Bushcraft-Friendly Campsites and Places to Stay in the UK
The United Kingdom boasts a rich natural landscape, from dense forests to rolling hills and expansive moors, making it an excellent destination for bushcraft enthusiasts. Whether you’re looking to practice fire-starting, build shelters, or immerse yourself in wilderness skills, the UK has several bushcraft-friendly campsites and places that welcome such activities.
What Makes a Campsite Bushcraft-Friendly?
Bushcraft-friendly campsites allow visitors to engage in outdoor activities such as wild camping, fire-making (often in designated areas), foraging, and shelter-building. These locations often provide the freedom to explore nature responsibly while maintaining an emphasis on sustainability and conservation.
Key features of bushcraft-friendly campsites include:
- Access to natural resources like woodlands and streams.
- Permission for controlled fire-lighting.
- Opportunities for foraging and learning primitive skills.
- Seclusion and a connection to nature.
Top Bushcraft-Friendly Campsites in the UK
1. Forest Garden Shovelstrode, Sussex
Nestled in the woodlands of East Sussex, Forest Garden Shovelstrode offers a peaceful retreat for bushcraft enthusiasts. Visitors can book a woodland camping spot or stay in one of the hand-crafted yurts and cabins. The site encourages activities such as shelter-building, fire-making, and learning primitive woodworking skills.
Activities: Fire-making, foraging, woodworking courses.
Highlight: Dedicated bushcraft courses on-site.
2. Woodland Valley Farm, Cornwall
A beautiful, family-run organic farm with woodland areas that are perfect for bushcraft. Woodland Valley Farm hosts courses on survival skills and bushcraft, providing a safe space for practicing fire-making, natural shelter construction, and plant identification.
Activities: Survival courses, wild camping.
Highlight: Abundance of native flora for foraging and plant studies.
3. Comrie Croft, Perthshire, Scotland
Located in the scenic Perthshire countryside, Comrie Croft offers forest camping spots with plenty of opportunities for bushcraft enthusiasts. The site encourages minimal-impact camping and provides access to trails and woodlands ideal for honing survival skills.
Activities: Shelter-building, wild camping, fire-lighting.
Highlight: Secluded forest pitches and bike trails.
4. Wolds Woodland Camping, Lincolnshire
This campsite offers the ultimate back-to-basics experience, with woodland pitches designed for bushcraft and wilderness training. The site is perfect for learning fire-making, cooking over an open flame, and practicing basic survival skills.
Activities: Fire-lighting, bushcraft workshops.
Highlight: Dedicated wild camping zones.
5. Wild Boar Wood Campsite, West Sussex
A unique eco-camping site where visitors can stay in off-grid bell tents surrounded by ancient woodland. The Wild Boar Wood Campsite encourages bushcraft activities, including cooking on open fires and exploring the local ecosystem.
Activities: Fire-lighting, foraging, eco-camping.
Highlight: Stunning views of the South Downs.
Wild Camping and Bushcraft Opportunities in the UK
Dartmoor National Park, Devon
Dartmoor is one of the few places in England where wild camping is legally permitted. The rugged terrain and diverse habitats make it an excellent spot for bushcraft, provided visitors follow Leave No Trace principles and camp in designated areas.
Activities: Wild camping, navigation skills, fire-making.
Highlight: Freedom to camp in various scenic locations.
Snowdonia National Park, Wales
While wild camping isn’t officially permitted in Snowdonia, landowners often grant permission for discreet and responsible camping. Snowdonia’s forests, rivers, and mountains provide an ideal backdrop for bushcraft activities.
Activities: Shelter-building, hiking, water purification.
Highlight: Diverse terrains for practicing survival skills.
Tips for Bushcraft Camping in the UK
Respect the Environment: Always follow Leave No Trace principles to minimize your impact on the land.
Get Permission: For wild camping, seek permission from landowners or stick to areas where it’s legally permitted, such as Dartmoor.
Bring the Essentials: While bushcraft is about using natural resources, always carry basic safety gear like a first-aid kit and navigation tools.
Check Local Regulations: Some areas may restrict activities like fire-making or foraging, so check the rules before you go.
Book Bushcraft Courses: Many campsites offer structured courses to help you develop your skills safely and responsibly.
