Many believe a motorhome is one of the keys to a life filled with outdoor adventures. It allows you to reach and explore your dream destinations while enjoying comforts and convenience you likely won’t have while backpacking.
But what if you want to take your motorhome to go wild camping? Is it legal in England? Can you use it wherever or any time you want?
We’re here to enlighten you about the rules and tips for motorhome campers who wish to travel to the various beautiful and historic wild camping spots in England. This article will also cover the questions you might have to ease your doubts and help you prepare well for the trip.
Is wild camping in a motorhome in England legal?
In general, wild camping around England is legal only if the landowner explicitly permits it. Failing to comply with this gives the owner the right to ask you to leave or seek the assistance of the local police.
Dartmoor is an exception because this scenic national park welcomes overnight visitors, provided they observe the golden rules of wild camping. It’s important to note that certain areas in Dartmoor will be off-limits if you’re driving a motorhome. For example, several paths are too narrow for large vehicles to pass safely.
Top 3 wild camping motorhome rules
If you have the approval of the owner to set up camp in their lands with your motorhome, here are the three most important pointers to bear in mind. These reminders will help you demonstrate respect and appreciation while ensuring that other travellers receive the same opportunity in the future.
Don’t cause damage to field crops or nearby trees
England restricts wild camping because of the potential harm it can cause to the environment and wildlife. Backpacking done wrong can sometimes have a negative impact, so driving a motorhome through natural sites and camping wrecklessly can damage the environment if not planned with consideration.
Stick to durable paths wide enough for the size of your motorhome. If there aren’t any, don’t force your way there. Park the vehicle in a safe, appropriate spot and then walk the rest of the way instead.
If you want to cook, consider using the kitchenette inside the motorhome rather than building a fire outside. This will lessen the chances of accidentally burning down the surrounding grass, shrubs, or trees.
Dispose of your septic tank in a public toilet
Never empty the contents of your septic tank on the ground or a body of water. Garbage bins are also unsuitable for throwing away human waste because of health hazards.
Instead, wait until you find a public toilet. Pour the dirty water into the toilet and flush it away. Then, clean and sanitize the tanks before slotting them back into your motorhome.
To prevent spillage or inconveniences, consider purchasing extra septic tanks to replace the unit if it becomes full and there are no nearby public toilets. This way, you won’t have to rush around or ruin your itinerary just to dispose of your waste.
Don’t overstay your welcome – 3 Days is enough
Most landowners only allow wild campers to stay for one night. However, this is not a hard rule, especially when the lands you wish to explore are vast or challenging. Staying in a motorhome makes it even more tempting to remain there longer because you’ve got virtually everything you need within the vehicle.
Nonetheless, we recommend keeping your stay to a maximum of three days. Doing so will minimise the harm that the prolonged parking of a heavy vehicle may cause to the area. It will also free up space for travellers who want the same experience.
5 Motorhome wild camping essentials in England
Before hitting the road, check out our list of the essential tools, equipment, and supplies that will make your trip safe, pleasant, and memorable. Much like how important wild camping tents are to backpacking trips, we believe that all items below are critical to the success of your adventure, especially if it is your first time to wild camp in your chosen destination.
Sat Nav/Phone for navigation
Whether you are a first-time traveler or a local in the area, sat nav (satellite navigation) or phones with GPS (Global Positioning System) receivers are imperative when driving a motorhome. It’s not as simple as following maps—online or physical. You need the support of a reliable navigation system because not all towns, lanes, or bridges are friendly with motorhomes. Even if you’re sure they were once upon a time, receiving accurate and real-time traffic alerts and routing suggestions is better.
There are plenty of choices in the market available today. Some motorhomes also have built-in state-of-art navigation support. If your vehicle does not have one yet or if you’re on a tight budget, look for affordable models that are compatible with heavy vehicles.
Hosepipe to fill the water tank
Motorhomes are designed to be self-contained living spaces, which makes them perfect for wild camping. You can fill up its water tank and have enough supply for drinking, washing, showering, or flushing the toilet.
However, water tanks have limited capacities, as large as they are. Therefore, you must bring a suitable hosepipe with you during the trip to easily refill the tank as needed. Please ensure you get one that is food grade and refrain from using it for anything else but its purpose. Otherwise, you’d be putting yourself at serious risk of getting sick or infected while wild camping in your motorhome.
