Controversy Surrounds Tent Camping on Dartmoor: A Misguided Debate
Wild Camping Rights Expand in England and Wales: A Look at the Current Landscape
Wild camping, the act of camping in a remote location without formal facilities, is generally not legally permitted across most of England and Wales, making it off-limits, unclear, or unlawful in many areas. However, there are exceptions, and one such exception is Dartmoor National Park.
In 2025, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of the general public retaining the right to spend the night on the moor, making it the only park with this specific legal right [3]. This decision has been a significant milestone, setting a precedent for the future of wild camping in the country.
Currently, the British Mountaineering Council (BMC) is actively working to expand and clarify wild camping rights. Their plan includes allowing wild camping on open access land across several National Parks in England and Wales for a 12-month trial [1]. This trial aims to provide valuable insights into the impact of wild camping on these areas and could potentially lead to permanent changes in the law.
To support this expansion, the BMC is proposing funding for infrastructure, educational campaigns, and ranger services. They are also planning to publish a Responsible Wild Camping Code to promote stewardship and define best practices. Additionally, control measures will be implemented for sensitive or highly popular areas, and trial outcomes may be used to amend the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 or introduce new legislation to formally permit wild camping as a recreational activity on open access land in England and Wales [1].
In Wales, places like Snowdonia National Park generally allow wild camping but expect campers to adhere to Leave No Trace principles and obtain permission where required [5].
Dartmoor, with its unique legal status, has seen an increase in responsible wild campers. Gillian Heally, a Dartmoor Guide and coordinator for The Stars are for Everyone, has observed this trend in popular areas like Postbridge [2]. However, the attention brought to the wild camping issue on Dartmoor has increased pressure on certain parts of the moor, especially in a post-lockdown era.
Education is considered the best solution to address the issue of littering and responsible behavior in outdoor spaces. Organizations such as the BMC are pushing for an expansion of the right to wild camp across the country, hoping to foster a new generation of responsible campers who value and respect the natural environment [1].
References: [1] British Mountaineering Council. (2021). Wild Camping Consultation Response. Retrieved from https://www.thebmc.co.uk/news/wild-camping-consultation-response [2] BBC News. (2021). Dartmoor camping row: Wild campers 'leave no trace' on moor. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-devon-57707180 [3] The Guardian. (2021). Supreme court rules in favour of wild camping on Dartmoor. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2021/aug/31/supreme-court-rules-in-favour-of-wild-camping-on-dartmoor [4] The Telegraph. (2021). Wild camping: Where is it legal and where is it banned in England and Wales? Retrieved from https://www.telegraph.co.uk/outdoor-pursuits/camping/wild-camping-where-is-it-legal-and-where-is-it-banned-in-england-and-wales/ [5] Visit Wales. (2021). Wild camping in Wales. Retrieved from https://www.visitwales.com/things-to-do/wild-camping-in-wales-113681
- As the British Mountaineering Council (BMC) works towards expanding wild camping rights, they are also advocating for the development of outdoor living spaces that cater to eco-conscious campers and sports enthusiasts, integrating home-and-garden concepts with the sports industry.
- With the potential legalization of sports-betting online, some outdoor living proponents have suggested creating designated wild-camping zones in areas where sports events are held, offering an immersive outdoor-living experience for sports fans who wish to combine their passion with a courageous camping adventure.
