Responsible camping

To help keep Loch Doon safe and enjoyable for everyone who visits, we're introducing a Byelaw covering Loch Doon Camping Management.

Taking some time to understand these and the Scottish Outdoor Access Code will mean you can be sure that your stay is safer, more enjoyable and respectful to the area, its residents and other visitors.

About the Scottish Outdoor Access Code

The Scottish Outdoor Access Code sets out the rights and responsibilities for responsible access to most land and inland water in Scotland for recreation, education, and travel. The Scottish Outdoor Access Code is a legal framework established under the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 that formalises Scotland’s tradition of universal access to land and inland waters. It provides guidance for both the public and land managers on how to exercise and respect access rights responsibly. Access rights apply to most land, including hills, moors, forests, beaches, rivers, lochs, parks, and some farmland, but exclude private areas such as houses, gardens, school grounds, and places charging for entry

How to camp

Scotland offers a wide range of managed campsites with facilities for an enjoyable and comfortable visit, and these can be a much better option in busy areas. You can find campsites and other accommodation through VisitScotland.

Cool campers always:

• Use small tents and camp well away from buildings and roads and have a backup plan to go somewhere else if it’s busy.
• Avoid camping in enclosed fields of crops or farm animals.
• Take away all belongings and litter and leave no trace of their visit.

Cooking and keeping warm

Although Scotland often appears cool and wet, the land can suffer from wildfires, which devastate wildlife and local communities. We may enjoy the romantic idea of an open fire, but the reality is that these can quickly get out of control.

To prevent fire-related incidents:

• Don't light an open fire, including in fire bowls or BBQs, during times of high fire risk (prolonged periods of dry weather) or near forests, farmland, peaty ground, or close to buildings, or historic sites.
• Always pay attention to fire danger warnings, information from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, and follow all local advice.
• If you need to, use a camping stove to cook your food. Place it on a level, non-flammable surface away from dry grass and vegetation (and your tent!) and keep a close watch while using it.
• When cleaning up, pick up any pieces of broken glass with the rest of your rubbish, as these act as a magnifying glass for the sun and can start fires. Also, take away cigarette ends as, although they seem to cool down quickly, they can still ignite dry grass if left on the ground.
• Remember that deadwood provides a home and food for many creatures and is vital for the ecosystem. So, leave the wood on the ground and never cut down or damage trees.
• Report any out-of-control fires by calling 999 immediately.

More information

For more tips on camping in Scotland visit NatureScot's webpages Be a Cool Camper