It can teach you so much, so much within yourself, and about the environment – it becomes addictive,” said Becky Harrison, reflecting on her love for wild camping.
The 52-year-old from South Hams in Devon discovered wild camping three years ago and hasn’t looked back since. For her, sleeping under the stars in the wild countryside has become a deeply enriching experience.
Wild camping, unlike traditional camping, involves staying overnight in natural settings rather than designated campsites. Dartmoor stands out as one of the few locations in England where this practice is broadly permitted. Recently, the Supreme Court confirmed the legality of wild camping in Dartmoor National Park, dismissing an appeal by two landowners. This decision was met with joy by wild camping enthusiasts.
Harrison described the ruling as a huge relief, saying she was “over the moon” with the outcome. Speaking about the experience, she said, “It is a magical thing to do—being out in nature and sleeping under the stars. No harm can come to you, as long as you do it respectfully and learn how to walk and respect the moors.”
Recalling her first outing, Harrison admitted it was initially intimidating. “I didn’t even know where I was going,” she said. But after some research, she took the leap—and from that moment, wild camping became a permanent part of her life.
Now trained as a moorland guide, Harrison shared how the experience has provided her with unforgettable moments, such as witnessing the northern lights. She also emphasized its benefits for mental health, particularly for young people. “It can offer a sense of freedom and do wonders for your wellbeing,” she said.
Following the Supreme Court decision, Dartmoor wild campers are legally permitted to camp in designated areas, provided they follow a strict code of conduct laid out by the park authority:
- All gear must be carriable in a backpack.
- No more than six people may camp together.
- Campsites must remain hidden from roads and buildings.
- Campers can only stay for up to two nights.
- No overnight stays are allowed in vehicles or motorhomes.
- Fires are banned, and all rubbish must be taken away—campers are urged to leave no trace.
Marc Jeffrey, 48, from Landrake in Cornwall, found wild camping after giving up alcohol temporarily three years ago. “When I stopped going to the pub, I stopped seeing my friends,” he explained. Wild camping became a way to reconnect and foster new social bonds.
“For me, I love wild camping because it gives me a chance to meet up with a couple of my friends—it’s a social activity and we’ve built a great little community,” he said. He added that it’s beneficial both physically and mentally. “It’s amazing to be out on the hills, to see the sunrise and sunset—it really helps the body and mind.”
Jeffrey welcomed the court ruling, saying, “We should be like Scotland, where people are free to camp responsibly and leave no trace.”
Wild camping has long been legal across most of Scotland thanks to the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003, which grants broader public access to land. England, by contrast, offers limited rights in this regard, with Dartmoor being one of the only exceptions.
Amanda Higgins is another wild camper who’s embraced Dartmoor’s landscape. She’s been camping there for over a year, braving the moors every weekend, even during Christmas and in snowy weather.
Higgins stressed the need for responsibility, particularly when it comes to pets. “Dogs should always be on a lead,” she advised.
She also warned that wild camping on Dartmoor isn’t for the digitally dependent. “Nine times out of ten, you’ve got no signal,” she noted, adding that people today are “spending way too much time on social media and scrolling.”
With the Supreme Court’s decision reaffirming public access for wild campers, adventurers like Harrison, Jeffrey, and Higgins see the moors not only as a place of natural beauty but also as a space for reflection, community, and healing.
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