If you’re a regular reader of this blog it’s quite likely that you already enjoy the outdoors and camping. It’s also a fair assumption that the vast majority of you that do camp do so on designated campsites. We certainly do the majority of our camping on them. The convenience, particularly since having the kids, of having somewhere to shower the sand, grass, muck and insects out of their hair and crevices is not to be underestimated. However, if you truly want to get back to basics, align yourself with nature, and immerse yourself in the awesomeness of your surroundings, then maybe it’s time you gave wild camping a try.
Many people joke that camping is for people who spend a small fortune to live in cold discomfort for a short period. For non-campers I can see how this appears to have some truth to it. However, for avid outdoors folks like you and me, it’s about escaping the realities and distractions of life. Don’t get me wrong, Nat and I love a hotel break, but you’re simply swapping one building for another. Yes, you have people to run around after you but, invariably, you’ll still fall asleep on the bed watching some tired, made-for-TV movie.
A good hotel is a more opulent home-from-home. It’s somewhere that you go to for a change of scenery in cosy surroundings. As I see it, many campsites seem intent on striving for this home-from-home feel. With the rise of plush facilities and EHU hook- ups, you can now enjoy a hot shower before drying and styling your hair in your tent, then flicking the electric heating on to settle down to a DVD. Now, if EHU is the difference between a family enjoying some outdoor time and missing out, then I’m all for it. However, personally, we avoid it when camping on designated sites. For me, it just isn’t what I want camping to be about. We’re trying to escape distractions not create them.
So, as many sites focus on becoming more and more commercial, are we in danger of losing the fundamental idea behind camping? Are we losing that closer-to-nature ethos and becoming a halfway-house to a caravan? There is another way!
Wild camping is exactly what it sounds like: camping out in the wild. Although there is no open access policy currently in operation in England (with the exception of Dartmoor) and Wales, like there is in Scotland, by following some pretty straightforward principles it is still possible to go wild camping.
In theory, as land is owned, you’re supposed to contact the landowner to seek their permission first. However, when hiking and arriving in a very isolated spot late in the day, this is often not practical. If you’ve ensured that you are indeed isolated – out of sight of buildings and roads, and above any fence lines – then wild camping is, in the most part, tolerated in large parts of the UK.
Just ensure that you research the area that you intent to camp on to check local regulations. Although it is tolerated in many places, areas such as heritage sites are far less tolerant. It also goes without saying that, as with regular camping, a ‘leave no trace policy’ should be an absolute priority. You’re intention is to harmonise yourself with your natural surroundings, not destroy them.
Benefits of Wild Camping
The most obvious benefit is seclusion. There are no noisy or nosy neighbours for a start. I may sound miserable at this point but, believe me, I’m not. We love going away to campsites with groups of our friends and family. We have a great time all together. But, sometimes, it’s amazing just to escape everything and enjoy some genuinely rare peace and tranquillity. Modern life is terrifyingly busy. Sometimes we just need to pause it and wild camping is the perfect way.
There’s also no having to ensure you’re within the given parametres of a pitch that’s been selected for you. Often, established campsites with the best views and locations get busy, particularly during silly season. It’s still great to get away and spend a few nights under canvas, but don’t be surprised if your fellow campers are close enough to overhear your conversations and spoil your view with their elaborate awning or kitchen setups. By selecting your wild camping spot carefully, you could have the whole area, for literally miles around, to yourself!
If you have the whole area to yourself and you’ve followed our guidance on camping high, then you’ll also have minimised any light pollution. If you’re lucky enough to have a clear night, you’ll be treated to a truly exquisite night under the brightest and biggest stars you’ve seen for a long time. When the skies are this bright who needs a made-for-TV movie!
As well as this seclusion, you’ll also have access to pretty much the best scenery your chosen area can throw at you. I’ve been to some stunning campsites – Aberafon, on the Llyn Peninsula, for example, is truly wonderful. In fact, we’ve already booked to return later this summer. However, for the same reason that many of us hike, scramble and climb, often the best views and vantage points are located far away from the nearest road. Get your map, plan your route, and be amazed by what you can find when you explore on foot.
Another great reason to go wild camping is to beat the rush. By the time other hikers are vying for car parking spaces near the start of your favourite trail, you’ll already be on it. By the time you’ve packed down and had a morning coffee with a view, you’ll continue your journey still miles ahead of the chasing pack. Leaving your wild camping spot early also minimises the risk of upsetting any potential landowners by hanging around all day.
