Canalside Informal Camping
Wayfarers travelling the Great Glen by boat, boot or bike can now pitch their tents at several dedicated informal camping spots on the banks of the Caledonian Canal. Whilst wild camping isn't normally permitted on Scheduled Ancient Monuments (which the whole length of the Caledonian Canal is designated) Scottish Canals recognise that some wayfarers are seeking a wilderness experience and want to 'wild camp' on their journey through the Glen.
The following informal pitches are available for use by individuals and small groups with 1 or 2 man tents for single nights only :
| Site | Maximum Numbers | Nearest Commercial Campsite | Notes |
| Moy Bridge | x4 tents or x8 people | Gairlochy Holiday Park T: + 44 (0)1397 712711 | No campfires or BBQs permitted here, no access to a toilet at this site |
| Gairlochy Locks | x6 tents or x12 people | Gairlochy Holiday Park T: + 44 (0)1397 712711 | Use designated fire pit only, canal toilets & showers |
| Aberchalder Bridge | x3 tents or x6 people | Loch Ness Highland Resort T: + 44 (0)1320 366257 | No access to a toilet at this site |
| Kytra Lock | x3 tents or x6 people | Loch Ness Highland Resort T: + 44 (0)1320 366257 | Use designated fire pit only |
| Dochgarroch Lock | x4 tents or x8 people | Bught Park Municipal Site T: + 44 (0)1463 236920 | No campfires or BBQs permitted here, canal toilets & showers |
| Seaport Marina | x4 tents or x8 people | Bught Park Municipal Site T: + 44 (0)1463 236920 | No campfires or BBQs permitted here, canal toilets & showers |
Access to Canal Toilets & Showers
Wayfarers can access the canal toilet and shower blocks and the waterside composting toilets during their expedition for a charge of £10 per person (under 12s free) by renting a key from Corpach Sea Lock, Fort William or by calling the Caledonian Canal office on +44 (0)1463 725500 to pay by credit or debit card and have a key posted out. Keys must be returned to the Canal Office or Sea Lock at the end of the trip. All income from the rental of keys goes back into the servicing and maintenance of the toilet blocks and composting toilets. Canal toilet blocks can be very busy - please leave them clean & tidy and don't use them for drying equipment, cooking or sleeping!
The informal camping area at Kytra Lock is designated as a Trailblazer Rest site. Find out more information about these sites, and how to access the composting toilets at other Trailblazer Rest sites here.
Limited Camping Space
Wayfarers should please note that the Informal Camping Spots have not been designed as 'proper' campsites. They are simple grassed areas, often with a toilet nearby, where Scottish Canals can accommodate small numbers of tents without risk of damage to the Scheduled Ancient Monument. As only small numbers of tents can be accommodated all users should have a 'Plan B' option for each overnight stay in case their preferred spot is full when they arrive. Scottish Canals reserves the right to deny access to sites for operational reasons.
