28 Day Camping Rule Wales: What You Must Know Before You Camp

When you're planning a road trip in Wales, the 28 day camping rule, a legal limit on how long you can camp in one spot without planning permission. This rule applies to motorhomes, caravans, and tents parked on public land or private land without consent. It’s not about where you sleep—it’s about how long you stay. If you park your motorhome in the same place for more than 28 days in a year, you could be breaking the law, even if you’re not causing trouble. This isn’t a suggestion. It’s enforced by local councils, and fines can add up fast.

The wild camping Wales, the practice of camping on land without formal facilities or permission is mostly illegal in Wales, unlike in parts of Scotland. You won’t find legal free camping spots like you might in the Lake District or Dartmoor. Even if you’re just staying overnight, you need to be smart. Many people assume that if they’re not causing damage or noise, they’re fine. But councils don’t see it that way. The camping laws UK, the set of local and national regulations governing where and how you can camp vary by region, and Wales is strict. You can’t just pull over near a lake, a forest, or a cliff and call it a night for weeks. The Wales camping restrictions, specific local rules that limit where and how long you can stay in a vehicle are designed to protect the environment and keep rural areas from turning into unofficial campsites.

What does this mean for you? If you’re road tripping in a motorhome, you need to plan your stops. Move every 28 days—or even sooner if you’re in a popular area. Use official campsites, farm stays, or designated motorhome parking spots. Some places let you stay longer if you pay a fee or have permission from the landowner. Don’t assume that because you’re not on a highway or beach, you’re safe. Rural lanes, laybys, and scenic pull-offs are all monitored. The motorhome camping Wales, the common practice of using motorhomes as mobile homes during travel is popular, but it’s not a free pass. You’re not breaking the law if you move around, but staying put too long is.

You’ll find plenty of posts below that dig into similar topics—like what happens if you break the rule, where you can legally park overnight in Wales, and how to plan a trip that stays under the radar without risking a fine. Some people try to outsmart the system. Others just don’t know the rules. Either way, you don’t need to guess. The real answer is simple: keep moving, use official sites, and respect the land. That’s how you enjoy Wales without the stress.