Downsides of wild camping and how to overcome them
Although wild camping is a wonderful experience, it does definitely have some drawbacks. The most obvious, of course, it that you’ve got to lumber all of your gear with you. That’s tent, sleeping bag and mat, cooking apparatus, food, water etc. etc., all in addition to what you’d ordinarily carry in your day pack.
On my last wild camping adventure we had planned a full day of hiking and scrambling on day one. This meant that by the time we were ready to push on up towards our final summit of the day, we’d been walking somewhere in the region of 8-9 hours and had ascended over 1500 metres. To say we were goosed would be an understatement. At one point we were even ready to compromise and camp slightly lower down. We did, however, persist through gritted teeth and were rewarded with an awesome spot next to Llyn Clyd in Snowdonia.
Obviously, lightweight gear will reduce the strain, but camping near a water source will also help significantly. Water is seriously heavy, so any natural water sources that you can utilise will mean less to carry in reservoirs/bladders and bottles. Just ensure you have a way of purifying the water before you drink it. There is a wealth of filters available on the market, such as the Hydroblu filter we recently tested, but purification tablets/drops work equally well. If in doubt, boil it too.
Another drawback is that, once you’ve pitched up, you could technically be asked to move on by a landowner. If you’ve followed our simple guidance, plus arrived late on in the afternoon/evening, then this should be an absolute rarity. It’s certainly something to consider though.
Wild camping in isolated areas means you’re more prone to extremes of weather. Consequently, you and your gear need to be prepared. Although lightweight backpacking tents are available, I personally prefer a tent with proven mountain ability. Yes, they may weigh a couple more kilos, but you have the added reassurance that if the weather changes you’ll still be dry and warm.
As you’ll be camping in very isolated spots it’s often pretty difficult to judge precisely the ground conditions. You have to be a little bit flexible if the designated point you’ve identified on the map turns out to be one giant bog when you arrive.
‘But what if I need the toilet?’ I hear you cry. First of all make sure that you relieve yourself as far away from water sources as possible. Aim to leave a distance of at least 50 metres to avoid becoming a polluting factor yourself. If you need a number two, dig down and ensure that it’s then buried with the loose earth. Finally, don’t bury tissues or wipes. Chuck these in with your other rubbish and secure them to/in your rucksack.
I’m not saying that wild camping is for everyone. Nor I am saying that I’ll now forever shun proper campsites. Far from it. We love campsites and will continue to use them for as long as we’re able. However, for precisely the reasons outlined in this article, we’ll complement our campsite adventures with some wild camping too. There really is nothing like it.
As ever, if you’ve got any questions or queries, or you know of the perfect wild camping spot, just give me a shout.
Wild camping is not something I have done for ages….but my son is on Dartmoor this weekend so you couldnt get wilder! I love your pictures. x
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Thank you. We’re aiming to get a few more in this year now the weather is getting better. I hope your son has an awesome time on Dartmoor it’s such a beautiful area.
I really want to give wild camping a go. Since having a kid, we’ve accumulated ever more camping gear and it is getting a bit silly now. Like you say, the experience is in danger of being far removed from what camping is about and why we love it. I may well be back to ask for some advice when we actually get around to planning an adventure!
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That’s like us to be fair. We’ve now just made a conscious decision to do both kinds of camping. A more luxurious one for longer family breaks and then wild camps to…well…get back to basics.
Thank you for sharing this! I have always plan to go on a wild camping with friends and I’m kinda new to it. So, now I’m trying to learn from the net. Anyways, its informative. Love the article! <3
Thanks so much Esther. Let me know how your trip with friends goes when you go. Thanks for dropping by.
I’m so glad you posted this David. I really wish wild camping was available in the UK (apart from Dartmoor) we have done it twice with the kids – but spent the majority of the time hoping nobody would find us! Fin was only 2 and the girls were 6 and 7 the first time we did it – we slept overnight in 2 small tents by a stream near the woods. A couple of dog walkers came by but they thought what we were doing was great! We scouted out an area for ages and did it again 2 summer’s ago – we didn’t see anybody at all and it was wonderful. It’s such an experience. Sarah #adventurecalling
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Your spot by the stream in the woods sounds idyllic. It’s such a great experience isn’t it! We’re pretty lucky having Snowdonia only a short drive away as as long as you take the steps suggested it’s very accepted. Thanks for joining us again and dropping by.
