Where to camp in the UK

You can wild camp without asking the landowner in Scotland, on most unenclosed land, and on the Dartmoor Commons in England. Everywhere else in England, and all of Wales and Northern Ireland, you need the landowner's permission.

Where can you wild camp in the UK?

Scotland and the Dartmoor Commons, with conditions. The map shows the law at a glance, and the guides below explain the rules for each place.

Permitted, with conditions: Scotland, on most unenclosed land, under the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, with permits needed in parts of Loch Lomond & The Trossachs from March to September. The Dartmoor Commons in England, in the areas on the Dartmoor National Park Authority camping map.
Landowner permission needed: The rest of England, and all of Wales and Northern Ireland. The right to walk on open access land in England and Wales doesn't include camping (Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000, Schedule 2). In the Lake District, the National Park Authority says it is normally tolerated above the highest fell wall for one night.

Illustrative only. The shading is simplified and the Dartmoor mark shows roughly where the commons are, not their boundary. Check the official source before you pitch.

What are the rules in each place?

Permitted places first, then those where you need the landowner's permission. Each guide covers the rules, where to go, kit and staying safe.

What if wild camping isn't allowed where you want to go?

Use a small, quiet campsite with the landowner's permission. Our guide to nearly wild camping explains how to find one, and why a night on one is a good rehearsal for your first wild camp.

One Man Tents doesn't encourage anyone to break the law. Wild camping rules differ across the UK: it's permitted on most unenclosed land in Scotland under the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, and on the Dartmoor Commons in England. Elsewhere in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, you need the landowner's permission. Always check before you pitch. Wild camping in the UK