Wild Camping on Dartmoor

Dartmoor is a vast and beautiful area of moorland in Devon, England. It is a popular destination for hikers, campers, and other outdoor enthusiasts. Wild camping is permitted on Dartmoor, but there are some important rules and regulations that you should be aware of before you go.

Wild camping is defined as camping in a tent or other temporary shelter that is not located on a designated campsite. It is important to note that wild camping is not the same as dispersed camping. Dispersed camping is camping in a remote area that is not managed by a government agency. Wild camping is typically done in more developed areas, such as near roads or trails.

Before you go wild camping on Dartmoor, there are a few important things you should keep in mind:

Leave no trace.
Respect the environment.
Be aware of your surroundings.
Follow the Countryside Code.
Check the weather forecast.
Bring appropriate gear.
Tell someone where you're going.
Be prepared for emergencies.

By following these simple rules, you can help to ensure that your wild camping experience is safe and enjoyable.

Leave no trace.

One of the most important principles of wild camping is to leave no trace. This means that you should pack out everything that you pack in, and that you should not leave any litter or waste behind.

Pitch your tent on durable surfaces. Avoid pitching your tent on vegetation, as this can damage the plants. Instead, choose a spot on bare ground or on a rock surface.
Dispose of waste properly. All waste, including food scraps, toilet paper, and hygiene products, should be packed out and disposed of properly. Do not bury or burn your waste.
Respect wildlife. Do not approach or feed wild animals. Observe them from a distance, and do not disturb their natural behavior.
Be mindful of fire. Fires can easily get out of control, so only build a fire if you are absolutely necessary. If you do build a fire, be sure to keep it small and contained, and extinguish it completely before you leave.

By following these simple tips, you can help to protect the environment and ensure that Dartmoor remains a beautiful and wild place for generations to come.

Respect the environment.

In addition to leaving no trace, it is important to respect the environment when wild camping on Dartmoor. This means being mindful of your impact on the land and wildlife, and taking steps to minimize your footprint.

Here are a few specific things you can do to respect the environment:

Choose your campsite carefully. Avoid camping in sensitive areas, such as near water sources or in areas with rare or endangered plants. Instead, choose a spot that is already disturbed, such as a previously used campsite or a clearing in the forest.

Be mindful of your noise levels. Keep your voice down and avoid making loud noises, especially at night. This will help to minimize disturbance to wildlife and other campers.

Dispose of waste properly. All waste, including food scraps, toilet paper, and hygiene products, should be packed out and disposed of properly. Do not bury or burn your waste.

Respect wildlife. Do not approach or feed wild animals. Observe them from a distance, and do not disturb their natural behavior.

By following these simple tips, you can help to protect the environment and ensure that Dartmoor remains a beautiful and wild place for generations to come.

Be aware of your surroundings.

When wild camping on Dartmoor, it is important to be aware of your surroundings. This includes being aware of the weather conditions, the terrain, and any potential hazards.

Check the weather forecast before you go. The weather on Dartmoor can change quickly, so it is important to be prepared for all conditions. Bring appropriate clothing and gear, and be prepared to change your plans if the weather turns bad.
Be aware of the terrain. Dartmoor is a vast and rugged landscape, with many areas of boggy ground and steep slopes. Be sure to choose a campsite that is safe and accessible, and be careful when walking around.
Be aware of potential hazards. There are a number of potential hazards to be aware of when wild camping on Dartmoor, including:
- Wild animals. Dartmoor is home to a variety of wild animals, including deer, ponies, and foxes. While these animals are generally not dangerous, it is important to be aware of their presence and to take precautions to avoid disturbing them.
- Ticks. Ticks are common on Dartmoor, and they can carry Lyme disease. Be sure to check yourself and your pets for ticks after spending time outdoors, and remove any ticks that you find.
- Bogs. Bogs are areas of wet, spongy ground that can be dangerous to walk on. Be sure to avoid walking on bogs, especially if you are not familiar with the area.

By being aware of your surroundings and taking appropriate precautions, you can help to ensure that your wild camping experience is safe and enjoyable.

Follow the Countryside Code.

