If you’ve ever dreamed of pitching a tent under the stars in the Welsh mountains, you’ve probably heard about the 28-day camping rule. But what does it actually mean? And can you really camp anywhere in Wales for nearly a month without getting in trouble? The truth is simpler - and stricter - than most people think.
What the 28-Day Rule Actually Says
The 28-day rule isn’t a blanket permission to camp anywhere in Wales. It’s a specific exception under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, as interpreted by Natural Resources Wales (NRW). It allows campers to stay in one spot for up to 28 days in a calendar year without needing permission - but only if you’re not causing damage, not blocking access, and not camping on protected land.
That’s it. No more. No less.
This rule doesn’t mean you can camp on private land just because you’ve stayed 28 days. It doesn’t mean you can camp in national parks without checking local rules. And it definitely doesn’t mean you can show up with a van, a BBQ, and five friends and call it ‘wild camping’.
The 28-day window applies to one location per year. If you move to a new spot, you reset the clock. So you could camp for 28 days in Snowdonia, then 28 days in the Brecon Beacons - but only if you don’t return to the same field, streamside, or hillside within that same year.
Where the Rule Applies - and Where It Doesn’t
Not all land in Wales is open for this. The 28-day rule only covers land that’s not protected, not privately owned with clear restrictions, and not part of a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) or Special Area of Conservation (SAC).
Here’s where you can’t camp under this rule:
- Inside National Parks (like Snowdonia or Pembrokeshire Coast) unless you’re on designated public rights of way or with landowner permission
- On private farmland without written consent
- Within 100 meters of a public road, footpath, or water source used for drinking
- On protected moorland, peat bogs, or nesting bird areas (common in upland Wales)
- At any time between March and July in areas known for ground-nesting birds like curlews or lapwings
Natural Resources Wales has published maps showing restricted zones. While they’re not always easy to find online, local ranger offices and visitor centers have printed copies. Ask for them. It’s better than getting fined.
What Counts as ‘Camping’ Under the Law
The law doesn’t care if you’re in a tent, hammock, or bivy sack. It cares about impact. If you’re staying overnight with gear, sleeping outside, and not in a designated campsite - that’s camping.
But here’s the catch: if you’re just hiking and resting for an hour under a tree, that’s not camping. If you’re parked overnight in your car with a sleeping bag, that’s camping. If you’re living in a van with a fridge and a portable toilet for three weeks, that’s not wild camping - it’s unauthorized residential use, and you’ll be asked to leave.
NRW has made it clear: the rule is for lightweight, low-impact, temporary stays. No fires. No dogs off-leash. No litter. No noise after 10 PM. No cutting trees for firewood. No leaving toilet waste near streams.
Why the Rule Exists - and Why It’s Getting Tighter
Wales has seen a huge spike in wild camping since 2020. Social media posts of people camping on lake shores and mountain ridges went viral. What started as a few adventurous hikers turned into hundreds - then thousands - of people showing up every weekend.
The result? Trampled vegetation, eroded paths, overflowing bins, and contaminated water sources. In 2023, NRW reported over 400 complaints about wild campers in the Brecon Beacons alone. Some landowners started locking gates. Others began charging fees for access.
The 28-day rule was never meant to be a loophole. It was designed to balance public access with conservation. But as pressure grew, enforcement did too. In 2024, NRW began issuing £100 fixed penalties for campers who exceeded the limit or camped in protected areas.
Local councils in Gwynedd, Powys, and Carmarthenshire now have dedicated wild camping officers. They patrol popular spots on weekends. They don’t always issue fines - but they will ask you to move. And if you refuse? That’s when the police get involved.
How to Camp Legally - and Responsibly
You don’t need to break the law to enjoy wild camping in Wales. Here’s how to do it right:
- Choose open access land - look for areas marked as ‘Open Access’ on Ordnance Survey maps (yellow shading)
- Stay for no more than 2 nights in one spot - even if the law allows 28, ethical camping means moving often
- Pitch after dark and leave before sunrise to avoid disturbing wildlife and livestock
- Use a portable stove, not a fire. Gas is safer and leaves no trace
- Carry out everything you bring in - including toilet paper and food scraps
- Never camp within 100 meters of a farmhouse, barn, or public footpath
- Check the weather. If it’s wet, don’t camp on fragile moorland. The ground will be damaged
- Respect livestock. Keep dogs on leads and never let them chase sheep
Many experienced wild campers in Wales follow the ‘Leave No Trace’ principle - not just as a slogan, but as a daily habit. That means packing out human waste in biodegradable bags and burying it 15cm deep, at least 60 meters from water.
