Campsites in The Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park

Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park welcome visitors of all ages, so sites in the region allow you to bring your children along for a family holiday. The kids won't be bored, either, with there being plenty for them to do as the National Park and its lochs are packed with activities to enjoy during your stay. Whether it's admiring the surrounding nature, enjoying its expansive waters, or going on a family day out to an adventure course or pony trekking, there's a great deal here to keep the kids occupied.

Kids' activities in Loch Lomond

• Loch Lomond Faerie Trail: Enjoy a magical day out with your kids at the Faerie Trail, an award-winning woodland adventure that will pique their curiosity with stories of faeries, trolls, unicorns and more.
• Loch Lomond Bird of Prey Centre: Over 35 birds of prey and owls are located in the local Bird of Prey Centre, where visitors can enjoy flying shows and learn all about these magnificent animals in a safe, welcoming environment.
• Sea Life Loch Lomond Aquarium: Take the kids to experience an underwater world in Lomond's Sea Life Centre, which includes rays, sharks, otters, turtles and more.
• TreeZone Aerial Adventure Course: Zip wires, balance beams, and bridges above the trees await at TreeZone, where adults and kids alike can have an unforgettable experience in this outdoor base.
• Boat trips: There are a number of boat trips to hop on in the Loch Lomond area, from luxury cruising yachts through to speedboat tours. Pick one to suit your family's tastes and enjoy the waters from a different perspective.

Do you need a Loch Lomond camping permit?

Wild camping requires a permit in Loch Lomond from March to September. Prior to these dates, no camping permits are required — additionally, if you opt to not go wild camping and instead choose an existing campsite or glamping site in the region, you will not need a permit.

Permits cost £3 per night, with a permit being required for each tent in a wild camping area. You can camp anywhere within the permit area. Permits are also required for motorhomes and campervans in these areas, available for the same price.

You can get a permit here.

Are water sports and activities allowed?

Loch Lomond is host to a wide array of water sports and activities, with many available for people of all skill levels to enjoy. Stand Up Paddleboarding, canoeing and kayaking are popular in the region, with visitors able to take to the numerous lochs in the National Park. Its variety of different islands also ensures that there are plenty of sheltered areas for beginners, while those with more experience can take to the open waters of the loch itself.

If you want to take to the water with just your wetsuit and goggles, then the 22 lochs of the National Park are an ideal place for those looking for open water swimming. There are a number of swimming events that take place in the National Park throughout the year, along with clubs for regular swimmers, making this a great place to meet like-minded water babies like yourself.

If you're seeking the most popular spot in the region, Milarrochy Bay on East Loch Lomond fits that bill and then some, a gorgeous shore where you can also spot the famous lone tree that sits in its waters.

Additionally, Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park is an ideal spot for anglers looking to sneak in a spot of fishing. Those with fishing permits can take to the area's many different lochs and rivers to catch a variety of trou, salmon, pike and more. Loch Lomond itself is known as one of the hardest lochs for pike fishing,  while anglers may also catch the protected species of the region, the powan. Once caught, this fish must be immediately returned to the water, given its protected status.

Visitors are advised to avoid boating and ferry areas where possible, and to always swim with at least one another person to ensure you remain safe. All of the above activities are allowed in the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, so bring your gear along with you and enjoy its beautiful waters.

Are campfires allowed?

Campfires and fire-lighting are allowed in Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, though visitors are of course advised to be safe and careful when lighting fires in the region. Those lighting a camping fire will need to make sure it is built in a place where it will cause no damage, or to use a fire bowl. Additionally, visitors must bring their own wood, as they are not allowed to collect wood on-site. Certain campsites and glampsites will provide their own firepit or equivalent, so it's best to check a site listing to see if they have these available prior to your stay.

Rules regarding fires are in place in 'camping management zones' in the park from March 1st to September 30th, with camping from prior to and after these dates being unaffected. Visitors are also told to remove all traces of their tent pitch and any of an open fire before they leave.

About

From loch-side tent pitches to camping high in the mountains, discover the best campsites in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park with this curated collection from the award-winning Hipcamp team. You’re one click away from booking your next camping holiday.