This overnight wild camping skills course is designed for beginners and improvers who want to build confidence outdoors. Across two days, you’ll learn the practical techniques needed for safe, enjoyable wild camping before heading onto the moor for a supported overnight experience. It’s a hands-on introduction suitable for anyone wanting to explore Dartmoor with greater independence.
Your course begins at 10am with a briefing and an overview of core equipment. The first part of the day focuses on practical skills such as tent setup, stove use, safe cooking practices, first aid basics, and planning considerations for wild camping on Dartmoor. You’ll also cover navigation fundamentals and map interpretation, enabling you to make informed decisions on the moor. Each skill is taught through hands-on exercises at the base location to ensure everyone is confident before heading out.
In the afternoon, you’ll pack your kit and walk onto the moor to set up an overnight wild camp. Here, you’ll put the day’s learning into practice, from choosing an appropriate pitch to cooking an evening meal using your stove. The instructor will guide the group through environmental considerations and good outdoor etiquette, helping you understand how to minimise impact. After a night under the stars, the session ends with breakfast on the moor before returning to the start point for a 10am finish.
The experience takes place on Dartmoor, an area known for its open landscapes, granite tors, and accessible moorland terrain. The combination of wide views and varied ground conditions makes it an ideal environment for practising navigation and developing confidence in wild camp planning. Training on location ensures you become familiar with the unique conditions of the National Park.
The overnight camp is held on the moor itself, giving you a genuine wild camping experience while still being supported by an experienced leader. You’ll learn how to identify suitable camping spots, manage changing weather, and navigate safely in low-visibility environments typical of Dartmoor.
This experience is suitable for beginners, returning campers, or anyone wanting to refresh their outdoor skills. A basic level of walking fitness is required, as you’ll carry your kit and walk to the overnight camp. No previous camping or navigation experience is needed, and all core techniques are introduced from an accessible starting point.
Participants must come prepared with suitable outdoor clothing, waterproof layers, and personal kit. A recommended kit list will be provided in advance to help ensure comfort and safety. If you’re unsure about equipment needs or have accessibility questions, support is available before booking.
This course combines structured instruction with a real overnight wild camp, making it far more practical than a classroom-based introduction. Skills are taught progressively, allowing you to build confidence before applying them on the moor. By the end, you’ll have a solid foundation to plan and enjoy your own wild camping trips safely.
The session is shaped around group needs and delivered by experienced outdoor leaders who specialise in accessible training. Whether you’re preparing for bigger expeditions or simply want to experience your first night in the wild, the course provides a supportive, enjoyable environment to learn essential skills.
No prior experience is required. The course begins with foundational skills including kit setup, stove use, and tent handling, making it suitable for complete beginners. Instructors guide you through each step and ensure you understand the principles before heading onto the moor.
Improvers and returning campers also benefit, as the course includes refinement of existing techniques, updated best practice, and modern equipment insights. Many participants join specifically to refresh forgotten skills or gain confidence before planning their own trips.
You’ll need personal camping equipment including a tent, sleeping bag, sleeping mat, headtorch, outdoor clothing, waterproofs, and food for evening and breakfast. A full kit list is provided in advance, allowing you to prepare correctly.
If you're missing certain items, instructors can advise on budget-friendly or loan options. The course focuses heavily on kit familiarity, so using your own equipment is ideal for real-world practice.
The physical demands are moderate. You’ll walk with a loaded pack across uneven ground and spend time on your feet learning campcraft and navigation. Distances are manageable and planned to suit the group’s ability.
The overnight camp involves typical outdoor conditions including wind, temperature changes, and occasional rain. Participants should be prepared for a realistic wild camping environment, though the pace remains steady and appropriate for beginners.
You’ll cover map reading basics, feature recognition, setting a bearing, pacing, and how to make safe route choices on Dartmoor. The training progresses gradually, starting with simple map-and-ground identification and building towards short navigation legs.
The following morning reinforces directional decisions, confidence in poor visibility, and how to adjust plans based on terrain or conditions. These skills form a key foundation for safe independent camping.
Yes, it is very well-suited to solo participants. The group format makes it easy to meet others with similar goals, and instructors ensure everyone has the support they need, regardless of experience.
Solo campers often find the overnight portion especially beneficial, as it provides a safe environment to practise skills they may not feel confident attempting alone.
The course runs in most weather conditions, as learning to manage the environment is a fundamental wild camping skill. Instructors adapt the route, session structure, and camp location to ensure safety while still providing an authentic experience.
In extreme weather situations, adjustments may be made to the itinerary. Safety remains the top priority, but typical Dartmoor weather is considered part of the training experience.
Yes, you’ll carry your overnight kit from the training area onto the moor. This forms an essential part of the learning process, helping you understand pack weight, distribution, and what equipment is truly necessary.
Distances are manageable, and instructors advise on packing efficiently to ensure you remain comfortable throughout the course.
Instructors select the campsite based on weather, ground conditions, group ability, and Dartmoor access guidelines. Safety, environmental impact, and teaching opportunities all factor into the decision.
You’ll learn how to assess terrain, wind exposure, and water access — skills you can apply independently on future trips.
Simple, lightweight meals are recommended, such as dehydrated meals, pasta dishes, or boil-in-the-bag options. You’ll also need snacks and a basic breakfast for the following morning.
Instructors provide guidance on stove use and fuel efficiency, so bringing food that cooks quickly helps keep the session practical and manageable.
Yes, the course works well for groups wanting to build confidence, resilience, and teamwork in an outdoor setting. The skills taught are adaptable for a range of abilities and can be tailored for group learning styles.
If required, dates and formats can be arranged to suit specific organisational needs, making it a flexible option for team development activities.
About the centre
Dartmoor
We partner with Rewilding Britain to help protect our natural spaces for future adventures.
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