I’ve been moved on a few times in five years of wild camping. Twice by police, seven times by landowners, three times by wardens, and twice by angry farmers who found me at dawn and made their feelings very clear.

I’ve also successfully wild camped so many nights without issues. I’ve woken up to Scottish sunrises over lochs, Welsh mountain views, Cornish coastal dawns, and Peak District mists. I’ve parked in lay-bys, forestry commission car parks, beach access roads, and remote farm tracks.

Here’s what I’ve learned: wild camping in the UK exists in a grey area between technically illegal trespassing and tolerated common practice. The law says one thing. Reality is different. Success depends on understanding both.

This isn’t another article listing “wild camping spots” that are actually paid campsites or showing you photos of vans parked in prohibited areas. This is the reality of wild camping in the UK — what’s actually legal, what’s tolerated, where you’ll get moved on, and how to do it without being a dickhead.

In this guide, I will share some of the best wild camping spots in the UK that I’ve discovered during my adventures.

I’ll tell you about spots that work, spots that look perfect but always get you moved on, and the tactics that actually keep you under the radar. I’ll cover the legal situation in each country (it’s different), the unwritten rules that matter more than the written ones, and what happens when it goes wrong.

Because it will go wrong sometimes. You’ll misjudge a spot. You’ll park somewhere that seemed fine but turns out to be someone’s driveway. You’ll wake up to a farmer knocking on your window. And you need to know how to handle it.

Let’s get into it.

The Legal Reality: It’s Complicated

Right, let’s sort out the legal situation because everyone gets this wrong.

Scotland: Actually Legal (Mostly)

Scotland has the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003, which gives everyone the right to access most land for recreational purposes, including wild camping. This is real, actual, legal wild camping.

The rights:

• Camp on most unenclosed land
• Stay for 2-3 nights in one spot
• Access most hills, mountains, moors, forests
• Use motorhomes and campervans (with restrictions)

The restrictions:

• Not on enclosed agricultural land (fields with crops/livestock)
• Not within sight of houses (generally 100m+ away)
• Must follow Scottish Outdoor Access Code
• Some areas have camping management zones (Loch Lomond, Trossachs)
• Must leave no trace

What this means in practice:

You can legally park your van on forestry tracks, in remote car parks, by lochs (if there’s access), on moorland passing places, and in the Highlands. As long as you’re discrete, respectful, and leave no trace, you’re exercising your legal right.

I’ve wild camped in Scotland dozens of times. Never been moved on when following the rules. It’s brilliant.

England and Wales: Technically Illegal, Practically Tolerated

There’s no right to wild camp in England and Wales. Legally, parking overnight on someone’s land without permission is trespassing (civil offence, not criminal). But:

The reality:

• Wild camping happens constantly
• Authorities mostly tolerate discrete camping
• Being moved on is the worst consequence (usually)
• Some areas actively tolerate it
• Others enforce no overnight parking

The trespassing law:

Trespassing is civil, not criminal. The landowner can ask you to leave. If you refuse, they can pursue civil action. But they rarely do because:

• It’s expensive
• It’s effort
• Most campers leave when asked
• You’re not causing damage

What actually happens: someone asks you to move, you move, end of story.

Exception – Criminal trespassing:

You can be criminally prosecuted for trespassing if:

• You’re causing damage
• You’re part of a group (6+ vehicles)
• You’re on specific protected land
• You refuse to leave when asked by authorities

Single campervan, causing no damage, leaving when asked? Civil matter only.

Northern Ireland: Restrictive

Northern Ireland has no wild camping rights and stricter enforcement than England/Wales. Most land is private. Authorities are less tolerant. I’ve camped there twice, got moved on once. It’s doable but harder.

The practical legal position:

Scotland: Do it legally and freely
England/Wales: Do it discretely and respectfully, expect occasional moving on
Northern Ireland: Find campsites or be very discrete

The Scottish Highlands: Where It’s Actually Legal

Right, Scotland first because it’s easiest. Here are some of the best wild camping spots I’ve used successfully, sometimes multiple times.

