What happens if you’re caught wild camping in the UK? - Fittux

What happens if you’re caught wild camping in the UK?

The Rules and Risks of Wild Camping in Britain

 

Imagine waking up under the stars to birdsong. Now imagine a friendly ranger tapping on your tent. That is the moment your wild camping dreams meet reality. In the UK, whether you’ll get told “carry on,” fined, or asked to move depends on where you are.

 

1) Wild Camping: Where Is It Actually Legal?

 

England & Wales (sorry—not generally legal!)

 

You don’t have a right to pitch up wherever you fancy—it’s basically civil trespass if the landowner hasn’t given you the nod. In places like beaches, car parks, or protected spots, local councils often have PSPOs or byelaws banning overnight stays. Penalties can include fines or moving on politely.


Here’s a UK government overview.

 

Scotland—Yes, but play nice

 

In Scotland, wild camping is okay if you’re responsible, thanks to the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 and the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. Just be mindful of Camping Management Byelaws in Loch Lomond & The Trossachs NP—you’ll need a permit from 1 March to 30 September if you’re in certain zones.

Get the full legal skinny: https://www.outdooraccess-scotland.scot

Check permit zones and rules: https://www.lochlomond-trossachs.org/park-authority/publications/byelaws/

Need a user-friendly permit guide: https://www.lochlomond-trossachs.org/things-to-do/camping/get-a-permit/

 

Northern Ireland

 

Wild camping isn’t a right—get permission or stick to official forest touring sites run by the Forestry Service: https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/camping-and-touring-sites-forests

 

Dartmoor (England’s exception!)

 

Thanks to a 2025 Supreme Court ruling, Dartmoor Commons Act 1985 allows backpack-style wild camping on mapped commons. Just remember: small tents only, no vehicles, and follow the “leave no trace” code.

Case deets: https://supremecourt.uk/cases/uksc-2023-0126

 

Find the legal camping zones: 
https://www.dartmoor.gov.uk/about-us/about-us-maps/camping-map

 

2) What Will Actually Happen If You’re “Caught”?

 

England & Wales

 

Usually, someone will tell you to pack up and move. That solves it. If you’re with a vehicle and causing visible damage or disruption, the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022 (s60C) may apply—you could be told to leave and risk having your vehicle seized. See: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2022/32/part/4

 

In Coastal or Protected Areas


PSPOs or byelaws watch beaches and parks like hawks. Break them, and you might get a £100 Fixed Penalty Notice—or a fine up to £1,000 if things go south.

 

Scotland

 

Wild camping is legal—unless you’re in a permit zone during the restricted season without a permit. Then they’ll ask you to move or fine you. Permit info: https://www.lochlomond-trossachs.org/things-to-do/camping/get-a-permit/

 

Northern Ireland

 

Likely just a polite move-on—unless there’s damage or you refuse. Better to go with Forestry-run sites.

 

Dartmoor

 

All good, as long as you stick to the backpack-site map rules. No enforcement headaches here if you’re compliant.

 

3) A Little Legal Cheat Sheet: “60-Day Rule” Explained

 

If you’ve seen “camping 60 day rule” around, it’s not about wild camping—it’s a planning reform in England letting private land host temporary sites up to 60 days/year, with up to 50 pitches, toilets, waste facilities, and council notification. It’s not legal wild camping, but it’s a fun compromise if you want something scenic and low-key.


Full details:

Official Planning Guidance: https://www.peakdistrict.gov.uk/planning/advice/60-day-rule-temporary-campsites

 

4) Lowest-Risk Camping Choices (That Still Feel Wild)

 

  • Scotland—camp legally and beautifully under the Access Code (just get permits in Loch Lomond zones).

  • Dartmoor—mapped backpacking is legit, scenic, and no permit required.

  • England (pop-up style)—look for 60-day micro-sites near epic nature spots.

  • Elsewhere—use proper, small campsites in places like North Devon, Cornwall, Anglesey, Tenby, 3 Cliffs Bay, Yorkshire Dales, Cotswolds, Essex, Barmouth, Llangollen, Nottingham, Yarmouth, John O’Groats.

 

5) How to Stay Legal and Keep It Fun

 

  • Follow your local Countryside Code—pack trash, skip fires unless allowed, and be respectful: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-countryside-code

  • If someone asks, be polite and move on – no drama, no fines.

  • Always check if there’s a local PSPO or byelaw banning camping or fires in the area—especially beaches or parks.

  • Don’t cause damage or ignore requests—nothing good comes of that.

 

6) FAQs You’ll Actually Use

 

  • Wild camping legal in England/Wales?

    Generally—nope. You need permission.

  • Where can you wild camp legally in England?

    Dartmoor, with official map rules followed.

  • Scotland legal?

    Yup—just be responsible and respect permit zones in Loch Lomond.

  • What are the penalties?

    Mostly friendly move-ons, but £100 FPNs or bigger fines possible in restricted areas

 

TL (Too Long) ;DR (Didn't Read) Summary

 

  • England & Wales: Wild camping isn’t generally legal. If you’re caught, you’ll usually just be asked to move on. In places with PSPOs or byelaws (like beaches and parks), you could face a £100 fine or more.

  • Scotland: Wild camping is legal if done responsibly under the Outdoor Access Code. The only catch is Loch Lomond & The Trossachs, where you need a permit from March to September in certain zones.

  • Dartmoor (England): Thanks to a 2025 Supreme Court ruling, backpack-style wild camping is legal in mapped areas of Dartmoor Commons. Small tents only, no vehicles.

  • Northern Ireland: No general right to wild camp. You’ll usually be asked to leave unless you’re on a Forestry Service site or have permission.

 

Camping works when done with respect. Want stars, a sense of adventure, and perhaps a ranger nod? Now you know how to get it—without the legal headache. Cheers to your next wild (but not reckless) adventure!

 

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