Top 10 Wild Camping Spots in the UK
If you’ve ever searched for “wild camping UK spots” or typed “wild camping near me” hoping for somewhere truly magical, this guide is for you. The UK’s landscapes are rich with wild beauty—from jagged Highland peaks to tranquil Welsh valleys. Wild camping here isn’t just about finding a place to pitch your tent—it’s about connecting with raw nature, pushing yourself a little further, and discovering silence that modern life rarely offers.
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Before we dive into the list, remember: wild camping laws vary. In Scotland, the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 allows responsible camping on most unenclosed land, provided you follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code
Contents
Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park, Wales
Brecon Beacons, Wales
Lake District, England
Dartmoor, England
Cairngorms National Park, Scotland
Glencoe, Scotland
Torridon, Scotland
Isle of Skye, Scotland
Fisherfield Forest & Loch Maree, Scotland
Knoydart Peninsula, Scotland
Tips for Wild Camping in the UK
Final Thoughts
FAQ
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Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park, Wales
Eryri, still fondly known as Snowdonia, is a place of drama—jagged peaks rising above mist-filled valleys and glacial lakes reflecting the sky. Wild camping here means waking up with the sun spilling across Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), the highest mountain in Wales. As mountaineer George Mallory once said, “The greatest danger in life is not to take the adventure.” In Eryri, adventure is everywhere.
Brecon Beacons, Wales
​Rolling hills, sweeping ridgelines, and some of the darkest skies in the UK—this is the Brecon Beacons. For wild campers, the Black Mountains and Pen y Fan offer both solitude and panoramas that stretch for miles. On a clear night, the stars blaze with astonishing intensity, making this one of the most magical wild camping UK spots.
Lake District, England
Beloved by poets like Wordsworth, the Lake District is where literature meets landscape. Picture yourself camping by a hidden tarn, waking to a golden sunrise over Great Langdale. Though popular, the further you climb into the fells, the more solitude you’ll find. Wordsworth once described the Lakes as “a sort of national property, in which every man has a right and interest who has an eye to perceive and a heart to enjoy.” That spirit is alive here still.
Dartmoor, England
Vast, windswept moorland dotted with granite tors—Dartmoor feels timeless. It’s also unique: the only place in England where wild camping has a legal framework, following the 2025 Supreme Court ruling. There’s something ancient in its misty valleys and stone circles, making a night here feel like stepping into legend. Dartmoor is one of the best options if you’re looking for “wild camping near me” in southern England.
Cairngorms National Park, Scotland
The Cairngorms are big country—high plateaus, deep glens, and ancient Caledonian pine forests. In winter, it can feel Arctic; in summer, you’ll find endless daylight and expansive views. It’s a place where true wildness endures. Nan Shepherd, who lived and walked in the Cairngorms, wrote: “Knowing another is endless. The thing to be known grows with the knowing.” Wild camping here feels like an initiation into that endlessness.
Glencoe, Scotland
Few landscapes are as iconic—or as dramatic—as Glencoe. Towering peaks, deep valleys, and waterfalls crashing from hidden corries make it one of Scotland’s most photographed glens. Yet it’s only when you camp here, beneath Buachaille Etive Mòr or by the River Coe, that you feel its haunting beauty. Many describe Glencoe as having a mystical, almost spiritual presence, a place where history and landscape merge.
Torridon, Scotland
Remote, rugged, and elemental—Torridon is the Highlands at their wildest. Its mountains, like Liathach and Beinn Alligin, rise in fortress-like ridges. Camping here, you feel the full force of wilderness. It’s a place to test yourself, but also to be rewarded with silence, solitude, and the kind of starlit nights that etch themselves into memory.
Isle of Skye, Scotland
The Isle of Skye is a landscape of legends: the jagged Cuillin mountains, the strange rock formations of the Quiraing, the cliffs of Neist Point. Whether you camp by the sea with waves as your lullaby or high in the Cuillins among crags and ridges, Skye is unforgettable. As local folklore says, the island is “where the earth meets the heavens.” For wild campers, it certainly feels that way.
Fisherfield Forest & Loch Maree, Scotland
Nicknamed the “Great Wilderness,” Fisherfield is one of the most remote parts of the UK. Reaching it means long treks over bogs, rivers, and rough ground—but when you arrive, you’ll find vast silence, broken only by the call of eagles or the rush of water. Loch Maree, framed by rugged peaks, adds another layer of majesty. This is wild camping stripped to its essence: raw, remote, and humbling.
Fisherfield Forest & Loch Maree, Scotland
Britain’s “last wilderness” is only accessible by boat or a long, challenging hike. This remoteness makes Knoydart one of the most rewarding wild camping UK spots. Here, mountains plunge into sea lochs, deer roam freely, and every campsite feels like a secret discovery. John Muir once said, “In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks.” In Knoydart, that truth echoes in every sunrise and every gust of salt-laden wind.
Tips for Wild Camping in the UK
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Always check local laws and access rights.
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Follow the Leave No Trace principles—pack out all rubbish and avoid disturbing wildlife.
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Arrive late, leave early, and camp small.
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Be prepared for rapidly changing weather, especially in the Highlands.
Final Thoughts
From the remote silence of Knoydart to the romantic fells of the Lake District, the UK offers wild camping experiences for every soul. These aren’t just places to pitch a tent—they’re landscapes that shape stories, restore peace, and remind us of the wild freedom still left in Britain. So next time you type “wild camping near me,” think bigger: think adventure, wilderness, and nights under a sky full of stars
​Frequently Asked Questions About Wild Camping in the UK
Is wild camping legal in the UK?
Wild camping is legal in most of Scotland under the Land Reform Act, provided you camp responsibly. In England and Wales, it is generally illegal without landowner permission, except on Dartmoor’s designated common land.
Where are the best wild camping UK spots for beginners?
The Brecon Beacons and Dartmoor are great starting points. They’re relatively accessible, have clear trails, and offer dramatic landscapes without extreme remoteness.
What is the best season for wild camping in the UK?
Late spring to early autumn is ideal for beginners, with longer daylight and milder conditions. Experienced campers may enjoy winter camping in the Cairngorms or Snowdonia, though it requires specialist gear.
How do I find wild camping near me?
Look for national parks, areas of outstanding natural beauty (AONBs), or local hiking groups. Online communities often share wild camping spots while emphasising Leave No Trace ethics.
What gear do I need for wild camping in the UK?
A lightweight tent or bivvy bag, a warm sleeping bag, a sleeping pad (for insulation), cooking gear, a map/compass, headtorch, and waterproof clothing are essentials.