1. Glen Etive (Scottish Highlands)

What it is: Long single-track valley road with multiple pull-offs and parking areas alongside a river.

GPS starting point: Glen Etive, PA39 (multiple spots along the glen)

Why it works:

Glen Etive is famous among wild campers because it’s legal, accessible, and stunning. The single-track road follows the river with dozens of informal parking spots. You’re camping on unenclosed land with no nearby houses.

I’ve stayed here four times. Once had six other campervans nearby (everyone spread out, everyone quiet). Never been disturbed. No facilities, no hassle, no problems.

What to know:

• Gets busy in summer (15+ vans some nights)
• Midges are brutal June-August
• No facilities (pack out everything)
• Some spots better than others (drive the whole glen)
• Can be boggy after rain
• Occasionally used by film crews (Skyfall was filmed here)

Best time: September-October (fewer midges, fewer vans, stunning colors)

Facilities: None. Nearest services in Glencoe village (20 min drive).

2. North Coast 500 Lay-bys (Scottish Highlands)

What it is: The NC500 route has dozens of suitable overnight spots, from forestry car parks to coastal passing places.

My favorites:

• Achmelvich Beach car park (NC500, near Lochinver) – coastal, often has 3-4 vans
• Bealach na Bà viewpoint (Applecross Pass) – dramatic mountain pass, gets cold
• Clashnessie Beach – small parking area, stunning beach

Why it works:

The NC500 is designed for touring. Authorities know campervans use it. Discrete overnight parking is tolerated as long as you’re respectful.

I’ve used various NC500 spots eight times over two trips. Moved on once (private car park, I’d missed the sign). Otherwise fine.

What to know:

• Some spots marked “no overnight parking” – respect this
• Coastal spots get windy
• Facilities are sparse (plan ahead)
• Summer gets busy (50+ vans in some areas)
• Locals sometimes tired of NC500 tourists (be extra respectful)

Best time: May or September (after/before peak, better weather than winter)

Facilities: Scattered. Fuel and shops in Ullapool, Durness, Lochinver, Applecross.

3. Loch Rannoch (Perthshire)

What it is: Quieter alternative to more famous Loch Lomond. Forestry Commission car parks and lochside access points.

GPS: Loch Rannoch, PH17 – multiple spots along south shore

Why it works:

Less famous than Loch Lomond means fewer vans and less enforcement. The south shore has several forestry car parks that tolerate overnight stays. It’s proper wild camping but accessible.

I’ve stayed here twice, both times completely alone. Once in October (freezing but beautiful), once in May (midges, less beautiful).

What to know:

• South shore easier access than north
• Some car parks have height barriers
• Gets very cold in winter
• Good hiking access (Schiehallion nearby)
• Midges in summer

Best time: October-November (autumn colors, fewer midges)

Facilities: Village of Kinloch Rannoch has shop, pub. Limited.

4. Glenmore Forest Park (Cairngorms)

What it is: Forestry Commission managed forest with designated parking areas near Aviemore.

GPS: Glenmore Forest Park, PH22 1QU

Why it works:

The Forestry Commission tolerates discrete overnight parking in many locations. Glenmore has several car parks that work. You’re technically meant to move every 2 nights, but enforcement is light.

I stayed three nights here in January. Snowed in, -8°C, amazing. Saw four other vans over three days. No one bothered us.

What to know:

• Some car parks better than others
• Rangers occasionally check (polite, just ensuring compliance)
• Good facilities nearby (Aviemore 15 min)
• Busy in ski season (December-March)
• Midges in summer

Best time: Winter for skiing, October for hiking

Facilities: Aviemore has everything (supermarkets, fuel, outdoor shops)

5. Isle of Skye Coastal Spots

What it is: Various coastal access points and forestry car parks across Skye.

My spots:

• Staffin Beach car park – often has 2-3 vans
• Elgol – parking area, stunning Cuillin views
• Glenbrittle – beach access, climber’s paradise

Why it works:

Skye is touristy but tolerates van camping in many areas. Coastal access points are legal wild camping spots. Discrete parking is generally fine.

Used Skye spots six times. Moved on once (private land, I’d misread access). Otherwise successful.

