Roof Tent & Overland Camping In The UK? How to do it?

Overlanding and roof-top tent (RTT) camping in the UK is becoming more popular every year, especially with people who want the adventure of off-grid travel without the restrictions of traditional campsites. Here’s a breakdown of how to do it properly in the UK:

? Choosing the Right Setup

• Choosing Your Tent:

  • Soft-shell Roof Tent – lighter, cheaper, quick to pack down, but slightly bigger profile when packed down. Can increase overall vehicle height.

  • Hard-shell Roof Tent – faster setup, hard wearing aluminium panels and frame, sleeker when closed, but heavier and more expensive. Hard shells take up more roof space compared to soft shells.

  • Ground Tents/ Swag Tents - The cheapest option available. Available in a huge range of sizes, options, prices and colours. Our ground swag tents are one of the best ground tent options for overlanding. They include built in foam mattresses, giving you a super comfortable sleep. Made from heavy duty rip-stop canvas and PVC bucket floor means you are protected from the elements. Our ground tents can easily be placed on a raised bed, keeping you off the floor and away from any nasty animals and bugs. 

• Vehicle Prep:

  • Strong roof rack rated for the weight of the tent and people.

  • All-terrain tyres if going off-road.

  • Suspension/lift kit upgrades if carrying lots of gear.

• Accessories:

  • Awning for shade/rain protection.

  • 12v power system or portable battery.

  • 12v Fridge/ Freezer.

  • Recovery gear (traction boards, shovel, straps) for muddy lanes.

? Weather & Gear Considerations

• The UK is generally wet and windy. Choose a tent with:

  • Good waterproofing.

  • Strong ladder anchoring.

  • Ventilation to reduce condensation.

• Essential kit:

  • Warm sleeping bags (3–4 season).

  • Insulated mats or RTT mattress topper.

  • Compact stove.

  • Waterproof storage boxes for gear.

⚖️ Legal & Practical Tips

• Check your car’s roof load limit (most SUVs/pickups handle RTT fine, but small cars may not).

• Don’t block public rights of way or park in farmer’s fields without asking.

• Respect noise and fire rules.

• Insurance: Some insurers may need notification if modifying vehicle with an RTT.

? Suggested UK Overland Routes

• North Coast 500 (Scotland): Stunning route around the Highlands, with many RTT friendly campsites.

• Wales 4x4 Trails: Snowdonia and mid-Wales green lanes.

• Lake District: Limited camping options compared to other locations, but amazing views.

• Southwest Coast: Devon & Cornwall hidden coves (many excellent pub and food options).

? In short: To do roof tent camping in the UK legally and comfortably, combine campsites & pub/farm stopovers, upgrade your vehicle + tent setup, and prepare for wet weather.