Wild camping is all about stepping off the beaten path and immersing yourself in nature, whether that’s pitching your tent on a remote mountainside or sleeping under the stars by a secluded lake. In the UK, while traditional wild camping isn’t always accessible, you can embrace the wild camping experience by visiting a ‘wilder’ campsite – think small, off-grid sites that blend into the landscape and provide the essentials without losing the raw charm of the outdoors.
Canvas and Cub has teamed up with the brilliant CampWild to bring you the ultimate list of the top 10 wilder campsites for families – perfect for your next unforgettable adventure. But that’s just the beginning! CampWild offers hundreds more incredible options on their platform, from off-grid wilder campsites to exclusive wild spaces, making it easier than ever to embrace the freedom and magic of wild camping.
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Accessible Wild Camping Experience
In the UK, true wild camping is limited, with most areas requiring landowner permission. Wilder campsites offer a legal, hassle-free way to experience the freedom of camping close to nature.
Family-Friendly Starting Point
Wilder campsites often come with basic facilities like composting toilets and water taps, making them a great starting point for families new to outdoor adventures.
Prime Locations for Exploration
Many wilder campsites are nestled in stunning landscapes – think rugged coastlines, serene forests, and rolling hills – providing the perfect base for hiking, cycling, and exploring the UK’s wild spaces
Central Wales: Brecon Beacons Wild Camping
Brecon Beacons Wilder Camping is all about open space, natural beauty, and a true back-to-basics experience. Set in vast fields with pockets of woodland, it gives you the freedom to pick your own pitch while still offering essential comforts like clean portaloos and running water. The welcoming owners pop by each morning to collect fees, and you can hire a firepit or stock up on logs to complete the wild camping feel. With epic views and easy access to Pen y Fan, it’s the perfect base for families and adventurers looking to explore the Brecon Beacons.
Central England: Oaklands Camp & Fish
Oaklands blends wilder camping with local adventure, offering a mix of woodland hideaways, open meadows, and lakeside pitches. Wake up to mist rising off the water, take a sunrise dip in the pools, and head into the woods for a bit of foraging. While it keeps the wild spirit alive, Oaklands also provides a few welcome comforts – like hot showers – because sometimes, after a cold-water swim, a bit of warmth goes a long way!
East Anglia: Lings Meadow
At Lings Meadow, nature takes the lead. Pitch your tent among the tall meadow grasses, where the only distractions are birdsong, rustling leaves, and wide-open skies. With limited phone signal, it’s the perfect spot to switch off and soak up the wild. Set on a working farm, the owners have crafted a truly immersive experience, complete with campfire cooking sessions to bring a taste of adventure to your stay.
North East: High Paradise Farm
Paradise by name, paradise by nature – High Paradise Farm is a true escape into the wild. Tucked away in the North York Moors, this is back-to-nature camping with just the right touch of comfort. Owner Ginny was one of the first to join CampWild, and it’s easy to see why – she’s created a camping experience, not just a campsite. Here, you can switch off, soak up the solitude, and enjoy the beauty of being in the middle of nowhere. A must-visit for the CampWild bucket list!
North Wales: CaeDai Wilderness Adventures
Cae Dai isn’t just a place to pitch your tent – it’s an experience built by true outdoor enthusiasts. Tim and Lisa have created more than just a wilder campsite; they’ve crafted a space to disconnect from screens and reconnect with nature. Whether it’s foraging, bushcraft, fire-building, or simply unwinding by the river, every stay here is about embracing the wild. Their passion is infectious, making this a must-visit for adventurers of all ages.
North West: Askhill Farm
Tucked away at the end of Loweswater, Askhill Farm is a true hidden gem. Run by two young farmers with a deep love for the Lakes, mountains, and wildlife, this working beef and sheep farm offers an intimate wilder camping experience. With only six pitches, it’s a spot where you can hike straight from your tent, stargaze under dark skies, and gather around a raised campfire in the heart of the Cumbrian countryside. A small but special escape – so book fast!
