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

BOSNIA

NOT ADVISED

With 394 land mines per km, it is one of the most heavily land mined areas in world. Click here and here for maps of land mine distribution. 

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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Join the discussion 3 Comments

  • John House says:

    Thanks for that. Enjoy your travels:-))

  • Gabriel says:

    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. 🙂

  • Maigonis says:

    Very helpful for planning summer trip. Thanks

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