Us Brits are lucky enough to have a plethora of stunning, rural locations at our fingertips. Wild camping can help us experience that natural beauty in its purest form and, with a campervan or motorhome, you can do it easily.
In this guide, we’ll discuss how to go wild camping in your campervan or motorhome safely and legally, plus how to enjoy every moment of your staycation.
What is wild camping?
Unlike the camping that many of us think of, wild camping takes place outside of a campsite or motorhome park. Setting up your tent during a multiple-day hike, embracing the woods in your motorhome or finding a spot for your campervan in a national park comes to mind.
There’s a freedom to it, but knowing how to without breaking any laws or disturbing wildlife is important, especially in a campervan or motorhome where there are more restrictions.
Where is wild camping allowed?
When it comes to all parts of the UK, there are different rules and laws for wild camping and where you can do it.
England
If you want to wild camp in England, you will have to ask the landowner’s permission, as most rural land is privately owned. No permission, no camping in that area. This is true for nearly everywhere but Dartmoor National Park.
Thanks to the The Dartmoor Commons Act 1985, you’re allowed to camp for two nights on the Dartmoor Commons – the only catch? You have to be more than 100 metres from public roads and not set up in a restricted area. Unfortunately, overnight camping in a campervan or motorhome isn’t allowed.
Scotland
Scotland is different as wild camping is a lot less restricted, being allowed in most public outdoor spaces (Land Reform Act 2003). Alas, this isn’t extended to motorised vehicles like campervans and motorhomes.
You may still be able to park your vehicle in a nearby car park and camp in a tent on the public land if you want to. This would work well if it was just a quick stop over.
Wales
Wild camping, whether in a tent or a campervan, isn’t permitted in Wales unless you have asked for permission of the land’s owner. Given a lot of the land in Wales is farmland or protected forestry, this can make the chances quite slim..
If you do get that permission and decide to camp in Wales, you’ll need to avoid public footpaths and select a spot away from any buildings or water sources.
Northern Ireland
Similar to Wales and almost all of England, you can’t wild camp unless you have the landowner’s approval. It counts as a civil offence if this is ignored.
The only exception is some Northern Ireland Forestry Service sites if you’re able to get a permit or booking.
How do you get permission to wild camp on private land?
If there isn’t an official booking system (a national park may have this on their website), it is best to directly contact the landowner. You can do this by acquiring their phone number or email and going from there.
If you’re respectful and promise to adhere to any rules they have, including creating minimal mess and noise, you could be in with a good chance of getting a yes.
What should you consider when wild camping in a campervan or motorhome?
When you have found the perfect place to set up shop, you’ll need to bear in mind a couple of things during your stay.
The location
Obviously you’ll need the right permissions, but you will need to also consider the type of land you will be parking and camping on. Is it away from public footpaths but still close enough to civilisation that you can get help if needed? Is it easy to access from the road?
When picking where to park up, you should take into consideration if the land is flat and well-drained without being too rocky or hidden.
Safety
Because of the nature of wild camping, you’ll need to ensure your own safety. Yes, camping somewhere secluded and full of wildlife is something special, but make sure people know where you are (and how long you’ll be there) and that you have a way to contact the outside world if necessary.
You should also ensure you don’t disturb local wildlife for your safety and theirs.
What you bring
You may have already thought about your regular camping essentials, but, depending on your campervan’s storage, there are certain things you should pack specifically for wild camping, especially if your campervan doesn’t have them.
These include:
- Lighting – It is unlikely there will be a provided source of light at night so, you’ll need at least a torch
- Water – Unlike camping grounds, there won’t be a safe water souce so bring clean, drinking water and the appropriate storage
- Trowel or shovel – There won’t be any toilet facilities so, if your vehicle doesn’t have one, you’ll have to make your own with one of these
- Camping stove and fuel – This may already be on your list or your campervan may have cooking facilities, but it will be essential if you want proper meals while camping
- Bin bags – You will need to clear up after yourself before you leave so these will come in handy
What is ‘nearly wild’ camping?
Some campsites and farms will offer ‘nearly wild’ camping, which gives you that open, off-the-grid experience with some nearby creature comforts and without the stress of a landowner saying no. They’re also more readily available for those in campervans and motorhomes.
The Nearly Wild Camping Club is a good resource to use if you want to find these experiences without the fuss of searching lots of websites.
Insuring your campervan or motorhome with Sterling
Whatever wild camping adventure you have in store, you’ll want the right insurance for your vehicle of choice. Sterling offers a range of campervan insurance and motorhome insurance policies for you to pick from.
You can call our advisors on 0344 381 9990, or book a free callback at a time that’s convenient for you.
