What Is Wild Camping?
Wild camping (also called dispersed camping or free camping) means setting up a tent in nature — a hillside, a forest clearing, a riverbank — rather than a designated campground. Done right, it's one of the most immersive ways to experience the outdoors. Done carelessly, it damages ecosystems and erodes land access rights for everyone.
Is Wild Camping Legal?
Laws vary significantly by country and region:
- Scotland: Wild camping is broadly legal under the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003, as long as you follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.
- Scandinavia: The Allemansrätten ("everyman's right") in Norway, Sweden, and Finland allows camping almost anywhere for one or two nights.
- USA (National Forests & BLM Land): Dispersed camping is generally permitted within set guidelines — check each forest's specific rules.
- England, Wales & most of Europe: Generally illegal on private land without landowner permission. National Parks may have specific provisions.
Always research the rules for your specific area before heading out.
Choosing a Wild Campsite
A good wild campsite is one that minimizes your impact and maximizes your safety. Look for:
- A durable surface: Rock, gravel, dry grass, or established bare ground — never fragile vegetation or wetlands.
- At least 60–70 meters from water sources: This protects streams and lakes from contamination.
- Natural shelter: A hillside, tree line, or boulder for wind protection — but avoid camping directly under dead trees.
- No obvious signs of previous heavy use: If a site is already worn out, let it recover.
Essential Wild Camping Gear
| Item | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Lightweight tent or tarp | Fast setup, weather protection |
| 3-season sleeping bag | Temperatures drop significantly overnight |
| Sleeping pad | Insulation from ground cold, comfort |
| Water filter | Treat water from natural sources |
| Trowel | For burying human waste (cat holes) |
| Headlamp | Navigating in darkness without disturbing wildlife |
Leave No Trace Principles for Wild Campers
- Pack out everything you pack in — no exceptions, not even food scraps
- Bury human waste in a cat hole at least 15 cm deep and 60 m from water
- Avoid campfires where possible — use a camp stove instead; if you do build a fire, use existing fire rings and drown it fully
- Move on after one or two nights — don't let vegetation under your tent die
- Arrive late, leave early — minimizes your visible footprint
The Reward Is Worth the Effort
Waking up to a sunrise over mountains, with no sound but birdsong and wind — there's little that compares. Wild camping demands more planning and responsibility than resort stays, but those who embrace it properly discover a form of travel that reconnects you with the natural world in a profound, lasting way.