If you love the idea of wild camping but aren’t quite ready to go fully off grid, “almost wild” camping might just be the sweet spot you’re looking for.

These types of sites typically feature the following:

  • Set in remote locations
  • Minimal facilities, but just enough to keep things comfortable
  • Wild landscapes and great scenery

Across the UK, there are hundreds of these back-to-basics campsites tucked away in woodlands, on farms and along coastlines, offering a true escape into nature without completely roughing it.

Here are some of the best almost wild camping spots in the UK.

a man climbing up a tree in the woods

Fire and Stars Woodland Camping – Leicestershire

Hidden within the National Forest in Leicestershire, this site is all about peace and simplicity. Spacious woodland pitches give you plenty of privacy, and the focus here is on reconnecting with nature.

There are very few facilities, but that’s exactly the point, you get the feeling of wild camping, with just enough structure to make things easy and ensure you have all the basics. Plus, your stay helps support conservation of the surrounding woodland so you know you’re having a positive impact on the environment each time you book in and stay. It’s also a great place to bring kids if you’re looking to spend some quality, technology-free time with your little one.

bird's eye photography of river between trees and green grass

River Dove Camp – Derbyshire

If you want something truly stripped back, this one’s hard to beat. There’s just a single pitch on this working farm, meaning you’ll likely have the entire place to yourself.

Expect a compost toilet, a water tap and not much else. This site is in a quiet riverside setting (perfect for a paddle!), with campfires under the stars and a proper escape from busy campsites. There’s also a rare breed of sheep on the farm, so just know you’ll be sharing the space with some woolly neighbours.

brown animal on green grass field during daytime

Camusdarach Camping, Scottish Highlands

If you’re after that remote Highland feel, this is a great option. Set near white sandy beaches and overlooking the Isle of Skye, it delivers incredible views without the crowds.

Facilities are minimal, and pitches are well spaced, giving you that peaceful, off-grid vibe while still staying within a managed campsite, so you’re not completely out on your own. It’s ideal if you want a balance of comfort and wild surroundings. At this site, you’ll want to enjoy evening campfires, sea air and total quiet once the sun goes down (maybe even a spot of star-gazing!).

green grass fieled beside tree

Heal Somerset – Somerset

A newer addition to the ‘almost wild’ scene, this site combines almost wild camping with conservation. You’ll be camping within 460 acres of rolling countryside, set on land that once operated as a dairy farm – so enjoy rolling green fields and plenty of wild flora and fauna.

Because this site is set within a rewilding project, it offers simple pitches with minimal facilities and a chance to experience nature as it slowly returns to its natural state.

It’s a great option if you want your trip to feel both relaxing and meaningful.

a bunch of shells that are on the sand

Shell Island – North Wales

One of the UK’s most unique camping spots, Shell Island offers huge, spread-out pitches where you can camp far from others, often right by the beach.

Although this is a bigger site, because it’s so large, you still get that space, and the wild sound of the sea lapping against the shore as you drift off to sleep. If you visit in springtime, there’s plenty of opportunity to collect shells (hence the name!) with three bathing beaches, it’s great for taking a dip in the sea and trying out wild swimming.

yellow flowers on rocky shore during daytime

Camp De Lank – Cornwall

Right on the edge of Bodmin Moor, this one gives you that rugged, inland “wild camping” vibe.

Expect riverside pitches, fire pits and loads of space. It’s a great option if you prefer moorland and forest over coastal crowds, and Bodmin Moor itself is known for its remote, secluded feel – plus, soak up the local folklore and keep an eye out for the infamous ‘Beast of Bodmin Moor’. Although inland, Cornwall’s coastal towns and villages such as Polzeath, Padstow and Port Isaac are just a short drive away for a seaside day out.

So, there you have it – our favourite ‘almost wild’ camping sites in the UK! For camping essentials such as tents and cooking equipment, head over to Halfords.com or visit your local store today.