What to know:

• Gets very busy in summer (too busy)
• Some areas have overnight parking bans (Fairy Pools, Quiraing)
• Wind is constant and fierce
• Facilities scattered
• Midges are legendary in summer

Best time: May or October (avoid summer crowds)

Facilities: Portree has full services, other villages limited

England: The Tolerated Grey Area

England has no legal wild camping, but these spots work through toleration or obscurity.

6. Dartmoor National Park (Devon)

What it is: One of the few places in England with quasi-legal wild camping (for tents) that extends to discrete van parking in some areas.

GPS starting point: Dartmoor, Devon – various car parks

Why it works (sort of):

Dartmoor has backpacking wild camping rights on certain commons. While this doesn’t technically extend to vehicles, some car parks tolerate overnight stays. It’s a grey area.

I’ve stayed on Dartmoor five times. Moved on twice (wrong car park, private land). Three times fine. Success rate: 60%.

What to know:

• Stick to larger forestry/national park car parks
• Avoid private car parks (common near villages)
• Rangers sometimes check (usually just informing, not moving on)
• Gets boggy and cold
• Ponies will investigate your van

Best spots:

• Postbridge car park – popular, usually tolerated
• Burrator Reservoir – forest car parks
• Two Bridges – hit and miss

Best time: September-October (avoid summer tourists and winter weather)

Facilities: Villages on edge of moor (Princetown, Postbridge, Widecombe)

7. Forest of Dean (Gloucestershire)

What it is: Forestry Commission woodland with multiple car parks that mostly tolerate overnight parking.

GPS: Forest of Dean, GL16 – various car parks

Why it works:

Forestry Commission is generally tolerant of discrete overnight parking. Forest of Dean has dozens of car parks. Some officially prohibit overnight parking, others don’t mention it.

I’ve used Forest of Dean six times over three years. Never moved on. Multiple nights in same spot without issue.

What to know:

• Check for “no overnight parking” signs
• Some car parks have height barriers
• Can be muddy after rain
• Good cycling and hiking
• Near Wales border (easy to combine)

Best spots:

• Mallards Pike Lake – larger car park, usually fine
• Beechenhurst – popular but tolerated
• Cannop Ponds – scenic, often 1-2 other vans

Best time: Year-round (mild climate)

Facilities: Coleford and Cinderford have shops/services

8. Northumberland Coast (Northumberland)

What it is: Coastal access points, beach car parks, and forest car parks along relatively quiet coastline.

My spots:

• Beadnell Bay – large car park, often has vans
• Low Newton – small village car park
• Druridge Bay – country park car parks

Why it works:

Northumberland is less touristy than Cornwall or Devon. Many coastal car parks tolerate overnight parking. It’s not explicitly legal, but enforcement is rare.

I’ve used Northumberland spots four times. Never moved on. Often alone or with 1-2 other vans.

What to know:

• Some beach car parks have height barriers
• Check for overnight parking signs
• Can be very windy
• Seals on some beaches (keep distance)
• Cold even in summer

Best time: May-June (long daylight, before peak season)

Facilities: Small villages have basics, Alnwick for major shops

9. Kielder Forest (Northumberland)

What it is: Huge forestry commission forest with multiple car parks and forest tracks.

GPS: Kielder Forest, NE48 – various access points

Why it works:

Kielder is remote and massive. Forestry Commission tolerates discrete parking. Multiple suitable spots spread across huge area.

I’ve stayed here twice. Both times completely alone. No one checked on me. One of the most remote-feeling spots in England.

What to know:

• Very remote (nearest services 30+ minutes)
• Phone signal patchy/non-existent
• Dark Sky Park (amazing stars)
• Gets very cold at night
• Forest tracks can be rough

Best time: Summer for warmth, winter for stars

Facilities: Kielder village has basics, but it’s remote. Stock up before arriving.

10. North York Moors (Yorkshire)

What it is: National Park with moorland roads, forest car parks, and coastal access.

