Camping - Can you just pitch up a tent in a quiet spot somewhere?

Question

When you go camping (in the UK), do you have to go to an actual campsite, or can you just find a quiet spot of grassland and pitch your tent?

If you "can't", what are your odds of not getting caught/challeneged?

Answer 1

Shelter under a bivy sack or small tarp in a dark or camo color, don't set up camp before dark, and pack up and get going before dawn. "I wasn't camping, I like to get an early start." And there's always, "I'm lost (or 'overestimated the distance') and had to bivouac." Cook your meals during the day and no fires or lights at night.

Answer 2

Here are a few general rules of thumb, and I havent had any problems inthe last few years,

I would go to a normal campsite if there is one in the area - toilet and washing facilities are a big improvement

Failing that and if I knew where I was going I would try to contact the landowner to ask permission and then if that doesnt work I would camp wild (its a very rel;axing way to camp too - no noise or people)

So what to do - bearing in mind that you are staying on someone elses land:
Keep out of sight of roads and buildings - otherwise its a sure way of someone coming to tell you to move along.
If you have a car, park it sensibly - you will have to walk to get a good secluded spot (Oh, dont stop right on a public footpath either!)
Dont light open fires, and respect the countryside
Take everything away with you
Take note of any signs as you cross land boundries saying "no camping"
Pick a good view!

And the odds are remote of being challenged, and the further you are away from civilisation the better.

Answer 3

In theory you can and on most mountain ranges in britain your free to camp - however be careful on private land; many landowners arent too friendly if you havent asked them beforehand (i found out the hard way). There are many campsites as well if you dont want to take the risk but ask about before you take any risks - i heard about a group doing a Duke of Edinburgh hike in the mournes and they were challenged by a farmer brandishing a shotgun - luckily they had only stopped for a break and were able to move on quiclky!

Answer 4

I actually work in a camping and outdoors store, so the last time I pitched a tent was a couple of months ago. We had to put a 6 man tent on display upstairs. It was quite large, so a couple of coworkers helped in getting it up. If I wasn't taking this question literally, this would sound so wrong... (((Cassie)))

Answer 5

best not too. I guess if youre in real wilderness then its not problem but we are quite a crowded island and most touristy places are off limits..besides which the advantages of camsites are you have loos to use, fresh water and somewhere safe..often only for a few quid and some are basic like farm stops that its a good as camping wild. besides which do you really want to pitch up one night and wake up to find a herd of friesans sharing the field with ya! Most land is someones and it not very responsible or friendly to just set up camp.

Answer 6

well most quiet spots of grassland belong to someone - usually a farmer, it would be good manners to ask if you can pitch your tent, quite often they will allow it free of charge on the other hand if you just go ahead and do it they are just as likely to chuck you off their land

Answer 7

hubby lived in a tent beforewe met and he justused to find quiet places to pitch up but sometimes you may be moved on

Answer 8

My husband and I did this, we found a spot with a nice little river and then we woke up to cows moo-ing.

We were in a farmer's field!

Answer 9

I believe you need a Camping Licence and camping on someones lands without premission can get you in trouble.

Answer 10

All land is owned by somebody. You need the landowner's permission, although in a remote area you might get away with it.