What Does the UK 36 Rule Mean for Campsites?

Oct, 14 2025

Quick Takeaways

• The 36rule is an informal guideline asking campers to stay at least 36metres from roads, watercourses and private dwellings.
• It isn’t a law, but following it helps you stay within the Countryside Code and avoid conflicts with landowners.
• National parks and many local authorities adopt the same distance, making it a de‑facto national standard.
• If you’re unsure, ask the landowner or check local signage - some sites require a larger buffer.
• Breaking the rule can lead to fines, removal from the site, or a ban on future access.

What the 36Rule Actually Says

When you hear campers talk about the "36 rule a guideline that urges people to keep a minimum distance of 36 metres (about 118feet) from certain features while wild‑camping in the UK", they are echoing a simple safety and etiquette principle. The rule covers three main things:

1. Public roads and footpaths - stay 36m away to keep visibility for drivers and walkers.
2. Freshwater bodies - rivers, streams, lakes and the edges of ponds to protect water quality.
3. Private property - houses, farms and agricultural buildings to respect landowners' privacy.

While the rule itself isn’t written into legislation, it aligns with the Countryside Code and the recommendations of the Environment Agency. Most park rangers, national‑park authorities and campsite managers use it as a baseline for acceptable behaviour.

Where the 36Rule Comes From

The origin is a bit fuzzy, but the rule grew out of two practical concerns:

• Safety: Keeping a clear line of sight from roads reduces the chance of accidents, especially at night.
• Environmental impact: Staying away from watercourses helps prevent litter and fire damage from reaching fragile ecosystems.

Early editions of the National Parks visitor guides in the 1990s cited a "36‑metre rule" as part of their stewardship advice. Over time, the guideline filtered down to the broader wild‑camping community and became a de‑facto standard.

How the Rule Interacts with Legal Requirements

In England and Wales, the main legal framework is the Countryside Code. It advises people to "leave no trace" and to "stay away from private property unless you have permission". While the Code doesn’t spell out an exact distance, many local authorities have adopted the 36metre figure in their bylaws. For example:

• Yorkshire Dales National Park requires a minimum 30‑40metre buffer from any public road.
• Lake District National Park guidance mentions a 36‑metre minimum from water bodies.

If you breach a local bylaw that incorporates the 36rule, you could face a fixed‑penalty notice (usually £100‑£200) or be asked to leave the area immediately. However, most enforcement officers use the rule as an educational tool rather than a ticket‑issuing mechanism.

Practical Tips for Applying the 36Rule on the Ground

Here’s a quick checklist you can run through before you pitch your tent:

1. Measure the distance. A simple way is to count your steps - an average adult step is about 0.75metres, so roughly 48 steps equals 36metres.
2. Use a smartphone app. Many GPS apps show a distance ring; set it to 36m and walk until the ring stops.
3. Check local signs. Some car parks and wild‑camping sites post specific distance markers.
4. Ask the landowner. If you’re on private land, a quick chat can give you a clear boundary line.
5. Mind the terrain. If a hill or dense scrub blocks the line of sight, increase the buffer by a few metres for safety.

Comparison of Common Distance Guidelines in the UK

What Happens If You Ignore the 36Rule?

The consequences range from a polite reminder to a formal removal. Here’s a realistic progression:

• First encounter: A ranger or landowner points out the breach and asks you to move.
• Repeated breach: You may be issued a warning notice. Ignoring it could lead to a fixed‑penalty ticket.
• Severe breach: If your actions cause environmental damage (e.g., fire spreading to a watercourse), you could face prosecution under the Environmental Protection Act.

Beyond legal issues, ignoring the rule often damages your reputation within the camping community. Word travels fast on camping forums, and being labelled a "rule‑breaker" can limit future access to private or community‑run sites.

Frequently Asked Questions