What Happens If You Break the Rule?
Most first-time offenders get a warning. But repeat offenders, or those camping in protected areas, face fines up to £2,500. In extreme cases - like camping in a nesting site for endangered birds - you could be prosecuted under the Wildlife and Countryside Act.
Landowners can also seek civil injunctions to ban you from their land permanently. One camper in the Cambrian Mountains was banned from 12,000 acres after leaving 14 tents behind during a festival weekend.
And it’s not just about money. Your reputation matters. Local communities are watching. If you’re seen as disrespectful, you’re not just breaking the law - you’re making it harder for everyone else to camp legally.
Alternatives to Wild Camping in Wales
If you’re unsure about the rules, or just want to avoid the risk, there are plenty of legal, affordable, and beautiful places to camp.
Small, family-run campsites in rural Wales often charge £10-£15 per night. Many are on working farms, with views of mountains and rivers. Some even offer fire pits, compost toilets, and clean water taps.
There are also over 150 official wild camping sites managed by the Welsh government and conservation groups. These are clearly marked, maintained, and monitored. You can find them on the NRW website or through the Wales Wild Camping Guide app, updated every year.
For motorhomers, there are over 80 designated wild parking spots - mostly on public land near trails. These allow overnight stays with a limit of 72 hours. You can’t plug in, but you can sleep, cook, and recharge your batteries.
Final Advice: Know Before You Go
Wild camping in Wales isn’t a right - it’s a privilege. And like any privilege, it comes with responsibility.
The 28-day rule is not a loophole. It’s a safety net for responsible campers. If you follow the rules, you help protect the land. If you ignore them, you risk closing access for everyone.
Before you head out:
- Download the latest NRW wild camping map
- Check the weather and bird nesting seasons
- Tell someone where you’re going
- Carry a portable toilet kit
- Leave no trace - even if no one’s watching
Wales is one of the last places in the UK where you can still feel truly alone under the stars. Don’t ruin it for the next person.
Is wild camping legal in Wales?
Wild camping is not automatically legal in Wales. It’s only allowed under specific conditions: on open access land, with no damage, no fires, and no more than 28 days in one spot per year. Most areas require landowner permission, especially in national parks and near water sources.
Can I camp anywhere in the Brecon Beacons?
No. The Brecon Beacons National Park has strict rules. Wild camping is banned in most areas without permission from Natural Resources Wales. There are designated wild camping spots, but they’re limited and often require booking. Camping on private land or near trails can result in fines.
What’s the penalty for breaking the 28-day rule?
Fines start at £100 for minor violations like overstaying or camping in a restricted zone. Repeat offenses or damage to protected land can lead to fines up to £2,500. In extreme cases, you could be prosecuted under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
Can I camp with a motorhome under the 28-day rule?
Technically yes - but only if you’re staying in one spot for less than 28 days and not using the vehicle as a permanent residence. If you’re parked for weeks with power cables, water tanks, and waste disposal, you’re likely violating residential use laws, not camping rules. Most landowners and councils treat motorhomes differently than tents.
Do I need to ask landowners for permission?
Yes - unless you’re on officially designated open access land. Most of Wales is privately owned farmland. Even if you don’t see a sign, assume permission is required. The best approach is to contact the landowner in advance. Many are happy to allow responsible campers if you ask politely and leave no trace.
Are there apps or maps that show legal camping spots in Wales?
Yes. The Natural Resources Wales website has an interactive map of legal wild camping zones. There’s also a free app called ‘Wales Wild Camping Guide’ updated annually by local conservation groups. It shows open access land, restricted zones, and nearby facilities. Always check the latest version before heading out.
