Wild Camping for Beginners

Everything You Need to Know for Your First Night Under the Stars

There’s nothing quite like wild camping. Waking up with the sunrise over a mountain ridge, boiling your first coffee with no one around for miles (except maybe a curious sheep), and falling asleep to the sound of wind on canvas — it’s one of the most liberating experiences in the outdoors.

But before you grab a tent and disappear into the hills, it’s worth learning a few basics. This guide walks you through everything a beginner wild camper needs to know — including where you can go, what to pack, and how to leave no trace.

‍

What is Wild Camping?

Wild camping means pitching your tent away from official campsites, often in the mountains, moors or remote spots. It’s about self-sufficiency — you carry everything in, pack everything out, and leave the landscape exactly as you found it.

It’s peaceful, rewarding, and yes, a little addictive. But it also comes with responsibilities — especially in the UK, where the rules vary depending on where you are.

‍

Where Can You Wild Camp in the UK?

Scotland

Thanks to the Land Reform Act (2003), wild camping is legal across most of Scotland’s wild land — as long as you follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. That means:

• Camp in small numbers
  
• Stay away from roads and buildings
  
• Leave no trace
  

England & Wales

Wild camping isn’t legal without landowner permission — but in practice, it’s tolerated in remote upland areas if you’re respectful and discreet. Good spots include:

• The Lake District fells (away from paths and summits)
  
• Quieter areas of Snowdonia
  
• The Kinder Plateau in the Peak District
  
• Certain Dartmoor zones (check current access maps)
  

Rule of thumb: arrive late, leave early, and stay out of sight.

‍

What to Pack for Wild Camping

You’re carrying your whole house on your back, so pack light but smart. Here’s a basic kit list:

Shelter

• Lightweight tent, bivvy bag or tarp
  
• Groundsheet or footprint
  

Sleep System

• 3-season sleeping bag
  
• Insulated sleeping mat
  
• Dry bag for clothes
  

Cooking

• Gas stove and lighter
  
• Pot, spork, mug
  
• Freeze-dried meals or trail food
  

Water & Food

• At least 2 litres
  
• Filter or purification tabs
  
• Easy meals and snacks
  

Safety

• Headtorch with spare batteries
  
• Map and compass
  
• First aid kit
  
• Power bank
  

Extras

• Dry bags
  
• Toilet kit (trowel, tissue, bags)
  
• Midge repellent
  
• Rubbish bags for all waste
  

How to Choose a Spot

Look for:

• Flat, grassy, well-drained ground
  
• Distance from paths, roads, or private land
  
• Higher, breezy spots away from water (helps avoid midges)
  

Avoid:

• Camping near livestock or farm buildings
  
• Pitching on summits or beauty spots
  
• Setting up in groups or making noise
  

If it doesn’t feel discreet and respectful — move on.

‍

Staying Safe on Your First Camp

• Check the weather forecast (MWIS or Met Office mountain forecasts)
  
• Know your route and escape plan
  
• Let someone know where you’ll be
  
• Practice pitching your tent beforehand
  
• Don’t rely on phone signal — use a map
  

If it’s your first time, camp near a bothy, road, or known spot to build confidence.

‍

Beginner-Friendly Wild Camping Locations

Here are some starter-friendly areas:

• Lake District: Far Eastern Fells, around Angle Tarn
  
• Peak District: Kinder Plateau and Bleaklow
  
• Snowdonia: Rhinogs or quieter Carneddau areas
  
• Cairngorms: Glen Feshie, Loch Avon area
  
• Dartmoor: Legal wild camping zones only
  

Always double-check access rules before heading out.

‍

Wild Camping Etiquette

• Take all rubbish and litter home
  
• Never light fires — use a stove
  
• Go to the toilet well away from water and paths
  
• Camp for one night only in one spot
  
• Stay out of sight and keep it quiet
  
• Leave the place better than you found it
  

‍

Final Thoughts

Wild camping is one of the best ways to connect with the landscape — and yourself. With a bit of preparation, the right gear, and a respectful mindset, your first wild camp can be both safe and unforgettable.

So go out, pitch quietly, take it all in — and remember, the wilder it feels, the more carefully it needs to be protected.

‍

Photo by Jacob Smith on Unsplash

‍