Bell tent camping near Balloch
The gateway to Loch Lomond, Balloch is the perfect base for outdoor adventurers.
Popular camping styles for Balloch
4 top bell tents sites near Balloch
West Highland Way Hotel & Campsite
Cleghorn Farm
Muiredge
The Outdoor Hotel
Dog-friendly getaways
Bell tent camping near Balloch guide
Overview
Lying on the southwest shores of Loch Lomond, the pretty village of Balloch is generally considered the main gateway to Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park thanks to its convenient road and rail links to Glasgow. Those who linger a while in the village can take advantage of the amenities on offer at Loch Lomond Shores, from boat trips to a children’s playpark and bird of prey center, and will be within easy reach of the park’s attractions and opportunities for outdoor adventure, including hiking, kayaking, sailing, mountain biking and wildlife spotting.
Where to go
In Balloch
One of the most popular visitor activities in Balloch is taking a trip on the loch aboard the restored paddle steamer, the Maid of the Loch, from Balloch Pier. A 10-minute walk from the pier, Lomond Woods Holiday Park has touring pitches, as well as a selection of glamping pods and static caravans (including one with a hot tub).
Luss
Less than 15 minutes north of Balloch, Luss is a beautiful village with a long sandy beach and another main gateway into Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. Just outside the village, Luss Caravan and Campsite is set on the western banks of Loch Lomond and offers pitches with a view for tents and tourers.
Balmaha
Further up the loch from Balloch, Balmaha has a good visitor centre and is another typical departure point for cruises on the loch. The long-distance West Highland Way walking route passes nearby. Just north of the village, Milarrochy Bay Camping and Caravanning Club Site enjoys a tranquil setting and pitches for tents and tourers.
Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park
Heading deeper into the National Park, you’ll find a variety of campsites in the park, including the basic campground on Inchcailloch island on Loch Lomond, accessed by boat from Balmaha. It’s one of the few places in Scotland with restrictions on wild camping: in some areas campers are restricted to designated sites where permits are required from March through September.
When to go
For long and often sunny days, May through September is usually thought to be the best period to visit the Loch Lomond area. However, as one of Scotland’s top attractions and easily accessible, the area can get very crowded with tourists in summer, especially in July and August. September and October are very appealing months to visit as most of the large crowds will have gone and the landscape is covered in rich autumnal colurs and blooming purple heather.
Know before you go
- Be sure to adhere to the Scottish Outdoor Access Code while visiting the area, and, if planning to wild camp, check for restrictions ahead of time.
- Balloch is within easy reach of Glasgow. Driving and travellling by train typically takes around 40 minutes.
- Biting midges are a common nuisance in the summer. It’s a good idea to wear long sleeves and bring repellent.
