The legal position
In Scotland, wild camping is a legal right under the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003, provided you act responsibly. In England and Wales, there is no general right to wild camp — it requires the landowner's permission. However, it is widely tolerated in upland areas (the Lakes, Dartmoor, the Yorkshire Dales) if done with minimal impact. Dartmoor National Park has an explicit access right. Always research specific areas before you go.
The essential gear difference
Wild camping requires lighter, more compact kit than car camping. A sub-2kg tent, a sleeping bag appropriate for the season, and an insulated mat are non-negotiable. Add a water filter (streams are often available but never safe to drink without treatment), a lightweight stove and a detailed OS map. Use our free wild camping checklist to pack correctly.
Leave no trace
Camp on non-vegetated surfaces where possible. Human waste should be buried 15cm deep and 200m from water. All waste must be carried out — no exceptions, including organic waste. Leave no fire rings. The UK countryside remains accessible for wild camping precisely because most people who do it leave no trace.
Our picks compared
| Pick | Product | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Top pick | Lightweight backpacking tent sub-2kg | Wild camping shelter | Check price → |
| Filter | Sawyer squeeze water filter | Water safety | Check price → |
| Map | OS Explorer map 1:25000 | Navigation | Check price → |
| Stove | Backpacking stove gas lightweight | Wild cooking | Check price → |
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