My spots:

• Hole of Horcum – popular viewpoint car park
• Ravenscar – coastal village car park
• Sutton Bank – large car park with views

Why it works:

North York Moors National Park is generally tolerant. Many car parks see overnight vans regularly. Enforcement is light.

I’ve used North York Moors three times. Moved on once (private car park near Whitby). Otherwise fine.

What to know:

• Some spots get busy with other vans
• Moorland spots can be very cold
• Good hiking and cycling
• Easier access than remote Scotland

Best time: September-October (heather in bloom, fewer tourists)

Facilities: Villages throughout (Helmsley, Pickering, Whitby)

Wales: Beautiful But Stricter

Wales has tightened wild camping enforcement recently, but discrete spots still work.

11. Snowdonia Forestry Car Parks (Gwynedd)

What it is: Forestry Commission car parks in Snowdonia National Park.

GPS: Snowdonia, LL – various car parks (Betws-y-Coed area)

Why it (sometimes) works:

Snowdonia has cracked down on overnight parking in popular spots, but forestry car parks away from main tourist areas still tolerate discrete camping.

I’ve stayed in Snowdonia five times. Moved on three times (popular spots like Pen-y-Pass). Successful twice (quieter forestry car parks).

What to know:

• Many popular spots now have overnight parking bans
• Enforcement increased significantly 2020-2023
• Forestry car parks better than National Park car parks
• Very wet climate
• Success rate lower than Scotland

Better spots:

• Beddgelert Forest – several car parks, quieter
• Gwydyr Forest – near Betws-y-Coed, less touristy

Best time: September-October (avoid summer crowds)

Facilities: Betws-y-Coed, Llanberis, Beddgelert have services

12. Pembrokeshire Coast (Southwest Wales)

What it is: Coastal access car parks and clifftop spots along stunning coastline.

My spots:

• Whitesands Bay – large car park, sometimes tolerated overnight
• St Davids Head – remote car park
• Newport Parrog – small coastal village

Why it works (sometimes):

Pembrokeshire is touristy but some spots tolerate overnight parking. It’s hit and miss. Enforcement varies by location and season.

I’ve used Pembrokeshire four times. Moved on twice (rangers checking popular spots). Successful twice (quieter beaches).

What to know:

• Popular beaches enforce strictly
• Quieter spots more tolerant
• Coastal wardens patrol in summer
• Beautiful but busy
• Success rate: 50%

Best time: May or September (before/after peak)

Facilities: St Davids, Tenby, Fishguard have full services

Coastal Car Parks: The National Issue

Nearly every coastal area in the UK now has “no overnight parking” signs. But the reality is more nuanced.

Why the bans exist:

1. Tourism overload (Cornwall, Pembrokeshire, Scotland)
2. Local resident complaints (noise, rubbish)
3. Campsite lobbying (losing business to free camping)
4. Toilet waste dumping (some idiots ruin it for everyone)

What actually happens:

Many bans aren’t enforced overnight. Wardens work 9am-5pm. If you arrive at 8pm and leave by 8am, often no one checks. But this isn’t guaranteed.

My coastal parking strategy:

1. Avoid obvious tourist spots (too much enforcement)
2. Choose larger, less popular car parks
3. Arrive late (after 8pm), leave early (before 8am)
4. Move every night (don’t take the piss)
5. Be prepared to move if asked
6. Have backup spot identified

Coastal spots that still work (sometimes):

• North Norfolk coast – several beaches tolerate overnight
• Dungeness – isolated, often has vans
• Scottish west coast – legal wild camping applies
• Northumberland beaches – less enforcement

Coastal spots that don’t work:

• Cornwall in summer – forget it, totally enforced
• Pembrokeshire popular beaches – strict enforcement
• Loch Lomond shores – camping management zones
• Anywhere with clear signage and barriers

Lay-bys and Verges: The Last Resort

Lay-bys on A-roads and B-roads are legal to park in overnight (with restrictions). But they’re often noisy, unsafe, or unsuitable.

