Wild camping in the UK is becoming increasingly popular. However, it can be scary or overwhelming for anyone who hasn't done it before. You'll also need to think about where, how and what type of equipment to take on your first wild camp.

We created this comprehensive guide to reduce some of your worries and get you taking that first step towards the joys of wild camping.

What is wild camping like?

Wild camping is about leaving the predictability of a campsite or caravan park and taking yourself into the great outdoors and wide open spaces the UK has to offer. The aim is to become self-reliant and bond deeper with nature, yourself, and those you choose to share the experience with.

The length of the adventure is based on what you're looking for, from a multi day wild camping trip to just a single night under the stars.

How safe is wild camping, and when should I go?

Wild camping is as safe as you make it. With the right equipment, you can enjoy it alone, in a small group, or even with your family. You can do it all year round, but remember that you will need additional or alternative equipment in the autumn or winter.

If you're embarking on a multi-day hike or just day hikes, it's still important that you take a fully charged mobile phone with you and tell at least one other person an outline of your plan and rough location, if possible.

What to take wild camping

Wild camping focuses on the experience and stripping back to the essentials, rather than the amount of equipment you bring.

The key is to take as little as possible with you. However, you also need to make sure that you're prepared and have the tools to make your experience enjoyable.

This beginner's guide also features a wild camping kit list that we recommend.

Water and wild camping

Water is weighty to carry, so it would only make sense to camp near a natural running water source if you're planning on wild camping. As a general rule collecting your water as close to the source of a running stream is by far the safest place. There can always be dead animals or other contaminants upstream/river that you cannot see. If possible, always use a water filter or boil the water before drinking or use to ensure you're only using safe and clean water.

Wild camping equipment kit list

Which tent should I take Wild camping?

Technology has dramatically improved the tents available today, so you should have no issue finding a good quality, solid, lightweight and affordable tent for your adventures that should stand up to high winds and heavy rain if required.

When choosing your tent, think about your group's size, physical tent weight, and packed down tent size. Also, make sure it's robust enough to stand up to bad weather, including wind and rain. It’s also always a good idea to understand how to pitch your tent before you actually go wild camping for real. Surprisingly not all tents are waterproof!

Sleeping Mat

Wild camping is much more enjoyable when you get a good nights sleep. To help this, we strongly encourage the use of a self-inflating/inflatable sleeping mats. These pack away much smaller than their foam roll alternatives while also providing the base of a warmer and softer nights sleep.

Sleeping Bag

As a beginner, you'll probably be starting to wild camp in the spring and summer months. This means you'll be wanting a 1 or 2 season sleeping bag, and for the winter, a 3 or 4 season. If you're planning to do both, then a 3 season would be a good all-rounder. As well as a vital piece of kit, It's also potentially one of the two largest items in your kit, so a lightweight sleeping bag is a good idea to keep weight and size in mind.

See our sleeping bags here >>

Stove

There are many outdoor stoves on the market; you really need something small, efficient, and practical for wild camping. There is also the option of lighting a real fire.

Although you might like the idea of an open fire, they add an additional hazard to camp safety. Just remember to pack enough fuel for whichever stove you end up choosing, and take care using any stove in a wild camping environment.

Dry Bag

When you're wild camping, it's important to keep your equipment dry. Dry bags (not to be confused with bivvy bags) are a fantastic lightweight solution that are available in multiple sizes. Once you've set up camp, they can also be used as a very effective pillow if you stuff them.

See our dry bags here >>

Other Essential Kit and Useful Items

Personal clothing and equipment for a normal mountain day
Water Bottle/pouch
Ordnance Survey Map and Compass (and know how to use them!)
Safety Whistle
Reliable Head Torch with spare batteries
Quality Knife / Multi-Tool
Food
Hats
Gloves (even in summer)
Cutlery, Mug, Plate/Bowl
Insect repellent
First Aid Kit

Remember the wild camping essentials

Finding yourself out in the great outdoors without a piece of equipment you've forgotten or lost can spoil your wild camping experience more than you think. This isn't only irritating, but more importantly, it can also be literally life-threatening.

Think about the list above, use your common sense, and also think about whether the location you're planning to go to requires anything more specific. A good waterproof jacket, windproof fleece, insulated jacket and waterproof shoes are always a solid addition if the weather looks like it may turn wet.

What are the rules on wild camping?

The wild camping code

Leave no trace behind other than footprints.
Wild camping should be for small groups, aiming to minimise light and noise.
Set up camp as late as you can, and leave as early as possible
Use camp stove's where possible. If a fire is essential, keep them small and contained. Ensure all hot pans are rested on rocks so as not to damage the grass.
When you go to the toilet, make sure you go away from waterways and rivers and footpaths.
Set up camp outside and avoid brightly coloured tents and camping equipment.
Respect the wildlife and other animals at all times, and ensure you do not set up camp near them.
Stay one night and move on, or at the very least, pack up camp in the early morning and set up once again the following evening.

Where is wild camping legal in the UK?

Here's where things get complicated. Ultimately there are different rules for Scotland to the rest of the UK.

Is it legal to go wild camping in Scotland?

Generally speaking, due to the land reform act 2003right-to-roam laws, as long as it isn't private land, you can wild camp in most places around Scotland, it's as simple as finding a remote spot you like.

Scotland contains some of the most dramatic views in the UK, and if you can find yourself a wild camp with a view over a loch, then the experience could be magical. Waking up to a view over Loch Lomond for example would be something that would stay with you forever.

Is wild camping legal in England, Wales and Northern Ireland?

This is where wild camping becomes a grey area, as there is no legal right or formal law in place. Someone owns all land, so anyone caught camping is technically trespassing. In theory, you must get the landowner's permission before wild camping.

However, in reality, most wild campers take a chance with the knowledge that if asked to move on in the early hours of the morning, you legally have to pack up and leave. If you refuse to go, you are technically committing a criminal offence. Most wild campers understand, accept and embrace these factors as an additional thrill to the overall experience.

Ultimately you'll want to wild camp in a remote area (that's the point), which will already lower the chances of being asked to move. However, if found, you can always increase your chances of staying if you have a tidy camp that respects the environment and the land.

Top-Tip:

Dartmoor National Park Authority is more forward-thinking as wild camping is legal in many places. They even developed a map highlighting the best places open for wild camping.