Wildkamperen in Europa, waar moet je zijn? - Bever
In Noorwegen, Zweden én Finland geldt het zogenaamde Allemansrecht: het recht waarmee je maximaal van de vrije natuur kunt genieten. Dankzij deze regel kun je ...
Scottish Outdoor Access Code
Off the beaten track, met een rugzak en tent de ongerepte wildernis in. Wildkamperen is bij uitstek de manier om Schotland te ontdekken! (een echte Schot in de roos 😉) Zolang je je aan de <anchor>Scottish Outdoor Access Code</anchor> houdt, kun je vrij door de Lowlands en Highlands dwalen. Niettemin zijn er een aantal regels voor het opzetten van je tijdelijke kampeeradres. Zo mag je maximaal tot drie nachten op dezelfde plek verblijven en niet overal je tent pitchen. In de buurt van een weg, (historisch) gebouw of op landbouwgrond is het niet toegestaan tentharingen in de grond te steken. Blijft over: de oneindig groene pracht van glens, schitterende lochs en woeste landschappen met spitse bergtoppen. Keuze genoeg!
Camping | Scottish Outdoor Access Code
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## SOAC Main navigation

- [Practical guide for all](/practical-guide-all)
- [Access management guidance](/managing-access-your-land)
- [The Act and the Code](/act-and-access-code)
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# Being a cool camper

In Scotland, you can enjoy the outdoors on most land if you act responsibly. This includes lightweight camping in a tent, in small numbers and for no more than two or three nights in one place.

When you go camping in the countryside you might feel that you cause no harm and have no impact, but the environment and wildlife may not be able to cope with repeated visits and the pressure of many people pitching their tents and camping.

**The good news is that we can all do our bit to care for the environment and prevent any issues when camping by following the tips below and the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.**

## Top tips for happy camping

![Help wildlife. Stop wildfires starting](/sites/default/files/styles/layout_builder_full_width/public/2022-08/FIRE%20-%20SOAC%20TILE%20-%20LANDSCAPE%20-%20JULY-01%20.png?itok=KgU77Ou3)

![Use a stove rather than light an open fire. Follow all local guidance.](/sites/default/files/styles/layout_builder_full_width/public/2023-06/SOAC%20camping%20Use%20a%20stove.jpg?itok=XAP9UBbY)

![Carry a trowel to bury your poo, in case there's no loos when wild camping - bury it at least 20 metres away from water.](/sites/default/files/styles/layout_builder_full_width/public/2022-09/SOAC%20campaign%20tiles%2011%20March%202021-12.jpg?itok=C7_OBp9Y)

![Cool campers leave nothing behind](/sites/default/files/styles/layout_builder_full_width/public/2022-09/SOAC%20campaign%20tiles%2011%20March%202021-13.jpg?itok=Wc_8Oc9o)

## How to camp

Scotland offers a wide range of managed campsites with facilities for an enjoyable and comfortable visit, and these can be a much better option in busy areas. You can find campsites and other accommodation through [VisitScotland](https://www.visitscotland.com/accommodation/caravan-camping/).

If camping elsewhere, you must be considerate to others and follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.

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.

![Wild camping on the shores of Loch Iubhair. ©Lorne Gill/NatureScot](/sites/default/files/styles/layout_builder_full_width/public/2024-07/lochiubhair-d1916_jpg_original-image_m30596.JPG?itok=C5-KHp16)

## 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, during times of high fire risk (prolonged periods of dry weather) or near forests, farmland, peaty ground, or close to buildings, or historic sites.
- Always pay attention to fire danger warnings, information from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, and follow all local advice.
- 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.
- When cleaning up, pick up any pieces of broken glass with the rest of your rubbish, as these act as a magnifying glass for the sun and can start fires. Also, take away cigarette ends as, although they seem to cool down quickly, they can still ignite dry grass if left on the ground.
- 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.
- Report any out-of-control fires by calling 999 immediately.

![News - Help prevent wildfires on our nature reserves](/sites/default/files/styles/layout_builder_full_width/public/2021-04/Eilean%20Eachainn-Loch%20Maree%20Island%20Fire%202021%20_JPEG%20Image%20Height%20720px_m234099.jpg?itok=3iZAxCf1)

![Photo of a camping stove and cutlery outside of a tent. ©Lorne Gill/NatureScot](/sites/default/files/styles/layout_builder_full_width/public/2024-07/camping-d7815_jpg_original-image_m20180_1.jpg?itok=RMJh6k2N)

![Photo of a 'Know the code before you go' trowel in leaf litter next to tree roots. ©Lorne Gill/NatureScot](/sites/default/files/styles/layout_builder_full_width/public/2024-07/ktc-d2047_jpg_original-image_m29170.JPG?itok=dXaQdKC2)

## Going to the loo

When camping in the countryside, you should prepare for the call of nature. If there aren’t [public toilets](https://www.toiletmap.org.uk/) nearby:

- Make sure you’ve packed a trowel, toilet paper, hand sanitiser, and sealable bags for your litter to make it easy 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. Wash your hands with water or use hand sanitiser afterwards.
- 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 and carry it away with you. Wash your hands with water or use hand sanitiser afterwards.
- Download the [‘Where to Go in the Outdoors’ leaflet](https://www.outdooraccess-scotland.scot/doc/where-go-great-outdoors-mountaineering-council-scotland) for more top tips from Mountaineering Scotland.