When lay-bys work:

• Rural areas with low traffic
• Larger lay-bys with space for multiple vehicles
• Away from junctions and bends
• Quiet B-roads, not A-roads

When they don’t:

• A-roads (constant truck traffic)
• Near population centers (noise, security)
• Small lay-bys (blocking access)
• Bends or junctions (unsafe)

My lay-by experiences:

I’ve stayed in lay-bys maybe 20 times. It’s always my last choice. The noise from trucks at night is miserable. I only use lay-bys when I’ve misjudged timing and need somewhere legal to stop.

Better alternatives:

• Forestry car parks
• Quiet village car parks (ask at pub first)
• Farm tracks (ask permission)
• Services with overnight parking (some Tesco car parks)

The Unwritten Rules That Matter More Than Law

Right, here’s what actually keeps you out of trouble. Follow these and you’ll rarely have issues.

Rule 1: Arrive Late, Leave Early

The golden timing:
Arrive: After 8pm
Leave: Before 9am

Most enforcement happens during working hours. Wardens, rangers, and busy landowners aren’t checking car parks at 10pm or 7am. Arrive after dark, leave at dawn, and you’re invisible.

I’ve used this timing hundreds of times. It transforms “no overnight parking” car parks into usable spots.

Example:

Popular Cornish beach car park. Sign says “no overnight parking 6pm-8am.” I arrive at 8:30pm (dark, empty, sign applies). I leave at 7:45am (before 8am deadline, before traffic starts).

Did I break rules? Technically. Did anyone care? No, because I was discrete and gone before anyone noticed.

Rule 2: Leave No Trace (Actually No Trace)

The absolute basics:

• Take all rubbish with you (every scrap)
• Don’t dump grey water or toilet waste
• Don’t light fires (unless specifically permitted)
• Don’t damage vegetation
• Don’t leave marks (tyre ruts, furniture, anything)

Sounds obvious. Yet I’ve seen:

• Toilet waste dumped in car parks
• Rubbish left in bushes
• Fire pits dug in moorland
• Grey water dumped directly onto grass

These dickheads ruin spots for everyone. Don’t be them.

My zero-trace routine:

1. Bag all rubbish (including recyclables)
2. Grey water stored in tank or container
3. Toilet chemicals properly disposed (dump stations only)
4. Check ground for any dropped items before leaving
5. Leave spot looking exactly as I found it

If everyone did this, wild camping wouldn’t be controversial.

Rule 3: Don’t Outstay Your Welcome

One night: Usually fine
Two nights: Pushing it
Three nights: Taking the piss

The Scottish Outdoor Access Code suggests 2-3 nights maximum. I stick to one night almost always. Move spots regularly.

Why this matters:

You’re not the only van user. If you occupy a spot for a week, you’re blocking it from others and attracting attention from authorities. Move on.

Exceptions:

• Remote Scottish locations (truly remote, you can stay longer)
• Private land with permission
• Official overnight parking areas

Rule 4: Be Invisible

Tactics I use:

• Park away from other vehicles when possible
• No external lights after dark
• Blackout curtains so interior light doesn’t show
• Quiet (no music, loud conversations, generators)
• Minimal external setup (no awnings, chairs, tables)

The goal: someone driving past shouldn’t notice you’re there.

Bad examples I’ve seen:

• Vans with fairy lights strung outside
• Awnings erected in car parks
• Music playing at 11pm
• BBQs and campfires
• Groups of 4-5 vans partying

These people get moved on. And they cause problems for discrete campers.

Rule 5: Have an Exit Plan

Always know where you’ll go if moved on.

My approach:

Before settling for night, I identify:

• Backup spot within 10 minutes drive
• Second backup within 20 minutes
• Worst-case option (24h services, truck stop, etc.)

Why this matters:

You’ll get knocked on sometimes. Having a plan means you can leave calmly without desperate 11pm driving looking for anywhere to park.

What Happens When You Get Moved On

It will happen. Here’s how to handle it based on my 14 experiences.

Scenario 1: Landowner in the Morning

What happened to me:

Woke up at 6:30am to loud knocking. Farmer standing outside. He asked what I was doing. I explained I’d arrived late, was leaving soon. He said “off my land within 30 minutes.”

I left in 15 minutes.

