Dog-friendly camping near Balloch, Dunbartonshire

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.

95% (109)

Top-rated campgrounds

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.

95% (109)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Red Deer Village Holiday Park

30km from Balloch · 10 units · Motorhomes · Glasgow, Lanarkshire, South Scotland

Red Deer Village Holiday Park in Scotland is a 5 star holiday park, conveniently situated on the doorstep of Glasgow, just off the A80, one of Scotland’s main arterial routes to the North. The Scottish holiday park is close to a number of public transport links, with regular buses and trains into Glasgow city centre. he level and spacious caravan and campsite near Glasgow is the ideal base for a holiday in and around West Central Scotland, or as a stopover for a few days whilst touring. There are 24 hardstanding pitches with electric hookup, suitable for touring caravans and motorhomes. Our grass area has a number of spacious tent pitches, which are well served by immaculate facilities.

2. Runach Arainn Glamping

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(9)

74km from Balloch · 3 units · Glamping · Kilmory, Scotland

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

3. Pirnie Lodge Farm

100%

(2)

49km from Balloch · 3 units · Glamping · Slamannan, Scotland

Lodges with hot tubs in peaceful countryside near Falkirk

4. Dalaraban Luxury Pods

95km from Balloch · 2 units · Glamping · Scotland

Situated above Loch Linnhe with uninterrupted views towards Corpach and Treslaig, you can watch the sea and golden eagles above from the decking of these pods, as well as the roe deer visiting you in the morning. Unlike other pods, our pods are equipped with a full-size shower, a wood burner, a kingsize bed, a sofa bed for two children and a kitchen with a mini fridge and freezer. This is the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the area with many activities and attractions within driving distance. Dalaraban Luxury Pods are located on farmland to the South side of Fort William beside the road that climbs above the town. This gives marvellous clear views to Loch Linnhe and the hills beyond. Whether you are seeking thrilling outdoor pursuits, exploring historical landmarks, or simply soaking in the breath-taking scenery, there’s something here for everyone. From hiking the iconic Ben Nevis to cruising on Loch Linnhe or discovering the rich culture of the area, here there are some of the best activities and experiences Fort William and its stunning surroundings have to offer. Start planning your Highland adventure today!

5. Broom Fisheries Campsite

139km from Balloch · 4 units · Glamping · Dumfries, South Scotland

Luxury caravans ideally situated next to picturesque Scottish fishing lakes

Stories from the community

S

Sally

July 2025

With kids

4 nights at Runach Arainn Glamping

Runach Arainn is even more lovely in person than in the photos. Great location for a peaceful and relaxing stay on Arann. The yurts are comfortable, the kitchen/fire-pit etc are well-equipped and the orchard setting is beautiful. It's just a short walk to the beach or to the Lagg Inn for dinner. Highly recommend.

Dan

January 2025

2 nights at Pirnie Lodge Farm

From the minute we arrived Anne was welcoming and gave us all the information to do with the lodge, the lodge itself was spotless and felt homely from the minute we walked in. Anne also left a welcome pack which was an added bonus, the hot tub was ready on arrival and Anne also shown us how to use this before leaving Anne gave us recommendations on places to visit and where we could go for days out, we were recommended the milk barn which was delicious, the ice cream and milkshakes were perfect! We would also recommend going there! Thank you Anne, we love our stays

Available this weekend

Collierhall Farm

81%

(21)

67km from Balloch · 5 units · Tents · Lanark, Lanarkshire, South Scotland

Very quiet and easily accessible from the motorway (1 mile) The farm is set in 100 acres and has a mixture of caravans, motorhomes and tents. There is a golf course across the road and the world heritage site of New Lanark only 7 miles away. Edinburgh and Glasgow are also easily reached by car or train.

