What Is Wild Camping

If you love the outdoors, you might be wondering what is wild camping. It’s a simple but powerful way to experience nature on its own terms, away from organized sites.

Wild camping means setting up your temporary home in a natural space, like a forest, mountain, or beach. You carry everything you need, leave absolutely no trace, and enjoy incredible solitude. It’s not about fancy facilities. It’s about self-reliance and a deep connection with the landscape.

This guide will walk you through everything from the core principles to the essential gear. Let’s get you ready for your first night under the stars.

At its heart, wild camping is about minimal impact and maximum respect. You sleep in a remote location, following strict leave-no-trace ethics. The goal is to have as little effect on the environment as possible.

It’s the opposite of a crowded campground with showers and power hookups. Your bathroom is a cat hole you dig yourself. Your nightlight is the moon. It’s a pure, back-to-basics form of adventure.

The Core Principle: Leave No Trace

This isn’t just a suggestion; it’s the law of the land for wild campers. Every decision you make should revolve around leaving the place exactly as you found it, or even better.

Plan Ahead: Know the regulations, weather, and terrain to reduce risks and impact.
Travel & Camp on Durable Surfaces: Stick to established trails and camp on rock, sand, gravel, dry grass, or snow.
Dispose of Waste Properly: Pack out all trash, including food scraps and toilet paper. Bury human waste in a 6-8 inch cathole at least 200 feet from water.
Leave What You Find: Don’t pick flowers, move rocks, or carve into trees. Take photos, not souvenirs.
Minimize Campfire Impacts: Use a portable stove for cooking. If you must have a fire, use an existing fire ring, keep it small, and burn only small sticks you can break by hand.
Respect Wildlife: Observe from a distance. Never feed animals. Store your food securely.
Be Considerate of Other Visitors: Keep noise down, camp out of sight of trails, and let the natural sounds prevail.

Where is Wild Camping Legal?

This is the most important question. Legality varies massively by country, region, and even local land management.

Scotland: It’s legal under the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, provided you act responsibly.
Scandinavia: “Allemansrätten” or “Everyman’s Right” allows camping in many wilderness areas.
United States: Generally permitted on most National Forest and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land, often requiring you to be a certain distance from roads or water sources. It’s usually prohibited in National Parks.
England & Wales: Mostly illegal without landowner permission, except for some areas like Dartmoor.

Always, always check the specific rules for your exact destination before you go. A quick call to the local ranger station can save you a fine.

Essential Gear for Your First Trip

You don’t need the most expensive stuff, but you do need reliable, lightweight gear. Every ounce counts when you’re carrying it on your back.

The Big Three: Shelter, Sleep, and Pack

Backpack (50-70 Liters): A good-fitting pack is crucial. Get measured at a store. It should carry the weight on your hips, not your shoulders.
Tent: A lightweight, freestanding or trekking pole tent is best. Look for good weather protection and ventilation to reduce condensation.
Sleeping Bag: Choose a bag rated for temperatures colder than you expect. A sleeping pad is non-negotiable for insulation and comfort—it’s not just a mat.

Kitchen and Hydration

Stove & Fuel: A compact canister stove is simple and efficient. Remember, you can’t fly with fuel.
Pot & Utensil: A single small pot and a spork are all you need.
Water Filtration: Never drink untreated water. A filter, purification tablets, or UV light are essential for safety.
Food: Pack high-calorie, low-weight foods like dehydrated meals, nuts, and jerky.

Clothing and Extras

Dress in synthetic or wool layers—never cotton, as it stays wet and sucks heat from your body. The basic system is a base layer, insulating layer (like a fleece), and a waterproof shell.

Headlamp (with extra batteries)
First-aid kit
Map, compass, and the knowledge to use them (GPS is a backup, not a primary)
Multi-tool or knife
Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen)
Insect repellent

How to Plan and Execute a Wild Camp

Step 1: Choose Your Location Carefully

Start with a familiar area or a well-documented route. Use maps and apps to identify public land where it’s permitted. Consider your fitness level—a 5-mile hike in feels different with a full pack.