How to handle:

• Be polite and apologetic
• Don’t argue (you’re trespassing, legally wrong)
• Leave immediately when asked
• Don’t demand explanation or justification
• Thank them and move on

Scenario 2: Police at Night

What happened to me:

Parked in what I thought was forestry car park. 11pm, two police officers knock. Turns out it’s private land, complaint from owner.

Police checked:

• I wasn’t drunk
• Van was insured/MOT’d
• I wasn’t causing damage

Then asked me to move on. Gave me 30 minutes. I left in 20.

How to handle:

• Be respectful (they’re doing their job)
• Have documents ready (license, insurance, MOT)
• Don’t argue or demand rights
• Ask where they’d suggest parking (sometimes they’ll tell you)
• Leave when asked

Police aren’t trying to ruin your night. They’re responding to complaints. Make it easy for them and they’ll be reasonable.

Scenario 3: Warden/Ranger During Day

What happened to me:

National park warden arrived at 9am. I was still parked (I’d overslept). He explained overnight parking wasn’t permitted. I apologized, said I was leaving. He said “just for future, there’s a campsite 5 miles away.”

No fine, no problem, just information.

How to handle:

• Accept the information
• Don’t debate the rules
• Leave promptly
• Ask for alternative suggestions

Scenario 4: Angry Confrontation

What happened to me:

Woke up to furious farmer at my window, 7am. He was screaming about “trespassers” and “taking the piss.” I’d parked on what I thought was moorland access but was actually his farm track.

I apologized repeatedly, started engine immediately, left within 2 minutes while he was still shouting.

How to handle:

• Stay calm (don’t escalate)
• Apologize even if they’re unreasonable
• Leave immediately
• Don’t try to explain or justify
• Your safety matters more than the spot

I was rattled but safe. He was angry but I left fast enough that it didn’t escalate.

The Spots That Never Work (Don’t Waste Your Time)

Obvious car parks near popular attractions:

• Fairy Pools, Skye (banned, enforced)
• Durdle Door, Dorset (banned, enforced)
• Loch Lomond shores (camping management zone)
• Fistral Beach, Cornwall (banned, enforced)

These spots are Instagram-famous and heavily policed.

Residential areas:

Anywhere near houses. You’ll get complaints, you’ll get moved on, locals will hate van campers more.

Active farmland:

Fields with crops or livestock. Farmers will move you on. Don’t even try.

Private car parks with barriers:

If there’s a barrier that goes down at night, don’t try to sneak in before it closes. You’ll be trapped.

“No overnight parking” with cameras:

If there are ANPR cameras and clear signage, they’re serious about enforcement. Find somewhere else.

Seasonal Considerations

Wild camping works differently by season.

Summer (June-August)

Pros:

• Longer daylight
• Warmer weather
• Better access to remote spots

Cons:

• Very busy (20+ vans at popular spots)
• Midges in Scotland (genuinely awful)
• More enforcement (wardens work summer)
• Harder to be discrete

Strategy: Go remote. Avoid coastal spots. Accept you’ll see other vans.

Autumn (September-November)

Best season for wild camping.

Pros:

• Fewer vans
• No midges
• Beautiful colors
• Less enforcement
• Still decent weather

Cons:

• Shorter days
• Can be wet
• Some high passes closed (Scotland)

Strategy: This is optimal time. Use it.

Winter (December-February)

Pros:

• Very quiet (often alone)
• Amazing scenery in snow
• Zero enforcement
• No midges

Cons:

• Very cold (-5 to -15°C in Scotland)
• Short daylight (7 hours in Scotland)
• Roads can be impassable
• Facilities closed

Strategy: Need proper heating (diesel heater). Stock up on fuel and food. Check weather forecasts. Have backup plans.

Spring (March-May)

Pros:

• Warming up
• Fewer tourists than summer
• Longer days
• Wildlife active

Cons:

• Unpredictable weather
• Midges start May
• Some spots still boggy

Strategy: Good shoulder season. May is sweet spot before summer crowds.

