Landowner Camping Rights: What You Can and Can't Do on Private Land in the UK

When you hear landowner camping rights, the legal permissions a landowner has to allow or deny camping on their property, it’s not about fancy laws—it’s about common sense and respect. In England, wild camping, sleeping outdoors on land without formal permission is mostly illegal unless the landowner says yes. That’s not a suggestion. It’s the law. And while Scotland lets you camp freely under the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, England doesn’t. You can’t just pitch a tent behind a tree because the view looks nice. You need permission.

That’s where private land camping, camping on land owned by individuals or businesses, not public parks or official campsites comes in. Some landowners are open to it. Farmers, estate holders, even smallholders sometimes allow campers to stay for a small fee or just as a goodwill gesture. But they’re under no obligation. If you show up without asking, you’re trespassing. And trespassing isn’t just rude—it can get you fined, removed, or worse. The UK camping laws, the legal framework governing where and how people can camp in the UK don’t give you a right to roam like some think. They protect landowners’ control over their property. That’s why places like the Lake District or Dartmoor have unofficial camping zones—they exist because landowners tolerate it, not because the law allows it.

So what does this mean for you? If you want to camp on private land, you have to ask. Not after you’ve set up, not while you’re already there. Before you even pack your gear. A quick message to the landowner—whether it’s a farmer’s phone number on a gate or a contact form on a website—can make all the difference. Some say yes. Some say no. Either way, you’ve done the right thing. And if you’re looking for spots that already welcome campers, you’ll find plenty of those in the posts below. This isn’t about pushing boundaries. It’s about knowing where the line is—and staying on your side of it.

Below, you’ll find real stories, legal breakdowns, and practical tips from people who’ve navigated this exact situation. Some found hidden gems. Others got caught. All of them learned something. Whether you’re planning a quiet night under the stars or just trying to avoid a fine, these posts cut through the noise. No fluff. Just what you need to know before you roll out.