7 Principles – Leave No Trace Camping

Camping is all about connecting with nature—but with that privilege comes the responsibility to protect it. The Leave No Trace movement is a globally recognised set of outdoor ethics that encourages people to enjoy the outdoors sustainably, ensuring that the landscapes we love today remain beautiful and wild for future generations.

In this guide, we explore the 7 Principles of Leave No Trace camping, showing you how to apply them on every trip. Whether you’re wild camping in the hills, pitching up at a campsite, or heading off-grid with your gear, these principles can help reduce your impact.

You’ll also find handy recommendations from OLPRO’s eco-conscious camping gear range, making it easier to camp responsibly.

1. Plan Ahead and Prepare

The first principle of Leave No Trace is about smart preparation. Knowing the local regulations, expected weather, and potential hazards can help prevent poor decisions that may harm the environment.

What this looks like:

• Research your chosen campsite’s rules and restrictions

• Pack only what you need

• Use reusable and sustainable items to reduce waste

Products like OLPRO’s packable tableware and collapsible cooking sets help minimise space, waste, and reliance on single-use plastics.

2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces

Stick to established paths and campsites to avoid damaging sensitive environments. Walking or pitching on moss, wildflower meadows or soft peatland can destroy fragile ecosystems.

Tips:

• Pitch tents only on designated sites or firm ground like gravel or dry grass

• Avoid widening trails or creating new ones

• Use OLPRO’s tent footprint groundsheets to protect the ground beneath your tent

For wild campers, the OLPRO Stafford 2.0 offers a base with minimal environmental disruption thanks to its compact footprint and easy setup.

3. Dispose of Waste Properly

“Pack it in, pack it out” is the golden rule. Everything you bring to a site should leave with you—especially rubbish. That includes food waste, packaging, and even organic matter like banana skins, which can take months to decompose.

How to do it right:

• Separate your rubbish and recyclables

• Take all litter home with you

• Use portable toilet solutions where facilities aren’t available

OLPRO’s portable toilet tents and chemical toilet solutions make wild camping cleaner and more responsible.

4. Leave What You Find

As tempting as it might be to collect a wildflower, feather, or stone as a souvenir, Leave No Trace camping means enjoying natural objects in their place.

This means:

• Don’t pick flowers or disturb natural features

• Avoid moving rocks, logs, or other wildlife habitats

• Teach children to observe rather than collect

You can always capture memories through photography—why not bring a compact camping table and enjoy sketching the view instead?

5. Minimise Campfire Impact

Campfires are part of camping tradition, but they can also leave long-term damage on the environment. Instead, consider low-impact alternatives like camp stoves or fire pits.

Responsible practices include:

• Using a portable fire pit where allowed

• Keeping fires small and controlled

• Burning only clean, dry wood from sustainable sources

For low-impact cooking, check out OLPRO’s gas stoves and fire-safe cookware, or choose LED lanterns instead of open flame lighting.

6. Respect Wildlife

One of the joys of camping is encountering wildlife—but respecting animals means not disturbing their behaviour or habitat.

Follow these tips:

• Observe animals from a distance

• Store food securely to avoid attracting animals

• Keep pets under control

Store food in OLPRO’s cool bags and food containers to keep your camp wildlife-safe and reduce the chance of scavenging.

7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors

Everyone has the right to enjoy the outdoors peacefully. That’s why the final principle is about being courteous to others and respecting shared spaces.

Practice good camping etiquette by:

• Keeping noise levels down, especially in the evening

• Giving others space at campsites or beauty spots

• Following dog-walking and litter guidelines

Bring along an OLPRO privacy shelter for changing or toilet use and a windbreak to create a respectful boundary at busy sites.

Why Leave No Trace Matters More Than Ever

With more people exploring the UK’s natural spaces than ever before, it’s crucial that we camp responsibly. The rise in wild camping and motorhome travel has increased pressure on our parks, forests, and coastlines. Without responsible practices, the landscapes we love could suffer irreparable damage.

By following the 7 Leave No Trace principles, we protect wildlife, support sustainable tourism, and ensure that future generations can experience the same beauty we enjoy today.

Responsible Camping with OLPRO

At OLPRO, we believe in equipping adventurers with high-quality gear that helps them explore responsibly. Our range of eco-conscious products is designed with sustainability in mind—from reusables and low-impact shelters to portable toilets and compact cooking solutions.

Whether you’re a seasoned wild camper or heading out for your first weekend under canvas, you’ll find everything you need to Leave No Trace and love the outdoors with care.

Explore Now:

• Camping Accessories

• Toilets & Showers

• Cooking Equipment

• Eco-Friendly Tableware

• Awnings & Shelters

Leave only footprints. Take only memories. Camp the OLPRO way.