The differences between wild camping & free overnight parking

Wild camping & free overnight parking can get a little confusing and often people think they are the same thing - however they are not.

Wild camping

Wild camping is when you spend the night in the 'wild' in a tent and you can fully immerse yourself in nature.

• Wild camping refers to when camping in a tent by foot, bike or non motorised vehicles.

• You have to take everything with you and take everything out and leave no trace whatsoever.

• Wild camping has to be done responsibly and in line with the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.

• Scotland is the only country in the UK where wild camping is permitted.

• Wild camping DOES NOT apply to motorised vehicles. You can't 'car camp'.

• If you’re unsure whether it feels respectful or legal, it’s probably not the right place to camp.

• You should ideally arrive late in the day and leave early in the morning to minimise impact.

• Remember, just because you see other people camping somewhere doesn’t always mean it’s legal or appropriate.

  

Free overnight parking

This refers to somewhere you can stop, usually on the side of the road in a lay-by and park for free for the night.

• You usually have to be in a fully self contained vehicle with a toilet and shower. You can't camp or cook outside. Pop-up roofs and awnings on vehicles are not allowed to be 'opened' and you can't put tables and chairs outside either. You shouldn't be in view of anyone's house.

• It's a very complex issue in Scotland and there have been problems over the years where motorhomes have clogged up areas. Locals are not supportive of free overnight parking so don't be surprised if people honk their horns. Our campervan company told us people had even thrown rocks at their vans before!

• Park4night is a great app which shows you locations, often with photos and reviews from other campers!

• You cannot park in lay-bys where there is a sign that states no overnight parking.

• This only applies to land maintained by the council, not private land.

• Check out the full rules and regulations here: The Road Traffic Act 1988

• Please note, you can't park in a car overnight.

• Our advice - book into a campsite!

• Remember, just because you see other vans parked somewhere doesn’t always mean it’s legal or appropriate.