Click here to read part 1 and here for part 2
How to find a Wild Camping Spot
This has been the most asked question with regards to wild camping that I’ve received. I empathise because I remember setting out in my van for the first time wanting a really well-structured itinerary and a big list of park-up locations that I could use throughout the trip. Since then I’ve learned a few tricks on how to find good spots, and now I just have faith that if I follow my nose I’ll find somewhere suitable. But before you learn the dark art of wild-camp-spotting I’ll give you a few top tips on how to sniff them out.
Use Maps not Apps
It would appear that there are now lots of apps, websites and online forums where people can access lists of wild camping locations that other people have used. I know this because I was recently offered money to advertise one such app on my social media pages. I politely declined the invitation as, honestly, I think it’s a terrible idea.
My reason for this line of thought is that the app would basically rob you of one of the best parts of the experience; the adventure! More than half the fun of wild camping comes from heading out into the unknown, perhaps a bit jittery and unsure about what the future holds, then stumbling across somewhere secluded and unknown (to you at least) and making it your home for a night.
I think if you want to know exactly where you can park up for the night, just use an official campsite.
Instead of apps I first turn to my maps.
Depending on where I’m headed this could be a road atlas, an OS map, or even google. I look at the key of the map, find the colour of the wiggly lines that highlight the smallest least used roads, and then follow them to some feature or other, like a lake or beach, anything that I fancy. You can bet quite safely that there’ll be a carpark there, and if there is, whether it’s free and if there are signs saying “no over night parking” is another matter. It’s all part of the adventure.
Now as you’re driving closer and closer to this destination you have in mind, just keep your eye out for big laybys, other side roads to explore, any large area of hard standing that you can get your vehicle onto without clearly going through a gate, or causing obstruction to anyone else. Don't use passing places on thin roads for somewhere to park up though, even during the day. Passing places are vital on the narrow winding rural roads and clogging them up with a van, or any other vehicle, is just selfish. These potential park-ups you spot on your way are your backup spots, mentally log them, score them in your head, or with the person you’re traveling with, out of 10 based on things like size, solitude, view, general vibe etc make a game of it! You can head back to these spots should anything rule out your intended spot.
Record and Remember
If I’m in the same area for any length of time I’ll usually head to a spot that’s pretty much a dead-cert on my first night, somewhere I’ve pre-found on my map. I’ll keep a mental note of the backup spots I see on my way there. Just because I’m not going to stay in them on the first night doesn’t mean I won’t use them on night two or three… As I travel around the area and explore a bit I’ll find more such places and rule them in or out as I score them against the others in my head in a game of wild camping Top Trumps; Location A was big, spacious and hidden, but there was no view and the ground was uneven, Location B was a bit smaller and had a dogey vibe like a place where bored teenagers would go to drink cider and try their first joint on a evening, but it was flat and did have an incredible view... choices choices!
Just Explore!
It’s easy to get fixated on wanting to find the ideal spot, but it probably doesn’t exist, and if it does, someone’s probably beaten you to it, in which case its not really ideal anymore. And that’s my other little gripe about the apps some people use, now everyone is going to head to the same spot, with no effort of their own, and a reduced sense of the adventure, and therefore reduced sense of achievement at the end. Instant gratification vs working that little bit harder for it.
The fact is that sometimes your park-ups might be a bit underwhelming, but you’ll still have a memorable time, and it’ll have been yours, not something that was prescribed to you by someone else.
The adventure starts when you step outside your comfort zone, get out there and see what you can find!
How to show off to your Friends on Social Media
This isn’t something I’ve ever had questions about, but I think it’s worth a thought…
After going away, having that night of wild camping, and getting home recharged and full of inspiration for your next trip, think carefully about how you post about it on social media.
Don’t feel like you shouldn’t do it, I would never suggest that, it’d make me a complete hypocrite, but consider whether you share the location of the park-up you used. I’ve seen first hand how much busier some spots can get after a bit of attention on social media, and there are now places that were once my prime spots which I can’t imagine I’ll use again because they’re just too popular, or even worse, there are height barriers, “no over-night stay” signs, or new pay and display enforcements.
Give out the rough area, tease people; it’s in the Lake District, or it’s on the road between A and B… The fact is there’s tons of spots all over the place once you start looking, encourage your mates to get out there and find their own (just like you did), they’ll appreciate it much more when they do it themselves!
So there ends my advice on wild camping in your van. If you think there’s anything useful I’ve missed out in this post and it’s not been covered in parts one and two, or you’ve got any questions on the topic, just leave a comment and I’ll answer everything I can
