Can I Camp and Fish in the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park?

Yes is the answer, but the laws have changed and it is important you understand them. Media of late has coined the new bylaws issued by the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park as a “Camping Ban” but this couldn’t be further from the truth! However, please be aware that refusal to comply with the bylaws could result in a report to the Procurator Fiscal and a fine of up to £500. So it is worth reading on…

March to September – The new bylaws are enforced.

October to February – Unaffected by new changes.

 

The regulations are not in any way set to dissuade those looking to camp or fish in the National Park area.  They are there to help those willing to camp properly and respectfully and ultimately feel satisfied that the National Park Authority have made positive steps toward your enjoyment and conservation of these beautiful surroundings.

Why?

Quite simply, the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park said “the move was to protect the area from antisocial behaviour, including littering and fire-raising” and rightly so. There have been laws in place to manage camping in the park for quite some time, with successful enforcement by the team of professional and fair Park Authority Officers. However, the unfortunate point to make now though, is that the minority of visitors camping have not respected the rules nor employed any common sense and these new bylaws have had to be issued. The consequences are stricter access to the vast majority of ‘good campers’. But the positives of this change truly outweigh the drawbacks.

So what do I need to know?

Permit Areas:

Only 4% of the National Park is affected by the new ‘camping management zones’ and only in the months of March to September. Camping in the other 96% is unaffected. This small percentage of the Park is basically dictated by shorelines that some of the roads follow. A map is provided here of the Camping Managed Zones and the required permit is available here.

Camping within these Zones (March – September) will only be possible in campsites or with a camping permit.

Campsites:

There are three types of campsites in the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park:

Prices are all dependant on which of the 3 types of site you are to book, but you do not require an additional camping permit as above if you have booked your stay at one of these sites.

Fires:

“The byelaws also cover irresponsible fire-lighting, including collecting firewood. If you want to have a fire when you are camping, make sure you build it in a place where it will cause no damage or use a fire bowl. You must bring your own wood, as collecting firewood has a damaging effect on wildlife in the area.” Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park.

Have You Got a Question?

At Angling Active we are of course happy to try to find out what we can do to help you in your fishing experiences on our doorstep and beyond. For further information on camping in the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, see this FAQ’s link.

You can also download the bylaws in full here.

 

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Booking Telephone Number is 01389 722001