Is wild camping legal in the UK?
The short answer: it depends where you are. This guide explains where wild camping is legal in the UK, where you need permission, and how to find a legal “nearly wild” pitch on private land.
The law in 30 seconds
- Scotland: wild camping is generally legal under the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, as long as you camp responsibly.
- Dartmoor: the UK Supreme Court confirmed in 2025 that wild camping on the Dartmoor Commons is a legal right under the Dartmoor Commons Act 1985, subject to byelaws.
- England & Wales (outside Dartmoor): wild camping is not a legal right on open access land. You need the landowner’s permission.
Sources: The British Mountaineering Council, UK Supreme Court, Darwall v Dartmoor NPA (2025).
Where is wild camping legal?
Use this table as a quick reference, then read the detail below for each country and region.
| Location | Wild camping right? | What you need to know |
|---|---|---|
| Scotland | Yes — with conditions | Follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. Avoid enclosed fields, crops and roads. Some lochside areas require a permit in season. |
| Dartmoor, England | Yes — on the Commons | Legal right under the Dartmoor Commons Act 1985, confirmed by the Supreme Court in 2025. Check the DNPA camping map and byelaws for excluded zones. |
| England & Wales (general) | No — not by right | Open access land gives a right to roam, but not to camp. Camping without permission is trespass. Always ask the landowner first. |
| Private land (UK-wide) | Yes — with permission | Landowners can grant permission for “nearly wild” camping. This is the legal alternative to trespassing on open access land. |
Wild camping in Scotland
Scotland is the most welcoming part of the UK for wild camping. The Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 gives everyone a statutory right of responsible access to most land and inland water, and the Scottish Outdoor Access Code sets out how to camp without causing problems.
Best regions
- Cairngorms National Park — vast uplands and bothies, but check for deer stalking and seasonal restrictions.
- Northwest Highlands — remote coast and mountains; ideal for experienced campers who are fully self-sufficient.
- Isle of Skye — dramatic scenery, but popular spots can be busy; arrive late and leave early.
- Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park — camping management byelaws mean some lochshore areas require a permit between March and September. Book in advance if you plan to camp in a management zone.
Wild camping on Dartmoor
Dartmoor is the only place in England where wild camping is a legal right on common land. The Supreme Court’s 2025 ruling in Darwall and another v Dartmoor National Park Authority upheld that section 10(1) of the Dartmoor Commons Act 1985 includes camping as a form of open-air recreation.
That right is not unlimited. Campers must follow the Dartmoor National Park Authority’s byelaws, camp only in the areas shown on the official camping map, keep groups small, and leave no trace. Fires are generally prohibited.
England & Wales: ask first
Outside Dartmoor, wild camping on open access land in England and Wales is not a statutory right. The Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 gives the public the right to roam on mapped access land, but that right does not extend to overnight camping.
Some landowners tolerate discreet, low-impact camping in remote areas, but tolerance is not permission. If you are asked to move on, you must. The safest route is to get explicit permission, camp on an official site, or use a platform that connects you directly with landowners.
The legal alternative: “nearly wild” camping on private land
If you want the wild camping experience — secluded meadows, woodland clearings, farm fields, fire pits and no crowds — the legal way is to camp with the landowner’s permission. That is exactly what live 1 life is for.
- · Hosts set their own rules, pricing and availability.
- · You book direct with the person who owns the land.
- · Choose from wild pitches, glamping tents, pods, farms and event fields.
- · Pay a 25% deposit to lock dates instantly, or send a free request to the host.
How to camp responsibly
Whether you are in Scotland, Dartmoor or on a private pitch, the same principles keep wild camping legal and low-impact.
- 1Camp high and away from water courses, paths and livestock.
- 2Keep groups small and stay for only one or two nights in the same spot.
- 3Use a camping stove instead of lighting fires.
- 4Carry out all litter and toilet waste — leave no trace.
- 5Be inconspicuous: use a muted tent and remove it during the day.
- 6Respect wildlife, crops, and local residents.
Frequently asked questions
- Is wild camping legal in the UK?
- It depends on location. Wild camping is legal in Scotland and on Dartmoor Commons. In the rest of England and Wales it is not a legal right without the landowner’s permission.
- Can I camp on any beach in the UK?
- Generally no. Beaches are usually owned by the Crown, local councils or private landowners, and many have bylaws against camping. Always check local rules.
- What is “nearly wild” camping?
- Nearly wild camping means staying in a wild-feeling location — a meadow, woodland edge or farm field — with the landowner’s explicit permission. It gives the wild camping experience without the legal risk of trespass.
- Do I need a permit to wild camp in Scotland?
- Most of Scotland does not require a permit. However, some parts of Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park operate camping management byelaws and require a permit during the peak season. Check the park’s website before you go.