English protestors win the right to wild camp in Dartmoor. Where in Europe is it still legal?

Wild campers have regained the right to pitch a tent on Dartmoor. - Copyright @Right_2Roam

Published on 01/08/2023 - 08:00•Updated 10:21

A ban on wild camping in the UK's Dartmoor National Park has been lifted after a successful appeal by locals.

Wild camping is now allowed in England's Dartmoor National Park after campaigners won a court battle against a wealthy landowner.

The park in Devon is the last place where wild camping is legal in England and Wales without the permission of a landowner.

But in January, this right was taken away when a court ruled in favour of the owner of a vast Dartmouth estate who challenged it in court.

Right to Roam campaigners slammed the ruling as a “tragedy” and promised to “go to war” to challenge it.

“[We will] launch a ferocious campaign to fight for our right to sleep under the stars,” a spokesperson said on Twitter.

Thousands of passionate locals and campaigners flooded the moor to protest the court's decision.

And finally on 31 July, they were victorious: a court of appeal ruled that wild camping counted as open-air recreation and reinstated the right in Dartmoor.

So where else can nature-lovers camp in Europe?

What is wild camping and why was it nearly banned on Dartmoor?

Wild camping is the practise of camping without a permit outside official sites.

It’s linked to the ability to wander freely on the commons. The Right to Roam campaign estimates that around 92 per cent of the land in England is off limits, ringed by ‘no trespass’ signs and fences.

Dartmoor is the last place in England where wild camping is permitted, protected under the 1985 Dartmoor Commons Act.

But Alexander Darwall - a hedge fund manager and the owner of a 1,619 hectare estate in Dartmoor - took the national park to court, arguing that the tent-pitchers had no legal authority.

The court initially ruled in his favour.

Responding to mass backlash, landowners agreed to let people camp on most of Dartmoor without permission, in return for payments from the Dartmouth National Park authority.

However, Right to Roam campaigners slammed this deal for failing to enshrine legal rights to wild camping.

More than 3,000 people attended a protest on Dartmoor in January.

And on 31 July, the ruling was overturned on appeal, meaning wild camping is again permitted in the Devon national park.

Where can you wild camp in Europe?

English wild campers and the park itself have celebrated the court’s decision.

If you're not heading to England, there are still plenty of other countries in Europe where wild camping is legal.

Note that in many parts of Europe, wild camping is officially prohibited but unofficially tolerated.

So do your research before you head out into the wilderness and make sure you understand the regulations on fire-lighting, length of stay, and regional bylaws.

Norway and Sweden welcome wild campers

In the Nordic countries, wild camping is not only fully legal but encouraged, within certain rules and regulations.

In Sweden, the camping right is protected by the ‘allemansrätten’ - the ‘everyman’s right.’ With roots in medieval jurisprudence, this law enshrines common access to nature. A similar law (‘allemannsretten’) exists in Norway.

In Norway, you can camp for two days without permission, though motorised campers are excluded. In Sweden, campers with more than two tents must request the permission of the landowner.

Scotland's lochs and mountains

Despairing English campers should hop on a northbound train.

Under the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 - an influential piece of land reform legislation - visitors are allowed to camp on most unenclosed land. Note that this rule doesn’t apply to certain areas Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park. Where possible, use a stove rather than an open fire.

From rugged mountain ranges to wild rivers, Scotland offers plenty of beautiful sights for the adventurous camper.

The Baltics for stargazing and a warm welcome

Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania have liberal public access laws, but regulations differ slightly from country to country.

Wild camping is widely permitted - but protected areas like national parks and beaches are off limits. You must obtain permission from the landowner to camp on private land.

Avoid open flame fires and do not camp near urban areas.

Parts of Europe where wild camping is partly permitted

In some countries, wild camping is partly permitted - or widely tolerated. Again, it is important to check local regulations to avoid receiving hefty fines.

France, for tent-free campers

Wild camping is permitted in some local areas (though people camping on private land need to obtain the permission of the landholder). Between 7 pm and 9 am bivouacking - camping without a tent - is allowed in national parks. The fines for overstaying this period are steep.

Wild camping is not permitted on French beaches, in national parks, and around classified historic monuments. Pitch a tent in the wrong spot and you’ll be slapped with a €1,500 fine.

Spain - check local rules

Rules are local, not national. Most local authorities prohibit the practise - but it is permitted in parts of The Basque Country, Catalonia, Madrid, Castilla y León and Castilla la Mancha.

Private property is off limits, as are beaches and national parks.