Is it legal to sleep in a roof tent in the UK?
Yes, you can sleep in a roof tent in the UK, but where you set up really matters. Campsites are always the easiest option, but if you can legally park your vehicle, you can usually pop the roof tent up for a quick overnight stop. Keep it low-key: choose a quiet, discreet spot, follow local rules, and always leave no trace. If you’re staying longer than a night or fancy lighting a fire and making camp, a campsite is definitely the way to go.
If you’re interested in trying out roof tent camping and want to experience the thrill of wild camping or camping for free, there are a few things you should know. You cannot simply pitch your roof tent wherever you like and camp for the night. However, there are some exceptions to this rule, and there are still plenty of opportunities to enjoy roof tent wild camping experiences in the UK.
Wilding camping vs camping for free
In the UK, there’s an important distinction between traditional wild camping and setting up in a roof tent. Wild camping usually refers to pitching a ground tent out in the countryside, and while this is only legally permitted in certain areas (like much of Scotland and Dartmoor National Park), it’s widely understood as part of the outdoor experience.
Camping for free in a roof tent on your vehicle is a little different; it often gets lumped in with “wild camping,” but technically it’s closer to sleeping in your vehicle like a campervan. That means the rules vary: you can sometimes stay overnight where parking is legal and allowed, but it’s not the same as having the right to pitch a ground tent on open land.
Wild camping locations in the UK
Generally in the UK, wild camping is not legal without permission from the landowner. That being said, here are a few suggestions for wild camping locations in the UK:
Scottish Highlands – With stunning landscapes and plenty of open space, the Scottish Highlands are a popular spot for wild camping. Some areas to consider include the Cairngorms, Wester Ross, and Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park.
Lake District National Park – The Lake District is another popular destination for wild camping, with beautiful lakes and mountains to explore. However, it’s important to note that wild camping is not legal in all areas of the park, so be sure to check the rules and regulations.
Dartmoor National Park – Dartmoor is a rugged and wild landscape, and wild camping is allowed in certain areas with permission from the landowner. Some popular spots include Bellever Forest and the area around Fernworthy Reservoir.
Snowdonia National Park – Snowdonia is a stunning national park in Wales, with plenty of opportunities for hiking and wild camping. Some areas to consider include the Carneddau Mountains and the Glyderau Range.
Brecon Beacons National Park – The Brecon Beacons is another beautiful national park in Wales, with rolling hills and wild landscapes. Wild camping is allowed in certain areas with permission from the landowner.
Remember, when wild camping in the UK, it’s important to respect the environment and leave no trace behind. Always follow the Leave No Trace principles, and be sure to check the rules and regulations for the specific area where you plan to camp.
Leave No Trace Principles and Camping
- Plan Ahead & Prepare – Pick uncrowded destinations, consider your water sources, bring appropriate equipment and plan the logistics of carrying in and out all of your rubbish. Ensure you’re allowed to camp where you want to go.
- Travel & Camp on Durable Surfaces – Think about the impact of your camping when picking a wild campsite. Make sure to confirm that the surface is durable where you’re pitching, cooking and sitting. Also, you’re not causing irreversible damage to the vegetation around you.
- Dispose of Waste Properly – Take ALL your rubbish including food scraps and hygiene products like tampons or wet wipes. Human waste is best to be taken away but can also be buried if done so appropriately.
- Leave What You Find – Leave your campsite as you found it. Don’t take natural objects home with you.
- Minimise Campfire Impact -Preferably use a stove rather than making a fire. However, if you do build a fire consider the implications. Think about potential fire damage and wood usage. Use existing fire rings if you can or fire pit, and ensure your fire is completely out with water rather than dirt.
- Respect Wildlife – Don’t disturb the local wildlife whilst camping. Keep a distance, avoid noise pollution and be mindful of your food and food scraps so that these can’t be accessed.
- Be Considerate of Others – You’re not the only one who enjoys the outdoors, ensure that your activities don’t hamper the enjoyment of others. Enable access to other users, don’t play loud music, and keep pets under control.
Wild camping in Scotland
In Scotland, for example, wild camping is legal in most areas, as long as you follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. This code outlines the responsibilities and best practices for wild camping, such as camping away from houses, being respectful of the environment, and leaving no trace.