When I was a child, my family went camping to Croatia for many summer holidays in a row. But we’ve never done wild camping, we always went to the camping sites. I have such a great memories from this holidays. I don’t really know why and when we stopped camping… #AdventureCalling
Thanks Urska. I’ve never been to Croatia but it’s definitely on my list and if I could combine it with a camp that would be awesome. Thanks for dropping by.
Wild camping is something I really want to try, convincing a family member or two to join me is not proving easy though, but I keep trying, thanks for the great tips #adventurecalling
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Yes that’s half of the battle sometimes. Thanks for dropping by and for joining us.
Wild camping is not something that I have done for such a long time! I only got my partner into camping the other year, so it might be on the cards soon (ish) Great tips though, David, and I agree that there is something so different and far away when you wild cam over a campsite.
Sarah 🙂 #adventurecalling
Thanks Sarah. Well done for sharing your camping love with your partner though. And yes, definitely one to work towards with them. Thanks for dropping by.
Considering we can pretty much camp anywhere in Scotland – I have yet to do it. This year, I keep promising. My problem is carrying the gear. Do you have any lightweight tent recommendations? #adventurecalling
Yes very jealous of your Scottish open access. The MSR Elixr is a very good lightweight tent that can also cope with the genuine outdoors. Thanks for stopping by.
Hear hear… I think the last time we went wild camping was in Denali National Park, Alaska, way before we had children. We’re still in the process of getting them used to camping on designated spots, so wild camping as a family is quite a way off for us. Still, your post makes me want to do it again asap 🙂
#Adventurecalling
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Thanks so much. Yes, as I say we’ll still use designated sites throughout the year but yes, wild camping is so special! Thanks for stopping by.
I’d love to have the confidence to be able to take my bois! One to work on, I suppose.
There was a great article in this months Trail Magazine about one of the journos who took their 11 year old wild camping for the first time. Definitely worth a read. Thanks for stopping by.
Gorgeous pictures. I camped a lot as a child in Africa. Camping in the wild is NOT an option here that I’m aware of. Unfortunately I’m not a fan of camping now but your photos are amazing! I admire anyone willing to camp with kids.
#adventurecalling
Thanks so much. I visited Tanzania a few years back and was lucky enough to camp on the edge of a protected reserve. Beautiful country. Thanks for stopping by.
Superb post. True and brilliantly written.
I used to do quite a bit of wild camping with friends when I still lived in the UK, but since moving abroad and – perhaps more relevantly – starting a family I don’t think I have spent a single night in the wild. It’s unfortunately illegal here in Luxembourg with heavy penalties in theory, but I can’t see how this would be enforced and haven’t heard of a single case of wild campers being prosecuted.
My eldest son and I have been talking of doing some wild camping this year, so hopefully we’ll get out and enjoy the great outdoors in the best possible way. #adventurecalling
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Thanks Jonny, really appreciate it. Yeah we had a bit of a break when we first had kids but we’re managing to slope off for the odd weekend here and there now so it wild camping still retains such excitement for us. I too am planning on taking our eldest this summer just for a night (he’s only 3) to see how he does. He loves camping but has only ever been to campsites so I’m nervous for him haha. Thanks for dropping by.
This really is a world is a away from commercial campsites, which like you say have their place but don’t quite achieve the same result. We are quite close to Dartmoor so I think a few more long day hikes with our girls before taking the plunge! Great pictures #AdventureCalling
Thank you. I’m yet to wild camp on Dartmoor but it’s definitely on my list. Beautiful area. Thanks for stopping by.
I’ve wild camped once and would love it do it again – even more now after looking at your pictures.
For me, next time the planning would have to be better. I was seriously overpacked and the route was too scrambly and long for the weight I was carrying. By the time I’d eaten my dinner, I flaked out till morning and didn’t get chance to taken in the surroundings and watch the stars. 🙂
Yeah I know exactly what you mean. On our last wild camp we had a really small window of opportunity so tried to cram too much in. We were goosed too. Thanks for stopping by.
Ooo – and thank you for the link to the filter – I was used iodine, and you’re right – it wasn’t nice.
#adventurecalling
I would absolutely love to wild camp in Snowdonia, your camp spot looks gorgeous. Dorset has fewer spaces so far from civilisation which is the biggest problem we’ve found in finding a good spot to camp. I have a funny story from a wild camping trip in the Peak District for you though.
