I'm going up to Annan next weekend in my camper van and taking my two sons. They're adamant they want to go off and camp somewhere, and because it's Scotland they are convinced they can camp wherever they want! Does anyone have any thoughts on this, or suggestions where they can go, not a million miles from Annan?
Hi. The Scottish Outdoor Access Code (explaining trespass law) is clear that you don’t “wild camp” in or with a vehicle, though “wild camping” does sound exciting & adventurous. (Legally, it covers carrying in your camping gear ie walking, cycling, horseback.)
Get the app called park 4 night (all one word). Free for most locations, pay for full listings. I have it for emergency stops in wild weather.
(You can’t park overnight on private land without the landowner’s permission.)
Please use your on-board toilet & dispose of the contents at a site with an elsan: dirty camping in Scotland is giving MHs & campervans a bad name. (That is, toileting beside paths & laybys, or emptying the chemical toilet down a public toilet.)
And the law is also different re emptying your grey or waste water: it is actually illegal here, SEPA may fine you if it’s reported. But just be sensible, responsible & discreet: empty it under a hedge & far from water. Never on a street: the fats & oils etc can make the road slippy & dangerous for bikes & motorbikes.
So - download that app & enjoy few days away from electricity. I hope the weather holds for you.
PS if you want a half way idea, check Forest & Land Scotland FLS because they allow overnight parking in some car parks for a small fee eg Kirroughtry forest park (near Newtown Stewart): you’d have toilets during opening hours & things to do there during the day, especially if you have bikes. Possibly in Galloway Forest Park too, it’s a while since I was there.
Have fun.
It reads to me tnat you mean you're going up in your campetvan bit they want to go off tent wild camping.
The law linked in Fiona West post still applies. There are more freedoms to wild camping in Scotland than rest of UK but no they can't where they want.
"Cool campers always:
Use small tents and camp well away from buildings and roads and have a backup plan to go somewhere else if it’s busy.
Avoid camping in enclosed fields of crops or farm animals.
Take away all belongings and litter and leave no trace of their visit.
"Cooking and keeping warm:
Although Scotland often appears cool and wet, the land can suffer from wildfires, which devastate wildlife and local communities. We may enjoy the romantic idea of an open fire, but the reality is that these can quickly get out of control.
"To prevent fire-related incidents:
Do not light an open fire, including in fire bowls or BBQs... [there are caveats, but it's just not a way to make friends at the moment, after the Cairngorm fire recently]
If you need to, use a camping stove to cook your food. Place it on a level, non-flammable surface away from dry grass and vegetation (and your tent!) and keep a close watch while using it.
Remember that deadwood provides a home and food for many creatures and is vital for the ecosystem. So, leave the wood on the ground and never cut down or damage trees.
"Going to the loo:
If there aren’t public toilets nearby:
Make sure you’ve packed a trowel, toilet paper, hand sanitiser, and sealable bags [or nappy sacks / dog poo bags] ...to clean up.
If you need to pee, make sure you do so at least 30 metres from lochs, rivers and burns so you don’t pollute the water.
If you need to poo, ‘go’ as far away as possible from buildings, paths, open water and rivers, and from any farm animals. Either bury it in a shallow hole and replace the turf, or bag it [as you do for dog poo] and carry it away with you [and bin it].
"Parking (or not)
When parking in the countryside:
Use a car park and have a backup plan to go somewhere else if car parks are full.
Remember that access rights don’t include motor vehicles. If landowners restrict or regulate parking on their land, you must respect this."
As I said - enjoy your camping! I'll add the key word... "responsibly".
A day of all things motorhome and campervan. The show is held both in the main indoor arena and across the grounds. Catering, hot drinks and food options are available. Easy access to the site and free parking included. Win one of five pairs of day tickets
Topic: Wild camping, Dumfries and Galloway
via mobile 05/8/2026 at 2:07pm
