LOCH Lomond and The Trossachs National Park campsites are set to reopen - but only if you book ahead.

National Park campsites and camping permit areas will reopen from Friday, July 17, with visitors urged to make advanced bookings to avoid any disappointment.

Campers will be able to stay at low-impact campsites on Loch Lomond or book a permit to camp in areas within the camping management zones where camping management byelaws apply.

Capacity at the authority-run campsites will be reduced to manage physical distancing and reduce pressure on facilities such as toilets on-site. Numbers will be kept under review, and more capacity will be added as and when it is deemed safe to do so.

Sites reopening coincides with the reopening of the tourism sector across Scotland from July 15.

National Park chief executive Gordon Watson said: "With many holidays cancelled this summer, lots of people are looking for a break a little closer to home so we fully expect campsites and camping permit areas that we manage to get booked up fast.

“We’re reminding people to check our website and book a camping permit in advance, as turning up without one may leave disappointed if areas are already at full capacity.

“Like many places across the country, a visit to the National Park this summer isn’t going to exactly the same it was before.

"While facilities and local businesses are beginning to reopen, this won’t happen all at once. This season, not all campsites are going to take tents or campervans without facilities on-board, and most, including the ones we manage, require advance booking.

“We can still offer a warm welcome, but people will need to think, check and plan in advance to come prepared for their stay.”

To make a booking, visit lochlomond-trossachs.org.