Freedom's Great - So Is Not Getting Moved On at Midnight
Wild camping sounds dreamy. Open landscapes. No neighbours. Waking up to a view that isn't someone else's awning. But in the UK? It gets a bit trickier - especially with a caravan in tow. You can't just park anywhere and pop the kettle on. Unless you enjoy a knock on the door and a polite-but-firm request to move on.
Still, wild camping is possible if you play it powerful. It's less about breaking the rules and more about knowing where the lines are - and staying on the right side of them. Here's how to do that, without a run-in with the landowner or local council.
Where You *Can* Legally Stay
Let's start with the good news. There are options. You just need to know where to look - and how to ask nicely.
- Scotland - Thanks to the Land Reform Act, wild camping is legal in much of the Scottish countryside. That said, this mostly applies to tents. Caravans and motorhomes still need access and permission - especially on private tracks or farmland.
- National parks (with permission) - Some landowners will let you stay if you ask in advance. It's a long shot, but a polite request can go surprisingly far.
- Forestry England car parks - A few allow overnight stays with a permit. Check local sites like Kielder Forest or New Forest. Rules vary, so always check first.
- Brit Stops - It's not truly wild, but it's off-grid-ish. Farm shops, pubs, and businesses that let you stay overnight in exchange for being a good guest (and maybe buying a pork pie).
- Remote lay-bys or dead-end lanes - If you're respectful, discreet, and gone early, some spots won't raise eyebrows. But this is where common sense and good manners are key.
Things to Do That Make Wild Camping Work
It's not just about where you park - how you behave makes all the difference. Want to avoid trouble and keep wild camping an option for others? Stick to this:
- Leave no trace - That means rubbish, toilet waste, grey water - all of it. Take it with you.
- Stay one night only - Don't settle in. This is a night's stop, not a pop-up homestead.
- Be quiet, be low-impact - Keep lights and noise down. No blaring music. No generator at midnight.
- Ask permission when possible - A quick knock on a farmhouse door goes a long way. A smile helps, too.
- Have a backup plan - If it feels dodgy, move on. Don't force it. There's always a proper site an hour away.
What to Avoid (Unless You're After a Fine or a Row)
Some spots seem perfect - until you wake up blocked in or ticketed. Don't get caught out by these classic blunders:
- Car parks with "No Overnight" signs - They mean it. Even if the view is tempting.
- Beaches or clifftops - Erosion, tides, angry locals. Not worth the Instagram shot.
- Fields with animals - You'll spook the livestock and upset the farmer. Nobody wins.
- Historic sites or protected land - The rules are tight, and the fines aren't fun.
Check That Insurance, Just in Case
Going off-grid means fewer safety nets. Make sure your caravan insurance includes off-site cover, accidental damage, and theft. Wild camping adds a little more risk - and a decent policy covers you when the unexpected decides to show up.
It's Not Just Where You Park - It's How You Do It
Wild camping in a caravan isn't about sneaking around - it's about being respectful, light-footed, and a little adventurous. With the right attitude, you'll find those tucked-away corners where the world feels wide, the kettle tastes better, and nobody's pitched two feet from your door. Just remember: stay legal, stay tidy, and don't park in a farmer's gateway. Ever.