If the term ‘wild camping’ makes you shudder at the thought of roughing it, maybe think again. There are plenty of reasons to go wild camping and ‘wild’ doesn’t necessarily mean being eaten by bears – wild camping is just a more interesting way of saying you’re not paying to stay at a campsite.
What you must bear in mind though is that camping in the UK is illegal apart from in Scotland and some national parks such as Dartmoor. Saying that though, although wild camping isn’t actually legal in the UK, it’s largely tolerated and you probably won’t get arrested or shot if you pitch up in a remote field overnight. It is good manners to ask the farmer or landowner for permission first though.
Reasons to go wild camping
Freedom
When you go wild camping, you can – within reason – go wherever you want. If you love camping and you’ve got a static caravan on a campsite you visit often but you fancy a change of scenery, wild camping lets you do this.
It’s peaceful
On the one hand, holiday parks and campsites full of facilities are handy. Depending on the site, you might have a shower, toilet, laundry room and maybe even a clubhouse.
On the other hand, holiday parks and campsites full of facilities are also full of people. People with kids, dogs, loud music and BBQs.
When you go wild camping, it’s just you, your tent and the sound of bird song.
Bliss.
Wild camping is cheap
‘Cheap’ is relative, of course. I’m not saying wild camping is completely free because, although it won’t cost you anything to pitch your tent, unlike if you were staying on a campsite, you will need decent gear such as a good quality sleeping bag to keep you warm at night.
But, let’s face it, even the best sleeping bag will be cheaper than a week in a five star hotel.
It’s good for your mental health
It’s not just the fresh air and being at one with nature that’s good for your mental health. Wild camping forces you to go off-grid and leave the news, television and social media behind. Of course, you can take your phone with you – and you should, of course, for emergencies, but you won’t be scrolling endlessly through all the toxicity and negativity on social media, which will do wonders for your wellbeing.
Wild camping is good for your sleep
Not only will the break from all the doom and gloom on social media be good for your mental health, the release from the negativity onslaught will improve your sleep too. Not to mention the improved sleep you’ll get from all the fresh air you’ll be getting and the exploring you’ll be doing.
Is wild camping for you?
If, after reading the above reasons to go wild camping, you’re itching to get your hiking boots on and get out there, remember the quote: “Take nothing but pictures. Leave nothing but footprints” and respect your surroundings by taking all your rubbish home with you.
Anna Marikar, mum of four and seasoned blogger, has spent over a decade sharing her parenting journey and passion for kid-friendly crafts and free printables.
Her easy-to-follow craft ideas and practical parenting advice have transformed In The Playroom into a cherished resource for parents.