Day 1: we had found the most beautiful camp site on top of a hill with great views. Still one of my favourite spots to date.
Day 2: We checked and rechecked our OS map and hike to the top of a slope that looks completely green. From afar something looks funny – it looks too even, too populated. Turns out that 15 miles into our hike we found a golf course that wasn’t drawn into our map. So we hike on and turn the day into a very long one, so long in fact that I am ready to add yet another 5 miles in the dark to reach the car and sleep on the seats. But in the end we found a very uncomfortable but welcome site hidden behind trees and away from all paths.
Haha brilliant! I bet it was a nightmare at the time though. I hope they’ve drawn it on since or maybe it’s their idea of dark humour and they know it’s going to flummox people ??. I love the Peak District but have never been to Dorset so must add it to my list. Have a lovely weekend.
Great article. I don’t think we would ever try wild camping but it does look amazing. #adventurecalling
Thank you and thanks for joining up with us again. Have a lovely weekend.
Great article! We love our family wildcamping but started local and small to begin with, using our older gear that was gathering dust, just as a way to double check wildcamping was definitely something for us. Our son was 18months old on his first trip out, and is now 5yo and LOVES it!! It took us a few trips out to get the weight ‘just right’ and we’ve saved our pennies and bought lightweight gear which stands up well to Scottish winters, meaning we’re out year round, Greedy for adventure? Us? Yep!! 😉 I seriously can’t think of anything better than wildcamping with your favourite people and just being in the moment….
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Ah I couldn’t agree more Stacey. You get that proper sense of escapism that you rarely get with other activities. Great idea using old kit until you knew it was going to work as a family. Camping is definitely about accumulating gear over time isn’t it. Have a lovely weekend.
I love wild camping and this looks such a beautiful spot! Definitely need to get to Wales this year!
Oh it was a lovely spot. Thanks for stopping by and have a lovely weekend.
Oh it was a lovely spot. Thanks for dropping by and have a lovely weekend.
I’ve had wild camped a few times and absolutely loved it! We’ve lots of moorlands and hills around here (I live in North East Wales) and I’ve decided to do a solo wild camp with the pup over the next few months. I’m a little apprehensive only because I’ll be on my own and probably won’t sleep a wink but I know I’ll love it. You get to see the sunsets and sunrises that you don’t tend to see when you’re tucked up in your warm bed at home. I’m hoping to take a 7 0r 8-mile walk starting from my home, to my camping spot. I’m trying to get used to the whole camping and hiking combo.
Lovely rugged pictures you have there. Water is certainly always a bit of a struggle to find. I really want a life straw!
Small world – I live in North East Wales too. Yes, you’re dead right, we have lots of hills and moorland to choose from. If you find any extra special spots let me know where. Have a lovely long weekend.
Fantastic tips! Wild camping is simply the best! Visiting from theme Friday. Have a great weekend!
Thanks you and you too.
We took our kids backpacking last year and stayed on a tiny river lock campsite (we were the only ones there). However I have a yearning to wild camp. Two problems, my teen daughter absolutely will not go for a wild toilet break (of any kind, and never has) and secondly the paranoia of being asked to move on. I can get over the second problem but the first is a big issue! One day…..
Oh yeah that is a bit of an issue. Although my kids are both under 4 I work with teens (I’m a teacher) so I can well imagine she’s absolutely not negotiating on the matter haha. Have a lovely weekend.
I’ve had bad experiences of camping, waking up freezing too many times! However, there is one geocaching challenge I can think of that involves wild camping so I may be tempted again. #adventurecalling
That sounds like a cool challenge to me. Thanks for stopping by.
That looks absolutely amazing, My Dad and I would love to give this a go, although I am not convinced we would get my Mum to join us! #adventurecalling
Haha you’ll have to work on her. Thanks for stopping by.
I love this guide and your tips. So many people think that wild camping is simple like visiting hotels and staying at resort spas.
REAL wildlife camping takes skill and dedication. You have to love it, otherwise, it will just exhaust you and bore you.
I enjoy every second in wilderness and will do so forever 🙂
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Thank you. You’re right, without the skill and dedication it couldn’t be enjoyable.
Camping is always fun and the element of discovery is always present. I couldn’t agree more in this post!
Camping is sure hard work, only for the very dedicated and people who can survive with the basics. I love this camping guide and I would definitely recommend it to a beginner.
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