What is backpack or wild camping?

If you can carry everything you need in your backpack as part of a Dartmoor walking expedition, you can backpack camp for one or two nights in some areas of open moorland, well away from roads or settlements using a ‘no impact’ approach.

Planning and preparation is essential for this type of activity. This includes having the right equipment and navigational skills to survive safely ‘well away from civilisation’ for a couple of days, and crucially, knowing where you are allowed to camp. This is the only type of camping permitted, however it is not permitted everywhere in the National Park. N.B There is no camping allowed in the West Dart Valley.

• You can backpack camp on some parts of Dartmoor by carrying your own equipment as part of your walk and staying one or two nights max. 
• You can only do this in certain areas.
• Be mindful of spoiling the views or walks for other people.
• No overnight stays in vehicles.
• No large tents or large groups camping. 
• Leave no trace – don’t light fires and take all your rubbish home with you