Licence

Camping licence (England and Wales)

What is a campsite licence and applying to get one

Apply for this licence

For example SW1A 2AA

Find a postcode on Royal Mail's postcode finder

Contact your local council for a licence if you live in England or Wales and want to use your land as a campsite (including trailer tents).

You must have planning permission for the campsite before you apply for a licence.

You do not need a licence to run a campsite if:

  • the site is used for camping in tents on fewer than 42 days in a row, or fewer than 60 days in any 12 month period
  • you’re a member of an organisation like the Scouts and have an exemption certificate
  • your site is approved by an organisation with a camping exemption certificate
  • members of an exempted organisation stay in their tents on the site

If you are planning to have caravans on the site, you may need to apply for a caravan site licence instead.

Restrictions

The council may put conditions on the licence including:

  • how the site should be laid out
  • how many tents or moveable structures are allowed
  • what toilet and washing facilities should be provided

If you disagree with the conditions, you can appeal to a local magistrates court. The council may change licence conditions at any time but they will normally discuss any changes with you.

How to apply

Contact your local council for an application form.

Send in any information the council needs along with your form. For example, a plan showing things like site boundaries, where the tents are going to be put and any washing facilities.

You may have to pay a fee for a licence.

You can go ahead with your campsite plans if the council does not reply to your application within 1 month.

Fines and penalties

You can be fined if you:

  • do not get a licence
  • break any of your licence conditions

If you break your licence conditions, your licence may be withdrawn.