From Scotland's wild shores to coastal campsites across England, Wales and beyond, discover where to pitch your tent by the sea – plus essential tips for sandy success.
Who doesn’t love the beach? Golden sands and turquoise waters make for an idyllic summer weekend getaway – particularly if you find a spot with a good coastal path to explore. But beach camping in the UK isn’t quite as simple as pitching your tent and stoking up a driftwood fire. In fact, in many parts of the UK, it’s illegal to wild camp, which means sandy shores are out. That said, there are a few alternative options within England, Wales and Northern Ireland – and a whole raft more in Scotland, thanks to its progressive outdoor access code.
Beach camping can offer a refreshingly different perspective on the great outdoors.
Can you wild camp on a beach in the UK?
In England and Wales, the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 (aka, the CROW Act) allows the public to access mountains, moor, heaths and downs, or other registered common land for the purposes of walking, running, birdwatching, sightseeing and climbing. But as a general rule, it restricts people from wild camping in all areas apart from Dartmoor. In Northern Ireland, the Access to the Countryside (Northern Ireland) Order 1983 gives similar advice.
The good news is that in Scotland, wild camping is allowed thanks to the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 – and this includes beaches. In fact, the only places in Scotland that are out of bounds for wild camping are enclosed crop or livestock fields and private gardens. Restrictions do apply in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, where you need a camping permit to pitch up in designated zones.
So, the simple answer is: you can't wild camp on the beach anywhere in most of the UK, but you can in Scotland. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, the way to get around this, including on beaches, would be to ask for permission to camp directly from the landowner.
Fortunately, there are still plenty of coastal campsites around the UK, which offer pitches along many stunning stretches of shoreline. This means that beach camping is not totally out.
The best beach camping spots offer spectacular sea views right from the door of your tent.
Best beach camping spots in England, Wales and Northern Ireland
Whether you're keen to see the Jurassic Coast in Dorset or the hidden coves of North Wales's Llŷn Peninsula, you'll find plenty of spots to pitch up your tent just a pebble's fling from the ocean. Here are a few...
Aberafon Campsite, Wales
With five acres of land dedicated to sheltered pitches and 15 acres of valley grounds in total, Aberafon Campsite is a beachside hideaway overlooking the sea. This small campsite is connected to a private beach, which is perfect for swimming and walks along the coast. Book your pitch
Shell Island Campsite, North Wales
Locally known as Mochras, Shell Island is one of the largest campsites in Europe and well worth a visit if you're into sandy beaches, long walks and plenty of natural wildlife. The site has one main beach which stretches for six miles and two smaller beaches that can be accessed when the tide is out.
Speaking of the tide, Shell Island gets its name from the tidal causeway which cuts off the island and restricts vehicle access every day, giving the place a remote feel. It's the perfect pitch up for watersports lovers, with kayaking and paddleboarding available on site. You'll also find plenty of walking trails. Simply choose your pitch overlooking the sea or hidden in the sand dunes. Book your pitch
Ocean Pitch at Croyde Beach, Devon
This family-run campsite is a popular spot for campers and glampers alike. With pitches for tents, roof tents, campervans and vans up to 6.5m as well as luxury glamping courtesy of SeaPod, Ocean Pitch is a 3-minute walk from the beach. The campsite also gives direct access to the South West Coast Path National Trail. Book your pitch
Bedruthan Steps, Cornwall
Bedruthan Steps is a clifftop campsite situated close to Newquay and Padstow. It's a more down-to-earth option with non-electric grass pitches and a limited water supply, though there are showers and drinking water on site. Not only is there a beach and coastal path below the site but Bedruthan Steps is also in a dark sky area, meaning it's one of the best places to lay back and enjoy some stargazing. Book your pitch
Camping at Troytown Farm on St Agnes in the Isles of Scilly. (Credit: Ellie Clewlow)
Troytown Farm, St Agnes
For a more remote adventure, head to Troytown Farm on St Agnes in the Isles of Scilly off the northern tip of Cornwall. This island campsite has grass pitches, which sit a skim away from the beach where you can swim, kayak and even hire paddleboards. Book your pitch
Scotland's best beach camping spots
Unlike England, Wales and Northern Ireland, beach camping is allowed without prior permission in most areas of Scotland, apart from Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park.
