As you have learned previously, wild camping in the UK can be an exciting, albeit risky way to explore the great outdoors and create lasting memories. It offers a fantastic opportunity to get to know the indigenous flora and fauna while avoiding heavy crowds of fellow campers.
However, everything’s all fun and games until you get caught for trespassing or inadvertently ruin the spot where you chose to pitch your tent. So, before you pick a remote destination and pack your camping gear, let’s first discuss, is wild camping legal in England? We also want to go over the tips and reminders to make this activity rewarding and unforgettable – in a good way.
What is Wild Camping?
If you enjoy going off the beaten path, wild camping may be your ideal getaway. It involves setting up camp on a spot that is outside the designated campgrounds of the area. Going wild camping makes you feel closer to nature since there are usually few or no other people around. However, because of this relative isolation, it also comes with several safety risks, so many camping authorities do not actively encourage this activity.
Nevertheless, wild camping has become more popular over the past few years. A growing number of daring souls seek new camping sights and experiences. Several experts have also shared practical ways to stay safe and comfortable while exploring the wild.
Is Wild Camping Legal in England?
Wild camping in England is considered legal in some regions of the Dartmoor National Park. Otherwise, you must first get permission from the landowner for your planned camping spot. Failing to observe this rule can lead to warnings, hefty fines, or jail time, especially for repeat offenders.
That said, many instances of “illegal” wild camping were due to misunderstanding or ignorance. Most could be resolved by leaving the area immediately. Situations typically escalated when the campers were too unruly or had caused extensive or irreparable damage to the surroundings.
Despite the leniency, be respectful of the wishes of the locals. Please proceed with your plans only if the landowners allow you.
5 Golden Rules to Follow If You Choose to Wild Camp in England
For those who believe wild camping in England is worth taking the risk, we have compiled below the five most important guidelines to bear in mind in this section. Following these rules will preserve the state of your chosen campsite and ensure that you won’t accidentally get into legal hot water. We suggest sharing these reminders with your companions or anyone interested in engaging in this unique nature activity.
Leave no trace of your stay
This particular rule applies to every camping trip, in our opinion. We are mere visitors to these outdoor spaces, so it should be part of our responsibility to exercise care wherever possible.
This involves camping only in areas that are durable enough to handle a tent and its occupants. Don’t hack anything or alter natural formations to make way for your camp. Pick up after yourself, and avoid contaminating the nearby natural resources, especially the bodies of water. When you leave, take everything with you that was not in that area before you arrived.
Don’t light any fires
Open flame is destructive. A bonfire will certainly leave marks on the ground. You can’t expect the affected area to go back to normal by the time you leave, thus breaking the first golden rule of wild camping.
Even if you think you can contain it using a stove or pit, an accidental fire can still occur and spread because of its unpredictable nature. That’s why it’s not generally recommend to go wild camping during colder seasons, unless you plan on going winter camping. At least during sunnier months, you can stick to ready-to-eat foods and stay comfortable without lighting a fire.
Dispose of waste properly
Add resealable bags to your list of wild camping essentials. Given that you are probably heading somewhere with no trash bins nearby, you need something to store your waste, including food leftovers, instead of just leaving them on the ground.
Before leaving, scan the surroundings again and throw in any waste material in the bag. Please bring the bag and contents on your way home or at least until you arrive somewhere with a proper waste management system, like the hotel, gas station, or airport.
Blend in with your surroundings
Even if you have permission to wild camp, we highly recommend being inconspicuous for the entire duration of your stay there. Don’t use unnecessarily large tents or neon-coloured ropes.
Instead, choose the smallest possible wild camping tent for you and your companions—without sacrificing your safety and comfort. Look for outdoor gear in neutral tones. In this way, you will not attract unwanted attention, and your camping setup will not ruin the untouched aesthetics of the landscape.
Don’t stay in one place too long
Staying in an area not intended for camping for more than one night can cause significant negative impacts on the vegetation. For instance, the grass beneath your tent will become flattened and wilt.
Overstaying your welcome can disrupt the animals who live nearby, as well as the landowners and their neighbours. It may also prevent other backpackers from exploring the area or enjoying the view.
Pitch your tent before nightfall, pack everything and move on to your next destination as soon as the sun rises.
FAQs about the Legality of Wild Camping in England:
Technically speaking, setting up camp on the beaches of England is illegal. Don’t be disheartened yet, though. At the time of writing, this activity follows the exact requirements for wild camping. Therefore, you must first secure permission from the beach owner. Remember to apply the five golden rules of wild camping, as discussed earlier.
England offers plenty of woodland campsites for locals and tourists alike. However, not every wooded area is open for campers. If you want to go on an adventure in relatively unknown English woods, request the express permission of the respective landowners before wild camping in your preferred spot. Follow their guidelines and prove that you also care about the environment and its inhabitants.
In most cases, you will be asked to move away by the landowner. At this point, this is considered a civil offense, so you won’t be arrested. It’s important to remember that wild camping on private land is still trespassing. If you insist on staying despite the warnings, you might receive a fine of up to £2,500 or spend three months in jail.
Wild Camping is All About Respect
Wherever you intend to go wild camping, the best way to ensure that everyone will have an excellent time is by being respectful.
Always ask for permission from the landowner beforehand. Send your formal request via email or inquire first through a phone call. Many of England’s top wild camping destinations belong to individuals who welcome their fellow nature enthusiasts.
Remember that one of your primary goals is to minimize your impact on your surroundings. Plan well your camping spot and use only the appropriate gear. Don’t stay there for more than one night, and leave no trace behind when you move on to the next part of your outdoor adventure.