Vapes in Forest Campsites: What You Need to Know Before You Light Up

When you're deep in the woods with your motorhome, the last thing you want is to get fined—or worse, upset your neighbors—over something as simple as vaping, the act of inhaling and exhaling vapor from an electronic device, often used as an alternative to smoking. Also known as e-cigarette use, it’s become a normal part of many campers’ routines. But in forest campsites, especially in the UK where wild camping is legally gray, it’s not just about personal choice—it’s about rules, respect, and reality.

Most official campsites in England and Wales don’t ban vaping outright, but they often have strict campsite etiquette, a set of unwritten and sometimes written rules for behavior that keeps shared outdoor spaces peaceful and safe for everyone. Noise, smell, and litter matter. A puff of mango-flavored vapor might seem harmless, but if it drifts into a family’s tent or clings to a picnic table, people notice. And in quiet, protected forest areas like the Lake District or the Scottish Highlands, rangers and landowners are increasingly strict about anything that disrupts the natural atmosphere—even if it’s not smoke. Some sites quietly enforce no-smoking policies that include vaping, especially near tents, picnic zones, or water sources.

Then there’s the UK wild camping laws, the legal framework that determines where you can legally sleep overnight in nature without paying for a pitch. While it’s technically illegal to camp anywhere in England without permission, many people still do it—especially in remote forests. But if you’re vaping while doing it, you’re adding another layer of risk. A used vape pod tossed in the bushes isn’t just litter—it’s plastic waste that can take years to break down. And if a ranger sees you, they might assume you’re also smoking tobacco, which could lead to a warning or worse. In Scotland, where wild camping is more tolerated, local guidelines still ask you to be considerate. That means keeping vapor to yourself, not using flavored pods near wildlife areas, and always packing out your trash.

People who vape at campsites aren’t breaking the law in most cases—but they can break the trust of others. Think about it: if you’re in a quiet forest, surrounded by birds and rustling leaves, do you really want your vape cloud mixing with the scent of pine? Or worse, do you want your kid’s first camping trip to be ruined because someone’s sweet-tasting vapor made them cough? It’s not just about rules—it’s about being part of the community. The best campers aren’t the ones who push boundaries; they’re the ones who leave things better than they found them.

So what should you do? If you’re on a private, paid campsite, check their rules. If you’re wild camping, vape away from tents, avoid strong flavors, and never leave your pods behind. Use a portable ashtray for your vape waste, and if you’re unsure, just wait until you’re back in your motorhome. The forest doesn’t need your vapor. It needs your respect.

Below, you’ll find real stories and practical advice from fellow UK motorhome travelers who’ve dealt with this exact issue—whether they were warned by rangers, caught flak from other campers, or found the quietest spots to vape without causing a scene. These aren’t hypotheticals. They’re the lessons learned the hard way.