WILD CAMPING IN HERTFORDSHIRE: Where Can You Camp?

Tarps and hammock system often used in wild camping

We are often asked by clients on bushcraft courses if we know of any wild camping spots near by, or places in London or Hertfordshire where wild camping is possible.

Wild camping, where you do not stay on an official campsite, provides an escape from civilisation, modern comforts and people. The primitive nature of wild camping gives a chance to reconnect with nature, as well as to put into practise, and perhaps even test, your aptitude in key bushcraft skills that are necessary to know in order to wild camp successfully.

Hertfordshire may not have the vast wilderness of the Scottish Highlands, but its woodlands, countryside, rivers and rural landscapes offer plenty of opportunities to experience the outdoors.

However, there's an important distinction to understand before you head out with your tent or hammock.

Wild camping in England is not generally permitted without the landowner's permission.

That doesn't mean you can't enjoy a more natural, low-impact camping experience in Hertfordshire. There are landowners and campsites that specifically welcome campers looking for a more basic, back-to-nature experience.

In this guide, we'll look at the current options for wild and nearly wild camping in Hertfordshire, explain what you need to consider before setting up camp, and share some practical tips for enjoying an overnight adventure responsibly.

Wild Camping Essentials: What You Need to Know Before You Go

Whether you plan to stay in a tent, tarp system or simple bivy bag on the ground, you must understand and follow the wild camping code of conduct:

• Choose your pitch carefully to prevent any impact. Avoid digging, chopping trees, trampling plants and moving stones or rocks, or removing moss to make your camp.
  

• Do not light any fires or use disposable barbeques. I would always recommend only using camping stoves when wild camping, ensuring the local soil, trees and plants near the cooking area pose no flammable risk.

  Even where camping is permitted, fire restrictions may apply - don't assume fires are permitted.
  

• Leave no trace – there should be NO sign of your presence after you have packed up. Take every bit of rubbish and food waste with you!
  

• Safe and considerate toilet techniques. Toileting should be at least 30m away from any water source or path, and waste buried at least 15cm deep and covered over. A folding shovel is essential kit for wild camping and remember to take toilet paper and sanitary products away with you where required and dispose of them responsibly.
  

• Check potential water sources before you go, and potential for contamination. If you’re collecting water for purification, ensure you have everything you need to do so safely.
  

• Use only eco-friendly soaps and detergents and dispose of waste water at least 30m away from water courses.
  

• Shelter arrangements should leave no trace. Camp discreetly and quietly, well away from livestock, farms and buildings.

Tarp and hammock camping

A tarp and hammock can be a lightweight and versatile way to camp in woodland, provided you have suitable permission and appropriate anchor points.

If you're new to hammock camping, learning a few basic knots will make setting up much easier. We've put together a guide to essential knots for tarps and hammocks including the timber hitch and slippery figure-of-eight.

Places offering a wild or nearly wild camping experience in Hertfordshire

Close to our bushcraft base camp, there are also some places where landowners offer a wild camping experience and opportunity to escape into the wilderness.

• Lee Valley Almost Wild Campsite, Broxbourne. Campsite with a back to nature experience.

• Nearly Wild Camping A network of locations that welcome wild campers.

• Church Farm, Ardeley near Stevenage. Offers woodland wild camping with tarps and hammocks.

• Wilderness Wood, East Sussex. A hands on working woodland that offers wild camping.

Please note whilst we are aware of these “nearly wild” camping locations, we can’t specifically recommend them as we ourselves have not stayed overnight at all of them. The exception is Wilderness Wood in Sussex which we have overnighted on more than one occasion, though not recently but which we can recommend from personal experience.

Wild camping near London

If you're searching for wild camping near London, Hertfordshire offers a convenient escape from the capital without requiring a long journey into the countryside. Hertfordshire's woodland, countryside and rural landscapes provide plenty of opportunities to experience the outdoors, although anyone planning to camp must still obtain the appropriate permission from the landowner.

For those who want to develop the skills needed for a more self-sufficient outdoor experience, Polaris Bushcraft runs overnight bushcraft courses from our private ancient woodland camp in Bayford, Hertfordshire.

Good luck in your wilderness camping adventures!