Camping Rules UK: What You Need to Know Before You Pitch a Tent

Thinking about a weekend in the woods or a night on a designated site? Knowing the basic UK camping rules can keep you out of trouble and make the experience smoother. Below is a quick guide that covers the most common legal and etiquette points you’ll run into.

Legal basics – where you can and cannot camp

In England, Scotland and Wales the law assumes you need permission to stay on private land. That means you can’t just set up a tent on a farmer’s field without asking. National parks and forests often have designated campsites; use those unless you have written consent from the landowner.

Scotland is the exception – the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 gives you a right to wild‑camp on most unenclosed land, as long as you stay away from homes and respect a 30‑metre buffer from any building. Even there you must leave no trace. In England and Wales, wild camping is generally tolerated on some remote moors, but you should always ask the local authority or landowner first.

Common campsite rules you’ll see everywhere

Most campsite websites mention the “33/38 rule”. It means a pitch must be at least 33 feet long for a vehicle and 38 feet from the roadside, allowing safe manoeuvring. If the site can’t meet those dimensions, they may refuse larger rigs.

Another handy tip is the “2‑2‑2 rule”. Keep a 2‑metre distance from any fire, 2‑metre distance from other tents, and limit campfire time to 2 hours when a fire ban isn’t in place. Follow it and you’ll avoid most fire‑related fines.

Quiet hours are usually enforced from 10 pm to 7 am. Stay quiet, keep lights low and avoid noisy activities during those times – it keeps neighbours happy and avoids complaints.

When it comes to waste, never dump rubbish, food scraps or grey water on the ground. Use the provided bins or take your trash home. If the site has a chemical toilet, follow the instructions for emptying it – many sites require you to use a specific disposal point.

Pets are welcome at most sites, but they must be on a lead or in a carrier when near other campers. Clean up after them and keep them off the grass if the site has a “no dogs on lawns” sign.

Electrical hookups follow standard 13‑amp UK plugs, but some sites use the European 16‑amp “Europlug”. Check the site’s plug type before you arrive and bring the right adapter – a mismatch can leave you without power for lights and fridges.

Finally, respect any local fire bans. If a ban is in place, skip the campfire altogether and use a portable stove that runs on gas or solid fuel. The ban will be displayed on signs or posted online.

Quick checklist before you leave:

• Get permission for any private land.
• Know the 33/38 and 2‑2‑2 rules.
• Pack a waste bag and plan for disposal.
• Bring a suitable plug adapter.
• Check fire ban status and bring a stove if needed.
• Keep pets on a lead and clean up after them.

Follow these basics and you’ll avoid fines, keep the countryside tidy, and enjoy a hassle‑free camping adventure across the UK.