The National Park Authority’s campsite on Inchcailloch has now closed for the season.
Inchcailloch is part of the Loch Lomond National Nature Reserve and is accessed by boat from Luss. It offers the perfect spot to experience remoteness and wildness in a safe and easily accessible location.
Campsite (credit: Emma White)
Once on the island you can explore the woodlands and spot wildlife from one of two walking routes. Make sure you include the summit path if you can for lovely views across the loch and surrounding mountains.
Facilities are basic. There are public composting toilets on the island but there is no supply of drinking water, so please bring your own. Water may be obtained at MacFarlane’s Boatyard in Balmaha using your own containers.
Capacity for baggage is limited on the passenger ferries, and if crossing from Balmaha there is an approximately 1km walk from the jetty to the campsite. Please take this into consideration and phone the ferry operators in advance to discuss baggage limitations.
Parking is not available on the island but there is a car park in Balmaha.
Prices are £10 per person, per night. Children under 16 years go free.
Campsite & view of Port Bawn
You can stay for up to 2 nights and book up to 4 weeks in advance.
As the island is a nature reserve, occupancy is limited to a maximum of 12 people per night, with individual group sizes limited to 6 people.
Pitches are available from 12.30pm on the day of your arrival and must be vacated by 11am on your day of departure.
Due to the deer population, ticks are present on Inchcailloch which can carry Lyme disease. You can prevent being bitten by a tick by staying on the paths and wearing long trousers. The NHS has provided an information guide on how best to deal with the wee beasts.
Inchcailloch campsite is on the southern tip of the island in Port Bawn.
Your island adventure begins with a short ferry journey from Balmaha. Campers must contact MacFarlane’s Boatyard in advance to book the ferry, which runs until 5pm. Space is limited so you will be asked for details of the baggage you will be bringing on board. The ferry will drop you off at the pier on the east side of the island, known as the North Jetty. With a short stair climb, your walk will total approximately 1km to the campsite.
From Luss the waterbus service can also get you to the island from the west shore of the loch from March – October. Please phone the waterbus operator in advance to discuss baggage limitations.
If you are arriving in your own boat, please anchor in the bay or beach your vessel.
