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The natural beauty of Dartmoor National Park in Devon is being marred by campers who are treating the area “like a festival site”. The Dartmoor National Park Authority has expressed concern over an increase in “fly camping” activities, where campers are bringing in generators and mini-fridges since the Supreme Court upheld the legal right to wild camp on areas of private land in the park in May. This has led to a surge in people not adhering to the code of conduct, which specifies that tents and equipment must fit into a carriable backpack and limits camping groups to no more than six people.
Richard Drysdale, of the authority, emphasized the importance of appreciating the ethos of wild camping and backpack camping while exploring the park. Dartmoor National Park stands as a rare exception in England, where there is no general right to wild camp on private land. Deputy head ranger Ella Briens expressed concerns over the increase in fly camping and stressed the distinction between responsible wild camping and irresponsible behavior such as leaving litter, lighting fires, and camping in large groups in unauthorized areas.
Ranger Sam Le Bailly highlighted the inappropriate camping practices that have been observed recently, including setting up camp by the roadside with excessive equipment like generators, mini-fridges, and large tents. The authority emphasized the importance of following the Backpack Code and camping regulations in designated areas. Felix Trevethick, a student who has engaged in wild camping on Dartmoor, emphasized the core principle of “leave no trace” and expressed disappointment in the irresponsible actions of some campers who leave behind rubbish. It is crucial for visitors to respect the park and adhere to the guidelines to ensure the preservation of Dartmoor’s natural beauty
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