Beach Camping Rules: What You Can and Can't Do by the Sea

When you think of beach camping, sleeping overnight on or near a sandy shore, often without formal facilities. Also known as coastal camping, it’s one of the most tempting ways to enjoy the UK’s coastline—waves at your feet, sunrise over the sea, no crowds. But here’s the catch: beach camping isn’t legal everywhere, and breaking the rules can mean fines, eviction, or worse. Many people assume that if a beach looks empty, it’s fair game. That’s not true. The law varies wildly by region, and even local councils can shut you down if you pitch a tent where you’re not allowed.

Wild camping, setting up camp outside official sites, often on unmanaged land. Also known as free camping, it’s tolerated in parts of Scotland under the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, but in England and Wales, it’s mostly illegal unless you have landowner permission. And beaches? They’re even trickier. Public beaches are often owned by local authorities, the Crown Estate, or private trusts. Pitching a tent without asking is trespassing. Even sleeping in your car overnight on a beach can get you moved on, especially during peak season. Then there’s coastal camping, a broader term covering any overnight stay near the sea, whether on sand, dunes, or nearby fields. Also known as beachside camping, it includes legal options like designated campsites with sea views, caravan parks near the coast, or even authorized wild spots like parts of Dartmoor’s shoreline. The difference between legal and illegal? It’s not about how quiet you are—it’s about permission.

You also need to think about beach camping safety, the risks of sleeping near water, including tides, wind, wildlife, and sudden weather changes. Also known as coastal safety, it’s not just about avoiding fines—it’s about staying alive. Tides can rise fast. Wind can knock down a tent. Sand can get into everything—your food, your sleeping bag, your electronics. And don’t assume the beach is empty just because it’s off-season. Some areas have protected wildlife zones—nesting birds, seal colonies—that you’re legally required to avoid. Ignorance doesn’t protect you from prosecution.

So where can you actually camp on the beach? In Scotland, yes—on many remote shores, if you follow Leave No Trace rules. In Wales, almost never. In England, very rarely—except for a few spots like parts of the Northumberland coast or designated areas in the New Forest. Even then, you need to check with the local council. Some beaches allow camping only during certain months. Others require permits. A few let you park your motorhome overnight but ban tents. And no, Walmart-style parking doesn’t exist here like in the US. You can’t just pull over and sleep.

This collection of posts gives you the real, no-fluff truth about where you can camp by the sea, what happens if you get caught, and how to plan a legal, safe, and unforgettable beach trip. You’ll find details on specific locations, what gear to bring, how to handle waste without harming the environment, and why some popular spots are now off-limits. Whether you’re thinking of a solo night under the stars or a family weekend by the waves, these guides cut through the myths and show you exactly what works—and what gets you in trouble.