The Countryside Code is a set of guidelines for responsible behavior in the countryside. It is important to follow the Countryside Code when wild camping on Dartmoor, as it helps to protect the environment and ensure that everyone can enjoy the countryside.

The Countryside Code has three main principles:

Respect others. This means being considerate of other people who are enjoying the countryside, and respecting their rights and property.
Protect the environment. This means taking care of the environment and avoiding anything that could damage it, such as littering or damaging plants and animals.
Take responsibility for your own actions. This means being aware of the impact of your actions on the countryside, and taking steps to minimize your impact.

There are a number of specific things you can do to follow the Countryside Code when wild camping on Dartmoor, including:

Be quiet and respectful of others. Avoid making loud noises, especially at night.
Keep your campsite clean and tidy. Pack out all of your litter, and dispose of it properly.
Be careful with fire. Only build a fire if you are absolutely necessary, and be sure to keep it small and contained. Extinguish your fire completely before you leave.
Respect wildlife. Do not approach or feed wild animals. Observe them from a distance, and do not disturb their natural behavior.

By following the Countryside Code, you can help to protect Dartmoor and ensure that everyone can enjoy its beauty for generations to come.

Check the weather forecast.

Before you go wild camping on Dartmoor, it is important to check the weather forecast. The weather on Dartmoor can change quickly, so it is important to be prepared for all conditions.

Check the forecast for the area where you will be camping. This will give you a general idea of what to expect, but be aware that the weather can change quickly on Dartmoor.
Be prepared for rain. Rain is common on Dartmoor, so be sure to pack waterproof clothing and gear.
Be prepared for cold weather. Even in summer, the nights on Dartmoor can be cold. Be sure to pack warm clothing and a sleeping bag that is rated for cold weather.
Be aware of wind. The wind on Dartmoor can be strong, so be sure to secure your tent and other gear.

By checking the weather forecast and being prepared for all conditions, you can help to ensure that your wild camping experience is safe and enjoyable.

Bring appropriate gear.

When wild camping on Dartmoor, it is important to bring appropriate gear. This includes clothing and gear for all types of weather, as well as essential items such as a tent, sleeping bag, and cooking equipment.

Here is a list of essential gear for wild camping on Dartmoor:

Tent. A tent is essential for protection from the elements. Choose a tent that is appropriate for the number of people in your group and the conditions you are likely to encounter.
Sleeping bag. A sleeping bag is essential for staying warm at night. Choose a sleeping bag that is rated for the cold weather you are likely to encounter.
Sleeping pad. A sleeping pad provides extra insulation and comfort. It also helps to protect your sleeping bag from the ground.
Cooking equipment. If you plan on cooking meals while you are camping, you will need to bring cooking equipment. This includes a stove, pots, pans, and utensils.
Food and water. Be sure to bring enough food and water for your trip. Pack food that is high in calories and easy to prepare.
First-aid kit. A first-aid kit is essential for treating minor injuries. Be sure to include items such as bandages, antiseptic, and pain relievers.
Map and compass. A map and compass are essential for navigation. Be sure to know how to use them before you go camping.
Whistle. A whistle can be used to signal for help in an emergency.

In addition to the essential gear listed above, there are a number of other items that you may want to bring, such as a headlamp, flashlight, and insect repellent. Be sure to pack light, but bring everything you need to stay safe and comfortable.

Tell someone where you're going.

Before you go wild camping on Dartmoor, it is important to tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return. This is especially important if you are going solo.

Tell a friend or family member. Let them know where you are going, what trail you plan to hike, and when you expect to return. Give them a detailed description of your vehicle, and let them know where you parked it.
Leave a note in your car. This note should include your name, contact information, and the date and time you started your hike. Also include a note saying that you have told someone where you are going and when you expect to return.
Check in with someone regularly. If you are going to be gone for more than a day, check in with someone regularly. This can be done via text message, email, or phone call.
Let someone know if you change your plans. If you change your plans, be sure to let someone know. This is especially important if you are going to be gone for longer than you originally planned.

By telling someone where you are going and when you expect to return, you can help to ensure that someone knows where to look for you if you do not return on time.

Be prepared for emergencies.

When wild camping on Dartmoor, it is important to be prepared for emergencies. This includes being prepared for bad weather, getting lost, or having an accident.

