10 Stunning Wild Camping Locations Across the UK
Wild camping in the UK offers an incredible opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and immerse yourself in nature. From remote mountainsides to peaceful forests and coastal cliffs, the UK has a wide range of stunning locations perfect for a night under the stars. Whether you're an experienced camper or a first-timer looking for an adventure, here are 10 of the most breathtaking wild camping locations across the UK.
1. Snowdonia National Park, Wales
Best for: Mountain Views and Challenging Hikes
Snowdonia is a true gem for wild campers, offering dramatic mountain landscapes and some of the UK's most rugged terrain. The area is home to the famous Snowdon peak, and while camping on the summit itself is not allowed, there are plenty of nearby locations to pitch your tent. Consider wild camping in valleys like Gwern Gof Isaf near the base of Snowdon or Llyn Llydaw – a stunning lake surrounded by steep mountains.
Why it’s stunning: Snowdonia’s mountains provide epic views, pristine lakes, and the feeling of complete isolation, all within a short distance from major towns.
2. Lake District, England
Best for: Lakeside Camping and Classic Views
The Lake District is a wild camper’s dream, with its stunning lakes, dramatic peaks, and picturesque valleys. Areas such as Great Langdale, Borrowdale, and the remote Seathwaite Valley are popular spots for wild camping. For something truly remote, head to Scafell Pike or the hills around Wastwater Lake, where you’ll experience breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and the darkest skies at night.
Why it’s stunning: From the serene beauty of the lakes to the challenging mountain terrain, the Lake District offers diverse environments and plenty of peace and solitude.
3. Glen Etive, Scotland
Best for: Remote Highland Wilderness
If you’re looking for remote Highland wilderness, Glen Etive is a prime wild camping location. The valley, which runs through the Scottish Highlands and leads to the base of Ben Starav, offers pristine scenery with towering mountains, rushing rivers, and a sense of true isolation. The area is often quieter than other popular spots in Scotland, making it perfect for those seeking solitude.
Why it’s stunning: The dramatic views of towering peaks, rushing streams, and the feeling of being deep within the Scottish wilderness make it a perfect location for wild camping.
4. Isle of Skye, Scotland
Best for: Coastal Camping and Rugged Landscapes
The Isle of Skye is famous for its dramatic coastal cliffs, jagged peaks, and hidden glens. Wild camping spots like Coral Beach, Loch Coruisk, and the area around The Old Man of Storr offer a combination of coastal beauty and mountain views. These areas are remote, making them ideal for a peaceful night under the stars.
Why it’s stunning: With its otherworldly landscapes, the Isle of Skye provides rugged coastal views, mysterious rock formations, and unspoiled beauty.
5. The Cairngorms, Scotland
Best for: Mountain Wild Camping and Wildlife
The Cairngorms is a vast mountain range in the Scottish Highlands, home to rugged terrain, high plateaus, and a wealth of wildlife. Locations like Loch Avon, Glen Feshie, and Glen More offer stunning wild camping spots, where you can enjoy dramatic mountain views, watch out for wildlife like red deer, and experience the true wild beauty of Scotland. The area’s vastness means you can easily find remote spots where you’ll feel completely alone.
Why it’s stunning: The combination of mountain peaks, lochs, and wildlife makes the Cairngorms one of the UK’s most spectacular wilderness areas for wild camping.
6. Exmoor National Park, England
Best for: Woodland and Moorland Camping
Exmoor, with its rolling hills, wild moorlands, and dense woodlands, offers a more peaceful and secluded camping experience. Popular wild camping spots include Horner Wood and Simonsbath, where you can set up camp by the river, surrounded by ancient forests. You can also head towards Porlock Hill for fantastic coastal views while still being deep in the countryside.
Why it’s stunning: Exmoor’s quiet forests and moorlands are home to red deer, ponies, and stunning views of the surrounding valleys and the Bristol Channel.
7. The Peak District, England
Best for: Easy Access to Scenic Views
The Peak District is easily accessible from many major cities in the UK, making it a fantastic choice for a quick wild camping getaway. Areas like Kinder Scout, Mam Tor, and Dovestone Reservoir provide stunning views of rugged hills, valleys, and moorland. The Edale Valley is also an excellent spot to pitch your tent, offering great views and a variety of nearby hiking routes.
Why it’s stunning: The Peak District provides a mix of dramatic scenery and accessibility, offering a wild camping experience that’s just a short distance from urban areas.
8. Dartmoor, England
Best for: Rolling Moorlands and Ancient Sites
Dartmoor is famous for its vast, windswept moorlands and prehistoric sites, making it a fantastic location for wild camping. The moors are dotted with standing stones, ancient ruins, and wild ponies, adding an element of mystery to your camping experience. Head to areas like Bovey Valley or North Hessary Tor for an isolated camping spot with panoramic views of the moors.
Why it’s stunning: The combination of wide-open moors, ancient ruins, and wildlife creates a truly unique and atmospheric wild camping experience.
9. Galloway Forest Park, Scotland
Best for: Peaceful Forest Camping
The Galloway Forest Park in southern Scotland is a less-crowded alternative to other areas of the Scottish Highlands, offering beautiful woodland, lochs, and hilltops for wild camping. Areas like Glen Trool and Loch Doon are perfect for a peaceful camping experience, where you can enjoy the sounds of nature and spot red squirrels, otters, and other wildlife.
Why it’s stunning: The forest park’s tranquillity, combined with its remote lochs and ancient woodlands, makes for a peaceful and scenic wild camping location.
10. The Brecon Beacons, Wales
Best for: Mountain Camping and Star Gazing
The Brecon Beacons are known for their beautiful mountain landscapes, rolling hills, and deep valleys. Areas like Pen y Fan and Talybont Reservoir offer fantastic wild camping spots, where you can camp at the base of the peaks or beside a mountain stream. This area is also part of the Brecon Beacons Dark Sky Reserve, so you'll have the perfect opportunity for stargazing at night.
Why it’s stunning: The Brecon Beacons offer a combination of beautiful mountains, peaceful valleys, and one of the darkest skies in the UK – perfect for both day hikes and starry nights.
Final Thoughts
Wild camping in the UK is one of the best ways to reconnect with nature, challenge yourself, and enjoy some of the most beautiful landscapes the country has to offer. Whether you’re looking to camp in remote mountains, coastal cliffs, or peaceful woodlands, these 10 locations will provide unforgettable experiences. Just be sure to follow local regulations, pack responsibly, and leave no trace – and you'll be set for a true adventure under the stars.