What does ‘almost’ wild camping actually mean?

It means camping on private land with the landowner’s permission. You still get the quiet, natural feel of wild camping, but without worrying about trespassing or breaking local rules.

How is it different from true wild camping?

True wild camping usually happens in unmanaged places with no facilities and is often not legal in England and Wales. ‘Almost’ wild camping gives you solitude with permission and safer access.

Do these spots have facilities?

Facilities vary. Some offer just a quiet pitch, others basic amenities like water or a toilet. Always check before arrival.

Is permission really important?

Yes. Permission avoids conflict, protects wildlife and keeps the experience positive for both travellers and landowners.

Is ‘almost’ wild camping suitable for road trips?

Yes. It offers flexibility without the uncertainty of illegal wild camping and works well as part of a planned route.

Can I have a fire or BBQ?

Only with explicit landowner permission. Fire risk and livestock concerns mean this is often restricted.

A Peaceful, Permission-Based Alternative to Wild Camping

‘Almost’ Wild Camping

• Natural seclusion: peaceful spots away from busy campsites but still with permission.

• Responsible camping: a respectful way to enjoy nature without trespassing or causing harm.

• Road trip friendly: flexible overnight stops that balance freedom with peace of mind.

‘Almost’ wild camping is a simple idea that brings together the freedom of being out in nature with the reassurance of staying somewhere you’re genuinely welcome. Instead of pitching up in places where you’re unsure of the rules, this approach lets you camp on private land with clear permission from the landowner, giving you space, quiet and a stronger sense of connection to the outdoors. These spots are often tucked away on farms, smallholdings or private estates, offering the kind of tranquillity you normally only find when you’re far off the beaten path.
For road trips, it’s a brilliant middle-ground: far more peaceful and natural than a traditional campsite, but without the uncertainty or risks that can come with true off-grid camping. Whether you’re looking for a calm overnight rest, a scenic stop among trees and fields or simply a more respectful way to enjoy the countryside, ‘almost’ wild camping offers a thoughtful and rewarding option.

Check out our guide to understand more about how to enjoy almost wild camping:

Part 1: What ‘Almost’ Wild Camping Actually Is

Part 2: How ‘Almost’ Wild Camping Works

Part 3: "Almost" Wild Camping vs. Real Wild Camping

Part 4: Worries About Wild Camping (and Why "Almost" Wild Helps)

Part 5: The Pros of "Almost" Wild Camping

Part 6: Stopping for the night on a road trip

Part 7: Getting the OK and Making Plans

FAQs

Part 1: What ‘Almost’ Wild Camping Actually Is

‘Almost’ wild camping is the simple idea of camping on private land with the landowner’s permission. It gives you the quiet, tucked-away feeling of wild camping, but with the reassurance that you’re welcome to be there. These spots might be on farms, smallholdings, private estates or quiet patches of land where the owner is happy for people to stay.

You still get the peace, the space and the feeling of being close to nature, but without the worry about whether you’re allowed to camp or whether you’ll be asked to move on. It’s a gentler, more responsible way to enjoy the freedom of the outdoors – especially on a road trip where a peaceful overnight stop can make all the difference to your journey.

In the next sections, we explore how ‘almost’ wild camping works, how it compares with true wild camping, the legal and environmental considerations, its benefits, and how it fits into your road trip planning

Part 2: How ‘Almost’ Wild Camping Works

These spots are usually simple, quiet places where you’re given permission to park up or pitch for the night. They’re often chosen for their privacy, scenery or calm setting rather than for facilities. Some may have basic amenities, while others offer nothing more than space, views and a friendly welcome.

Because permission is given directly by the landowner, campers can enjoy:

a more relaxed and respectful experience
the security of knowing they are allowed to stay
a quieter environment compared with busy campsites
a closer connection to nature without causing conflict or trespass

Many people find this middle-ground perfect: enough freedom to feel adventurous, enough reassurance to sleep comfortably.

Part 3: "Almost" Wild Camping vs. Real Wild Camping

A white camper van parked next to a large stack of cut logs in a forested area with tall trees.

Both methods have their own appeal, but they are extremely different.

Camping in the Wild (Off-Grid)
This involves spending the night in places that aren't official campsites. It can be very fulfilling and exciting, but you need to be able to take care of yourself, behave carefully, and know the regulations in the area.
In England and Wales, you usually need the landowner's permission to camp in the wild, which makes it hard to do lawfully. It can also be dangerous because it can make you feel alone, the weather can change, you can run into wild animals, and you can't get to a restroom or clean water.