Alongside the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003, wild camping is governed by the Scottish Outdoor Access Code (SOAC) which lays out the ground rules for a responsible overnight stay:
Use small tents and camp in small groups
Stay for no more than three nights in a single area
If you must have a fire, bring your own wood as fuel, as even dead wood is a habitat for bugs and other small wildlife
Bring a trowel and hand sanitiser for toileting. Dig a hole at least 12 inches deep, ensuring it is at least 30 metres away from water sources, buildings and paths.
It's also worth remembering that Scotland's wild camping rules only apply to people travelling on foot and do not extend to motor vehicles.
Camped in the dunes at Sandwood Bay, Sutherland, northwest Scotland, while backpacking the Cape Wrath Trail. (Credit: Matt Jones)
Some of the best spots to camp are likely to be the ones you stumble upon yourself. But if you're looking for a little more inspiration or spots with a few facilities, these are some popular options.
Fidden Farm, Isle of Mull
Fidden Farm is a family-run beach campsite in a secluded bay with white sands. This large campsite allows you to choose your pitch without needing to book and lets you walk straight onto the golden sands. It's perfect for rock pooling, swimming and paddleboarding. Book your pitch
Sands, near Gairloch
Sands Campsite also has direct access to the beach with the added benefits of amenities like showers, toilets, wifi and laundry. Campervans, motorhomes and tents are welcome to pitch whenever they like, either sheltered in the dunes or overlooking the Minch, a strait that separates mainland Scotland from the Outer Hebrides. Book your pitch
Clachtoll
With grass pitches just above the beach, Clachtoll offers golden sands and an award-winning snorkelling trail. With plenty of wildlife regularly spotted, including dolphins, Minke whales, otters, sea porpoises and birds of prey, this is a must for hikers, water-lovers and birdwatchers. Book your pitch
Glenmore Campsite, Loch Morlich
Loch Morlich is a popular spot for a daytime walk but you can't camp directly on the beach. Instead head to Glenmore Campsite, which offers direct access to the shores of the loch. Nestled in the Cairngorms National Park, you'll see plenty of deer, otters and eagles. Book your pitch
Other options
While not a campsite, the tiny Hebridean island of Vatersay is a popular beach destination for wild camping in Scotland. Or, on the mainland, Yellowcraig Beach in East Lothian is great for those without a car. Just 20 miles out of Edinburgh, you can ride the bus to your tent pitch directly on the sand.
Pitch your tent well above the high-water mark to ensure the tide doesn't wash away your stuff...
Top tips for beach camping
Once you've chosen your beach camping pitch, there are a few things to think about before you head off.
Check the tide times and conditions.
Pitch beyond the mean high-water mark. Make sure your tent won't get flooded at high tide, or you could be in for a nasty surprise!
Check the local weather forecast, paying particular attention to onshore winds. It's a good idea to pitch somewhere sheltered.
If you plan to swim, be aware of local conditions, such as rip tides, currents, and other potential underwater hazards. Follow water safety rules and open water swimming guidelines.
Consider taking specialist snow/sand stakes or sand bags to ensure you can pitch your tent securely, even on soft sand.
Pack a small brush to help keep sand out of your tent.
Bring a camp blanket or lightweight and portable camp chairs to relax on.
Even though the day may be hot and sunny, nights on the coast can be foggy and damp. Stash anything you'd prefer to keep dry in your tent porch or vestibule. Unexpected storms, passing showers, or even dewy mornings can all soak your gear.
Always follow the 'leave no trace' code and take all your rubbish with you.
Watch out for wildlife. Give seals and other sea life plenty of space, especially in breeding season.
Wear sunscreen!
When you get home, be sure to rinse your camping kit. Saltwater will soon gunk up tent zips and the like.
If you can pack them in and out, little luxuries like portable chairs, coolers and camp blankets will all make beach camping a breeze.
Laura Ash is the type of person to have a new hobby every week, but the ones she always comes back to are words and nature. A freelance writer, she splits her time between helping environmental and wellness brands with their marketing via Astraia Digital and finding good places to hike. Never based far from ocean, lake or forest, her latest obsession is wild swimming. Oh, and catsharks.
