Top 5 Wild Camping Adventures You Can Have in Just 24 Hours

May 2
5 min read

(And how to stretch it into something even wilder...)

Wild camping in the UK isn’t just about where you sleep – it’s about how you feel. That rush when your bare feet hit a woodland floor, the shiver of a wild swim, the buzz of spotting a deer print in the mud. At CampWild, our secluded Wild Spaces offer a unique chance to escape into the natural world – safely, responsibly, and completely immersed.

a hammock hanging in a pine woodland, next to a stream. — Member James camp at Pine Island

Here are five unforgettable adventures you can fit into just 24 hours – and if that’s not quite enough, we’ve got an idea for that too.

🌊 1. Dive In: Wild Swimming in Hidden Waters

There’s nothing quite like the feeling of slipping into a cold, clear stream or a glassy lake, especially when you’ve got it all to yourself. With over a third of our Wild Spaces featuring natural water sources – from shaded forest brooks to wide open waterfalls – a wild swim is more than refreshing, it’s transformational.

Swimming in the wild resets your system. It reconnects you to your body and the world around you. You might float on your back watching the trees above, or leap from a rock ledge into deep water – the kind of moment you’ll remember long after you’ve towelled off.

🗺️ CampWild Champion Dannielle told us: “One of the most amazing Wild swims I have ever had was at Wild Space Field End. A secluded corner of a Cumbrian farm, where the river pools naturally under a limestone ledge, forming a perfect plunge pool beneath a tiny waterfall, all surrounded by an ancient woodland! Heaven on earth. ”

Top Tip: Bring a dry bag and pack a warm layer, a towel, and a flask of tea or soup. Always check the depth and flow before getting in, enter slowly, and swim with caution. If you're nervous, just paddle – it's still wild and still counts.

🌲 2. Rewild Your Inner Child: Tree Climbing, Den Building & Forest Play

We all need play. Climbing trees, building shelters, even just wandering without a plan – these are the things that root us in the moment and remind us of childhood freedom. CampWild is your playground. With no other campers around and full permission to explore, the spaces are yours.

Whether you're pitching a tree tent, slinging up a hammock between ancient oaks, or just lying on your back watching the canopy sway, you'll rediscover a slower, more curious way of being. Bring your kids or let your inner kid lead the way.

🗺️ Co-Founder Tom suggests: “At Tall Pines, the pine woods & craggy hillside offer ideal hammocking trees and low branches perfect for a safe climb. There’s even a small cave where you can build a simple den using fallen branches.”

Top Tip: Use tree-friendly straps if you're hanging a hammock or slackline, and avoid damaging bark or climbing on wet, mossy trunks. Make your den from deadfall only – leave the living branches be. A foldable saw, biodegradable rope, and tarp can turn a casual session into a night under the stars.

🦌 3. Track the Wild: Signs, Sounds and Secret Sightings

You don’t need a degree in ecology to notice the wild lives all around you. With a little observation and patience, you can spot prints, droppings, feeding marks, and even bedding areas. Many of our Wild Spaces are home to deer, badgers, foxes, owls – and in some, even beavers.

Try heading out early with a flask and binoculars, or sit quietly at dusk when the light softens and the woods start to stir. Whether you spot something or not, just trying tunes you into the land in a way that’s hard to shake.

🗺️ Co-Founder Alex suggests: “The Orchard in Devon has a family of Beavers(!)– they’ve been spotted swimming in the stream at dawn. Look out for for their tracks in the wetlands, their incredible dam-builds & the tell-tale signs of gnawed tree stumps!”

Top Tip: Move slowly and quietly. Avoid bright colours and keep your voice low. A simple animal tracks guide (or app), a notebook, and a good head torch with red light mode will level up your spotting game. Don't forget to look for signs like owl pellets, scat, or bark rubs.

🌱 4. Give Back to the Land: Micro-Conservation & Rewilding

Wild camping isn’t just about what you take from nature – it’s about what you give back. Through our partnership with Rewilding Britain, many Wild Spaces offer ways for members to engage in meaningful micro-conservation.

That might be as simple as recording plant or animal sightings, removing invasive species, spreading wildflower seed (when permitted), or helping maintain trails. It could even be just sitting still, watching, and sending in what you observed. Purpose-driven adventure is at the heart of CampWild.

🗺️ “At Heggs Farm, members are invited to help rescue the thousands of recently planted, native trees using the tools provided. Alternatively, you can practice bracken bashing, get stuck into a litter pick along the banks of the beck or simply sit back for an hour & monitor, record & then later report the wildlife you see to aid in rewilding & citizen science efforts here.”

Top Tip: Bring a pair of gloves, a rubbish bag, and your phone (for photos and ID apps). Check the host notes for any specific conservation goals or things to avoid. And remember: sharing your observations helps us all learn more and do better.

🚶‍♀️ 5. Extend the Escape: Link Wild Spaces for a Micro-Expedition

Sometimes 24 hours just isn’t enough – and we get it. That’s why CampWild members often link up two or more Wild Spaces over a weekend or midweek escape. Travel by bike or foot between locations, turning your wild camp into a mini expedition – no need for ferries or far-off flights.

It’s one of the most rewarding ways to explore. You’ll experience a journey, not just a destination – and you’ll go home with stories, not just photos. Many Wild Spaces are within 10–15km of each other, making this a perfect intro to backpacking or cycle touring.

🗺️Member Sam recommends: “I had an amazing multi-day adventure last summer, starting at the Wild Space Cascades near Dent, before then walking up & over the moor to Scree Fall, one of the highest Wild Spaces in their network. I then continued, using my OS Maps App to navigate to my final stop at Nethergill Farm. From here, I hiked back to Ribblesdale & caught the bus back to my car! It was an unforgettable adventure.”

Top Tip: Use the OS Route Cards in the CampWild member area to plan your route. Pack light and think smart: filter your water, bring only what you need, and have a backup plan if the weather turns. Always let someone know where you’re going – even on a short expedition.