Choosing A Wild Camping Location

There’s something magical about wild camping; in fact, you wouldn’t be reading this if you didn’t already think that so I probably needn’t have mentioned it! Pitching your tent under a starry sky (or, as is so often the case here in the UK, a claggy, featureless void), surrounded by silence, with nothing but the sound of the wind or a nearby stream is such a fantastic way to spend the night. But finding the right spot isn’t just about the views, even though that’s often the priority of many who are planning a trip. And of course I can’t really blame anyone for that, because we all love nice views, but there are other factors to consider.

Safety, legality, and respecting the environment all matter. Choosing wisely means a more relaxed, enjoyable night outdoors.

Know the Rules Before You Go

Before you even start packing your bag, it’s worth checking the rules where you plan to camp. In Scotland, the Outdoor Access Code generally allows camping on most unenclosed land, as long as you follow a few simple guidelines. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, things are trickier, technically you need landowner permission, although discreet camping in remote spots is often tolerated, especially if camping above the highest fell walls in the Lake District, and it’s allowed throughout much of Dartmoor. I have a more detailed article about those considerations here.

Knowing what’s allowed keeps you on the right side of the law and, just as importantly if not even more so, shows respect for the land. You’re entering a wild place, so always be mindful of that.

“Honey Pot” Spots

In recent years, largely fuelled by social media, certain areas have attracted increasing numbers of campers. A lot of the time this is due to particularly pleasant views, and tarns (small mountain lakes), in particular, seem to top the lists of many campers’ bucket list spots. Please consider camping elsewhere. The problem with these spots is that the overuse actually has a harmful impact on the area; the increase in litter spoils them and harms the wildlife and plant life, and let’s not forget that the increase in actual human crap around the site has an impact too.

Something I’ll often do when planning a hiking and camping trip is to check social media (Instagram and Youtube in particular) to see how many photos and videos I can find from that area, using a combination of the place name plus “wild camping” as the search term. If there aren’t many results, then I know there’s a good chance of some peace and quiet.

It’s also worth bearing in mind that the crowds bearing down on some of the popular spots has actually led to crackdowns and patrols in those areas. Bamford Edge in the Peak District is one such area, as is the Wasdale valley and some of the shorelines in the Lake District.

On OS Maps, the light brown bordered areas are open access areas, as opposed to private land. Generally, it’s safe to camp discreetly in these places.

Using Maps to Identify Potential Spots

One of the best ways to find a great wild camping spot is to do a bit of homework with maps before you even leave home. Topographic maps, OS maps, or digital mapping apps can show you the terrain, water sources, paths, and access points.

On OS Maps, all land shaded white is private land. Pitching a tent here has a high risk of being asked to leave.

However, the areas shaded a light tan colour with a light brown border (see image on the right) are what’s known as “Open Access” land.

In the UK, open access land refers to areas of land where the public has the right to roam under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 (CRoW Act). This mainly applies in England and Wales, and it gives people the right to walk freely for recreation. It doesn’t technically mean you’re allowed to camp there, but it does mean that the land there typically isn’t cultivated; ie the land is unlikely to be a cow field belonging to a farmer who’s going to come spray you with manure at 2am before going off to find your car and smash the windows.

Look for flat areas for pitching a tent, natural cover like trees or small rises for wind protection, and spots that are a reasonable distance from paths or roads.

Maps can also help you spot potential hazards; steep slopes, flood-prone valleys, or dense forest areas where deadfall could all be a risk. Planning with a map means you’ll have a few solid options in mind, so if one spot doesn’t work out when you arrive, you can quickly move on without wandering blindly.

Combining this planning with your instincts on the ground makes finding the perfect campsite much easier and less stressful. If you don’t intend to carry a paper map, don’t forget to at least download your map to your phone so that it’s available offline.

In the Lake District, camping above 400m altitude is broadly tolerated

Car Parking or Public Transport Access

If you’re planning on driving to the start of your hike, you’ll probably be concerned about available parking. This is also important to scout before hand. Google Maps is useful for finding lay-bys or nearby car parks, but check whether those car parks allow overnight car parking and if any charges apply. I find people often submit reviews of car parks to Google, and include images of any information signs in them; these can be useful for checking the rules. Parking areas are also clearly marked on OS Maps with a blue P symbol.