"Almost" Camping in the Wild

This is a good mix of wild camping and a regular campsite. You still get:

• privacy

• space

• nature around you

But with:

• authorisation

• explicit expectations

• land that is often safer and better suited

• a decreased danger of bothering wildlife or landowners

For a lot of people who go on road trips, it's the best of both worlds: adventure without worry.

Part 4: Worries About Wild Camping (and Why "Almost" Wild Helps)

In recent years, more and more people have been camping in the wild, although not always for the proper reasons. There have been more litter, fires, damaged plants, and people than usual at some beauty places. As a result, landowners are getting increasingly frustrated, and the restrictions are getting harsher and more enforced.
Some of the most important issues are:

Worries about the law
It is against the law to camp in the wild in most of England and Wales. If you camp without permission, you could get a ticket, get into a fight, or get moved on.

Safety and protection
There may not be restrooms, clean water, or safe ground in remote areas. If you're alone, bad weather, low visibility, and wildlife can all be dangerous.
Effects on the environment
Irresponsible actions like starting fires, leaving trash, and trampling on plants can hurt people and destroy delicate landscapes.
"Almost" wild camping gets around these problems by encouraging campers to stay in regions where they are allowed and where they may be safe.

Part 5: The Pros of "Almost" Wild Camping

There are a number of benefits to choosing "almost" wild camping:

• You camp responsibly when you stay somewhere that is okay with campers.
• You have less of an influence on the environment when you follow the landowner's stated rules.
• You help local people, usually small landowners who let travellers stay on their land.
• You have more peace and quiet than at a regular campsite.
• You can relax because you know you're not breaking any rules or trespassing.

It's a smart and eco-friendly way to enjoy the outdoors without adding to the problems that often come with wild camping.

Part 6: Stopping for the night on a road trip

Finding somewhere to stay overnight that fit your style is part of the fun of a road trip. In addition to "almost" wild camping, many routes have:
Pub stops are places where you can park overnight at a pub, usually in exchange for a meal or drink.
Aires-style stops are simple places for motorhomes to stop with basic amenities like water and trash disposal.
Traditional campgrounds are great for evenings when you want all the amenities.
The Overnight Stays map shows "almost" wild camping locations where they are along your journey so you can immediately determine if they fit into your plan.
You can mix and match these options based on how adventurous, comfy, or well-rested you want each night to be.

Part 7: Getting the OK and Making Plans

Before you choose any kind of camping, you need to perform the following:

• Look into the rules in your area
• Get permission from the landowner if you need it.
• think about how it will affect the world around you
• get the necessary tools ready
• politely arrive and leave

These things help keep the places you love safe and make sure that the people who own and care for the land have fun.

Check out our Find Inspiration pages for ideas on where to go, if you’re looking to hire or buy, check out our Find a vehicle pages, and our Route Planner tips.

It means camping on private land with the landowner’s permission. You still get the quiet, natural feel of wild camping, but without worrying about trespassing or breaking local rules.
True wild camping usually happens in completely unmanaged places with no facilities, and in England and Wales it’s often not legally allowed. ‘Almost’ wild camping gives you the same sense of space and solitude, but with permission and often safer, more suitable land.
It varies. Some offer nothing more than a flat patch of land and great views. Others may have basics like a tap or toilet. Always check what’s provided before you arrive.
Yes. Camping without permission on private land can cause conflict, damage wildlife habitats and lead to fines or being asked to move on. Permission keeps the experience positive for both you and the landowner.
Definitely. It gives you more freedom than a campsite but more certainty than trying to wild camp legally. It’s a relaxed, flexible way to break up a journey.
Sometimes yes. However, if you’re following a road trip guide that includes these spots on the Overnight Stays map, the locations have already been identified as suitable places where permission has historically been granted.
Generally yes, as you’re staying on land where camping is expected or allowed. Use common sense, arrive prepared and follow any guidance the landowner provides.
Only if the landowner explicitly says so. Many private lands have livestock, dry grass or fire risks, so fires are often restricted.
Leave no trace, take all rubbish home, avoid disturbing wildlife and stick to any guidelines given. Treat the land with care so it remains available for future campers.