Wild Camping on Dartmoor

 As of August 2023 the Court of Appeal has ruled in favour of permitting the people's right to backpack camp on the commons. Therefore, the ruling from January 2023 has been overturned. Woohoo! This means that there is now a much larger area of the National Park where wild camping is permitted compared to the ruling earlier this year. Please refer to the Dartmoor National Park offical website find out where wild camping is allowed.

On the 13th January 2023 we received some sad news to say that wild camping was no longer permitted on Dartmoor. Prior to this, Dartmoor was the only area of England and Wales where under a local law there had been an assumed right to wild camp without the landowner's permission. We are incredibly fortunate to have this ruling overturned so we now have the right to wild camp on Dartmoor on specified land. Those who wish to camp on the allowed areas must still follow their code of conduct and most importantly, leave no trace. 

Their code of conduct specifies that: 

• You must only backpack camp on agreed upon parts of the National Park by carrying your own equipment. 

• You must only stay one or two nights max. 

• You must stay out of sight of roads and buildings.   

• You are not allowed to camp/stay in vehicles, campervans, caravans or motorhomes. 

• Groups of campers are allowed but must be no more than six people.  

• You must leave no trace – i.e. no open fires or BBQs, take all rubbish home with you and bury faecal matter and toilet paper under at least 15cm of turf (meaning you’ll need to bring a trowel with you) 

• You must not pollute streams or rivers 

• You must avoid disturbing wildlife, particularly during lambing or breeding season (1st March – 31st July) 

So, where can I wild camp? 

According to Dartmoor National Park’s official website, it’s possible to camp at Yes Tor, Meldon Reservoir, Consdon Hill, Hound Tor, Brent Moor, Buckfastleigh Moor, Dockwell Ridge, Berry Pound, Hamel Downs, Chagford Common and parts of Widdecombe on the Moor – just to name a few! Click here to head to Dartmoor’s official website and find out where specifically you’re allowed to camp on Dartmoor using their helpful interactive map. 

Any wild camping outside of these areas are not permitted and you must seek the landowners permission if you wish to do so. If you are found camping on the unauthorised areas, you will be asked to leave and you may even be fined! 

If you abide by these new rules and regulations we’re certain you’ll have a memorable and exciting wild camping experience. Dartmoor’s land is vast and diverse so we’re sure you’ll find the perfect spot within the permitted areas. Find out more about Dartmoor National Park here.  

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