Wild Camping 

Wild Camping in your VW Campervan is one of our favourite ways to explore any Campervan hire adventure. We find many guests choose to organise a combination of wild camping and renting a pitch at a campsite. We’ve wild camped at some stunning roadside locations, next to rivers, lakeside, in forests, all under the stars of course. But we understand that for a first timer it can be quite intimidating, not knowing where you’re allowed to pullover and stay, how to do it and considering if it’s safe. Generally, as long as you follow the rules of courtesy you shouldn’t run into any trouble. So keep reading and we’ll tell you the basics. 

Where To Park?

The rules in the UK are quite unclear. There are no official rules prohibiting it but it tends to be up to each local government and law enforcement. These tend to follow the unofficial rule of allowing it unless it’s on private property. 

Staying in a public lay by or car park most likely won’t get you in any trouble. But if you stayed on someone’s property or the car park of a business then you’ll likely be asked to move on. 

If you follow the general rules of the trucker, parking just overnight, take up one spot, be respectful and courteous then there shouldn’t be any issues. Car parks can be practical but don’t always make for the most scenic of spots to wake up to. 

To find the best spots in the Lake District we suggest using the app Park4Night

“Share the nice spots where you like to relax with your camper, your equipped van or normal van.”

This app is populated with fantastic spots, updated regularly by Campervan enthusiasts who have tried and tested the parking spots they share. They note any points of interest, have an inbuilt map so you can easily locate where the sites are and see images uploaded too so you can see what it’s like. We’ve used it to stay in some beautiful spots around the Lake District so make sure you check it out. 

How To Wild Camp - “Leave only footprints, take only photographs.”

The best guides to follow are that of the Scottish Outdoor Access Code or the Leave No Trace Policy. So here’s our basic tips: 

-Plan ahead and prepare. 

-Dispose of waste properly - leave no trace!

-Avoid overcrowded spots. If there’s already too many campervans find somewhere else.

- Respect others - Keep noise to a minimum

-Take care of the environment

-Be prepared to moved on if asked and always be polite

-Always use a stove and leave no trace of a campfire

-Chose your toilet carefully, especially away from any open water

-Always camp away from houses, public pathways or farms 

Is Wild Camping Safe?

Like anything in life when it comes to safety, just use common sense and take precautions. Let someone know where you are and what your plan is, lock your vehicle and keep valuables out of sight. Be aware of your surroundings.

In general it’s what you feel comfortable with. If it’s not in your comfort zone, head to a campsite. 

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We hope this gives you an insight into Wild Camping. Any questions, just get in touch.

Thanks for reading, we hope you found it useful. Under The Stars Campervan Hire x