What Is Wild Camping?
Wild camping means pitching up in an undesignated natural location — a hillside, a riverside meadow, a forest clearing — rather than at an organised campsite. It's one of the most immersive ways to experience the outdoors, pairing beautifully with activities like fishing, hiking, and kayaking. The sense of quiet solitude that comes from a night away from roads and facilities is genuinely transformative.
Is Wild Camping Legal in the UK?
The legality of wild camping varies across the UK:
- Scotland – Wild camping is a legal right under the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003, provided you behave responsibly. Scotland is the best place in the UK to wild camp freely.
- England & Wales – Wild camping is generally not a legal right on private land. However, Dartmoor National Park is an exception, where access rights permit it. Elsewhere, you need landowner permission, or you can camp wild in very remote areas where permission would be impractical — though technically this is still trespass.
- Lakeshore & river access – Always check local bylaws, particularly if you're combining wild camping with a fishing session.
The Leave No Trace Principles
Whether camping legally or in a grey area, following Leave No Trace principles is essential to preserve wild spaces for everyone:
- Pitch late, leave early – Minimise your impact by staying one night and moving on
- Leave no litter – Carry out everything you carry in, including food waste
- No open fires on dry ground – Use a small camp stove instead; if you do light a fire, use a fire pan and never leave it unattended
- Human waste – Bury waste in a small hole at least 50m from water sources; pack out any sanitary products
- Respect wildlife – Keep noise down and don't disturb nesting birds or animals
Essential Wild Camping Kit
| Item | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Lightweight tent or bivvy bag | Your primary shelter — choose based on conditions expected |
| Sleeping bag (rated appropriately) | Temperature ratings matter; err on the warmer side |
| Sleeping mat | Insulates from the ground; critical for warmth |
| Camp stove & fuel | Hot food and drinks are a morale essential |
| Water filter or purification tablets | Natural water sources must be treated before drinking |
| Headtorch + spare batteries | Hands-free lighting for setup and night navigation |
| First aid kit | Minor injuries are common in remote settings |
| Navigation (map + compass or GPS) | Don't rely solely on mobile phone signal |
Choosing Your Wild Camp Location
A good wild camp spot has several key features:
- Flat, well-drained ground — avoid hollows that collect cold air or rainwater
- Natural windbreak (a hillside, tree line, or boulder) without being under dead branches
- At least 50 metres from any water source or path
- Not visible from roads or footpaths if discretion is needed
- Good access for departure in the morning
Combining Wild Camping with Fishing
For anglers, wild camping alongside a riverbank or lochside is one of life's great pleasures. Fishing through the early morning or at dusk, then settling into a comfortable camp for the night, is a wonderfully self-contained experience. In Scotland, where both wild camping and freshwater fishing are accessible under responsible access rights, this combination is particularly achievable. Always ensure you hold the relevant fishing licences and permissions for the waters you're fishing.
Getting Started
Begin with a short overnight trip close to home in fair weather. Take more kit than you think you need for your first trip, then refine your loadout as you learn what you actually use. The experience of your first wild camp night — cooking a simple meal, watching the stars appear, waking to birdsong — is something you'll want to repeat again and again.