National Park To Review Loch Lomond Camping Rules
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Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Authority has opened a 12-week public consultation on its Camping Management Byelaws, ten years after they came into force.
Henry Hurt Deputy Editor
Henry Hurt Deputy Editor
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Introduced in March 2017, the byelaws were the first of their type throughout Scotland, requiring campers to book a permit or campsite in advance at busy loch shore areas, as well as setting rules on fire wood collection. Most of the park is still open to informal wild camping under the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.
Nearly 300,000 people have camped in permit areas since the rules began, with satisfaction consistently above 90%. Complaints have dropped from 324 in 2017 to 40 last year, and the authority says only a small fraction of tents have been found outside permit zones.
The review looks at five areas: the zones the byelaws cover, their seasonal dates, fire and barbecue rules, the rise in motorhome and campervan use, and protection for rangers.
Proposed changes include requiring fires to be raised off the ground in a contained bowl, with campers made to put them out if a ranger asks during high wildfire risk. The authority also wants a new offence covering threats or abuse towards National Park staff, after incidents more than doubled since 2021.
Kenny Auld, Head of Visitor Services, said the byelaws were "controversial for some" when introduced but came from necessity. The consultation runs until 21 September, 2026, with findings due to Scottish Ministers by March 2027.
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