Step 2: Check the Fine Print

Are permits required? Are there fire bans? What’s the bear activity? This research is part of the job.

Step 3: Pack Your Bag Methodically

Put heavy items close to your back and centered. Keep rain gear and snacks easily accessible. Do a test walk with a loaded pack before you leave.

Step 4: Setting Up Camp

Arrive with plenty of daylight left. Look for a spot that’s:

At least 200 feet (70 big steps) from lakes, streams, and trails.
On durable ground.
Naturally sheltered from wind, but not under dead tree branches.
Discreet and out of view to preserve the wilderness feel for others.

Step 5: The Evening Routine

Cook and eat away from your tent to avoid attracting animals to your sleeping area. Hang a bear bag or use a bear canister if needed. Store all smellables (food, toothpaste, trash) with your food. Enjoy the sunset, then settle in.

Step 6: Morning and Departure

Pack up everything. Do a thorough “police sweep” of your site, checking for micro-trash like twist ties or wrappers. Fluff the grass where your tent was. The goal is to make it look like no one was ever there.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Learning from others errors is the smart way to start. Here’s what often goes wrong.

Overpacking: That extra book or heavy jeans? Leave them. You’ll thank yourself on the uphill.
Underestimating Weather: Mountain weather changes fast. Prepare for cold, rain, and wind even on a sunny forecast.
Poor Water Management: Don’t run out. Drink regularly and always know where your next water source is on the map.
Arriving Late: Setting up camp in the dark is stressful and leads to poor site selection. Start your hike early.
Ignoring Local Rules: “I didn’t know” won’t work with a ranger. It’s your responsibility to know.

Safety Considerations You Can’t Ignore

Your safety is in your own hands. Be prepared for common scenarios.

Wildlife Encounters

Research the animals in your area. For bears, make noise on the trail, carry bear spray where appropriate, and store food perfectly. For smaller creatures like mice or raccoons, hanging your food is still essential.

Weather and Navigation

Know how to read a topo map and use a compass. Tell someone your plan and when you expect to return. If the weather turns bad, its okay to turn back or hunker down. Pushing on is often the riskier choice.

First Aid

Carry a kit and know how to use it. Blister care is the most common need, so treat hot spots early. A basic understanding of wilderness first aid is a great investment.

FAQ About Wild Camping

Is wild camping safe?

With proper planning, knowledge, and respect for your limits, it can be very safe. The risks are manageable when you prepare for them. Start with short, simple trips to build confidence.

How do I find places where wild camping is allowed?

Focus on public lands like National Forests (US), Crown Land (Canada), or areas with “Right to Roam” laws. Official government land management websites are the most reliable source. Guidebooks and reputable outdoor forums are also helpful.

What’s the difference between wild camping and dispersed camping?

They are often used interchangeably, especially in North America. “Dispersed camping” is the official term used by the US Forest Service for camping outside of a designated campground, which is essentially wild camping.

Can I have a campfire while wild camping?

It depends entirely on the location and current conditions. Many areas have seasonal fire bans. Always check regulations. A stove is always the lower-impact, more reliable choice for cooking.

What do I do with my trash and toilet waste?

You pack out all trash. For solid human waste, dig a cathole 6-8 inches deep in soil, at least 200 feet from water. Use minimal, plain white toilet paper and pack it out in a zip-lock bag, or bury it deeply if local guidelines allow. Never leave it on the surface.

Is it okay to camp alone?

Many people do, but it requires extra caution. Sharpen your skills with a partner first. Always share your detailed itinerary with someone and carry an emergency communication device, like a satellite messenger, if you’re going remote.

Taking the Next Step

Wild camping is a skill that deepens with experience. Your first trip might feel a bit daunting, but the reward is immense. You’ll see places few others do and gain a profound sense of self-reliance.

Start small. Choose a location close to home for a single night. Test your gear in your backyard first. Each trip will teach you something new about what you need, what you don’t, and how to move quietly through the natural world.

The key is to begin. Respect the land, plan thoroughly, and embrace the simplicity. The mountains, forests, and coasts are waiting for you to visit them on their terms. All you have to do is step out the door with the right mindset and a well-packed bag.