Can you 'wild camp' in England, Wales and Northern Ireland?
It’s easy to see the thrill of wild camping. It’s a true ‘back to nature’ experience that’s often challenging and rewarding. There are no crowds, no shower blocks, and there’s no on-site entertainment to navigate. And while the thought of no running water or Wi-Fi might worry many seasoned campers, others love the carefree element of travelling without home comforts.
So can you wild camp anywhere in England and Wales? Unfortunately, the answer to this is no. Generally speaking, it’s illegal to wild camp in these countries unless you have the permission of the landowner. This might sound restrictive, but many landowners do host wild campers, so long as they’re respectful and leave no sign of their camping adventure behind. Therefore, if you fancy a wild camping trip in say, the Peak District, you’ll have to do your homework (and a bit of sweet-talking in advance) to ensure you get the green light.
It’s also worth noting that wild camping is permitted in Dartmoor for up to two consecutive nights in the same spot, provided it’s more than 100 metres from any public roads and is not within an enclosed or otherwise restricted area. In Wales, the Brecon Beacons National Park Authority also provides a list of local farms which allow wild camping. Furthermore, the Caravan and Motorhome Club has a wide range of great campsites across the UK that very much offer a ‘wild camping’ feel due to their remoteness. Pitching up at a proper camping site is generally considered safer and more comfortable than braving the unknown, and with so many sites available, you can tailor the camping experiences offered to suit your personal holiday preferences.