Troquhain Woods

92%

(32)

106km from Balloch · 6 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Castle Douglas, Dumfries, South Scotland

Nearly wild camping for tents and campervans in a Scottish woodland

West Highland Way Hotel & Campsite

82%

(36)

15km from Balloch · 46 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Glasgow, Lanarkshire, South Scotland

A welcoming campsite on the West Highland Way

Fernlea - Campsite & Pod

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(2)

96km from Balloch · 7 units · Motorhomes, Glamping · Scotland

Welcome to Fernlea. We would love to have you visit us, either on our 5 pitch campsite for motorhomes and caravans, or in 2025 to our new luxury glamping pod. Fernlea is our home in the heart of an agricultural plain called “The Carse of Gowrie,” which runs for 20 miles or so along the River Tay between Perth and Dundee. It’s a beautiful area that we hope you will love too. We are a short walk from the village of Errol, with access to lovely walks along the Tay. We are adjacent to the local bus route (just stick your arm out!), the Sustrans cycle route 77, plus only a mile or so from the A90 Perth to Dundee / Aberdeen road. We are perfect for both a short stopover and a longer break with a fascinating local area to explore. All pitches have hard standing, water on each pitch, grey waste disposal adjacent to the pitch, and a 10 or 16 amp electric supply with a chemical toilet waste tank with rinsing tap behind our garage. We are also within easy access to Fife and the southern area of the Highlands. Walkers and bird watchers will find many footpaths by the River Tay and can climb the local hills to see buzzards, hawks, ducks, and migrating geese throughout the seasons. Any visitors requiring repairs or accessories for their van will find the large Perthshire Caravan dealership nearby. Every Sunday, one of Scotland’s largest car boot sales and markets is held less than a mile away. Facilities on the CL Site: - Dog walk from the site - Information room - Recycling facilities - Battery charging - TV reception: good - 16 amp electric on 4 pitches, 10 amp on 5th - Water on all pitches - Chemical toilet disposal point - Lawned site, with gravel hardstandings - Latest arrival time: 9:00 PM - Latest departure time: 12:00 PM Shop/village of Errol within 1 mile. Errol Village shop, Pub, Lass O’Gowrie Cafe, Fish and Chip Shop, Butchers. Nearby: Cairn O’Mohr Winery, Rait Antiques Centre, Errol Sunday Market, Lass O'Gowrie Cafe, Fruit Shack - Pick your own strawberries, We look forward to seeing you soon!

Loch Lomond Sunset Glamping Pod

8km from Balloch · 1 unit · Glamping · Croftamie, Scotland

Settled in the idyllic area with unrestricted panoramic views over the Arrochar Alps, Loch Lomond Sunset Glamping Pod is set in charming grounds to the west of the popular small village of Croftamie. It has a wonderful situation with some outstanding views, over fields, towards the dramatic enveloping peaks of the Arrochar Alps and Ben Lomond. The perfect getaway for a romantic stay or honeymoon retreat or simply for exploring the wonders of the countryside and beauty of the local nature. Enjoying a snug open-plan studio layout, Loch Lomond Sunset Glamping Pod has everything you need for a countryside break full of outdoor adventures. The kitchenette is compact yet well-stocked with all the essential appliances with an electric hob, microwave and fridge being all you need to wine and dine. To the rear of the pod is the snug double bed with fresh & crispy bedlinen, cosy blankets for indoor and outdoor use (extra ones in a wooden box in front of the bed), and under-bed storage for your clothing. Compact, yet sleek bathroom equipped with a toilet, basin and an electric shower. The Pod is equipped with a Smart TV, a mini–Portable Bluetooth Speaker along with excellent Wi-Fi so you can stay connected. LED lights inside and outside the pod including decking lights. Outside of the pod, head out for a relaxing dip in the hot tub and soak up the stunning scenery before going back inside and climbing into cosy bed and watching your favourite series on Netflix. With a decking area providing a stunning view of the mountains, ofuro style hot tub and gazebo sitting area with firepit & BBQ Grill, this charming rural retreat for two, Loch Lomond Sunset Glamping Pod is offering a peaceful romantic escape. Dog friendly Not suitable for children Loch Lomond Sunset Pod lies just to the west of Croftamie Village and is only a couple of miles south of Drymen. The Sunset Pod is within a National Scenic Area and The Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, Scotland’s first National Park. It is surrounded by rolling Stirlingshire countryside and hills and is approached via its long private, and gated, drive off a quiet country road. When you reach the pod, on the left side of the front door there is a key safe box (details will be sent on your booking) for self-check-in, just put the code in to access the keys to the pod and enjoy your stay admiring amazing mountains views. And if you are lucky, a deer may pay you a surprising visit. If you are a smoker, we kindly ask you to only smoke outside of the glamping pod within the gazebo area, where an ashtray is provided.

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Dog-friendly camping near Balloch guide

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.