The Equipment That Actually Matters

Essential:

1. Blackout curtains/blinds: Being invisible is key. Full blackout so no interior light visible.
2. Portable toilet: You will need to pee at night. Don’t go outside (neighbors notice, it’s illegal, it’s visible). Bucket-style toilet or cassette.
3. Grey water container: Don’t dump on ground. Store and dispose properly at facilities.
4. Rubbish bags: Take everything with you.
5. OS Maps or app: Know where you are, what land you’re on, where exits are.

Helpful:

1. 12V fan/vent: Stealth camping requires closed windows. Ventilation prevents condensation and stuffiness.
2. Phone signal booster: Some remote spots have no signal. Booster helps for emergencies.
3. Backup power: Solar or second battery. You’re not plugged in.
4. Leveling blocks: Some spots aren’t flat. Sleeping on slope is miserable.

Don’t need:

• External lights (draws attention)
• Awning (too obvious)
• Generators (loud, antisocial)
• External kitchen setup (minimalist is better)

Apps and Resources That Help

Park4Night (app):

Crowdsourced wild camping spots. User reviews. Shows which spots work or have issues. €10/year subscription worth it.

I check Park4Night before trying new spots. Reviews warn about enforcement, facilities, or problems.

Search4Sites (app):

Similar to Park4Night. UK-focused. Includes campsites and wild spots. Free basic version.

OS Maps (app):

Essential for Scotland. Shows access land, footpaths, land ownership. £28/year subscription.

Forestry Commission website:

Lists car parks in FC land. Some tolerate overnight parking. Check individual forest pages.

Scottish Outdoor Access Code:

Official guidance for wild camping rights in Scotland. Read it before using Scottish access rights.

Google Maps satellite view:

Scout spots before arriving. See actual layout, nearby buildings, access routes. Street view shows signage.

The Ethical Wild Camping Framework

Beyond legality, there’s ethics.

The questions to ask:

1. Am I harming this location?
   If your presence damages land, disturbs wildlife, or spoils it for others, you shouldn’t be there.
2. Am I taking the piss?
   Staying multiple nights, setting up camp, being loud — you’re abusing tolerance.
3. Am I being respectful to locals?
   Blocking access, parking near houses, leaving mess — you’re creating problems for residents.
4. Would I want 50 people doing what I’m doing?
   If everyone camped where you’re camping the way you’re camping, would the spot survive? If no, you’re doing it wrong.
5. Am I helping or hurting the wild camping community?
   Every bad camper makes it harder for future campers. Be the good example.

The line between wild camping and taking the piss:

Good:

• One night, discrete, no trace, respectful, quiet
• Remote spots, away from residents
• Proper waste disposal
• Contributing to local economy (shopping at local stores)

Taking the piss:

• Multiple nights same spot
• Groups of vans
• Loud, visible, messy
• Ignoring signage
• Arguing when moved on
• Not supporting local businesses

Be the former. Don’t be the latter.

What I’ve Learned After 300+ Nights

Success isn’t about finding secret spots.

Everyone’s sharing locations now (Park4Night, Instagram, YouTube). Secret spots don’t stay secret. Success is about behavior.

The vans that never get bothered:

• Arrive late, leave early
• Completely discrete
• Leave no trace
• Move regularly
• Respect signage
• Polite when questioned

The vans that always get moved on:

• Arrive early, stay late
• Lights and music
• External setup
• Rubbish left
• Ignore signs
• Argue when challenged

Be invisible. Be respectful. Move on.

My current approach:

I use Scotland extensively (it’s legal, enjoy it). In England/Wales, I rotate spots, never stay twice in same place within a month, arrive late, leave early, zero trace.

I get moved on maybe twice a year now (down from 5-6 times in first year). The difference? I learned the unwritten rules.

Is wild camping getting harder?

Yes. More enforcement, more bans, more complaints from locals. Instagram-famous vans and YouTube channels share locations, spots get overrun, authorities crack down.

The golden age (2010-2018) is over. It’s still possible, just requires more care.

Should you still do it?

Yes, if you do it right. Wild camping is brilliant. Waking up to Scottish mountain views beats any campsite. Just respect the rules, written and unwritten.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is it legal to sleep in your car on the street?

