Campsites in Loch Lomond, Dunbartonshire

8 bookable campsites within 15 miles of Loch Lomond Sorted by distance

Why visit Loch Lomond?

Gateway to the Highlands 

Loch Lomond and The Trossachs is where the Highlands start. It may not look that ‘high’ up on the map of Scotland, but this spectacular national park sits right on the Highland Boundary Fault, the geological dividing line between the rolling green pastures of the Lowlands and the wilder landscapes that prevail to the north. 

Loch Lomond’s southern shores – and indeed the whole national park – are very easy to reach from Scotland’s major cities. Getting to Balloch, for example, takes about 45 minutes from central Glasgow by road or rail, while the drive from Edinburgh can usually be done in about an hour and a half. 

Boating on the bonnie, bonnie banks

Being Britain’s largest lake, Loch Lomond is a hub for boating, sailing, paddling and if you’re brave enough swimming. If you’re keen to try new watersports, there are several companies offering taster sessions at various points around the loch. 

Once you’ve built up confidence on the water, the small town of Luss makes a particularly attractive start-off point – there’s an accessible beach, a large car park and a jetty here, plus a fish and chip shop for when you finally return to dry land. 

Walkers’ paradise 

Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park is also an excellent spot for walking and hiking. 

Close to the shores of Loch Lomond, you’ll find Ben Lomond, Scotland’s most southerly Munro and one of the best to take on if you’re new to hill walking. Other challenging hikes include Conic Hill, a 350-metre ascent with sweeping views over the loch at its summit, and Callander Crags, a short but strenuous circular route that takes in a variety of terrain. 

Long-distance trails like the West Highland Way and John Muir Way also pass through the park. 

For slightly less athletic times, Loch Lomond and The Trossachs has a huge array of flatter walks, such as the gorgeous and historic Glen Ogle Trail in the north of the park and the River Eachaig & Massan Circuit in the west. 

Loch Lomond’s best attractions

Many of Loch Lomond’s best-known attractions are clustered around the small town of Balloch in the south. Popular highlights include:

  • Loch Lomond Sea Life Centre

  • Treezone Aerial Adventure Course

  • Loch Lomond Bird of Prey Centre 

  • Balloch Castle and Country Park 

  • PS Maid of the Loch, a 1950s paddle steamer.

Other spots to visit within the boundary of the national park include: 

  • Inchmahome Priory, a holy island 25 minutes’ drive from Stirling 

  • Inversnaid Falls, a secluded beauty spot on the north-west corner of Loch Lomond

  • Queen Elizabeth Forest Park, a huge woodland with excellent opportunities for birdwatching and spotting rare red squirrels.

Unexplored Loch Lomond

Amazing islands

Loch Lomond has a grand total of 23 islands, many of which can be visited for the day. 

In the summer months, a water bus runs out to Inchmurrin, Loch Lomond’s largest isle and the biggest freshwater island in Britain. 

If you’re travelling under your own steam, you can also get out to Inchconnachan – home to a small wallaby population that was brought here in the 1940s – or Inchmurrin and its abandoned castle. 

It’s possible to wild camp on a number of Loch Lomond’s islands. If you’re interested in this option, please check our wild camping guide and local bylaws before setting off. Be mindful of the fact that some islands are inhabited for all or some of the year and that many are privately owned. 

Seaplane safaris 

Loch Lomond is one of the few places left in the world where you can still experience the best bits of boat and air travel in the same trip. Loch Lomond Seaplanes has a base near the southern edge of the loch and operates regular half-hour discovery flights – an excellent option for photography fans, vintage transport enthusiasts or couples on the hunt for a romantic activity. 

Other lochs in the national park 

Staying here for more than just a couple of days? Loch Lomond may be beautiful, but don’t let it steal the thunder from the other 21 lochs that are dotted around the national park.

For fishing enthusiasts, Argyll’s sea lochs like Goil, Fyne and Long offer rich pickings including salmon, trout, mackerel and cod. 

Loch Lomond can sometimes get busy, especially around Balloch and Luss in the summer months. For sporty action or walks away from the crowds, try Loch Earn, one of the few other lochs where both motorised and sail-powered watersports are allowed. 

Here’s how

Ready to find a campsite near Loch Lomond? Whether you’re after a back to basics backpacker pitch near the West Highland Way or a self-contained camping pod in Scotland’s oldest national park, you’ll find a range of spots on our site to suit all tastes and budgets. 

Popular search criteria include: 

Wild camping? If you haven’t already, check out our guide to off-grid stays in Scotland. Around 4% of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs is part of the national park’s ‘Camping Management Zone’, meaning you may need to find an established campsite or pay for a permit if you want to stay overnight. 

Strictly speaking, wild camping is only possible for tents, so campervans and caravans should consider other options. Check out the Scottish Outdoor Access Code to find out more. 

Loch Lomond Tent pitchesLoch Lomond Touring caravan pitchesLoch Lomond Motorhome pitchesLoch Lomond Lodges, cabins, pods or hutsLoch Lomond Caravans for hireLoch Lomond Glamping