By the letter of the law, staying in a roof tent isn’t covered by the Scottish Access Rights. Public or private landowners can restrict or regulate parking on their land, you must comply with this.
However, there are still plenty of places where you can ‘wild camp’ or camp for free. To find these places, explore, talk to locals or try the Park4Night app which gives you information on facilities, local shops, attractions and reviews. This means that if you have a roof tent and want to go camping in Scotland, you have plenty of options.
One popular spot for roof tent wild camping in Scotland is the Cairngorms National Park. This stunning wilderness area offers plenty of opportunities for wild camping, with stunning views of mountains, lochs, and forests. You can find a spot to park your car and set up your roof tent, then spend the night under the stars. Just be sure to follow the local signage, the Scottish Outdoor Access Code and respect the local wildlife and environment.
Wild camping experiences across the UK
Another option for roof tent wild camping in the UK is to look for campsites that offer wild camping experiences. These campsites are usually located in remote areas and offer a more rustic camping experience. They may not have all the amenities of a traditional campsite, but they do offer a chance to get away from it all and enjoy the peace and quiet of the countryside.
Try joining wild camping community forums or subscription websites like Camp Wild UK or Nearly Wild Camping, which offer their members access to a list of wild camping locations across the UK.
When wild camping in a roof tent, it’s important to be prepared. Make sure you have all the necessary gear and equipment, such as warm sleeping bags, cooking supplies, and food. You should also be aware of the weather conditions and pack accordingly, as the weather can change quickly in the UK.
Final thoughts...
In conclusion, while wild camping or free camping with a roof tent in the UK may not be legal everywhere, there are still plenty of opportunities to enjoy this unique and thrilling camping experience. Whether you head to Scotland and follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, or look for campsites that offer wild camping experiences, there are many ways to enjoy the beauty of the UK countryside from the comfort of your roof tent.
Using resources like the Park4Night app will help you find spots where you can park and enjoy the stunning scenery that the UK has to offer, while still complying with local laws. Or if you prefer to experience a wild camping location with a few amenities try joining subscription websites like Camp Wild UK or Nearly Wild Camping.
So, pack your gear, grab your car keys, and get ready for a unique roof tent adventure! Just remember to be prepared, follow the rules and regulations, and respect the environment around you.
Roof tents / RTTs
Discover our UK designed roof tents for your car, engineered for every adventure. Our roof tents are packed with amazing features: Fully waterproof, UV and mould resistant, quick to set up, durable and lightweight. Plus, we equip our roof tents with zip-in awning extensions, cargo bars and plenty of other extras, all included for one great price. Enjoy free delivery across mainland UK!
11 responses
You cannot wild camp with a vehicle to get there in Scotland. You need to educate yourself. Please see our blogs for assurance.
Roof tents are more restrictive as they are seen as “tents” and not self contained therefore cannot be setup and used in car parks or off grid etc. Access laws don’t apply to them.
We are making ISP’s and industry bodies and suppliers aware of all websites sharing illegal and inaccurate information. Please have it updated.
Thanks.
James King.
Hi James,
Thank you for taking the time to share your insights with us. We appreciate your input and acknowledge the accuracy of your point regarding wild camping with vehicles in Scotland.
However, our article does not specify that wild camping with a vehicle, including those equipped with roof tents, is applicable to Scottish Access Rights. It’s crucial to clarify that roof tents are perceived as “tents” rather than self-contained units, which may affect their usage in certain areas such as car parks or off-grid locations where access laws may not apply directly. And why we say:
We would like to highlight that Scottish local district parks and councils often provide valuable advice regarding camping regulations and guidelines. For instance, campervan guidance is frequently offered to individuals utilising roof tents as well. See the wild camping section here on the Cairngorms National Park for their advice: https://cairngorms.co.uk/discover-explore/enjoying-the-park/outdoor-access-advice/.
If you are a member of the Highlands council or have access to their guidance, we encourage you to share it with fellow campers, including those with roof tents, to ensure compliance and responsible camping practices while visiting The Highlands.
