Best Beach Camping Near Balloch 2024

100% (2 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Balloch

4 top beach campsites near Balloch

Dog-friendly getaways

Broom Fisheries Campsite

4 units · Glamping200 acres · Dumfries, South Scotland

Luxury caravans ideally situated next to picturesque Scottish fishing lakes

100%

(6)

Runach Arainn Glamping

3 units · Glamping1 acre · Kilmory, Scotland

A three-yurt luxury glamping site on the Isle of Arran, steps away from the beach

The Charcoal Huts - Isle of Bute

2 units · Glamping8 acres · Scotland

Our Huts are located within the Moss Wood area of Bute Forest - a mixed birch and alder wood that extends up the hillside to the west of the A886 that connects the Rhubodach Ferry to Port Bannatyne and Rothesay. Moss Wood has a range of facilities. Park on the shore-side where the coast can be enjoyed or at the main entrance, and take a walk up through Moss Wood along the Poetry Trail. A steep walk in places, the Poetry Trail is a loop punctuated with places to stop and read, to stop and think. Read nature poetry from throughout the ages, stop at the Blether Stane, or taking the spur to the Viewing Point back south across the Kyles. Moss Wood connects to the West Island Way – take the Poetry Trail and the spur to the Viewing Point – and then take the Stag’s Trod further up (steeply) till you reach the West Island Way. From there, head south towards Port Bannatyne or north along the boundary of the Community Forest. From the viewing point, you can also explore interesting heritage features such as the old WW2 bunker, kayak shelter, Balnakailly settlement, and the SSSI oak woodland.

Beach camping near Balloch guide

Overview

Lying on the southwest shores of Loch Lomond, the pretty village of Balloch is generally considered the main gateway to Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park thanks to its convenient road and rail links to Glasgow. Those who linger a while in the village can take advantage of the amenities on offer at Loch Lomond Shores, from boat trips to a children’s playpark and bird of prey center, and will be within easy reach of the park’s attractions and opportunities for outdoor adventure, including hiking, kayaking, sailing, mountain biking and wildlife spotting.

Where to go

In Balloch

One of the most popular visitor activities in Balloch is taking a trip on the loch aboard the restored paddle steamer, the Maid of the Loch, from Balloch Pier. A 10-minute walk from the pier, Lomond Woods Holiday Park has touring pitches, as well as a selection of glamping pods and static caravans (including one with a hot tub).

Luss

Less than 15 minutes north of Balloch, Luss is a beautiful village with a long sandy beach and another main gateway into Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. Just outside the village, Luss Caravan and Campsite is set on the western banks of Loch Lomond and offers pitches with a view for tents and tourers.

Balmaha

Further up the loch from Balloch, Balmaha has a good visitor centre and is another typical departure point for cruises on the loch. The long-distance West Highland Way walking route passes nearby. Just north of the village, Milarrochy Bay Camping and Caravanning Club Site enjoys a tranquil setting and pitches for tents and tourers.

Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park

Heading deeper into the National Park, you’ll find a variety of campsites in the park, including the basic campground on Inchcailloch island on Loch Lomond, accessed by boat from Balmaha. It’s one of the few places in Scotland with restrictions on wild camping: in some areas campers are restricted to designated sites where permits are required from March through September.

When to go

For long and often sunny days, May through September is usually thought to be the best period to visit the Loch Lomond area. However, as one of Scotland’s top attractions and easily accessible, the area can get very crowded with tourists in summer, especially in July and August. September and October are very appealing months to visit as most of the large crowds will have gone and the landscape is covered in rich autumnal colurs and blooming purple heather.

Know before you go

Be sure to adhere to the Scottish Outdoor Access Code while visiting the area, and, if planning to wild camp, check for restrictions ahead of time.
Balloch is within easy reach of Glasgow. Driving and travellling by train typically takes around 40 minutes.
Biting midges are a common nuisance in the summer. It’s a good idea to wear long sleeves and bring repellent.