These eight family campsites are ideal places to introduce children to the great outdoors. Loch Lomond is made for family camping. It’s the kinder side of Scottish outdoor experiences, but there are plenty of challenges for everyone. Plus, everyone can sing The Bonnie Bonnie Banks or ‘Loch Lomond with them to hang out in the camper along the way.
In any season, some of Great Britain’s national parks in Scotland and the North can seem prohibitive and ‘arctic’ to leisure campers and younger children. Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park are, on the contrary, a species of wildlife.
Gazed from the east side by Ben Lomond (3,200 feet) and embraced on both sides by the national forests: Argyll Forest Park on the west side, Queen Elizabeth National Forest on the east, Loch Lomond is the largest freshwater body in the Kingdom United. It’s dark, the deep blue waters are surrounded by dense forests and dotted with small islands.
It’s easy to imagine, as you and your family bike, hike, mountain bike, fish, canoe, or hike in search of wildlife, that you are a million miles from civilization. But really, Loch Lomond is less than an hour from Glasgow. So finding something to do in rainy weather – often a problem when kids are involved – is as easy as getting in the car for a road trip to Glasgow’s free museums.
Family Campsites in Loch Lomond
These eight campsites offer a variety of camping options for beginners and experienced campers alike. Pitches for tents, caravans and motorhomes; Rustic chalets and wigwams (also known as camping pods) are available.
- Inchcailloch Island – This small tent camp for up to 12 people is part of the Loch Lomond National Nature Reserve and is managed by the National Park. It is at the southern tip of an island in the lake that can be easily reached with a short, on-demand ferry ride. Individual groups are limited to six people, including children. The island does not have running water, so you must bring your own water supplies. There are composting toilets. The ferry departs from the Balmaha shipyard, near the parking area. Reservations are taken from March. Email [email protected] or phone +44 (0) 1389 722600
- Strathfillan Wigwam Village – These wigwams are camping pods, like rustic one-bedroom wooden shelters, with foam mattresses and electricity for light and heat. They are located on a working farm. The wigwams have fire pits, but only wood purchased from the site store can be used. Bring your own kit, although sheets can be rented. There’s a forest walk to a waterfall and easy access to the nearby villages of Crianlarich and Tyndrum by public transport (though keep in mind that if camping bores your kids, they won’t find much to do in these little mountainous villages). Elaborate facilities and equipped kitchens are also available. The farm shop specializes in unusual meats for barbecue. Don’t be surprised to find crocodiles, kangeroo and shark steaks alongside local venison, wild boar, Book online or call +44 (0) 1838 400251, +44 (0) 1838 400298 or +44 (0) 7817483126 for get more information.
- Beinglas Farm Camping Cabins – This is a 3 star Scottish campsite. It offers robust wooden cabins for up to four people, equipped with mattresses, heating and lighting, as well as bed and breakfast chalets, with breakfast offered in the on-site bar and lounge. Ardlui Church, not far from the main camping area, is a 200-year-old converted stone church, with many original features, now available as a self-catering vacation rental. The campground is below Ben Glas and the Gray Mares Tail waterfall, with good views of both from around the campground. A tent field, close to all main site facilities, can accommodate 100 tents with no prior reservation required. Book by email or phone +44 (0) 1301 704 281
- Milarrochy Bay – This is a great campground if you like the idea of sleeping under the tarp but don’t want to pitch your own tent or freeze in cold weather. The site features “Ready Camps,” ready to move into two-bedroom tarp-wrapped lodges with actual beds, equipped kitchen facilities, and even heaters. This glamping site off the shores of Loch Lomond is a Camping and Caravanning Club site, but non-members are welcome. The safari-style tents are equipped with everything you need: pots and pans, a two-burner stove, microwave, even a closet with hangers. The site also has 150 pitches for tents, caravans and motorhomes. Open from the end of March to the end of October, please call +44 (0) 1360 870236
- Ardlui Holiday Park – Self-Contained Caravan and Cabin Village is located on the northern shores of the lake, near the Ardui Marina. It is in a quiet part of the lake known for water sports. Multi-walker “walkys” are available, also known as wigwams and “armadillo-style” camping pods. If you’re concerned that the big Scottish night out in the open might be too much for some family members, there’s no need – the camp pods have an under-floor liner. There is also a cozy 3-star hotel on site. Contact through the Hotel Ardlui, telephone +44 (0) 1301 704 243 or by email
- Camping Luss – Another lakeside Camping and Caravanning Club near the conservation village of Luss. There are 90 pitches but due to licenses caravan and motorhome owners must join the club 24 hours prior to their stay. Non-members are welcome to the tent camp.
- Sallochy Bay The Forestry Commission operates this informal tent camp on the shores of the lake. There are 30 pitches and this camp is intended for people who want a more ‘wild’ experience. But there is a toilet block and a sink for drinking water and washing. Fires are only allowed on special mobile “fires” that can be rented from the warden. This camp is especially popular with people who enjoy what the British call ‘wild swimming’ and the rest of us just call going to the beach. The lake shore has a pebble beach at this site. Book through Sallochy Bay Woodland Campground. The site is open for camping from late Easter through October.
- Cashel Camps at Queen Elizabeth Forest Park 168 pitches for tents, touring caravans and motorhomes on the eastern shores of Loch Lomond, close to some of the trails to explore Ben Lomond. Nearby boat launch and boat rental facilities are available and there is a playground for younger campers. This is a dog friendly site and there are some nice quiet spots to fish. But bring plenty of bug spray and prepare for mosquitoes. Book through the Camping in the Forest website.
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