Essential Tips for Wild Camping Adventures

Waking up surrounded by natural beauty and experiencing the solitude of the countryside is what lures travelers to wild camping. As romantic as it sounds, there are still rules to follow that will ensure each adventure is safe and rewarding, while preserving such special spots for the wildlife and those who follow next.

Whether you’ve tramped and camped across New Zealand or you’re planning your first ever hike and overnight in the Scottish Highlands, the guidance remains the same. Here’s a checklist of how to prepare for wild camping.

1. Plan Your Trip Carefully

It doesn’t matter if it’s your first trip or your 100th—planning is essential as a lot can change out in the wilderness. The weather can shift unexpectedly, paths become impassable, rivers swell, and other travelers might beat you to your preferred camping spot. Therefore, always set out your trip in advance.

Use a good map to plot a route within your capabilities and double-check its feasibility with the national park visitor center or a local hiking group wherever possible. Work out how long you think the trip will take— a cautious estimate here is better than a marathon goal— and pick two or three potential camping spots.

2. Camp Where Permitted

Also known as “free” or “freedom” camping, wild camping has subtly different meanings depending on the destination. Some countries designate back-to-nature campsites with basic facilities, while others allow you to choose your own spot amid vast areas of wilderness.

Laws around wild camping vary significantly between countries and even within regions. In England and Wales, the rules are relatively restrictive due to most land being privately owned. Still, certain areas in national parks permit wild camping. In contrast, wild camping is legal in Scotland and tolerated in Ireland under specific conditions.

Free camping in Australia and New Zealand is widespread yet restricted to particular reserves and regions within national parks, similar to regulations in both Canada and the USA. Consequently, regardless of where you plan to wild camp, assume nothing. Do your research and consult local information centers and national park offices.

3. Know What to Pack

While one of the joys of wild camping is escaping civilization, this also means being entirely self-sufficient. The nearest shop is likely miles away, so you must carry everything you need, including enough food to last at least an extra night in case of emergencies.

Create a checklist. Beyond essentials like a waterproof tent, camp stove, cooking fuel, and suitable outdoor attire, do not overlook smaller yet vital items such as a first aid kit, a torch with spare batteries, matches, and insect repellent. Additionally, a penknife and duct tape can be invaluable for quick repairs.

4. Beware of Bad Weather

Weather may hinder your journey to the wild campsite. So, it’s prudent to check the local forecast and learn to read the skies, especially at higher passes or peaks.

An easier trail can become treacherous in rain or snow, and whiteouts pose significant risks in mountainous areas where conditions may change rapidly. Conversely, extreme heat can drain your energy, leading to dehydration or heatstroke. If the weather deteriorates, seek shelter or consider turning back.

5. Pitch Well

When camping, aim to set up on free-draining, elevated ground far from riverbanks and stream edges. Moreover, survey the area for anything that could harm the tent. While trees may offer shelter, check for any branches that could snap in strong winds and position your camp well away from them. Use similar caution in areas prone to rockfalls.

Camp discreetly, away from buildings or roads, and avoid being in sight of pathways. Although damp woodland might seem appealing, they are often breeding grounds for midges and mosquitoes.

Once you’ve selected a location, securely peg your tent and secure guy ropes with rocks or tree trunks if the ground is too hard.

6. Source Water

For any wild camping trip, water is essential. Hence, evaluate where you will obtain water and its suitability for drinking. Your map or route guide should indicate available sources, whether from pumps in toilets or natural watercourses such as rivers or streams.

If unsure about water quality, treat it. Boil it for at least three minutes, or utilize a filter or chemical treatments. Most outdoor equipment stores provide lightweight purification kits.

7. Be Smart with Fires

Wildfires pose a serious threat to arid wilderness areas and are the reason camping is prohibited in certain locations. Always respect fire bans, and where campfires are allowed, adhere to rules such as using designated fire pits and burning only dead wood from permitted sources.

A small fire suffices over a bonfire, and ensure it is completely extinguished by dousing the embers with water or covering them with sand or soil. Verify that the ashes are cool before leaving.

8. Watch Out for Wildlife

Wildlife encounters can be a highlight of any camping trip; however, some interactions may be more welcoming than others. Research resident fauna and the potential risks they may pose. Always obey rules regarding interaction with animals, which typically includes keeping a safe distance, securing food supplies, and refraining from feeding them, no matter how adorable and persistent they appear. Some small creatures, such as mosquitoes, ticks, and spiders, can cause significant issues. Hence, take all necessary precautions, including recommended immunizations.

9. Be Ready for an Emergency

Never set out without informing someone about your plans and expected return time; should an issue arise, they can help raise the alarm. Ensure your first aid kit is current before departing. For brief trips, carry at least plasters and painkillers; for longer excursions, consider inclusive items such as bandages, sterile pads, antiseptic, and rehydration powders. It’s also wise to bring a survival bag or emergency blanket, and a whistle can be helpful for attracting attention. Notably, major hiking hubs often rent out personal locator beacons (PLB), safety devices designed to alert rescue services if serious trouble arises.

10. Leave Only Footprints

National parks and reserves worldwide provide back-to-nature campsites, allowing you to appreciate the natural landscape while reducing your environmental impact.

When camping in undesignated wilderness sites, you alone are responsible for ensuring the area remains undisturbed. Bury human waste at least six inches deep and 200 feet from the nearest water source, taking any toilet paper with you (ziplock bags work well for this purpose). Pack out all your rubbish, manage any fires responsibly, and leave no trace of your visit, enabling others to enjoy the site as much as you did.