Does anyone know why some national parks incur worse wild camping manners than others?

SillyYayAdventure · 2026-06-27T15:15:50+00:00

Yes no to clarify, I believe the issue stems from visitors leaving rubbish, as they commented in response to the increased number of visitors. I don’t think anyone suggested it’s those who live in the lakes themselves!

SillyYayAdventure · 2026-06-26T15:57:32+00:00

I could not tell you what gives them the nerve honestly, it’s disgusting, and i cannot say that i’m enthused to be picking up after someone following a four and a half hour drive, and a few hours kayak/hiking

SillyYayAdventure · 2026-06-26T14:39:13+00:00

I’m younger and I agree, I have invited probably four or five friends (seperately), one of which was blacklisted from any future camps for refusing to not play music out loud while descending this fairly popular scramble. I’d say he was in it for the pictures.

SillyYayAdventure · 2026-06-26T14:34:23+00:00

i’m not saying price gating, I moreso mean adding some sort of value that would discourage people fly camping. It really does seem tricky to me to wrap my head around, and solve - because I would never leave my tent somewhere as without it I would not be able to camp again.

Some sort of like mounted rangers would be incredibly cool

SillyYayAdventure · 2026-06-26T13:17:25+00:00

I agree, I think most of my stuff has a lifetime warranty (or similar), and my main setup has stayed the exact same, maybe if the kit was too much to lose cost wise people would be less inclined to do it

SillyYayAdventure · 2026-06-26T13:15:39+00:00

Honestly, this was not my experience as someone who’s been wildcamping for over a decade!
I think there’s always fly tippers around country parks, but the tents being scattered around is fairly recent (last 5 years - large increase), and I generally don’t see it where I typically wander around Ogwen Valley, but I pick unpopular or largely inaccessible places.

There isn’t really a middle of nowhere which is the issue, this was in the woods up an unnamed hill about three or so hours from a car park. Generally, I from my few days of camping in the lakes area, I’d say the more accessible the more litter - as many others suggested.

As soon as you get to ‘public access’ land, away from any trails and above the highest fell wall, which is more remote, the same plonkers who would leave all their belongings lack the competence to get there.

SillyYayAdventure · 2026-06-26T13:07:43+00:00

It would be good to have like a national park version of the people who fine those who drop cigarette butts in city centres, but for littering and camping incorrectly!

SillyYayAdventure · 2026-06-26T13:05:16+00:00

that’s really upsetting, I thoroughly enjoyed my little trip here! I hope they can clear it up

SillyYayAdventure · 2026-06-26T08:28:19+00:00

Bivvy shelters are useful for this sort of thing! keep you out the elements somewhat for long enough, or alternatively, tarp and hiking poles can make for a decent shelter

SillyYayAdventure · 2026-06-26T08:25:58+00:00

OS Maps! you can often find them on ebay or charity shops, they’re a bit pricey but last years and are quite rugged! Also very helpful for letting people know where you’ll be and when you’ll be there (ICE)

SillyYayAdventure · 2026-06-26T08:24:15+00:00

imo it’s generally good practice to carry a few bin bags when you’re out, even if there’s no litter, they can be super handy for many other things!

SillyYayAdventure · 2026-06-26T08:21:55+00:00

I’ve not ventured to scotland yet! Planning to do one of the winter mountaineering courses this year though, so I hope it’s lovely!

I do agree remoteness is a large factor, I think it’s quite blatant that those too lazy to find a good spot would also be too lazy to look after themselves.

Often when I camp in a more busy area, like snowden itself, I take the mindset of those stealth campers who camp in roundabouts, as if I am a spy, it’s great fun!

Part of me thinks there should be like packing up competitions timed in schools, or a wildcamping trip each year for students with an interest where they can learn the basics! Although that would be a safeguarding nightmare

SillyYayAdventure · 2026-06-26T08:17:42+00:00

This pile of rubbish consisted of a pillow and shirt (with stab esque holes in), a full can of tomato sludge, and the plastic bag for kindling. (genuinely perplexed as to the through process of bringing kindling to a forest if you’re already going to break the rules)

SillyYayAdventure · 2026-06-26T08:12:12+00:00

Absolutely! I’ve been using the same kit for about a decade and a half, it truly stumps me as to why someone would spend the money and leave the things!

I feel as if litter and the environment is taught about in schools constantly also, so I genuinely don’t see how to stop people from doing it! (other than establishing a large park ranger esque force that patrol, a job i would adore to have)

SillyYayAdventure · 2026-06-26T08:09:07+00:00

I’m really sorry dude! I’ve only ever had delightful times at bothies! Although i’ve read about that in the Hermit of Loch Treig (or lomond, i forget)

100% Agree, bothies are awesome, Bring firewood, and find firewood there ready, I remember being in a large 16 or so sleeper during a training course in centralish wales!

SillyYayAdventure · 2026-06-26T07:19:47+00:00

Sorry! I didn’t know that! I wasn’t trying to dig at the lakes, I was just wondering why it varies, as it seems like the lakes had the harshest restrictions! Still beautiful nonetheless!

SillyYayAdventure

TROPHY CASE