If you’re heading out on an outdoor adventure, shelter building is a brilliant activity the whole family can enjoy! Whether you’re camping for the weekend or just spending the day exploring the woods, building a safe and cosy shelter is not only great fun but also a vital part of wilderness survival.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about building the perfect survival shelter, including why it matters and what makes a great one, plus some useful tips to get you started. We’ll also share how our exciting bushcraft camps can help your kids build confidence and master a whole range of outdoor skills!
What is shelter building?
Shelter building is the practice of constructing a temporary structure that provides protection from the elements and potential hazards such as falling branches, insects, or wild animals.
It can be made from natural materials like branches, leaves, and mud, or include a mix of man-made items such as tarps and ropes. Either way, the ultimate purpose of a shelter is to offer warmth, safety, and comfort.
A brief history of shelter building
Historically, shelter building is as old as humanity itself, from early hominids seeking refuge in caves to nomadic communities crafting dens from animal hides and turf to create roundhouses during the Iron Age. In Asia, traditional shelters like yurts and bamboo huts were designed to be portable for ease of movement and ventilated to stay cool in hot, humid climates.
Across the globe, people have developed ingenious ways to adapt to diverse environments and build homes from their immediate surroundings. Think of the snow-block igloos of the Inuit or the thatched huts of indigenous tribes. Without them, survival would be impossible.
How does it relate to bushcraft?
In the world of bushcraft, shelter building remains one of the core survival priorities alongside fire lighting, water purification, and foraging. It is all about using nature’s resources with respect, knowledge, and skill.
Unlike glamping or tent camping, bushcraft focuses on self-reliance. When you learn how to build a shelter in the wild, you’re not just putting up a place to sleep; you’re tapping into centuries of traditional knowledge and learning how to live with the land, not just on it.
Read our blog on the benefits of bushcraft survival for more information.
Why is shelter building important?
There’s a good reason why expert adventurers and survivalists emphasise shelter building as one of the first things to learn when venturing into the wild. For families, it’s an enriching, hands-on experience that offers a wide range of benefits, from building resilience to developing a deep connection with nature. Let’s explore each one in more detail!
- Safety and security:
A well-constructed shelter protects you from harsh weather conditions like rain, wind, snow, or extreme heat. In the UK, sudden weather changes are common, especially in the hills or forests, making a shelter essential for preventing exposure and hypothermia.
- Builds resilience:
Knowing how to build a shelter in the wild helps children and adults develop resilience. It encourages self-reliance, practical thinking, and the ability to stay calm and focused when faced with new challenges in unfamiliar settings. Additionally, overcoming obstacles such as a structure that keeps collapsing teaches perseverance.
- Encourages creative thinking and problem-solving:
No two shelters are ever quite the same. Every build is a chance to think creatively and adapt to your environment/climate. Children, in particular, can explore imaginative ways to use sticks, leaves, moss and other materials to solve problems like insulation.
- Improves overall well-being:
Spending time outdoors reduces stress by exposing the body and mind to nature’s calming effects. This helps lower cortisol levels, promoting relaxation and focus. Shelter building offers physical exercise through lifting, carrying, and assembling materials, whilst allowing you to reconnect with nature, away from screens and everyday distractions.
- Connection to nature:
Children naturally gravitate toward outdoor play, and shelter building is a hands-on activity that gives them a sense of purpose. They become more attuned to their surroundings, noticing which branches are strong, how the wind moves, or where to find the best leaves.
- Promotes responsibility and teamwork:
A successful shelter requires teamwork, especially during a bushcraft adventure. You must work together to gather materials, follow instructions, build efficiently, and support one another. This naturally promotes cooperation, communication, and a shared sense of achievement, as each person plays a key role.
Before you start!
Shelter building is a fun and rewarding activity, but good preparation is vital to ensure the experience is safe, successful, and enjoyable for everyone involved. Before you start, take time to plan carefully by considering the following important steps:
1. Ensure adult supervision
Safety always comes first. When children are involved, adults should supervise all stages, especially when handling tools or working on the shelter’s frame. This helps prevent accidents and teaches children how to use equipment properly.
Involve kids in age-appropriate tasks like gathering materials, sorting leaves, or tying knots under guidance, making it a fun learning experience that builds confidence and teamwork in a hands-on way.
Tip: Set clear boundaries for the shelter-building area. Mark off hazards like uneven ground to help keep the space organised and accident-free, while establishing basic rules like how to carry sticks safely or when to ask for help.
2. Choose the right location
Look for high ground that’s flat and dry, such as a gentle hillside, as this helps reduce the risk of flooding and water pooling after rain compared to a dip or hollow. Stay clear of unstable trees or dead branches that could fall unexpectedly and cause injury.
It is also best to avoid windy, open areas where harsh gusts might damage your structure. In summer, look for shade under leafy trees to stay cool; in colder weather, pick a spot with natural wind protection, like behind a dense bush or hedge, to help retain warmth.
Tip: Check for signs or information about land ownership beforehand. Many woodlands and wild areas may have restrictions, and building without permission can lead to legal issues. If in doubt, don’t build!
3. Decide on the type of shelter
Not all shelters are suited to every situation. Your choice depends on factors like weather, terrain, and the duration of your stay. For example, a quick lean-to is great for short-term protection during dry weather, while an A-frame offers stronger shelter against wind and rain, making it better for overnight stays.
If you’re in a damp environment, a tarp shelter can provide waterproof coverage quickly and easily. Understanding your environment and needs helps you choose the safest and most effective shelter type.
