As overlanding becomes more popular across the UK, many adventurers are asking: is wild camping legal? The answer depends on where you are — and knowing the rules is essential for planning a trip that’s both responsible and legal.
In this guide, we’ve summarised the current UK Government position on freedom camping.
🗺️ England & Wales: Wild Camping Not Legal Without Permission
According to GOV.UK guidance on open access land, you can walk freely across certain landscapes like mountains, moors, heaths, and downs. However, this does not include the right to camp overnight.
❌ Wild camping is not allowed on access land unless you have landowner permission.
Camping without permission is considered civil trespass. If you refuse to leave when asked, you could face action under the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022, which may result in a fine or seizure of your vehicle.
🌄 Dartmoor: A Special Case
Dartmoor is the only place in England where wild camping has historically been permitted without direct landowner permission. Following a legal challenge in 2023, a new agreement allows wild camping in certain areas again.
Refer to Dartmoor National Park’s byelaws for exact zones and guidelines.
✅ Limited wild camping is permitted in designated Dartmoor areas — 1–2 nights, off-road, leave no trace.
🏴 Scotland: Wild Camping is Legal
Under the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003, wild camping is a legal right in most unenclosed land in Scotland, as long as you follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.
✅ You can camp responsibly on unenclosed land — this excludes vehicle camping, which must follow separate rules.
📋 Campsites & Licences
If you're planning to offer camping (or stay on private land), it’s important to understand licensing rules. According to GOV.UK campsite licence regulations, landowners can permit camping for up to:
Beyond that, a full campsite licence is required.
✅ Summary for UK Overlanders
| Region |
Wild Camping Allowed? |
Conditions |
| England & Wales |
❌ No (except Dartmoor) |
Landowner permission required |
| Dartmoor |
✅ Yes (limited zones) |
1–2 nights, no fires, off-road |
| Scotland |
✅ Yes (on foot only) |
Must follow access code |
| Private Campsites |
✅ With permission |
Up to 42/60 days before licence needed |
🚙 Planning to Overland Responsibly?
At UK Camping and Leisure, we’re all about making adventure comfortable, legal, and low-impact. Whether you're looking for rooftop tents, camp furniture, or cooking gear, our equipment supports both campsite and responsible wild camping setups.
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