Sick of trawling the internet to look up which countries tolerate wild camping? Below is a list of all of the countries in Europe and their rules regarding free camping. It is compiled from as many different sources as I could find online as well as recommendations from my own personal experience.
I see this as a living list so please post in the comments section below if my information or recommendations are inaccurate and I will update.
ALBANIA
YEP
Legal on public land, but sometimes restricted for environmental reasons.
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ARMENIA
YEP
Landowners will usually convince you to stay in their house. Expect dogs who cover a huge area around their farms to visit your tent at night.
AUSTRIA
NOPE
Cultivated areas – a definite NO.
The Alps – NO, but be out of sight, pick up trash and pack up early and you will avoid being seen.
AZERBAIJAN
YEP
There are very few hostels or commercial campgrounds in Azerbaijan so it is actually advised. Be careful of land mines.
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BELARUS
YEP
All forest and farm land is publicly owned. Belarus citizens have the right to freely stay in the forest so you won’t be bothered.
BELGIUM
NOPE
But there are designated areas called Bivakzones where you can stay for up to 48 hours for free. Click here for Bivakzone locations
BULGARIA
YEP
Be aware of wolves and bears in mountainous regions and lowland forests. They are small in number but at least you can prepare your self defence in advance.
CROATIA
NOPE
Camping is banned in Croatia and is clearly marked all over the country. But as usual be clever about where you camp (no touristy areas) and you should be ok.
CYPRUS
YEP
Camping is legal in Cyprus, except for when marked. Beware of military areas… Duh.
CZECH REPUBLIC
MAYBE
It is illegal but well tolerated. Stealth camp in forests and you should be ok. National parks are not allowed.
DENMARK
YEP
There are designated spots where you can stay for less than 2 days. Outside of this, hide well into forests and you will be fine.
ENGLAND
MAYBE
Wild camping is legal if you ask the landowner. Stealth camping is tolerated in mountainous regions or away from sight but beware of dry regions where rangers roam looking for fires. More info here.
ESTONIA
YEP
Legal in state forests (over 50% of forests are state owned) and all land 6 metres from the sea. On private properties that are fenced against trespassing, permission of the owner is required.
FINLAND
YEP
It is explicitly stated as ‘everyman’s right’ to roam and camp temporarily in the countryside, a reasonable distance from homes. So yes, wild camping is legal pretty much anywhere here.
FRANCE
MAYBE
It is illegal but with many isolated areas it is easy to do and landowners will usually offer permission if asked. Areas like Corsica are banned due to extremely dangerous fire hazards.
GEORGIA
YEP
There are plenty of beautiful places to camp but beware of wolves and be open to strange sounds.
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GERMANY
YEP
Camping in open areas, with the exception of forests, is not explicitly forbidden. Which means technically, it is allowed. To camp on private land you need permission from the owner.
GREECE
MAYBE
It isn’t legal but the rule is ignored. Do NOT camp on the beach in popular areas. Except if you are sleeping in an unenclosed tent , which is legal.
HUNGARY
YEP
But there are no truly wild areas apart from national parks – where it is illegal. Most land is privately owned farmland, so expect to ask for permission.
ICELAND
YEP
You can camp anywhere on public land except national parks. You must ask for permission to camp on private land.
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IRELAND
YEP
It illegal but well tolerated on public property and in most national parks. Ask for permission to camp on private land. Here are some suggestions.
ITALY
NOPE
It is illegal, enforced and can be dangerous. An exception to this may be north Italy. Exercise caution.
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KAZAKHSTAN
YEP
Camping in Kazakhstan is almost entirely wild camping. There are very few designated campgrounds so plan on it.
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KOSOVO
YEP
But be sure to avoid areas where the Kosovo war occurred. Many land mines still remain in Kosovo and can be a hazard if you camp in isolated rural areas.
LATVIA
YEP
You can pretty much camp anywhere as long as it is not agricultural land or a restricted/natural conservancy area. Don’t camp close to houses.
LITHUANIA
YEP
It is legal to camp anywhere as long as it is not a national park. However, it can be risky, so if close to a town be sure to exercise caution.
LUXEMBOURG
NOPE
It is illegal to wild camp in Luxembourg but accepted if permission is asked from the land owner.
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MACEDONIA
YEP
But the lack of dense vegetation and forest can make it difficult to find a secluded spot. Permission must be asked on private land.
MALTA
NOPE
It is illegal and difficult. Most land is cultivated and there isn’t much vegetation. It is possible to sleep on the beach in the summer without a tent.
MOLDOVA
YEP
Wild camping is allowed anywhere unless prohibited.
MONACO
NOPE
But I’m not sure why you would ever want to in this hellhole?
MONTENEGRO
YEP
It is illegal but generally tolerated if you don’t stay in national parks.
NETHERLANDS
NOPE
It is illegal. Although there are pole camps that you can camp at for free. Check this map
NORWAY
YEP
Everybody in Norway enjoys the right of access to, and passage through, uncultivated land in the countryside.
POLAND
YEP
It is illegal but tolerated. If you find a spot away from police or rangers nobody will report you.
PORTUGAL
MAYBE
Somewhat of a grey area in Portugal. Authorities will turn a blind eye if in rural areas or in the low season.
ROMANIA
YEP
Legally speaking. But there is a high risk as Romania is known for high crime/theft rate against campers.
RUSSIA
YEP
It is permitted everywhere aside from church land, private gardens and water collection areas. Watch for bears.
SCOTLAND
YEP
It is legal to camp on unenclosed land. The exception is East Loch Lomond over summer, due to overuse. Click for details
SERBIA
YEP
Wild camping is legal everywhere aside from national parks and some monasteries.
SLOVAKIA
MAYBE
It is illegal to wild camp in Slovakia, but simple to find spots – so do it anyway. Beware of thieves.
SLOVENIA
MAYBE
Wild camping on public property and national parks is not allowed. You are allowed to camp on private property if you have permission from the owner. Camping in rural areas is probably OK.
SPAIN
NOPE
Nope. Nope. And nope. Camping on beaches, in national parks or on public land is forbidden. And apparently they will catch you and fine you.
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SWEDEN
YEP
You have the right to camp anywhere with the exception of private gardens, in the immediate vicinity of a dwelling house or land under cultivation. Restrictions apply for nature reserves.
SWITZERLAND
MAYBE
Illegal but tolerated in open mountain spaces. If police find you, they may just move you on. Farmers might let you pitch on their land – but ask first
TURKEY
YEP
It is accepted and easy to wild camp in Turkey. In fact, most small restaurants and petrol stations will encourage you to stay if they have room.
UKRAINE
YEP
Wild camping is accepted in most places with the exception of some national parks.
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Thanks for that. Enjoy your travels:-))
In Romania you can camp (tent) almost everywhere in the nature or rural areas (there isn’t a law to not permit that). Also, if there is a private owner of the land ask first if he is around; if not, you’ll have a very hard time to find an owner which become upset on y just because you raise a tent for one night.
Regarding the “high crime/thef against campers” it’s a very strange statement to me. I spent more then 20 years travelling in Romania alone, by moto with my tent, and nobody try to kill me or to rob from me. Maybe I am the most fortunate one, but my friends are still ok also. 🙂
Very helpful for planning summer trip. Thanks