Scotland’s National Park campsites and camping permit areas reopen

Scotland’s National Park Authority-run campsites and camping permit areas in Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park have reopened with advanced booking necessary.

It means stays at low-impact campsites, which are managed by the National Park Authority on Loch Chon and Loch Achray, are now possible. In addition, those who wish to pitch up in the area can book a permit to camp within the Camping Management Zones where Camping Management Byelaws apply.

Online camping booking is necessary to help manage demand for camping in popular lochshore areas around Loch Lomond & The Trossachs. Online bookings opened on 16 July with bookings available up two weeks in advance.

Capacity at the National Park Authority-run campsites has been reduced to manage physical distancing and reduce pressure on facilities like on-site toilets. This will help the safety of campers, staff working at the sites and the communities around them. Numbers will be kept under review, and more capacity will be added as and when it is deemed safe to do so.

National Park Chief Executive, Gordon Watson, said: "With many holidays cancelled this summer, lots of people are looking for a break a little closer to home so we fully expect campsites and camping permit areas that we manage to get booked up fast. We’re reminding people to check our website and book a camping permit in advance, as turning up without one may leave disappointed if areas are already at full capacity.

“Like many places across the country, a visit to the National Park this summer isn’t going to exactly the same it was before. While facilities and local businesses are beginning to reopen, this won’t happen all at once. This season, not all campsites are going to take tents or campervans without facilities on-board, and most, including the ones we manage, require advance booking. We can still offer a warm welcome but people will need to think, check and plan in advance to come prepared for their stay.”

Seasonal Camping Management Byelaws are still in effect in some areas of the National Park to help protect popular lochshores. Within these zones, people can only camp in a campsite or a prebooked camping permit area. The byelaws are enforced by both National Park Rangers and Police Scotland and can result in a fine of up to £500.

There are also private campsites throughout the National Park but checking what facilities they offer this season and booking in advance will be more crucial than ever as many have had to limit the services they provide or adjust their operations to allow for physical distancing and to reduce the spread of coronavirus.