Camping in the UK: Where to Sleep, What’s Legal, and How to Do It Right

When you think of camping in the UK, the act of staying overnight outdoors, often in a tent or motorhome, across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Also known as wild camping, it’s not just about sleeping under the stars—it’s about knowing where you’re allowed to do it without breaking the law. The truth? You can’t just pitch a tent anywhere. In England and Wales, wild camping is mostly illegal unless you have landowner permission. But in Scotland, it’s a different story—thanks to the Land Reform Act, you can camp almost anywhere in the Highlands as long as you follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. That’s why so many motorhome travelers head north for freedom and quiet spots.

Then there’s glamping, a blend of glamour and camping that offers real beds, hot showers, and cozy interiors without giving up the outdoors. It’s not just fancy tents—think yurts with wood stoves, safari-style lodges, and even tiny homes with patios overlooking lakes. Glamping is booming across the UK because it lets people who’ve never camped before, or those who just want comfort, enjoy nature without sleeping on the ground. Many of the top-rated glamping sites in the UK are near Nottinghamshire, making them perfect for motorhome travelers looking to mix luxury with adventure.

And let’s not forget motorhomes. If you’re renting one, you’re not just camping—you’re moving your home. That changes everything. You can legally park overnight in many designated motorhome stops, service areas, and even some lay-bys (as long as you’re not causing an obstruction). But if you try to park on a public road or private land without permission, you risk fines or being moved on. The rules vary by county, and even by village. Some places welcome you; others don’t. That’s why knowing the difference between wild camping, sleeping in a tent or vehicle on non-designated land without facilities and staying at a licensed campsite matters. One is legal in parts of Scotland and Dartmoor with care; the other is always safe and usually includes toilets, water, and electricity.

What you’ll find below isn’t just a list of articles—it’s a real-world guide to making sense of it all. You’ll learn how to handle a toilet while wild camping, what the law says about taking sand from beaches, where you can legally sleep in your car, and why renting a motorhome might be smarter than buying one. There are guides on power hookups, day pass prices at popular sites like Ocean Lakes, and how to avoid getting fined for sleeping in the wrong place. Whether you’re planning a weekend trip near Sherwood Forest or a month-long tour of the Lake District, the posts here give you the facts—not the fluff. No guesses. No myths. Just what works, what’s legal, and what you actually need to know before you hit the road.