Bookings only at camping sites

National Park-run campsites and camping permit areas are set to reopen today (Friday) with advance bookings necessary.

Campers will once more be able to stay at low-impact campsites (managed by Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park Authority) on Loch Chon and Loch Achray, or book a permit to camp in areas within the Camping Management Zones where camping management bylaws apply.

Online camping booking will be necessary to help manage demand for camping in popular lochshore areas around the park. Bookings are being taken online at www. lochlomond-trossachs.org, with bookings available up to two weeks in advance.

Capacity at the National Park Authority-run campsites is being reduced to manage physical distancing and reduce pressure on facilities like toilets on-site. This is to help the safety of campers, staff working at the sites and the communities around them. Numbers will be kept under review, and more capacity will be added as and when it is deemed safe to do so.

The reopening of the sites coincides with the reopening of the tourism sector across Scotland from July 15, in line with Scottish Government’s phase three of easing lockdown restrictions.

National Park chief executive Gordon Watson, said:“With many holidays cancelled this summer, lots of people are looking for a break a little closer to home so we fully expect campsites and camping permit areas we manage to get booked up fast. We’re reminding people to check our website and book a camping permit in advance, as turning up without one may leave people disappointed if areas are already at full capacity.

“Like many places across the country, a visit to the National Park this summer isn’t going to be exactly the same it was before. While facilities and local businesses are beginning to reopen, this won’t happen all at once. This season, not all campsites are going to take tents or campervans without facilities on-board, and most, including the ones we manage, require advance booking. We can still offer a warm welcome but people will need to think, check and plan in advance to come prepared.”

Seasonal camping management bylaws are still in effect in some areas of the National Park to help protect popular lochshores. Within these zones, people can only camp in a campsite or a pre-booked camping permit area. The bylaws are enforced by both National Park Rangers and Police Scotland and can result in a fine of up to £500.

There are also private campsites throughout the National Park but checking what facilities they offer this season and booking in advance will be more crucial than ever as many have had to limit the services they provide or adjust their operations to allow for physical distancing and to reduce the spread of Covid-19.