Yes, you can get in trouble for wild camping in most of the UK, as it is technically a civil offense (trespass) without the landowner's prior permission. In England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, you have no legal right to camp on private land, and the police or landowner can ask you to leave at any time. If you refuse to move, it can escalate to "aggravated trespass," which is a criminal offense carrying fines up to £2,500 or even a short prison sentence. The major exception is Scotland, where the Land Reform Act 2003 permits wild camping on most unenclosed land, provided you follow the "Scottish Outdoor Access Code" and leave no trace. Even in Scotland, however, some areas like Loch Lomond have seasonal bylaws restricting camping to designated sites. For 2026 travelers, the best practice is to "pitch late and leave early," stay away from buildings and livestock, and always be prepared to apologize and move on if discovered by a ranger or farmer.