Where do I need a permit to camp in Scotland?

Generally, you don't need a permit, but you will need one if you intend to camp in specific areas of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park between March and September. These are Camping Management Zones and exist to protect the areas from overcrowding and damaging the natural landscape.



In Scotland, you generally do not need a permit to "wild camp" due to the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003, provided you follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code (leave no trace, stay only 2-3 nights). However, the major exception is Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park. To protect its popular lochshores, the park enforces "Camping Management Byelaws" from March 1st to September 30th each year. During this window, you must obtain a permit to camp or stay overnight in a motorhome within specific "Camping Management Zones" (like Loch Venachar, Loch Lubnaig, and Loch Earn). These permits are inexpensive—typically around £4.50 per night in 2026—and must be booked in advance via the National Park's website. Outside of these specific zones and dates, you can camp freely on most unenclosed land. It is also important to note that you cannot camp in formal roadside laybys (those are for short breaks only) and you should avoid camping near historic monuments or within sight of residential buildings. If you are camping in 2026, always check the local National Park website as "pre-season" bookings often open in mid-February.

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As part of Scotland's access legislation, the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003, you have the right to roam and are allowed to camp on most unenclosed land. However, due to overuse, areas of Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park are subject to wild camping bylaws.

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If you love the solitude of a 'wild camping' experience and a night under the stars, there are plenty of great places to enjoy the spectacular scenery of the National Park. In Scotland, you can 'wild camp' as part of your right of responsible access through the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.

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Wild camping in Scotland By the letter of the law staying in a roof tent isn't covered by the Scottish Access Rights. Public or private land owners can restrict or regulate parking on their land, you must comply with this. However, there are still plenty of places where you can 'wild camp' or camp for free.

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Scottish access rights AKA the right to roam, is for people on foot with tents, it does not cover motor vehicles. They're covered under the The Road Traffic Act 1988 which states that you can't park your vehicle overnight without landowners permission either verbal or by signage.

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That being said, there are also many campsites around the country and Loch Ness camping, whether it be in a wild meadow or a designated campsite, is widely available. Although wild camping is perfectly legal, that doesn't mean there aren't some rules that should be followed while doing so.

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Scotland's access legislation means that everyone can go camping wherever access rights apply, as long as it's done responsibly. There are a few reasonable exceptions to where you can camp - you should avoid camping in enclosed fields of crops or farm animals, or near buildings.

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