Tire repair kit
While it’s best to have a spare tire in your motorhome in case of accidental punctures or regular wear-and-tear, not everyone has extra space for it—what with all the other supplies and companions you might be bringing along the trip. Rather than replacing the tire entirely, you can try patching things using a tire repair kit.
A typical set consists of a small electric compressor and tire sealant. Look for a brand that is suitable for your motorhome’s size, preferably one that does not require additional tools or expert handyman skills. Remember also that this is meant as a temporary fix only. Search for the nearest auto shop to avoid worsening the damage to your vehicle or endangering yourself and others.
Toiletries
Most motorhomes feature a small toilet, sink, and shower. That means one less problem for you if your preferred wild camping spot does not have a portable loo or nearby water source. Capitalise on this by preparing a set of essential toiletries. Make sure to get them in travel sizes so they won’t take up too much space in the limited interiors of your motorhome.
Your basic toiletries should include small bottles of shampoo and body wash, a comb, bathroom tissue rolls, wet wipes, toothpaste, and a toothbrush. Don’t forget to bring sunscreen, insect repellant spray or lotion, and moisturiser. Consider arranging everything in a toiletry bag for each camper to keep things organized, sanitary, and easy to locate.
Food and Snacks
Motorhomes usually have a dedicated area for preparing and cooking food. Make the most of this convenience by stocking up the pantry with the ingredients for your favorite camping meals and snacks. Consider bringing pre-cooked food that you can quickly reheat because there may be days during your trip when you are too tired to slice and dice.
Though the kitchenette has cabinets and drawers, we recommend storing food in airtight containers or resealable bags. Doing so will help you lengthen their shelf-life and minimise the likelihood of pest harborage. The roads might be bumpy where you will be heading, so this tip will also prevent spills, stains, and food wastage.
Optional: Wi-Fi to help navigate the trip
One of the primary reasons people go wild camping is to disconnect and find some peace. Having Wi-Fi access can be detrimental to such goals, but you should not dismiss this tip immediately. Sat nav and GPS devices work with or without an internet connection, but it is safer to have a backup plan to find your way around the area in case your equipment breaks down.
Moreover, though remote camping spots tend to be quiet and relaxing, you are not always completely safe. Therefore, a Wi-Fi connection can spell the difference between life and death in an emergency. It can help you seek the assistance of others or find information online that can help you address the issue immediately.
FAQs about where to wild camp in England:
Yes, but only if the landowner allowed you to do so. There are plenty of places to wild camp in England, but most of them belong to private individuals who can rightfully determine who can stay in their properties. Some put up perimeter fences and gates to block potential wild campers. Others place signs only to inform others about whether or not wild camping is allowed there. If you don’t see any of these cues, don’t push your luck—reach out and ask for permission from the owner instead.
No, you must first ask the landowner permission to park your motorhome in that area while you sleep. Some places are not meant for large, heavy vehicles because the ground is uneven or too soft to support the weight. Do your research before going to your destination. If it is not recommended for motorhome campers, look for alternatives instead of pushing through with your original plan.
If you’re not picky about the scenery, there are several car parks and laybys across England. However, for travellers who wish for an interesting and safe parking spot for their motorhomes, we suggest signing up for online networks that identify places that offer free overnight parking, ranging from pubs and specialty shops to fields and vineyards.
Your options for overnight parking in England include laybys, private car parks, and the parking areas of local businesses and establishments. Many allow travellers to stay for free. Others charge a small fee—or in the case of some pubs, buying a meal there provides you overnight access to the parking lots.
Yes, no laws are preventing this act or practice right now. This gray area makes this a viable option for motorhome owners who have no other choice at the moment. That said, local authorities may still ask you to move if the area prohibits overnight parking in a public space.
Is Motorhome Wild Camping Worth the Extra Care and Effort?
Contrary to what you might have assumed earlier, using a motorhome to go wild camping is not as straightforward as it sounds.
While it counters some of the challenges backpackers face—for example, heavy loads, long distances, and lack of water supply—motorhomes also have downsides that can be dealbreakers for some. Case in point, you will be limited to large and durable roads, and the cost of operating one tends to be significantly greater than hiking or trekking.
Nevertheless, the comforts and conveniences of travelling via motorhomes outweigh those negative points for many people. And by following our tips on planning and preparing for this trip, you can drive across England and create diverse and lasting memories within a shorter period.