Wild Camping

Those of us who live in the South West are fortunate that Dartmoor National Park not only allows but actively encourages wild camping, because to camp in the open landscape is the best way to get really close to nature

Whether alone or with a group, don’t pitch your tent on any lowland farmland (moorland enclosed by walls or fences), within 100 metres of a road, anywhere within sight of houses, in reservoir catchment areas or on archaeological sites. If you are in a camper van, it’s also illegal to sleep in car parks, lay-bys or on moorland verges.

In other parts of the region, wild camping by walkers is often tolerated in more remote rural areas – typically, more than a half-day’s walk from an official campsite or other accommodation. Keep your group small and respect the site by taking litter home and leaving the area as you found it. And if you are camping on a secluded beach, wait until just before dusk to pitch your tent and leave early. Any wood fires should be below the high-tide line, so the sea can carry away the ash.