For bushcraft enthusiasts, the UK offers a wide range of camping locations that provide an ideal environment to practice survival skills, embrace the wilderness, and truly connect with nature. Whether you’re seeking woodlands, remote moorlands, or lakeside spots, there are plenty of bushcraft-friendly campsites across the UK where you can hone your outdoor skills. These campsites not only offer an authentic wilderness experience but also allow for practical learning, such as shelter building, fire-starting, and foraging.
If you’re looking for the best bushcraft-friendly locations to camp, be sure to check out Campsites and Places to Stay in the UK. This comprehensive guide will help you discover the best campsites and accommodations across the country where you can immerse yourself in nature while sharpening your bushcraft skills.
1. Kettlewell Campsite – Yorkshire Dales
Located in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales, Kettlewell Campsite is an excellent location for bushcraft enthusiasts. Surrounded by rugged hills and stunning moorlands, this campsite offers plenty of opportunities to practice wilderness survival skills. With access to hiking trails, foraging grounds, and a quiet atmosphere, Kettlewell is perfect for those looking to escape into nature.
- Key Features: Secluded setting, access to hiking trails, and nearby wildlife.
- Activities: Foraging, fire-starting, shelter-building, and wildlife watching.
2. Woodland Valley – Lake District
Woodland Valley in the Lake District is one of the best bushcraft camping locations in the UK. With vast woodlands, tranquil lakes, and steep hills, the area provides an ideal setting for outdoor learning. Whether you’re practicing fire-building or exploring the surrounding environment for wild edibles, Woodland Valley offers an authentic wilderness experience.
- Key Features: Dense woodlands, picturesque lakes, and hills for hiking.
- Activities: Foraging, fire-starting, shelter-building, and fishing.
3. Glenmore Campsite – Cairngorms National Park
For those looking for a more remote bushcraft experience, Glenmore Campsite in Scotland’s Cairngorms National Park offers a true wilderness adventure. Surrounded by ancient forests and mountainous terrain, this campsite is perfect for learning advanced bushcraft skills. The park is also home to diverse wildlife, providing an immersive outdoor experience.
- Key Features: Remote woodlands, proximity to mountains, and wildlife observation opportunities.
- Activities: Foraging, fire-starting, wildlife tracking, and building natural shelters.
4. The Forest of Dean – Gloucestershire
The Forest of Dean is one of England’s oldest forests, offering a great environment for bushcraft enthusiasts. With dense woodland, wildlife-rich surroundings, and access to trails, this area is perfect for those interested in learning survival skills. The Forest of Dean also has a variety of plants and fungi, making it an ideal place to practice foraging.
- Key Features: Ancient woodlands, plenty of hiking trails, and diverse plant life.
- Activities: Shelter-building, foraging, fire-starting, and wildlife watching.
5. Holme Fen Nature Reserve – Cambridgeshire
Located in Cambridgeshire, Holme Fen Nature Reserve offers a unique bushcraft experience for those interested in wetlands and marshland environments. The reserve provides opportunities to practice survival skills while foraging for plants, fishing, and birdwatching. It’s a quieter location compared to more traditional campsites, perfect for a peaceful, nature-filled retreat.
- Key Features: Wetlands, diverse plant species, and serene walking trails.
- Activities: Foraging, plant identification, birdwatching, and firecraft practice.
6. Mendip Hills – Somerset
The Mendip Hills in Somerset offer a varied landscape that includes limestone hills, woodlands, and caves—ideal for practicing bushcraft techniques. The area offers diverse terrain to explore and is perfect for hiking, foraging, and shelter-building. The hills are also home to a wide range of wildlife, making this a prime spot for nature observation.
- Key Features: Varied terrain, limestone hills, caves, and wildlife-rich surroundings.
- Activities: Foraging, exploring caves, fire-starting, and shelter-building.
7. Wild Boar Wood – Kent
For those interested in a more hands-on bushcraft experience, Wild Boar Wood in Kent provides the perfect setting. The site offers woodlands, open fields, and a peaceful environment for practicing various wilderness skills, including tracking, fire-building, and shelter construction. Wild Boar Wood is ideal for those looking to connect with nature and refine their bushcraft abilities.
- Key Features: Remote woodlands, various terrains for exploration, and a peaceful atmosphere.
- Activities: Foraging, shelter-building, fire-starting, and wildlife tracking.
Conclusion
The UK offers a variety of bushcraft-friendly campsites where enthusiasts can practice their survival skills, connect with nature, and enjoy an authentic wilderness experience. Whether you prefer remote woodlands, tranquil lakes, or rugged hills, there is a perfect campsite for you. For more information on the best bushcraft-friendly campsites across the country, be sure to check out Campsites and Places to Stay in the UK. These locations offer a chance to hone your skills while embracing the beauty of the outdoors. Happy camping!
