The Best ‘Almost Wild Camping’ Sites in Britain

Whether you’re not sure about the rules, want a little extra security, or simply can’t bear the thought of camping without the loo, there are plenty of camping experiences around the country that still feel almost like wild camping. Many of them are also a great place to start off if you want to wild camp in future but fancy testing things out first. From working farms to secret islands, we asked the camping experts at Hipcamp to pick their favourite ‘almost wild camping’ spots…

a tent pitched at smugglers cove campsite in Snowdonia

Smugglers Cove, Snowdonia/Eryri National Park

Set beside a working boatyard (where there are also toilet and shower facilities), there are just three pitches at this waterside campsite reached by following a narrow coastal path. Each private spot overlooks the Dyfi Estuary and across to the RSPB Ynys-hir nature reserve on the opposite shore. Take a stroll to the nearby harbour village of Aberdyfi via the “Panorama Walk” for good pubs, fish and chips, and ice-cream.

>The Smugglers Cove, Snowdonia/Eryri National Park

a tent pitched at Alder Carr Farm in Derbyshire

Alder Carr Farm, Derbyshire

Just south of Ashbourne and the Peak District, there’s just one camping pitch on this working farm. Amenities are basic — there’s a tap, compost loo, and fire pit – and there are plenty of animals to meet. Host, Amy, is as hospitable as they come and offers a trailer ride to get your kit to the car-free camping area beside the stream. After that, you’re left to your own devices, usually with a campfire and the starriest of night skies.

>Alder Carr Farm, Derbyshire

a tent pitched at The Lost Norfolk Brickyard in Norfolk

The Lost Norfolk Brickyard, Norfolk

Set on the overgrown yard that once supplied bricks across North Norfolk, this enchanting campsite offers both camping and glamping spread amongst mature trees, bushes, and hidden alcoves. It's family friendly, with both comfortable and wilder options; the latter include composting toilets and outdoor bucket showers. The brickyard's ivy-clad ruins provide a charming backdrop for camping, while Holkham Hall and famously sprawling Holkham Bay are on the doorstep.

>The Lost Norfolk Brickyard, Norfolk

a tent pitched at Ffynnonwen Farm Wild Camping in Carmarthenshire

Ffynnonwen Farm Wild Camping, Carmarthenshire

This much loved wild site in rural Carmarthenshire has a single pitch in a spacious meadow, often shared with sheep. There’s a toilet and shower in the host’s home at the entrance to the eight-acre smallholding, plus a composting toilet for night time use. Views are of the Cambrian Mountains, a hiking paradise lesser known than the hills of Snowdonia and the Brecon Beacons and all the quieter for it.

>Ffynnonwen Farm Wild Camping, Carmarthenshire

a tent pitched at Inchcailloch in Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park

Inchcailloch, Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park

From March to September only, the authorities at Loch Lomond National Nature Reserve let up to 12 people spend the night on Inchcailloch, a wild-flower-covered island on Loch Lomond. You can catch the ferry or go by canoe but be sure to book a spot in advance (bookings open 4 weeks ahead of time). There are compost toilets and you’ll need to bring your own drinking water – all well worth it for the remarkable setting and seclusion the island provides.

>Inchcailloch, Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park

a tent pitched at Wild Camping in the Cotswolds in Gloucestershire

Wild Camping in the Cotswolds, Gloucestershire

This is a simple, working farm campsite with a toilet, a tap, and room for up to 12 people, though it’s all limited to one booking, so you're guaranteed to have the place to yourself. Campers can choose from various spots on the 110-acre farm, with guidance from welcoming host, Celia. Campfires are allowed – stock up on local sausages from one of the many local farm shops.

>Wild Camping in the Cotswolds, Gloucestershire

a tent pitched at Badrallach in the Scottish Highlands

Badrallach, Scottish Highlands

Down a tiny track that’s over 8 miles from the nearest proper road, this remote campsite sits on the edge of Little Loch Broom with epic mountain views. Individual pitches are hidden among bushes and rowan thickets, providing extra privacy and a wilder feel (if it were needed), and campfire pits are dotted around. Hike along the shore to the settlement of Scoraig, one of the most remote in Scotland.

>Badrallach, Scottish Highlands

a tent pitched at Bush Farm in Cornwall

Bush Farm, Cornwall

There are plenty of camping spaces on this 200-acre rewilding project in Cornwall. The novelty of it, though, is that you can pretty much pitch where you want. For a wilder feel, leave the main meadow near to the off-grid facilities and head to a more far flung spot on the farm or hide in a copse of trees. Nearby attractions like Whitsand Bay and Looe add to the appeal – ask farmer Scott about the secret swimming spot in the River Lynher.

>Bush Farm, Cornwall

Adam is a lover of the outdoors who’s recently moved back to rural Lancashire after living in the urban confines of Leeds for the past few years. His favourite pastimes include cooking, playing countless sports to a barely acceptable standard and exploring the local countryside with his dog, Chip.

When the weather gets in the way, Adam can be found at home watching films & TV and listening to music. If he’s not there, he’ll be in the pub down the road.  

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