A guide on how to wild camp in the UK
Whilst we love finding awesome campsites around the UK, there is also nothing quite like waking up in a completely remote spot in the midst of the beautiful nature, away from anyone. Wild camping offers a completely back-to-basic type of adventure, and is a great way to switch off from all the noise of daily life.
Wild camping with a motorhome or campervan is not allowed in the UK, unless you get the landowners permission. It’s quite common to find pubs which will allow you to park your campervan there overnight [if you eat in the pub in the evening], and Park4Night is a great app to find these spots! The app will tell you the locations of all sorts of campsites, parking spots, picnic spots for your road trip, and other campers leave reviews about particular spots which is super helpful.
If you want a proper wild camping experience, then don’t forget to pack your pop up tent and hiking boots! Park the campervan up, head out with the Hiking Kit, a pop up tent and some essentials, and pitch up in a wild spot for the night.
Unfortunately, wild camping with a tent isn’t allowed in the majority of England, Wales and Northern Ireland, but there are loopholes and still plenty of places you can experience this kind of off-the-beaten path adventure legally.
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Where you can wild camp
Head for the highlands! Most of Scotland allows for wild camping [note: this doesn't apply to campervans], which is great as Scotland is the epitome of wild. Enjoy a night or two under the stars in the stunning surrounds of the National Park - sounds dreamy right? You are allowed to wild camping in Scotland as per the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 which allows camping on unenclosed land. Some parts of Scotland are subject to bylaws that prohibit wild camping, such as the island of Tiree in the Inner Hebrides and East Loch Lomond, so double check before you go using this handy guide: Outdoor Access Guide to Scotland.
In England, there are a few designated areas in the national parks where wild camping is okay, like the Lake District and Dartmoor National Park, but due to Covid some of these spots have now been temporary banned to help curb the spread of the virus. We’d advise to keep an eye on this here to see if it changes this summer.
Generally speaking, permission must be gained from the landowner if you want to wild camp in other national parks like Exmoor, Snowdonia and the Peak District. And it goes without saying that if you do get the okay from the land owner, you must make sure there’s no trace of your stay when you’re done.
Campers & Kit tip: One of the many joys of wild camping is that it gives access to remote and wild places, but just incase a rescue mission is needed it is important to let someone know roughly where you are going beforehand.
Respect the land
As camping gets more popular, we are seeing more bans being inflicted, especially after some campers disrespect the land by abusing it, so it goes without saying that if you decide to wild camp it is so important to create minimum impact on the area so it remains wild and natural. Pick up your litter and take it with you, if you are allowed to enjoy a fire leave no trace of it, and try not to disturb the local wildlife with loud music or raucous behaviour.
Nearly Wild Camping
There are campsites dotted all over the UK that will give you a taste of wild camping without breaking any laws and without you having to go full Bear Grylls! Check them out here via Cool Camping. This website also offers a £20 per year membership which gives you access to lots of remote and ‘nearly wild camping’ spots around the UK.
In short, wild camping is very hard to do in the UK, but thankfully there are thousands of incredible campsites dotted around all over for you to enjoy an incredible outdoor camping experience.
