How to Get Walk-Up Campsite: Real Tips for Last-Minute Spots

Getting a walk-up campsite, a campsite you can secure by showing up in person rather than booking online in advance. Also known as first-come, first-served camping, it’s the closest thing to true freedom on the road—no apps, no login, no waiting for a cancellation. But here’s the truth: walk-up spots aren’t free for the taking. They’re rare, competitive, and often gone by midday on weekends. If you’re hoping to just roll up and claim a pitch, you need a strategy—not luck.

Most UK campsites, official sites with facilities like toilets, showers, and electric hookups don’t even offer walk-up availability. They’re booked solid months ahead, especially in summer. But some do—mostly smaller, independent sites in quieter areas, or those near national parks where demand is more spread out. Places like Dartmoor, the Lake District, or the Scottish Highlands sometimes hold back a few pitches for walk-ins. It’s not guaranteed, but it happens. You’ll find these sites by asking locals, checking community boards, or visiting the site’s website directly (not just booking platforms). And if you’re thinking of wild camping, sleeping outside official sites, often in remote areas without facilities, know this: in England, it’s mostly illegal unless you have landowner permission. Wales and Scotland have looser rules, but even there, you need to be smart, quiet, and leave no trace.

Timing matters more than anything. Show up early—think sunrise, not noon. Weekdays are your best shot. Avoid bank holidays and school breaks. Bring your own gear, so you’re not stuck waiting for a site that only takes tents if you’re in a motorhome. Call ahead. Yes, really. A quick phone call to the site owner can save you a 200-mile detour. And if you’re turned away, don’t panic. There are always hidden spots: quiet lanes near farms (ask politely), designated overnight parking areas for motorhomes, or even service stations with overnight permissions. The key isn’t just finding a spot—it’s knowing how to ask, where to look, and when to move on.

What you’ll find below are real stories and hard-won tips from people who’ve done it. From how to spot a site that actually takes walk-ins, to the exact time to arrive at a popular spot in Cornwall, to why that one campsite near the river always has a space on Tuesdays. No fluff. No guesswork. Just what works—when you show up with no reservation, and need a place to sleep before dark.