Scotland: ACE Adventures Hideaway
Tucked away in Findhorn Glen, ACE Hideaways is where wild meets adventure. Just 8 miles from Forres, this nature-immersed campsite offers individual pitches named after local birds, each with its own fire pit and BBQ skillet. A rustic communal kitchen, showers, and free WiFi at reception add a touch of comfort, while ACE Adventures brings the thrill—think rafting, canyoning, and adrenaline-fueled activities for all ages. Set beside the River Findhorn and under a canopy of stars, it’s an authentic Scottish camping experience, perfectly placed for exploring the Cairngorms, Moray Coast, and NC500.
South East: Knepp Wildlife Camping
Knepp isn’t just a campsite – it’s a rewilding success story. Set in the heart of one of England’s most spectacular natural spaces, the Burrell family has transformed historically difficult farmland into a thriving ecosystem. Camp among wildflower meadows, surrounded by free-roaming ponies, deer, owls, and even storks. The wildlife is everywhere – you can’t escape it, and you wouldn’t want to! Join a safari tour to explore the rewilding project up close and witness firsthand how nature flourishes when given the space to roam. A must-visit for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts alike.
South Wales: Billy’s Wild Camping
Named after its chief goat, Billy, this wilder campsite is a true off-grid haven for nature lovers. Nestled near Carmarthen, it’s run by Tracy, who has embraced off-grid living to care for this stunning slice of Welsh wilderness. Expect woodland pitches, wildflower meadows, and breathtaking views of the Preseli Hills, all teeming with wildlife – foxes, badgers, sparrowhawks, weasels, and, of course, the resident goats, chickens, and ducks. Whether you’re here for the scenery, the solitude, or the animals, this is a magical place to slow down and reconnect with nature.
South West: Southover Woods
Southover Woods is all about deepening your connection with nature. This beautifully wild campsite has been carefully designed to offer an immersive, off-grid experience where the focus is on rewilding yourself as much as the landscape. Every detail reflects a passion for the outdoors, creating a space that feels both untamed and restorative. Whether you’re here to unplug, explore, or simply soak in the peace of the woodland, you’ll leave feeling recharged, inspired, and more connected than ever. A must-visit for those craving a true back-to-nature escape.
Pack Smart for Everyone: Focus on the essentials like sleeping bags, insulated mats, and lightweight shelters. For families, consider compact items that save space, and don’t forget extra layers and waterproofs for kids to handle unpredictable weather.
Start with Comfort: Wilder campsites often offer basic facilities like composting toilets or water taps, making them a great first step into outdoor adventures. These small comforts can make a big difference, especially for families with young children.
Plan Kid-Friendly Meals: Lightweight, easy-to-cook meals like pasta or dehydrated options are ideal. Bring a gas stove for safe cooking and involve the kids in preparing simple meals – it’s all part of the adventure.
Choose the Right Shelter: Tents are a great option for families, offering space and protection from the elements. Opt for a family-sized tent that’s easy to set up and allows everyone to stay cozy.
Keep It Fun and Flexible: Wilder campsites often sit near incredible landscapes perfect for hiking, cycling, or paddling. Plan short, manageable activities for kids and leave room for spontaneous exploration to make the experience memorable for the whole family.
“Leave No Trace” is the golden rule of wilder camping, ensuring that nature remains untouched for future adventurers and wildlife to thrive. Always pack out what you pack in – this includes all rubbish, leftover food, and even biodegradable items like orange peels. Stick to designated trails and campsites to protect fragile ecosystems, and avoid disturbing plants or wildlife. When it comes to campfires, use a portable stove or established fire pits to minimize fire damage, and ensure fires are fully extinguished. Respect quiet hours to keep human impact minimal, and teach children to observe animals from a distance, never feeding or chasing them. Wilder camping is about blending into nature, leaving behind only footprints and taking away unforgettable memories.
