Wild Camping in Loch Lomond & The Trossachs

Current conditions

Heading higher or staying out longer? The mountain weather page covers summit forecasts, and if the night turns on you, a bothy is the dry fallback. Between September and March, check aurora conditions before you pick a pitch — a dark-sky camp is the best seat there is.

About this region

Loch Lomond is the closest wild camping to Scotland's central belt and as a result it is also the most heavily used and most regulated. Since 2017, four camping management zones — West Loch Lomond, East Loch Lomond, Trossachs West and Trossachs North — cover both shores of Loch Lomond and the busiest Trossachs lochshores, including Loch Ard, Loch Chon, Loch Venachar, Loch Achray, Loch Lubnaig, Loch Earn and Balquhidder Glen. Between 1 March and 30 September you must camp there in a permit area (£4.50 per night per tent) or a campsite. Outside these zones and outside this period, camping operates under standard Scottish access rights.

Best camping spots

• Sallochy Bay (permitted zone, eastern shore)
• Cashel (commercial campsite, eastern shore)
• Loch Chon (permit campsite, Trossachs West zone)
• Ben Lomond summit camp (above permit zone)
• Hill ground above the lochshore zones (standard access rights)

Getting there

Eastern shore accessible via minor road from Drymen to Rowardennan. West Highland Way runs the full eastern shore. ScotRail to Balloch then bus to Balmaha.

Why come here

Proximity to Glasgow (45 min); island sites (camping on Loch Lomond islands via permit); dramatic Ben Lomond backdrop; West Highland Way access

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a permit to wild camp at Loch Lomond?

Yes, inside the four camping management zones (CMZs) — West Loch Lomond, East Loch Lomond, Trossachs West and Trossachs North — from 1 March to 30 September, where you must use a permit area or a campsite. Permits cost £4.50 per night per tent and must be booked in advance at lochlomond-trossachs.org. Outside the zones, and outside those dates, standard Scottish access rights apply and no permit is needed. Our camping management zones guide covers each zone and how booking works.

Can I camp on the Loch Lomond islands?

On Inchcailloch, camping is at the National Park Authority's small campsite, booked in advance; it is closed in the winter months, so check the Park's campsite page before you plan. We have not been able to confirm the rules for every other island, so check the National Park's camping zone maps before landing a boat and pitching anywhere on the loch between March and September.

Where can I camp at Loch Lomond without a permit?

The zones are lochside strips covering less than 4% of the park, so most of it is free under the Access Code — the hills above the lochshores, the upper glens and much of the Trossachs forest network. Ben Lomond above the East Loch Lomond zone is outside any CMZ. Both shores of Loch Lomond and the lochshores of Loch Ard, Loch Chon, Loch Venachar, Loch Achray, Loch Lubnaig, Loch Earn (both shores) and Balquhidder Glen are inside a zone; around Loch Arklet, check the map. Each zone runs from the shore to the road and about 200m beyond, so check the National Park's zone maps for exact lines.

Is Loch Lomond worth it despite the permit system?

It depends on your expectations. The scenery is exceptional and the proximity to Glasgow makes it uniquely accessible. The permit system has reduced some of the historic impact and chaos of the pre-2017 situation. However, the eastern shore is genuinely very busy in summer and the midge pressure is significant June–August. For a quieter experience, camp high on the hills above the lochs, or come between October and February, when no permit is needed anywhere in the park.