Wild Camping on Dartmoor

On the 13th January 2023, it accounced that wild camping on Dartmoor without the landowners premission was prohibited. However, the Court of Appeal very recently (August 2023) has ruled in favour of permitted the people's right to backpack camp on the commons. Therefore, the ruling from January 2023 has been overturned. We can once again wild camp on large parts of the National Park. Woohoo! 

The Authority has also reiterated its commitment to working with commoners and landowners to ensure that people continue to backpack responsibly in certain areas and leave no trace of their visit and follow the code of conduct.

Their code of conduct states that you must:

- Only backpack camp on some parts of Dartmoor by carrying your own equipment as part of your walk.

- Stay one or two nights max.

- Stay out of sight from roads and buildings.

- Not stay in vehicles, campervans or motorhomes.

- Not stay in large tents or large groups camping - i.e. no more than 6 people.

- Leave no trace - don't light open fires or BBQs and remember to take all your rubbish home with you.

- Bury faecal matter and used toilet paper under at least 15cm of turf (you will need to take a trowel with you)

- Not pollute streams or rivers

- Avoid disturbing wildlife, particularly during lambing and bird breeding season (1 March - 31 July)

If you abide by these rules we're sure you'll have a fun, memorable camping experience on this beautiful and diverse land. Please check Dartmoor Natioonal Park's official website to view a map of the parts you are allowed to camp on Dartmoor here.