In England/Wales, you can park legally on public roads (unless restrictions apply). Sleeping in your vehicle on a public road overnight is generally legal. However, some councils have bylaws restricting this. Check local rules.

Q: Can I wild camp in a rooftop tent?

Same rules as van camping. In Scotland, yes on appropriate land. In England/Wales, it’s trespassing without permission. Rooftop tents are more visible though, so more likely to attract attention.

Q: What if I’m on private land without knowing?

Trespassing is civil offense in England/Wales. If asked to leave, leave. No criminal prosecution unless you refuse or cause damage. Most landowners just ask you to move.

Q: Do I need landowner permission?

In England/Wales, technically yes. In practice, many spots tolerate discrete overnight parking. In Scotland, you have access rights on appropriate land (no permission needed).

Q: What about pub car parks?

Ask the pub. Many are fine if you’re a customer. Some explicitly welcome campervans. Don’t assume — ask permission.

Q: Can I light a fire?

Generally no. Prohibited in most places. Scotland allows fires in some circumstances but discouraged (leave no trace). Use a stove.

Q: What about National Trust land?

National Trust car parks usually prohibit overnight parking. Some tolerate it if discrete. Check signs.

Q: How do I find toilet facilities?

Plan ahead. Services, campsites, public toilets in towns. In remote areas, portable toilet is essential.

Q: What if I need to empty waste?

Designated dump stations (motorhome services). Many campsites let non-guests use facilities for fee (£3-5). Never dump grey water or toilet waste on ground.

Q: Can I stay multiple nights if discrete?

Scottish access code suggests 2-3 nights max. In England/Wales, one night is pushing tolerance, multiple nights is taking the piss.

The Realistic Expectations

You will get moved on.

Accept it. It happens. You’ll misjudge spots, miss signs, park somewhere that seemed fine but isn’t. Be gracious and move.

Most wild camping attempts work.

My success rate is about 90% now (down from 70% in first year). Most nights, no one bothers you. You’ll have successful nights far more often than problems.

It requires flexibility.

Can’t be precious about specific spots. Have backups. Be ready to adapt.

It’s not Instagram perfect.

You’ll park in lay-bys when ideal spots don’t work out. You’ll sleep near roads. You’ll compromise. Real wild camping is less glamorous than social media.

It’s worth the effort.

Despite hassles, wild camping is brilliant. Freedom, nature, cost savings, adventure. I wouldn’t change it.

The future is uncertain.

Enforcement is increasing. More bans coming. Enjoy it while it lasts, but accept it might get harder.

My Final Recommendations

If you’re starting wild camping:

1. Start in Scotland (legal, easier, more tolerance)
2. Use Park4Night to find tested spots
3. Follow the unwritten rules religiously
4. Expect to make mistakes (I did)
5. Learn from being moved on (it’s education)

If you’re experienced:

1. Rotate spots (don’t overuse favorites)
2. Share good spots carefully (oversharing ruins them)
3. Call out bad behavior (educate newbies)
4. Adapt as enforcement increases
5. Have backup plans always

If you’re considering a first wild camping trip:

Do it. It’s brilliant. Scotland in autumn. Follow the rules. Be discrete. You’ll love it.

Useful Resources

Apps:

• Park4Night: www.park4night.com (€10/year)
• Search4Sites: www.search4sites.co.uk (free basic)
• OS Maps: www.osmaps.com (£28/year)

Information:

• Scottish Outdoor Access Code: www.outdooraccess-scotland.scot
• Forestry Commission: www.forestryengland.uk
• National Parks: Individual park websites for current rules

Communities:

• Wild Camping UK (Facebook group): Active community
• Vanlife UK (Facebook group): General van living
• UKCampsite forums: www.ukcampsite.co.uk/chatter

Emergency:

• What3words app: For precise location in emergencies
• 999: Emergency services (police, ambulance)
• Coastguard: 999 (coastal emergencies)

Disclaimer: Wild camping laws and enforcement change. Verify current regulations before visiting. This guide is based on personal experience, not legal advice. Respect property, follow local rules, and accept responsibility for your own actions.