## Parking (or not)

If you need to drive to the area where you plan to camp, check what car parking facilities are available before you head off. 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.
- If you can, use public transport, ride, paddle or walk to your camping spot.

![Northern Marsh Orchid growing on a roadside verge near Moneydie. ©Lorne Gill/NatureScot](/sites/default/files/styles/layout_builder_full_width/public/2024-07/orchid-0448_jpg_original-image_m196379.jpg?itok=-Yx8TEqB)

## Seasonal camping restrictions

Byelaws restrict camping in some areas.

### Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park

Seasonal byelaws are in effect in Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, which means that camping in [certain areas of the National Park](https://www.lochlomond-trossachs.org/things-to-do/camping/campingbyelaws/) is only permitted within campsites or with a camping permit. Please make sure you plan ahead. For more details, go to [Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park](https://www.lochlomond-trossachs.org/things-to-do/camping/).

![Campers with canoes outside tent at Loch Tummel.](/sites/default/files/styles/layout_builder_full_width/public/2021-03/Camping-D7967_jpg_m20238.jpg?itok=kq_pFg8Z)

![A group of people walking, wearing rucksacks and carrying full black bin liners](/sites/default/files/styles/layout_builder_full_width/public/2024-07/litter-summer-campaign.jpg?itok=MQE69A8Y)

## Are you an Outdoor Ambassador?

If you are, we’d love to hear from you!

We want to share your photos and videos showing us how you follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code – be that leaving no trace of your campsite, having your dog under control around livestock, or keeping your distance to avoid disturbing wildlife.

So, please post them on social media using the #OutdoorAmbassadors hashtag and, where possible, tag the official NatureScot accounts:

X: [@NatureScot](https://x.com/NatureScot)

Facebook: [Facebook.com/NatureScot](https://www.facebook.com/NatureScot/)

Instagram: [@naturescot](https://www.instagram.com/naturescot/?hl=en)

## Advice for land managers

If you are experiencing large numbers of roadside campers or have well-used wild camping areas, you could work with your local authority and recreational bodies to assist in the management of such camping.

Advice for land managers to help manage any problems linked to camping on your land can be found in [Managing camping with tents in Scotland](/doc/managing-camping-tents-scotland). This document by the National Access Forum was revised in February 2021.

At times of drought, work with the fire & rescue service to inform people of the high risks involved.

![Photo of a ranger and planner looking at a map of Mugdock Country Park near Glasgow. ©Lorne Gill/NatureScot](/sites/default/files/styles/layout_builder_full_width/public/2024-07/mugdockcp-d0589_jpg_original-image_m31620.jpg?itok=PyGRM1mk)

[Click here to download this page as a printer-friendly leaflet](/doc/camping-scotland)

## Exploring the outdoors with Calum Maclean

**Wild camping tips (with Calum Maclean)**

Does a Calum camp in the woods?

Aye - and here's how.

I visited the [Muir of Dinnet National Nature Reserve](https://www.nature.scot/enjoying-outdoors/visit-our-nature-reserves/muir-dinnet-national-nature-reserve) and camped overnight.

I always carry a stove to cook on - the risk of wildfires from a fire is very high when it's as dry and hot as it is when I filmed this, and using a stove leaves no mess or trace.

**You don’t need a fire (with Calum Maclean)**

Fireside chat. Do you need a fire when you go camping? Should you have one?

Even if you think it rains a lot, fires can still spread really quickly, cause huge damage, and cause massive damage. Places can take decades to recover, it can harm animals and damage vegetation. This summer especially has been so hot and dry.

Is it worth the risk?

You don't need a fire for this epic stew anyway 👌

More about [Tentsmuir National Nature Reserve](https://www.nature.scot/enjoying-outdoors/visit-our-nature-reserves/tentsmuir-national-nature-reserve).

## You may also be interested in

[Exploring without disturbing wildlife](https://www.outdooraccess-scotland.scot/exploring-without-disturbing-wildlife)

[Being a responsible dog owner](https://www.outdooraccess-scotland.scot/practical-guide-all/dog-walkers)

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