Best Wild Camping on Dartmoor

Dartmoor holds a unique position in England — it's historically been the only place south of Scotland where wild camping has had some form of legal backing. The situation has changed in recent years following legal challenges, but Dartmoor remains one of the best places in England to spend a night under the stars.

The Legal Situation

Dartmoor's wild camping history is complicated and has been through significant changes.

For decades, a Dartmoor Commons Act bylaw allowed backpack camping on much of the open moor. In 2023, a court case brought by a local landowner challenged this right, and the ruling went against wild campers.

Since then, Dartmoor National Park Authority has been working to restore wild camping access through new bylaws. The situation has evolved, with designated areas where wild camping is now permitted under specific conditions.

Before you go, always check the current position on the Dartmoor National Park Authority website. The rules may have changed since this article was written.

Where to Camp

The High Moor

The heart of Dartmoor — the high, open moorland above the enclosed farmland — is where wild camping is most appropriate and most likely to be within permitted areas. This is classic Dartmoor: rolling peat bog, granite tors, and enormous skies.

The high moor around Yes Tor and High Willhays (Dartmoor's highest points) offers exposed but spectacular camping. Shelter is limited, so choose spots in the lee of tors.

The Northern Moor

The northern section of Dartmoor feels wilder and emptier than the south. Fewer roads cross it, fewer visitors reach it, and the terrain is rougher.

Areas around the northern tors offer classic Dartmoor camping — granite outcrops providing natural windbreaks and a sense of place that's hard to beat.

Note: Parts of the northern moor overlap with military firing ranges. Check firing times before heading out — these are published on the Dartmoor National Park website.

The Southern Moor

The southern moor is generally lower and more accessible. River valleys cut through the landscape, offering more sheltered camping than the exposed high ground.

Some of the permitted camping areas include sections of the southern moor, but always verify the current map of designated areas.

Near the Tors

Dartmoor's granite tors are iconic — weathered rock formations that punctuate the skyline. Many offer natural shelter from wind and rain, making them popular camping spots.

Camping in the lee of a tor, with the granite blocking the prevailing wind, is classic Dartmoor wild camping. Just make sure you're in a permitted area.

Conditions and Challenges

Weather

Dartmoor is one of the wettest and windiest parts of southern England. The moor sits at altitude and catches weather systems coming off the Atlantic. Expect:

• Rain at any time of year
• Strong winds, especially on exposed high ground
• Fog that can descend rapidly and reduce visibility to metres
• Lower temperatures than surrounding lowlands — typically 3-5°C cooler

Navigation

Dartmoor in fog is genuinely challenging to navigate. The terrain is featureless moorland with few obvious landmarks. A map and compass are essential — don't rely solely on phone GPS.

Military firing ranges add another navigation consideration. Know where they are and check firing times.

Terrain

The moor is boggy. Very boggy in places. Peat hags, tussock grass, and hidden streams make walking hard work. Waterproof boots and gaiters are strongly recommended.

Finding flat, dry ground for a tent can be tricky. Look for slightly raised ground near tors or on well-drained slopes.

Seasonal Guide

Spring: Warming up, longer days, wildflowers appearing. Lambing season — keep dogs on leads and away from livestock.

Summer: Warmest and driest, but Dartmoor can still throw rain at you. Longest days for evening walks to your camping spot. Busiest period.

Autumn: Beautiful colours, particularly the bracken turning gold. Wetter and windier. Shorter days but stunning light.

Winter: Cold, wet, windy, and dark. Dartmoor in winter is bleak but atmospheric. Short days mean you need to plan your walk in carefully. Genuine winter camping experience without going to Scotland.

The Rules

Wherever the current bylaws permit camping, these conditions typically apply:

• Backpack camping only — you must be able to carry everything on your back
• Small tents only — no large family tents or base camps
• One or two nights maximum in any single location
• No fires — use a stove for cooking
• No vehicles — you must walk to your camping spot
• Leave no trace — pack out all rubbish, including food waste
• Away from roads, buildings, and archaeological sites — Dartmoor has significant Bronze Age remains that must be respected

Getting There

Dartmoor is in Devon, accessible from the M5 and A38. The towns of Okehampton, Tavistock, and Ashburton sit around the moor's edges. Public transport exists but is limited — a car is much more practical for reaching starting points.

Kit Considerations

Standard wild camping kit plus:

• Waterproof boots — the bog demands them
• Gaiters — highly recommended
• Walking poles — helpful on rough, boggy ground
• Extra water — streams are available but the peat-stained water benefits from filtering
• Warm layers — the moor is exposed and temperatures drop quickly

Recommended Gear for Dartmoor

Dartmoor's bog, wind, and rain demand specific kit. These items will make your Dartmoor camp significantly more comfortable.

Dartmoor is a special place for wild camping. The ongoing legal situation makes it even more important to camp responsibly — every bad experience reported makes it harder to protect access for the future.