Tip: Consider the purpose of your shelter. Is it for a quick rest, an overnight stay, protection from the weather, or something more creative, like a camouflaged hideout or a secret den in the garden/park?
4. Gather your materials and tools
The right materials make all the difference. You’ll typically need:
- Long branches or logs sturdy enough to form a frame, which act as the skeleton of your shelter. Look for fallen wood rather than cutting live trees to protect the environment.
- Leaves, ferns, moss, or grass can be used as insulation and waterproofing, keeping rain out and warmth in. For example, thick layers of dry leaves on the roof can prevent leaks.
- Rope, cord, or vines for tying branches together securely. Natural vines work well, but synthetic rope is stronger and more reliable if you have it.
- A tarp or waterproof sheet is a great addition if available, especially for rain protection.
- Tools like a small knife are useful for trimming branches or cutting rope, but must be handled carefully and only with adult supervision.
Tip:. Always demonstrate how to use materials and equipment properly. Remind everyone to respect nature by only taking what’s needed and avoiding damage to living plants.
5. Wear appropriate clothing
Building a shelter involves getting close to nature, which often means mud, insects, and wild plants. Make sure everyone wears long sleeves and long trousers to protect against scratches and bites.
Waterproof boots will keep feet dry, and gloves protect hands from rough bark and sharp twigs. Dressing in layers also helps you adjust to changing weather conditions during your outdoor adventure.
Tip: Pack a small first aid kit. Include essentials like plasters, antiseptic wipes, insect repellent, SPF (50+), and antihistamine cream just in case of scrapes, stings, or nettle brushes.
How to build a shelter in the wild
Now for the fun part, building your shelter! Below are three popular types of shelters, each suited to different weather conditions and environments. Try one or experiment with all three to see what works best for you!
Lean-to shelter
The lean-to is one of the simplest and quickest shelters to build, making it ideal for beginners or those looking for a fast setup during a short stop. It works best in mild, dry weather and is great when you need protection from one direction, such as blocking wind or sun.
This shelter is open on one side, which means it offers less insulation and protection from rain or cold, but the open front makes it easy to get in and out and ideal for keeping an eye on children or watching a campfire nearby.
Steps to build a lean-to shelter:
- Find a strong, horizontal support (a fallen tree or set one between two standing trees).
- Lean long branches against it at an angle to create a sloping roof and one or two walls.
- Cover the frame with smaller sticks, and then insulate with leaves, moss, or a tarp.
- Add a ground layer of dry leaves or pine needles to keep warm.
A-frame shelter
The A-frame shelter is a more advanced build but offers excellent stability and weather resistance. Its design fully encloses the user from both sides, forming a triangular tunnel that helps trap body heat and keep out the elements.
This type of shelter takes a little more time and effort to build. Still, it provides a strong, sturdy structure that’s worth the extra preparation, especially if you’re staying out for a longer period or expecting challenging weather.
Steps to build an A-frame shelter:
- Find two forked branches, or sturdy Y-shaped sticks, and plant them firmly into the ground, about 4 feet apart.
- Lay a long support stick across the top, resting in the forks to form the ridge beam.
- Lean branches on both sides to form an A-frame shape.
- Cover with layers of leaves, ferns, grass, or a tarp to insulate and waterproof.
- Add a thick floor layer using dry natural materials for comfort and warmth.
Tarp shelter
The tarp shelter is a flexible and ultra-practical option. It’s incredibly quick to put up, lightweight to carry, and works well in most weather conditions. With just a tarp and some cord or pegs, you can create a reliable roof over your head in minutes!
Tarp shelters can be adapted into different shapes (A-frame, lean-to, diamond fly) depending on how you tie them up. They don’t offer as much insulation as natural-material shelters, but provide excellent rain cover and ventilation, which is great in warmer months.
Steps to build a tarp shelter:
- Find two trees about 3-4 metres apart.
- Tie a cord between them to create a ridgeline.
- Drape your tarp over the ridgeline in a tent-like shape.
- Secure the corners to the ground with pegs or heavy rocks.
- Add a groundsheet or pile natural materials like leaves underneath for comfort.
Remember to dismantle your shelter!
Once finished, dismantle your shelter and leave no trace! Remove any man-made materials like tarps, rope, string, or rubbish, and take them home with you. Scatter any natural debris, such as leaves, branches, or moss, back across the area so the landscape looks as untouched as when you arrived.
If you are having a fire (with permission and in a safe location), use a portable fire pit or safety ring. Keep it small and burn only dead and down wood, before extinguishing it completely and scattering the ashes.
These simple steps help protect wildlife habitats, prevent damage to the environment, and ensure the space remains clean and safe for others. They also teach children the importance of respecting nature, reinforcing positive outdoor ethics that they’ll carry with them long into the future.
Learn a range of outdoor skills at a PGL Bushcraft Camp!
If your children loved building a wild shelter, why not join a bushcraft camp for kids? These camps offer guided, safe learning in everything from identifying plants and fire-starting to foraging and tracking animals with food, drink, accommodation and equipment all included.
Attending a bushcraft adventure camp is one of the best ways for kids to:
- Learn hands-on survival skills
- Build confidence and teamwork
- Connect with nature
- Make lifelong friends
You’ll also get to try our fantastic range of PGL multi-activities, including archery, zipwire, kayaking and much more!
So, what are you waiting for? Get in touch with our friendly and experienced team today to book your next Specialist Camp!
