Every nature-loving adventurer loves getting as close as they possibly can to unspoiled areas, and wild camping is one of the most authentic ways to achieve this. Wild camping is the call of the untamed outdoors and where nature becomes your playground. But if you’re new to wild camping, how do you know if it’s right for you?
In this blog, we’ll explore the ins and outs of wild camping including what it is and what it takes to wild camp successfully. Whether you’re a seasoned camper and you’ve recently bought a campervan from us, or you’ve planned to hire a campervan from us and you’re eager to explore nature in its rawest form, we’re here to help you decide whether wild camping is right for you.
What is wild camping?
Wild camping is a type of outdoor experience where you park your campervan in a natural setting away from a designated campsite. Unlike traditional campsites, wild camping allows you to immerse yourself in nature without normal restrictions.
In most cases, you’ll camp off-grid and won’t have access to fundamental facilities such as electricity and running water. However, there are apps available that offer ‘pub-stopovers’, which allow you to stay on a pub’s premises for free in return for buying a meal or drink for example. Some of these pub-stopovers also offer access to water and toilet facilities.
Wild camping is an excellent choice for anyone looking for solitude, a deeper connection with nature and wilderness, and a more authentic outdoor experience. However, it’s important to keep in mind the ‘Leave No Trace’ principles so you’re being considerate towards locals and the environment. If you’re looking for more peaceful places to explore, we’ve also rounded up some of the best quiet holiday destinations UK travellers can visit for a more remote campervan getaway.
What to consider when wild camping
In England and Wales, there aren’t many locations where you are legally allowed to wild camp, and when you find those locations, there are some key considerations to keep in mind. So what does it take to wild camp?
Late nights and early mornings
When it comes to wild camping, most people often follow best practice of setting up late at night and getting up and off early in the morning. Wild campers have a profound respect for their environment, which means not wanting to disturb people and fauna that rely on the wilderness for leisure, work, or living.
The late nights and early mornings is also partly the reason why wild camping is popular with people who are travelling particularly long distances, as it offers them an option to stop somewhere for the night to break up a long journey. So if you’re thinking about wild camping, it’s important to consider the possibility of late nights and early mornings.
Having the right equipment
With any camping trip, having the right equipment makes all the difference in your experience, but this is particularly true for wild camping. This means it’s important to ensure the right equipment is already installed in your campervan. Choosing the right off-grid camping equipment can make a big difference to how comfortable and practical your trip feels, particularly when you’re relying on your own power, heating and water supplies.
A solar panel for off-grid charging, an Eberspacher diesel heater, and a leisure battery are essential to ensure your wild camp adventures are as comfortable as possible as these provide you with a source of electricity and access to heat. If you’re thinking about buying a campervan from us, take a look at our range of conversion packages as these key items come as standard.
As well as this, because we’re not known for our particularly warm weather, especially in rural areas at night, you’ll need to pack essential camping equipment accordingly. For example, you’ll need thermal clothing that keeps you warm through the night and equipment that is easy, light, and quick to pack and unpack.
If you’re not used to packing light, or your campervan doesn’t have the essential equipment for a night of wild camping, you may need to reconsider your plans to camp off-grid.
Eating and cooking
When you’ve found a wild camping spot, you’ll more than likely find there are strict rules on cooking. Namely, some places won’t let you use fires or barbecues in case a fire breaks. This means you’ll have to plan your meals ahead if you’re not planning to eat out somewhere.
You’ll be heavily reliant on what you have in your campervan fridge and cooking it on your campervan hob. But remember to keep in mind the Leave No Trace principles by properly disposing of food waste and packaging.
You’ll also need to work out how you’re going to get access to water. It’s important to make sure your water storage is full before you set off on your trip, and consider some extra bottled supplies if you think you might need them.
Dealing with the weather
As we briefly mentioned earlier, the UK weather is unpredictable and you could very well find yourself battling tricky conditions overnight. So, not only do you need to make peace with changing weather conditions, but you also need to make sure everything you bring is rainproof, windproof, and extremely durable.
If you have a wild camp spot in mind, check the weather forecast so you can pack accordingly, or reconsider where you’ll stay for the night. By staying informed and being well-equipped, you can make the most of your wild camping trip regardless of what Mother Nature throws your way.
It can cost money to wild camp
Many people choose to go camping in the wild because they want to save money. While it’s true that it can save you money in the long term, it’s important to remember it’s an initial investment to make sure you have the right equipment to keep you safe and comfortable if you’re planning to wild camp often.
There’s also the consideration for other expenses too such as parking charges or low emissions charges when travelling through certain cities in the UK. Many cities have introduced Low Emissions or Clean Air zones where if your vehicle doesn’t meet the emissions standards, you’ll receive a charge.
Before you set off on your wild camping adventure, it’s a good idea to research the specific rules and regulations of the area you plan to stay, so you’re fully prepared for any potential upfront costs.
Ready to try out wild camping?
Wild camping is a stunning experience, but it’s not for everyone. If you like your luxuries, or your campervan isn’t properly equipped, you’ll need to carefully consider whether wild camping is right for you, and we hope we’ve given you some insight into helping you make that decision.
If you’re planning to wild camp, even just for a couple of trips, why not try it in one of our campervans? Here at camper_versions, we have a fleet of campervans available for hire and for sale that will provide you with a quality wild camping experience. If you’d like to learn more about our campervans, don’t hesitate to get in touch with one of our friendly team members today who will be happy to help with any questions you may have.
Wild camping FAQs
Is wild camping legal in the UK?
In England and Wales, wild camping is generally not legal without the landowner’s permission. However in Scotland, wild camping is legal under the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003, so long as it’s done responsibly. That’s why you should always check local regulations before planning your trip.
What is “Leave No Trace” camping?
“Leave No Trace” is a principle that encourages campers to minimise their environmental impact. This includes collecting all rubbish, avoiding damage to plants and wildlife, and leaving the area as you found it. It ensures the natural beauty of the area remains for others to enjoy.
Can I have a campfire while wild camping?
Campfires are normally discouraged in most wild camping spots due to the risk of wildfires and damage to the environment. If you’re not planning to eat out on your wild camp trip, use a portable stove or your campervan’s hob instead for cooking.
Where can I go wild camping in a campervan in the UK?
Wild camping in a campervan is most commonly done in Scotland, where access rights allow for responsible camping in many areas. In England and Wales, campervan wild camping is more limited, so it’s best to look for permitted overnight parking spots, designated areas, or locations where you have landowner permission. Many campervan owners also use apps and local guides to find suitable and safe places to stay overnight.