Spring Camping Guide — UK

Spring is arguably the best time to camp in the UK. The days are getting longer, the worst of winter is behind you, and the landscape is waking up. You'll dodge the summer crowds, the midges haven't arrived yet, and there's a freshness to everything that makes being outdoors feel brilliant.

Why Spring?

• Longer days — by late March, you've got around 12 hours of daylight. By May, it's over 16 hours.
• Fewer people — the summer crowds haven't arrived yet. Popular areas feel peaceful.
• No midges — Scotland's tiny tormentors don't appear until late May at the earliest.
• Wildlife — birds are nesting, lambs are in the fields, wildflowers are emerging.
• Snow on the peaks — high ground often still has snow, giving mountain views an extra edge.

What to Expect

Weather

Spring weather in the UK is unpredictable. You might get a glorious week of sunshine in April or a blizzard in March. The key is being prepared for everything.

March: Still wintry, especially in Scotland and on high ground. Frost is common at night. Snow is possible at any altitude.

April: Warming up but still changeable. Classic "four seasons in one day" weather. Showers are frequent but often short.

May: Usually the most settled spring month. Warmer days, milder nights. Can still be cool on high ground.

Temperature

Expect night-time temperatures between -3°C and 5°C in March, rising to 5-10°C by May. On high ground, subtract a few degrees. Wind chill can make it feel significantly colder.

Daytime temperatures are usually pleasant — 10-18°C depending on the month and altitude.

Gear Adjustments

Spring camping needs some tweaks from your summer setup:

Sleeping Bag

A three-season bag (comfort rated to around -5°C) is the minimum for spring. In March and early April, especially on high ground, a winter bag isn't overkill.

If your bag is borderline, a silk or fleece liner adds a few degrees.

Sleeping Mat

Insulation from the ground is more important than most people realise. An R-value of 3 or above is recommended for spring. The ground hasn't warmed up from winter yet and will sap heat from below.

Clothing

Layer system is essential:

• Base layer — merino or synthetic
• Mid layer — fleece or light insulated jacket
• Outer layer — waterproof jacket and trousers
• Evening warmth — a puffy jacket for sitting around camp

Don't forget warm hat and gloves for evenings and mornings.

Tent

Any three-season tent works. Ensure your tent handles wind well — spring can be gusty. A tent with a good-sized porch is valuable for cooking and storing kit in changeable weather.

Best Areas for Spring Camping

Scotland

The Highlands in spring are magnificent — snow on the peaks, clear air, and long days by late April. The right to roam means you can camp legally. Midges aren't active yet, which is a major bonus.

Lake District

Less busy than summer and often drier than autumn. The high fells may still have snow patches in March and April. Spring flowers in the valleys are beautiful.

Dartmoor

Dartmoor in spring is atmospheric — new growth on the moor, ponies with foals, and fewer visitors. The permitted camping areas work well in milder spring conditions.

Wales

Both Snowdonia and the Brecon Beacons are excellent in spring. Shorter grass and clearer paths than late summer. The mountains still have a winter edge in March.

Lambing Season

Spring is lambing season across the UK — typically March to May, varying by region and altitude.

This is critical for campers:

• Dogs must be on leads at all times near livestock
• Don't camp near sheep — your presence can cause stress during lambing
• Close all gates behind you
• Give livestock a wide berth — ewes with new lambs can be defensive

Farmers work incredibly hard during lambing. Be respectful of their land and their animals.

Spring Camping Tips

1. Check the sunset and sunrise times — spring daylight changes rapidly. Plan your walk-in to arrive before dark.
2. Carry extra water — some springs and streams may be running after winter rain, but not all sources are reliable.
3. Prepare for frost — even in May, high ground can see overnight frost. Protect water bottles from freezing.
4. Wind protection matters — spring winds can be strong. Choose sheltered pitches and stake your tent well.
5. Drying time — if gear gets wet, drying it takes longer in spring than summer. Pack a dry bag for essentials.

What Makes Spring Special

There's a quality to spring light that photography enthusiasts chase — low sun angles, clear air, and the contrast of green valleys against snow-capped mountains. Sunrises and sunsets are at sociable hours (unlike midsummer's 4am starts), and the colours can be extraordinary.

The landscape feels alive in a way other seasons can't match. Birdsong fills the mornings, wildflowers carpet the valleys, and every day the hills get a little greener.

Recommended Gear for Spring Camping

Spring's variable temperatures demand a flexible sleeping system and warm camp layers.

If you're choosing one season to camp, make it spring. You won't regret it.