Frequently asked questions about visiting Dartmoor National Park
Where can I park on Dartmoor?
There are a number of car parks throughout Dartmoor National Park. If car parks are full, please do not park on verges, in gateways, or anywhere that blocks access. Our car parking page will help you find out more about parking on Dartmoor.
Can I camp anywhere on Dartmoor?
No. You can only backpack camp (wild camp) in certain areas of Dartmoor National Park. Backpack camping is for those doing an extended walk, and not for groups with large tents to camp by the roadside.
Can I stay in my campervan on Dartmoor?
No. Dartmoor byelaws restrict overnight sleeping in vehicles. If you are looking to stay in your campervan on Dartmoor there are many great campsites in and around Dartmoor.
Where can I walk my dog and where do I dispose of dog mess on the moor?
Dartmoor welcomes responsible dog owners, with dogs under close control at all times. During lambing and ground nesting bird season dogs should be kept on a lead.
Dartmoor National Park Authority does not provide any bins, and all litter, including dog poo bags, must be taken with you.
Where can we have a picnic in the National Park?
On the open moorland there are no restrictions on where you can have a picnic. Please take all litter with you and do not light fires.
Can I fly my drone on Dartmoor?
Drones are not permitted on Dartmoor’s commons and other access land covered by the National Park Byelaws. We do not grant permission for recreational drone flying in these areas. If you wish to fly a drone on land without public access rights, you must first obtain permission from the landowner.
Can I use a drone for commercial photography or filming on Dartmoor?
Commercial use of drones over Dartmoor requires the normal filming permissions of the landowner, which will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis.
If you know who owns the land, you should approach the landowner directly to secure their permission.
Please note some landowners have a blanket ban on any drone flying from their land. Some may also charge a location fee. You will need to come to an agreement directly with the landowner regarding any charges.
Filming cannot take place without landowner permission and all relevant Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) documentation being provided in advance.
If you plan to fly a drone as part of a filming application for land we own, then please refer to our filming on Dartmoor page.
Where can I report drone misuse/privacy issues?
If you have any concerns about the use of drones in any area, either from a safety or privacy perspective, then you should contact the police on 101.
We are not an enforcement body and cannot respond to individual cases.
What are the military firing areas on Dartmoor?
Dartmoor has a long association with the military and as part of their license they use three agreed areas for their training which can include live firing. Red flags are posted, as well as notices online, to show when and where the military firing is taking place.
Can I scatter the ashes of a loved one on Dartmoor?
There are no specific rules governing the scattering of ashes on Dartmoor. However, we ask that you act considerately and choose a quiet location away from popular visitor sites and busy times. Please do not leave flowers, plaques or other permanent memorials. If the location is on private land rather than common land, you should seek the landowner’s permission. To help protect Dartmoor’s rivers and wildlife, ashes should not be scattered in or near watercourses.
Are the ponies on Dartmoor wild?
All the ponies on Dartmoor are owned but they are allowed to roam free on the moor for large parts of the year.
Where can we see the ponies on the moor?
Ponies can be seen at most times of the year grazing on various areas of open common. Please do not approach or feed them.
Where are the best places to go stargazing on Dartmoor?
Whilst Dartmoor doesn’t have official ‘Dark Sky’ designation, the skies are amongst the best in Southern England for star gazing. Away from major settlements, tree cover and in the middle of the moor are good starting places.
How many tors does Dartmoor have?
Dartmoor has more than 365 tors. These distinctive granite outcrops are one of the National Park’s most recognisable features, ranging from well-known landmarks such as Haytor and Hound Tor to many smaller tors scattered across the landscape.
What is Dartmoor famous for?
Dartmoor is famous for its wide open spaces, granite tors, Dartmoor Prison, Bronze Age archaeology, ponies, Sherlock Holmes, myths and legends and for having the world’s largest land slug!