Wild camp with CampWild
As a family, we’ve always loved finding amazing campsites for our camping adventures. But there’s something even more exciting about wild camping – maybe it’s the freedom, the exhilaration of adventure or the complete escape from the everyday normal, even if just for a while.
We’ve had some of our most incredible experiences whilst wild camping; muntjacs grazing at arms distance, a barn owl perched overhead screeching (loudly) and even goshawks bombing around above us. There’s a chance to be completely immersed in nature and have an awesome adventure at the same time.
Can families wild camp?
For children, wild camping is the ultimate adventure. They don’t care about the practicalities (that’s the adults job!) Instead, they can enjoy a freedom that is all too rare for them these days; charge around, climb trees, make noise, then fall asleep under the stars after a tasty campfire dinner.
For adults, wild camping is complete escapism. There’s no need to check your phone, emails, social media… just make a brew on your camping stove and sit back to watch the sun set and the moon rise. Dreamy.
Where can I wild camp?
When I ask people about wild camping, they generally say that they’re keen to try it but not sure how. Where do we go? What do we take? Is it legal? Lots of this is covered in my Beginner’s Guide to Wild Camping.
Wild Camp with CampWild
Now, there’s a new way for everyone to get out wild camping.
Set up in 2023, CampWild is unlocking wild spaces for those that want to connect with nature and have a go at sleeping in the outdoors.
Founders Tom Backhouse and Alex Clasper hope that using CampWild will give people the confidence and opportunity to get out and experience camping in the wild without having to worry about where to go, finding a discreet camp, or being told off.
How does CampWild work?
Tom and Alex have been working tirelessly with landowners, trusts and custodians across the UK to find incredible wild spaces where wild campers are welcome.
Via a CampWild membership (£20 per year for a family), you can access details of all these amazing spaces on the CampWild website and decide where to go for your wild camping adventure. You then book the space meaning you will have the place to yourselves and the landowner will know you’re coming.
There is a small fee per booking which goes towards helping local conservation projects.
Where are the wild camping spaces?
Everywhere and anywhere! From Cornwall to the Highlands, there are now hundreds of wild camping places available. Choose from meadows or woodland, hilltops or lakesides – there’s so much to explore. It’s BRILLIANT!
Once booked, you’ll receive details about location to make sure you don’t get lost.
How is this different to normal camping?
These spaces aren’t campsites, they’re wild areas. Don’t expect any of the conveniences you’ll find at a campsite… bring your own water and supplies, bring a trowel for bathroom breaks, don’t expect manicured grassy pitches.
This is wild camping but having landowner permission means you can completely relax without worrying about being ‘busted’.
Each wild area has its own guidelines; campfires, dogs etc but this is all listed on the CampWild website. The main rule is that you leave no trace of your stay; you’ll need to ‘snap in’ and ‘snap out’, providing photos of your camp, plus photos to show you’ve left no mess.
Where will I sleep?
In the wild! There are three different ways you might want to wild camp;
Hammocks
On our first CampWild experience near Ross on Wye, we chose to sleep in hammocks in the trees. This was the first time the children have ever asked to go to bed early… they were so excited.
The best thing about hammocks? Extremely comfortable and extra adventure points. Well suited to woodland.
Disadvantage? Limits your number of wild camp sites as you need perfectly distanced trees
Tents
Think less mammoth family tent, more small, lightweight tent that can be easily carried to your wild camp spot.
Our friend Amy camped near Abergavenny with Frankie the dog. She used the tips and advice on the CampWild website to plan a hike and other activities for her stay.
The best thing about tents? They’re warmer and weather-proof
Disadvantage? Can be more cumbersome to carry and put up.
Bivvy Bags
Our bivvy bags are our go-to for wild camping. A bivvy bag is a waterproof cover for your sleeping bag so you won’t get wet if there is rain or dew. They’re light and small so are easy to carry in a backpack. Find out more about bivvy bagging here.
We’ve always used Alpkit Hunka bivvy bags but this year, the boys have upgraded to Alpkit’s hooped Elan bivvy bag. The hooped bivvy gives extra protection from rain and is better suited for all weathers.
Lots of people have told me that they worry about slugs and spiders crawling on them at night… this has never happened to me before, but a hooped bivvy gives you extra protection!
The best thing about bivvy bags? The perfect views of the stars. Plus, with a bivvy, you can sleep anywhere.
Disadvantage? You’ll likely get wet if it rains (though this can be resolved with the Elan hooped bivvy or a tarp)
Similar family adventures;