Best wildcamping tents for the UK 2025

The best wildcamping tents are purpose-built to handle the unique challenges of wild camping. But if you're just starting out, you don't necessarily need to invest in specialist gear right away. In fact, borrowing a tent from a friend or using what you already own can be a smart move for your first wildcamping trip. As long as you pick your pitch carefully — avoiding exposed ridgelines, summits or places vulnerable to high winds — a standard tent can serve you well for one or two beginner trips, especially if you camp relatively close to your vehicle. This approach is better for your wallet, better for the environment, and gives you a chance to see if wildcamping is really for you before investing in the best wildcamping tents available.

That doesn’t mean they’re only for alpine expeditions or extreme weather. In the UK, where winter can throw out a wild mix of sideways rain, battering gusts and sodden ground, a four-season tent is a sensible investment for anyone planning to camp year-round — particularly in exposed areas like the Cairngorms, Snowdonia or the Lake District.

Features of a four-season tent usually include a full fabric inner to reduce convective heat loss, more guy points for better stability, a lower profile to reduce buffeting, and stronger DAC or aluminium poles that can handle heavy loads. Some are even built to be snow-load bearing — though in the UK, it’s wind and wet weather they’re usually fighting.

If you’re into wild camping or heading out into the hills through autumn and winter, a four-season tent offers peace of mind. Yes, they’re usually heavier than their three-season cousins — but if staying dry, warm and sheltered matters more than cutting grams, they’re well worth it. You can find our full range of four-season tent reviews here.

Ultralight tents have become increasingly popular in wildcamping circles — and for good reason. If you're covering long distances on foot, cutting weight makes a huge difference to comfort and stamina. The best UK wildcamping tents often feature clever ultralight designs that still hold up to the rigours of British weather. But it’s worth remembering: shaving weight off your tent alone won’t transform your pack. If you truly want to go ultralight, you’ll need to consider your entire kit — from your wildcamping kit list to your stove, sleeping bag, and pack itself. Investing in an ultralight tent is a great starting point, but building a full ultralight system takes time, money, and careful planning.

A four-season tent is a shelter designed to handle the kind of conditions that would likely flatten or soak a typical three-season model. Built with stronger pole structures, more robust fabrics, and fewer mesh panels, these tents are designed to stand up to wind, rain, and even snow.

That doesn’t mean they’re only for alpine expeditions or extreme weather. In the UK, where winter can throw out a wild mix of sideways rain, battering gusts and sodden ground, a four-season tent is a sensible investment for anyone planning to camp year-round — particularly in exposed areas like the Cairngorms, Snowdonia or the Lake District.

Features of a four-season tent usually include a full fabric inner to reduce convective heat loss, more guy points for better stability, a lower profile to reduce buffeting, and stronger DAC or aluminium poles that can handle heavy loads. Some are even built to be snow-load bearing — though in the UK, it’s wind and wet weather they’re usually fighting.

If you’re into wild camping or heading out into the hills through autumn and winter, a four-season tent offers peace of mind. Yes, they’re usually heavier than their three-season cousins — but if staying dry, warm and sheltered matters more than cutting grams, they’re well worth it. You can find our full range of four-season tent reviews here.

Tent capacity can be a bit misleading, especially when it comes to the best tents for wildcamping. A 1-person tent is often best described as a cosy shelter for one person and a small amount of gear — think of it as a weatherproof sleeping coffin. A 2-person tent, however, tends to be a more comfortable solo option, giving you space for yourself and your kit without feeling too cramped. If you're planning to share your wildcamping adventure with a partner or friend, a 3-person tent is often the sweet spot for two people. Always check the tent’s interior dimensions before buying, as designs vary considerably.

Yes — but with caution. It really depends on the weather, the location, and how much discomfort you’re willing to tolerate.

If you’re sticking to lower ground or more sheltered spots, and the forecast is mild, there’s no reason you can’t use a three-season tent for wild camping in winter. Choose your pitch carefully — out of the wind, away from boggy ground, and ideally with some natural shelter. Check the forecast thoroughly and avoid anything with incoming storms, heavy snow or strong winds.

But if you’re heading into more exposed terrain — the Scottish Highlands, say, or open moorland — or want the peace of mind that comes with gear built for the job, then a four-season tent is the smarter, safer choice. It’ll be more stable in a gale, warmer inside, and far more capable when it comes to fending off extended rain.

In short: yes, it can be done — but don’t push your luck. If in doubt, go four-season.

Wildcamping rules in the UK are a bit of a patchwork. In places like Scotland, you can wildcamp responsibly thanks to the Outdoor Access Code. In parts of Dartmoor, limited rights exist. But across much of England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, permission is technically required from the landowner. That said, many responsible wildcampers follow a discreet, respectful approach that allows for peaceful nights under the stars without issue. For a full breakdown of where you can and can’t pitch up, check out our where to wild camp in the UK guide.

When browsing wildcamping tent reviews, you’ll come across a few distinct designs. Trekking pole tents use your walking poles as part of the structure, keeping weight to an absolute minimum — perfect for ultralight setups. Dome tents are classic, reliable all-rounders that handle wind well and are easy to pitch. Freestanding tents are great for uneven ground as they don't require pegging out to stand up, while semi-freestanding tents combine freestanding stability with weight savings. Geodesic tents, with multiple criss-crossing poles, offer outstanding strength and weather resistance, making them ideal for high mountain wildcamping in tough conditions. The best wild camping tents strike the right balance for your chosen adventures.

No matter which of the best wildcamping tents you choose, the most important part of any wildcamping trip is how you behave. Following Leave No Trace principles ensures that the landscapes we love stay wild and beautiful for future generations. That means camping discreetly, removing all litter, avoiding campfires, and being mindful of where you pitch to avoid damaging fragile habitats. Responsible wildcamping isn’t just an ethical choice — it’s essential for protecting access to these magical places. For a full breakdown on how to minimise your impact, see our complete Leave No Trace guide.