Once again, thank you for bringing this important aspect to our attention, and we remain committed to providing accurate and helpful information to our readers.
Best regards,
Chris @ Tent & Trail
Hi Chris
My friend and I have some overland vehicles with roof tents and are looking for somewhere to go deep in the brecons .
Would you be kind enough to recommend a site .
Many thanks
Andy
Hi Andy,
I have this campsite on my list of ‘yet to visit’ but looks good from the location and website The Alltimate View Brecon Beacons, Powys. My other recommendation as you are in that area would be Coco’s Wild Camp, as that isn’t too far away and could be a good stop before or after your trip into the Brecons.
Have a great trip!
Thanks
Chris
“If you’re interested in trying out roof tent camping and want to experience the thrill of wild camping” is very misleading and an example of ‘weasel-wording’.
The only two places that I am aware of that permit wild camping (arriving on foot carrying your own tent and all supplies, staying for one or two night and them moving on without leaving a trace, away from all civilisation etc etc) – parts of Dartmoor and Scotland – do not permit camping with a vehicle and a roof tent. Roof tent and wild-camp are incompatible phrases. By all means please use your wonderful imaginations to come up with another phrase to describe the delight of camping legally with a roof tent – it looks like fun, but please don’t add to an exiting problem by leaving your reader with the impression that they can wild camp with a roof tent.
Hi Helen, thank you for your comment and for sharing your concerns. I will have to agree to disagree about our article being ‘very misleading’ and ‘weasel-wording’. We clearly state that wild camping with a roof tent isn’t legal by the letter of the law, but it is possible to camp for free in wild spots in some areas. See the wild camping section here on the Cairngorms National Park for their advice: https://cairngorms.co.uk/discover-explore/enjoying-the-park/outdoor-access-advice/. And you’re absolutely right, camping in a roof tent is fun!
The term “wild camping” can have different interpretations, and while it often refers to backpacking with a small tent in places like Dartmoor and Scotland, it’s not exclusive to those conditions. Wild camping is offend referred to as camping for free outside of an official campsite with facilities. For example, this can be a car park, waste land or even a friend’s driveway! However, we agree that it’s important to clarify the difference, and we’ll be sure to avoid any confusion.
Thanks again for your feedback!
Well, I was hoping to compete the NC500 using a roof tent but this exchange of views has successfully change my mind and probably saved me a substantial amount of money! Thanks!
Hi Dave! Don’t be disheartened! Unfortunately, as with many things in life, a few can sometimes spoil things for the many. There are locals around the NC500 who have experienced issues from ‘the few’ who haven’t respected the beautiful environment. All I’d say is to be mindful of the locals, respect the environment, and follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. Done responsibly, a roof tent adventure can still be a fantastic way to explore Scotland!
You cannot “respect the Scottish outdoor access code” and sleep in a roof tent at the same time, being in, or on a vehicle automatically excludes you from any of the rights outlined in the SOAC. It is misleading to imply otherwise.
Under the Trespass (Scotland) act 1865 it is a criminal offence to occupy land without legal consent, it is not “respectful” to break the law of the country you are visiting, the only legal place you can use a rooftop tent in Scotland is a campsite, or with the prior permission of a landowner.
Thanks for your comment — and we completely agree that respecting the law and the Scottish Outdoor Access Code is essential when exploring Scotland.
Just to clarify, our blog doesn’t suggest that rooftop tent camping is permitted under the same rights as wild camping on foot. In fact, we clearly state that wild camping in a roof tent is not legal under SOAC, and we provide alternative legal ways to enjoy free camping — including stopping in designated areas like those in the Cairngorms, where campervans and roof tents are specifically accommodated with advice such as:
“If you don’t plan on heading to a campsite, please follow all the guidance for campervans.”
(Source: Cairngorms National Park Authority)
We make a conscious effort not to mislead, and instead promote responsible, respectful travel — including Leave No Trace principles and seeking landowner permission where appropriate.
Appreciate you taking the time to comment and keep the conversation around responsible access alive.
Thanks Chris
Cooking simple meals during wild camping is more enjoyable than it sounds. Preparing food outdoors adds to the sense of independence and satisfaction.