In addition to the many campsites already within the National Park, alongside the byelaws the Park Authority has committed to providing at least 300 low-cost camping spaces across the National Park.

Permit areas

A number of camping places are in permit areas (some with basic facilities), where you can still have a ‘wild camping’ experience as described in the Scottish Outdoor Access Code (Outdooraccess-scotland.com), but want to stay within one of the Camping Management Zones.

The cost of camping permits within the permit areas are £4 per tent or motorhome/campervan per night. Permits can be booked online here.

Campsites

In addition to the many campsites already in the National Park, there are also Your Park informal campsites with bookable pitches, parking and basic facilities. Your Park campsites at Loch Chon and Loch Achray cost £10 per adult per night, with under 16s going free.

The cost of camping at private campsites varies depending on the level of facilities on offer.

Fires

The byelaws also cover irresponsible fire-lighting, including collecting firewood. If you want to have a fire when you are camping, make sure you build it in a place where it will cause no damage or use a fire bowl. You must bring your own wood, as collecting firewood has a damaging effect on wildlife in the area.

Staying safe

Please be aware that ticks (which can carry Lyme disease) are present in the National Park, especially during the Spring and Summer months. Read up on tick safety and precautions before your visit.

Respect Your Park

We want everyone to be able to make the most of the National Park.

National Park Rangers will always offer advice and continue to encourage visitors to enjoy the Park responsibly through sharing our Respect Your Park advice.

However, please be aware that refusal to comply with the byelaws could result in a report to the Procurator Fiscal and a fine of up to £500.

If you are coming to camp in the National Park please make sure you plan ahead.

We are committed to listening to feedback from visitors and using this to inform improvements to camping in the National Park where possible. Read an overview on changes we have made based on feedback.

You’ll find some useful questions and answers about the byelaws here.

Planning a trip to the National Park?

You can now download a quick guide to the byelaws in German, Spanish, French or Polish.