Google Maps and Google Street View are particularly useful for identifying potential parking spots.

National Trust car parks often explicitly state that no overnight parking or camping is allowed, but if you read the fine print this is usually specifically aimed at camper vans or people wanting to stay in their vehicles overnight onsite.

I’ve parked overnight countless times at NT car parks all over the UK without issues; having said that, I am a NT member and perhaps that’s made a difference if a warden has happened to check my ticket, which does state that it’s a member ticket?

Increasingly, many private car parks have apps where you can pay for, and extend, your parking. These can be particularly useful for topping up the following morning before you get back, if you have a data signal.

There’s an app called Park4Night, often used by van lifers, where you can identify places around the UK that allow overnight parking, although this information may sometimes be out of date and shouldn’t necessarily be trusted 100%.

Alternatively, if you’re planning on using public transport, make sure you have a clear plan for accessing your route from your destination station or bus stop, and a timetable for the service. Some of the more remote places around the UK have buses that only pass a few times a day, so be aware of that when planning your arrival and return journeys.

Think About Safety

A beautiful spot isn’t worth it if it’s risky. A few things to keep in mind:

Water: Stay a safe distance from rivers or lakes that could rise quickly overnight. Although this is something we usually associate with the sea, I’ve spent nights along lake shores and rivers where the level has risen significantly overnight; this is because recent rain can take a while to reach catchment areas like lakes or to rise rivers to spate level. It’s also important to be aware of tides when coastal camping. Usually the high water mark is pretty noticeable but if in any doubt, just don’t camp on the beach.
Terrain: Look for flat, stable ground, and avoid cliff edges or steep slopes. The latter two probably go without saying but I’ve watched too many episodes of Mountain Rescue shows where it seems common sense is often overridden by the desire to look cool on the Insta. Also worth mentioning is that a lot of our coastal cliffs are prone to land slips, which makes camping both on and at the base of them potentially risky.
Deadfall and overhead hazards: In wooded areas, be mindful of fallen branches or trees that could drop unexpectedly. It’s easy to forget they can fall when the wind picks up.
Weather exposure: Think about wind direction and avoid exposed ridges in stormy weather. Always be sure to check the forecast before you leave so that you know what to prepare for.

A little thought here can make a big difference. It means you can relax, knowing your site is secure.

Be Discreet and Respectful

Wild camping works best when you tread lightly. Try to:

Find a hidden spot behind trees, slight rises, or natural cover. When in doubt, camp up high.
Stay well away from roads and walking paths. Camping next to your car isn’t wild camping.
Stick to durable surfaces and avoid disturbing plants and wildlife.
If you have to crap, bury it properly and don’t leave your toilet paper behind. Take dog poo bags with you for this.

The goal is to enjoy your solitude without leaving a mark, keeping the area beautiful for yourself and other campers.

Check Your Access and Resources

Even when you’re “off the grid,” it’s worth knowing your surroundings:

Escape routes: Be aware of roads, trails, or nearby villages in case you need to leave quickly.
Water: Freshwater nearby is ideal, just remember to purify it before drinking.
Facilities: Even if you don’t plan to use them, it helps to know where toilets or ranger stations, if any, are.

A little planning here makes your adventure smoother and less stressful.

Timing and Environmental Sense

Seasons: Avoid sensitive habitats during breeding seasons or areas prone to flooding. Nature reserves are clearly marked on OS Maps with a bird icon. Ideally you should never camp in these areas.
Weather: Always check forecasts for storms or heavy rain.
Leave No Trace: Pack out everything you bring and leave the site as you found it.

Being thoughtful about your timing and impact protects these natural spaces, and keeps wild camping spots open for everyone.

Trust Your Instincts

Finally, don’t ignore your gut. If a spot feels off, whether it’s too exposed, too close to hazards, or just uncomfortable, just move on. Wild camping is as much about peace of mind as it is about location. Feeling safe and comfortable makes the experience far more enjoyable.