Choosing the right location and properly pitching your tent are crucial steps for a successful wild camping trip. It can be a bit daunting—and liberating, of course—selecting the perfect spot to pitch up.
What is Wild Camping?
Wild camping should be just that: out in the wild, where there are no other accommodation options in the vicinity. Wild camping involves camping anywhere other than in a designated campsite area. It goes by different names in various countries; for example, in New Zealand, it’s called ‘freedom camping’. Common sense suggests you should not stay at your wild ‘campsite’ for more than a couple of nights for two main reasons:
- Safety and Health: Cooking and eating can attract unwanted creatures, from rats in Britain to bears in Canada.
- Courtesy and Conservation: The land belongs to someone, and it’s courteous to move on sooner rather than later, leaving the area exactly as you found it.
Wild Camping in the UK
Wild camping in most parts of Britain is generally illegal, although there are exceptions. While the Countryside Rights of Way Act (CRoW) allows walking across certain areas, it does not provide the right to camp. Whenever practical, ask for permission from the landowner before pitching a tent to avoid trespassing.
Dartmoor
Wild camping is acceptable on parts of Dartmoor, provided that:
- You stay for no more than two nights.
- You avoid farmland (unless with permission).
- You do not camp on moorland enclosed by walls.
- You stay at least 100 metres from a road.
- You avoid flood plains and archaeological sites.
Take extra care in military firing ranges on Dartmoor(!). A map with suitable areas can be viewed at Dartmoor National Park's website.
Wild Camping in Scotland
The Scottish Outdoor Access Code (2003) created the legal right to camp in most areas. However, certain lands are excluded from this code. More details can be found at Outdoor Access Scotland.
Wild Camping in Europe
Norway, Sweden, and Finland are the best places for wild camping in Europe, thanks to the legal right to access land, known as the allemannsretten. Wild camping is permitted in open countryside, away from cultivated land, and must be done at least 150 metres from the nearest house or cabin. In Finland, some wild camping spots provide water supplies and firewood.
Wild Camping in the USA and Canada
Wild camping is allowed in both the USA and Canada, though rules vary by state and province. Many national parks and forests provide designated areas for wild camping where pitching a tent or sleeping overnight in an RV is legal.
Wild Camping in Australia and New Zealand
Both countries allow wild camping, but regulations are tightening, especially in New Zealand, due to irresponsible practices. Wild camping is generally acceptable for motorhomes with onboard toilets and waste tanks. Campers without these facilities are encouraged to use designated campsites.
Where to Pitch Your Tent
Regardless of your tent's make, model, or style, follow these basic tips for pitching your tent:
- Practice Pitching Your Tent:
Before your wild camping trip, practice setting up your new tent at home or in a spacious area like a playing field or a friend’s garden. Ensure you understand the instructions and have all the parts.
- Prepare the Ground:
At your campsite, clear the ground of pine cones, stones, or twigs that could damage your groundsheet or cause discomfort. Don’t start uprooting plants to give yourself a clear pitch. Remember, things that were already there before you - plants, animals etc - have first priority.
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Find Flat Ground:
Look for flat ground, and if there's a slope, position your tent with your head uphill for a better night’s sleep.
- Safety First:
Choose a safe location away from watercourses, strong winds, and potential rockfalls.
- Follow Tent Instructions:
Different tents require the flysheet or outer tent to be pitched first before the inner tent. Others reverse the principle. Check before you begin erecting the tent.
- Position Your Tent Wisely
Position your tent so that the narrow end or back is facing into the wind gusts. This will help reduce the surface area exposed to the wind.
- Stake Your Tent Down Properly
If you’re expecting windy weather, staking down your tent is critical. Make sure to use stakes that are long enough and sturdy enough to hold your shelter in place. Place the stakes at a 45-degree angle away from the tent, with the hook facing away to provide the most resistance against strong winds. If the ground is too hard to stake, consider using sandbags or rocks to anchor your tent.
- Use Guylines
Most tents come with guylines, which are cords attached to the tent that can be secured to the ground using stakes. Use these to further secure your tent in windy conditions. You can also attach additional guylines to your tent and stake them down at a 45 degree angle from the tent. Adjust the tension of your guylines and stakes to ensure your tent is taut and secure. Too much tension can damage the fabric or tent poles, while too little tension can cause the tent to flap around in the wind. Use a firm but gentle pull to get the right tension.
By following these guidelines, you can enjoy a safe and memorable wild camping experience, whether you’re in the UK or exploring other parts of the world. Stay prepared, check the weather forecast beforehand, and have an amazing wild camping adventure.
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