A Guide to Wild Camping in a Motorhome

Picture yourself surrounded by rolling hills, enjoying the fresh air and the sound of birdsong from the comfort of your motorhome.

Wild camping provides a unique sense of freedom and adventure that you don’t get with normal camping. This allows you to explore the UK’s hidden gems at your own pace.

Today, Melling Motorhomes will help you prepare for your perfect wild camping trip, all while staying safe, legal, and ready for anything the great outdoors might throw at you.

What is Wild Camping in a Motorhome?

Unlike traditional camping, which involves staying at a campsite surrounded by facilities, wild camping consists of staying in remote or off-grid locations.

This can be done with just a tent, a motorhome, or a caravan. You can park in a free overnight location and enjoy being out in the wild, away from society, and surrounded by nature.

You have complete freedom to pick where to spend the night, whether it’s on a rocky shoreline, beneath towering mountains, or tucked away in a peaceful forest glade. This offers complete and unrestricted bliss.

Legal Considerations and Regulations

Wild camping laws vary across the UK, so it’s important to understand the rules and regulations of each area before planning your trip.

Scotland

Under the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003, you have the “right to roam,” which includes the right to wild camp in most unenclosed land.

However, this right does not extend to motorhomes and vehicles.

England and Wales

Wild camping is often prohibited in England and Wales without the landowner’s consent. Unlike Scotland, there is no legal right to camp in forests, on beaches, or in roadside areas.

However, many landowners are open to allowing responsible wild camping if you ask for permission first. Some more relaxed areas, such as parts of Dartmoor National Park, allow wild camping in designated spots for a limited number of nights.

Northern Ireland

Even more stringent regulations apply in Northern Ireland. Wild camping is not legally allowed anywhere without the express consent of the landowner.

Finding the Perfect Spot for Wild Camping

While areas for wild camping are limited compared to regular camping, you have the opportunity to explore off-path locations and hidden gems.

Follow the tips below to find the perfect wild camping spot:

• Apps and websites: Use websites such as Park4Night, Campercontact, and Search for Sites to find recommended wild camping spots in the UK.
• Mapping tools: Use GPS or Google Maps to explore wild camping locations. This allows you to view the landscape, access roads, and proximity to local services.
• Plan your route beforehand: Plan a general route, marking areas you’d like to visit and researching their safety in advance.
• Avoid ‘no overnight parking’ areas: These signs are mainly located in popular tourist areas to prevent congestion and maintain beauty. Ignoring these signs can result in fines.
• Seek permission from landowners: If you want to park on private property or near a farm, ask the landowner’s permission beforehand.
• Avoid residential areas: Park away from residential areas so as to not cause disruption or complaints.

Staying Safe While Wild Camping

Safety is important when wild camping, as this often involves staying in desolate areas with little to no people around.

To ensure a safe and enjoyable adventure, it’s essential to be well-prepared, stay vigilant, and know what to do in different scenarios:

1. Inform a family or friend of your location at all times.
2. Plan your route in advance and have backup options just in case.
3. Bring a power bank with you to keep any devices charged.
4. Choose areas with level ground away from cliff edges.
5. Avoid isolated areas with no mobile signal or emergency access.
6. Keep your vehicle locked at all times and any valuables out of sight.
7. Be aware of any local wildlife warnings, such as ticks in grassy areas.
8. Carry a first aid kit with bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, antihistamines, tweezers, scissors, and any personal medications.

Recommended Wild Camping Locations in the UK

Below, we’ve included a brief guide for finding wild camping locations in the UK. Each location offers beautiful views and legal overnight stays.

1. The Scottish Highlands

• Glen Etive: With its serene setting and breathtaking views, Glen Etive offers several possible camping locations along the River Etive by following the single-track road. It is the perfect place to go fishing, hiking, or relaxing in nature.
• Isle of Skye: The Isle of Skye is well-known for its coastlines, striking cliffs, and charming fishing communities. There are several places to camp wild on Skye, especially in the Quiraing and Fairy Pools regions.

2. Northumberland National Park

• Kielder Forest: For RV campers who enjoy the outdoors, Kielder Forest’s vast reservoir and thick forests make it the perfect destination. The area is popular for cycling, fishing, and stargazing, and there are plenty of peaceful forest clearings where you can park.
• Hadrian’s Wall Country: Camp next to Hadrian’s Wall Country, an old Roman boundary where you can explore the remains and take in the expansive vistas of the Northumbrian countryside.

3. Lake District National Park

• Wastwater: One of the most tranquil areas of the Lake District, Wastwater is the deepest lake in England and is encircled by striking fells. For breathtaking views, park close to the sea.
• Duddon Valley: This lesser-known beauty receives significantly fewer visitors. It offers numerous options for wild camping and plenty of walking routes and river vistas.

4. Snowdonia National Park, Wales

• Llyn Gwynant: Located in the centre of Snowdonia, Llyn Gwynant provides scenic lakeside camping with a view of Wales’ tallest peak, Snowdon. You can park your RV in a number of peaceful areas surrounding the lake, particularly when the busy tourist season is over.
• Ogwen Valley: Tryfan and Glyder Fawr, two of Snowdonia’s most striking mountains, encircle this valley. You can wild camp in this area at a number of lay-bys and pull-offs, which provide quick access to some of the park’s best hiking trails.

Ready to Embark on a Wild Adventure?

Whether you’re seeking secluded coastal spots or hidden forest escapes, there’s nothing quite like the thrill of wild camping in the UK.

At Melling Motorhomes, we offer a range of fully equipped motorhomes to make your trip comfortable and memorable.

From short getaways to extended trips, our motorhomes provide the perfect base for your exploration.