Bring an emergency kit. An emergency kit should include items such as a first-aid kit, whistle, flashlight, and extra food and water.
Let someone know your plans. Before you go, tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return. This way, if you do not return on time, someone will know where to look for you.
Be aware of the weather forecast. Check the weather forecast before you go, and be prepared for all conditions. If the weather is bad, be prepared to change your plans or seek shelter.
Stay on the trails. Getting lost is easy on Dartmoor, so it is important to stay on the trails. If you do get lost, do not panic. Stay calm and try to find your way back to the trail.

By being prepared for emergencies, you can help to ensure that your wild camping experience is safe and enjoyable.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about wild camping on Dartmoor:

Question 1: Is wild camping allowed on Dartmoor?
Answer: Yes, wild camping is allowed on Dartmoor, but there are some restrictions. You must camp at least 100 meters away from any roads, tracks, or buildings, and you must not camp in the same place for more than two nights in a row.

Question 2: What are the best places to wild camp on Dartmoor?
Answer: There are many great places to wild camp on Dartmoor. Some of the most popular spots include:

Yes Tor: A large, flat-topped hill with stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
Hay Tor: A smaller, more rugged hill with equally impressive views.
Great Mis Tor: A large, granite tor with a number of smaller tors nearby.
Hound Tor: A group of granite tors located near Widecombe-in-the-Moor.
Sourton Tors: A series of granite tors located near Sourton.

Question 3: What gear do I need for wild camping on Dartmoor?
Answer: You will need a tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, cooking equipment, food and water, a first-aid kit, a map and compass, and a whistle. You may also want to bring a headlamp, flashlight, and insect repellent.

Question 4: What are the dangers of wild camping on Dartmoor?
Answer: The main dangers of wild camping on Dartmoor are the weather, getting lost, and having an accident. The weather on Dartmoor can change quickly, so it is important to be prepared for all conditions. It is also easy to get lost on Dartmoor, so it is important to stay on the trails and to let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return. Finally, it is important to be aware of the potential for accidents, such as falls or exposure to the elements.

Question 5: What are the rules for wild camping on Dartmoor?
Answer: The rules for wild camping on Dartmoor are as follows:

You must camp at least 100 meters away from any roads, tracks, or buildings.
You must not camp in the same place for more than two nights in a row.
You must leave no trace of your campsite.
You must respect the environment and other campers.

Question 6: What are the penalties for wild camping on Dartmoor?
Answer: The penalties for wild camping on Dartmoor can vary depending on the severity of the offense. However, you can expect to receive a fine or even a prison sentence if you are caught wild camping illegally.

If you are planning on wild camping on Dartmoor, it is important to be aware of the rules and regulations. By following these rules, you can help to protect the environment and ensure that everyone can enjoy the beauty of Dartmoor.

Tips

Here are a few tips for wild camping on Dartemoor:

Choose your campsite carefully. Avoid camping in sensitive areas, such as near water sources or in areas with rare or endangered plants. Instead, choose a spot that is already disturbed, such as a previously used campsite or a clearing in the forest.
Be mindful of your noise levels. Keep your voice down and avoid making loud noises, especially at night. This will help to minimize your impact on wildlife and other campers.
Dispose of waste properly. All waste, including food scraps, toilet paper, and hygiene products, should be packed out and disposed of properly. Do not bury or burn your waste.
Be aware of the weather conditions. The weather on Dartemoor can change quickly, so it is important to be prepared for all conditions. Bring appropriate clothing and gear, and be prepared to change your plans if the weather turns bad.

By following these tips, you can help to protect the environment and ensure that everyone can enjoy the beauty of Dartemoor.

Conclusion

Wild camping on Dartmoor is a great way to experience the beauty of the natural world. However, it is important to be aware of the rules and regulations, and to follow best practices to minimize your impact on the environment.

By following the tips in this article, you can help to protect Dartmoor for future generations to enjoy. Please remember to leave no trace, respect the environment, be aware of your surroundings, follow the Countryside Code, check the weather forecast, bring appropriate gear, tell someone where you're going, and be prepared for emergencies.

Wild Camping on Dartmoor