Where To Go Wild Camping?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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BLM land

is by far the best option for , as it has the least regulation of who can camp where. And, of course …. it's usually free! State and National Parks and State and National Forests all have restrictions, regulations, and registration fees for people who want to camp.

Is wild camping legal in the UK?


Technically wild is illegal in England, Wales and Northern Ireland

and, while we would never encourage law-breaking behaviour among our legion of fans, we've got the lowdown on loopholes and locations where you can pitch up, problem free. This guide will show you how to go wild camping – and get away with it!

Where can I find good wild camping spots?

  1. You want to be as far away from roads and civilisation as possible. …
  2. Survey the area from all angles if possible. …
  3. Don't pitch somewhere too high or exposed, instead opt for somewhere that has some natural shelter from the wind such as boulders or trees.

Where is the best place to go wild camping in the UK?

Huge expanses of

heather moorland

with granite-topped tors and mysterious stone circles; Dartmoor is an enigmatic and untamed place that's just perfect for wild camping. Lucky that, as this national park contains the only place in England where the laws restricting wild camping hold no sway.

Why is wild camping illegal in England?

Wild camping Wales and England

In Wales and England,

almost all land is owned by someone and there is no law providing people access to someone else's land

, which makes wild camping generally illegal.

Where can you camp in UK for free?

  • Dartmoor is the place to be if you want to properly free camp in the UK. . …
  • at least 100 metres from any road. and make sure your camp is.
  • hidden from residential and roadside view.

What is the punishment for wild camping UK?

Is wild camping illegal? In Wales and England you only have the right to camp on land belonging to someone else if you have the permission of the landowner.

If you do so without permission you are committing trespass – a civil offence which you cannot be arrested for

.

Is it legal to sleep in a campervan on the road?

As far as most motorhome and campervan experts can say,

there is currently no specific legislation or law to prevent you from sleeping in a vehicle at the roadside

.

Can you wild camp in the Yorkshire Dales?

Like almost all of England,

wild or free camping isn't officially allowed in the Yorkshire Dales National Park

. As with elsewhere, however, it's usually tolerated providing the campers are discreet, inconspicuous and don't leave rubbish behind – just make sure you ask permission from the landowner.

Is wild camping allowed in the New Forest?


Wild camping is illegal here in the New Forest

and can cause considerable damage to wildlife and the landscape.”

Can you wild camp in the Peak District?

Is wild camping in Peak District legal? Legally,

you are not permitted to wild camp in the Peak District

. The National Park land is privately owned and without permission from the landowner to camp overnight you are technically breaking the law.

Where can I wild camp in the Lake District?

  • Holme Fell, Coniston.
  • Sprinkling Tarn, Rosthwaite.
  • Codale Tarn, Grasmere.
  • Lingmoor Fell, Ambleside.
  • Haystacks, Cockermouth.
  • Ennerdale Valley, Ennerdale.

Can you camp in the woods UK?

Wild camping,

illegal in England and Wales except for parts of Dartmoor, but broadly legal in Scotland

, perhaps offers the solution. There are of course sacrifices to be made. Expect to leave the creature comforts behind.

Can you wild camp on beaches in the UK?

If you are planning to camp on one of the many British beaches, you should be aware that

wild camping is, in fact, illegal in England and Wales

. However, that isn't to say that you cannot do the activity, it usually requires permission from the landowner and this will come with certain rules and obligations.

Can you camp in your car UK?

The laws on wild camping in the UK are very clear;

you cannot camp in a tent, RV, car or any other form of temporary accommodation without express permission from the land owner

. While you may think that some areas are public, they will have an owner.

What is stealth camping UK?

Urban stealth camping is

a form of camping where a person would set up a tent or perhaps a van in an urban area and live there for a limited amount of time

.

Can you live in a tent legally UK?

Some people have such a love for camping that they may want to spend extended periods of time in their tents. However, across the UK,

it is not legal to remain in a tent, even on private property for more than 28 days without obtaining planning permission

.

Is it safe to wild camp?

Take the usual precautions – tell someone where you're going and what time you plan to be back – but otherwise,

yes, wild camping is perfectly safe

, especially when compared with nights wandering around a busy city.

Can you pitch a tent anywhere UK?

Generally,

wild camping without the landowner's permission is illegal in England, Wales and Northern Ireland

. But wild camping in Scotland isn't prohibited, so that means you can technically pitch up wherever you like – including in the country's incredible National Parks.

Can you wild camp in a campervan in the Lake District?

Instead choose from one of the many in the Lake District, from quiet sites to glamping, there is something for everyone.

Parking in campervans and motorhomes is not considered wild camping

.

Can you wild camp in Cornwall?

Wild Camping in Cornwall. Like other areas of England ,

wild camping in Cornwall is not technically allowed, however people still do it

. Although campers are allowed to pitch their tent if they have the permission of a landowner.

Is bushcraft legal in the UK?

In the UK,

there are no laws relating to bushcraft as a whole

. But there are a whole list of laws which are relevant to the activities which often fall under the term bushcraft – particularly with respect to fires, knives, foraging, fishing, trapping, not to mention access and camping.

Can you wild camp in a motorhome in England?

Legal Status of Wild Motorhome Camping in the UK

The official law states that

wild camping in a motorhome or a touring caravan is not permitted in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland

. That is, of course, unless you get permission from the landowner. Some people park in remote areas without asking for permission.

Can I wild camp in France?

France.

Wild camping in France is a legal grey area, but is generally tolerated with the permission of landowners, or if you're well away from tourist sites

. You are also advised not to stay beyond 9am the next day. And whatever you do, don't light a fire.

Can you sleep in a layby UK?


If you are the driver in charge of the vehicle it is illegal to sleep in it ‘on the public highway'

this includes laybys! Even if you take keys out of ignition, sit/lie in a place that is obviously not the driving seat, it is still not legal.

Can you use a motorhome toilet while driving UK?

If the motorhome is on the move, it means that every passenger and the driver must be seated and with the seatbelt on.

You are allowed, however, to use the toilet facilities while the motorhome is moving

.

Can you sleep in your car UK?

So, the answer to the question ‘is it illegal to sleep in your car in the UK? ‘ is

no, unless you are under the influence of drink or drugs

.

Kim Nguyen
Author
Kim Nguyen
Kim Nguyen is a fitness expert and personal trainer with over 15 years of experience in the industry. She is a certified strength and conditioning specialist and has trained a variety of clients, from professional athletes to everyday fitness enthusiasts. Kim is passionate about helping people achieve their fitness goals and promoting a healthy, active lifestyle.