UK Wild Camping Code

Practical guidance for wild camping responsibly in the UK

Legal wild camping in Dartmoor

Wild camping is legal across most of Scotland and in designated areas of Dartmoor National Park. In the Lake District, it is generally tolerated above the highest fell walls when carried out responsibly and in line with Leave No Trace principles.

There is no single UK-wide Wild Camping Code, as the rules and access rights vary depending on the location. However, the Eryri (Snowdonia) Wild Camping Code provides useful guidance and best practice that can be applied throughout the UK...

  • Camp high and off the beaten track on open hills and fells and well away from houses and farms.
  • Pitch your camp later in the day and leave early to minimise your visual presence.
  • Stay for one night only to minimise your impact.
  • Leave no trace that you’ve camped.
  • Don’t light any fires and do not use disposable barbeques.
  • Great care must be taken if using gas or liquid fuel stoves.  Always ensure the cooking area is free from flammable materials including vegetation.
  • Toileting should be at least 30 m away from any water source or path, and waste buried at least 15cm deep and covered over. Carry paper and any sanitary items away with you.
  • Leave no litter; take away all rubbish and food scraps with you.
  • Don’t pollute the area with any non-eco-friendly detergents and do not use streams, lakes or rivers for washing with soaps or other washing products. Take a small bowl and dispose of this well away from any water courses.
  • Move on respectively without argument if asked by a landowner to do so.
  • Use unobtrusive coloured tents that blend in with the scenery.
  • Camp with just one or two tents; no groups.
  • Choose your pitch carefully and avoid digging ditches, trampling plants and moving rocks and stones just to accommodate your tent.
  • Be quiet.
  • If you’re in any doubt about whether you can camp, choose another location.


Comments