Yet Another First Time Wild Camp in Dartmoor

My first wild camp in Dartmoor - help.

I have chosen dartmoor for its leaniency towards wild camping as It will be daunting enough first time without having to be moved on.

My Girlfiend and I regularly visit Snowdonia and our aim is to eventually do a wild camp up Cadir Idris but first thought we would give some easier walks ago.

We have a week off work towards the end of September and being from the midlands Dartmoor is a bit far to go for an overnight, so we are going to head down, give do a couple of nights wild camping then head to a B&B (to have a propper shower). Depending on how we find it we may try some more wild camping or move to a 'mild campsite' instead.

Our initial thoughts are to stay out of the MOD areas for this trip to make it easier. and try some wild campspots near Merrivale then move to Tavistock for the B&B. WHat are peoples thoughts about this obviously any information would be great.

We have seen a coupele of walks around this area to try, but when it comes to Wild Camping do you just see a spot off the track, towards the late evening and set up tent? I gather this is correct but want to make sure.

If anyone has any better ideas just let me know.

One final question, what is the correct thing to do with your car, as we have to travel from the midlands, is there any general practice for leaving your car for a wild camp. ie car parks, fees etc.

Thanks in advance for any help

Michael

Outside of Towns, parking is generally free. Just be sensible - if not using carparks - don't block gateways/tracks, or drive off road more than a few metres (in a sensible place).

Car Parks marked on the maps are fine, but are also a greater possible risk for thieves IMO... Having said that, theft from the car is more likely than theft of the car(if at all), so usual precautions...

 We have seen a coupele of walks around this area to try, but when it comes to Wild Camping do you just see a spot off the track, towards the late evening and set up tent? I gather this is correct but want to make sure.

pretty much, though you need to check that the land is open access (obvious on later OL28 OS maps) see this page for advice and restrictions

 the mod area is fine - as long as they are not firing!

have a good time