Wild Camping on Dartmoor: The Law After the 2023 Court Case

A Bit of History

For decades, Dartmoor was considered the one place in England where wild camping was legally permitted on open moorland. This was based on Section 10(1) of the Dartmoor Commons Act 1985, which granted the public a right of access to the commons "on foot and on horseback for the purpose of open-air recreation."

The National Park Authority and most of the outdoor community interpreted "open-air recreation" as including wild camping. Dartmoor became a cherished destination for backpackers and wild campers — the only place in England where you could pitch a tent with a legal right to do so.

The 2023 Court Case

In January 2023, that interpretation was challenged. Alexander and Diana Darwall, owners of a 4,000-acre estate on Dartmoor, brought a case arguing that the right of access under the 1985 Act did not include camping overnight.

The High Court agreed. Mr Justice Johnson ruled in Darwall v Dartmoor National Park Authority [2023] EWHC 35 (Ch) that the right of access for "open-air recreation" did not extend to sleeping overnight in a tent. The judgement was based on the principle that "recreation" in the context of the Act meant daytime activities, and that camping involved occupation of land in a way that went beyond mere access.

The Court of Appeal upheld this decision later in 2023, confirming that the right to camp on Dartmoor commons was not automatically included in the 1985 Act's access provisions.

The outdoor community was, understandably, gutted.

What Happened Next

The ruling didn't mean the end of wild camping on Dartmoor — but it did mean the legal basis had to change. Dartmoor National Park Authority moved quickly to find an alternative solution.

New Bylaws

Working with the Secretary of State, the National Park Authority introduced bylaws to create designated camping areas across Dartmoor's open moorland. These areas cover a significant portion of the moor — the Authority specifically chose areas that reflected the traditional wild camping zones.

The bylaws permit backpack camping (lightweight, carried-in camping) in these designated areas subject to conditions.

The Conditions

If you're camping in a designated area, you need to follow the rules set out in the bylaws:

• Lightweight camping only — you must carry your kit in. No driving to your pitch.
• Maximum stay of two consecutive nights in the same location
• Small groups only — typically no more than a few tents
• Leave no trace — pack out everything, including all waste
• No fires unless specifically permitted (and they generally aren't)
• Keep away from livestock, buildings, roads, and archaeological sites
• Tents must be taken down during the day in some areas — check the specific rules for each zone

Where Are the Designated Areas?

The National Park Authority publishes an interactive map showing all designated camping areas. These cover large sections of the open moorland, particularly:

• The high moor areas away from roads and settlements
• Traditional wild camping spots that were popular before the court case
• Areas away from sensitive archaeological sites and wildlife habitats

Some areas that were previously popular for wild camping are not included in the designated zones — particularly land belonging to the Darwall estate and other areas where landowners have objected.

What About Land Outside the Designated Areas?

On land that's not in a designated camping area, the position is the same as the rest of England and Wales: camping without landowner permission is trespass (civil, not criminal). See our wild camping guide for England and Wales for the full picture.

You can still ask individual landowners for permission to camp on their land. Some Dartmoor landowners are happy to grant this.

Campfires on Dartmoor

Campfires have always been a sensitive topic on Dartmoor, even before the 2023 case. The moorland vegetation is highly susceptible to fire damage, and the peaty soil can smoulder underground long after a surface fire appears to be out.

Under the new bylaws, fires are generally not permitted in the designated camping areas. If you need to cook, use a stove on a heat-resistant surface, well away from vegetation.

Check our campfire law guide for more on fire regulations.

The Bigger Picture

The Dartmoor case was a landmark moment for outdoor access in England. It highlighted how fragile the legal basis for wild camping was — and still is — south of the Scottish border.

The case energised the right-to-roam movement and has led to renewed calls for access reform across England and Wales. Several MPs have raised the issue in Parliament, and campaigns for a right to wild camp in England continue to build support.

For now, though, the bylaw-based system on Dartmoor is working. It's not as simple as the old days of pitching anywhere on the open moor, but wild camping on Dartmoor is very much still possible.

Practical Tips

1. Check the map before you go. Download or screenshot the designated areas — phone signal on the moor is patchy at best.
2. Arrive late, leave early. This was always good practice and it's even more important now.
3. Stick to the designated areas. Camping outside them undermines the bylaw system and gives ammunition to those who oppose wild camping.
4. Pack a stove, not firewood. Fires are a no-go.
5. Be an ambassador. The more responsibly people camp on Dartmoor, the stronger the case for maintaining and expanding the designated areas.

What to Take for a Dartmoor Wild Camp

Dartmoor's designated areas are remote, exposed, and often boggy. The weather on the moor can change rapidly, and there's minimal shelter from wind. Here's what makes a Dartmoor camp comfortable and compliant with the bylaws.

Because fires aren't permitted, a reliable stove is essential for cooking. Lightweight shelter that you can carry in your pack is a requirement of the bylaws — you need to be backpack camping, not car camping. And proper navigation is critical given the moor's featureless terrain and notorious mist.

Recommended Dartmoor Camping Kit