Wild camping to be allowed on Dartmoor, but what are the rules?

Members of the public have the right to wild camp in Dartmoor National Park, the Court of Appeal has ruled, but what are the rules around wild camping?

In January, a High Court judge ruled a nearly 40-year-old piece of legislation did not give people the right to pitch tents overnight on Dartmoor Commons without landowners’ permission but this has now been appealed.

Alexander and Diana Darwall brought a successful legal challenge against the Dartmoor National Park Authority (DNPA), claiming some campers cause problems to livestock and the environment.

In a ruling today (31 July), Sir Geoffrey Vos, Lord Justice Underhill and Lord Justice Newey granted the appeal, finding that the law “confers on members of the public the right to rest or sleep on the Dartmoor Commons, whether by day or night and whether in a tent or otherwise” as long as bylaws are followed.

What is wild camping?

Wild camping involves setting up camp outside of a campsite or caravan park and sleeping in your tent in the wilderness.

What are the rules around wild camping?

The general rule for wild camping is to check whether you can legally camp - or get permission - and it is vital to leave no trace.

Before heading to the wilderness to wild camp, it's important to check the rules in your region. In the majority of England, Wales and Northern Ireland, campers have no legal rights so check before you camp or get the landowner's permission.

Is wild camping legal?

Most land in England is privately owned by landowners. While wild camping isn't banned, the only way to wild camp legally in England is by seeking permission from the landowner.

Dartmoor National Park is the only place that wild camping is legally permitted in England.

Dartmoor National Park Authority (DNPA) said it will work with landowners under a new system.

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