Families looking for cheap things to do this summer have been warned about the different rules and regulations around wild camping in Europe to avoid fines of up to €3,000 and even three months imprisonment.
Travel experts at StressFreeCarRental.com have revealed the wild camping regulation in nine popular holiday countries, including the UK, France, Spain and Italy.
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Whilst wild camping, also known as boondocking, dry camping, or dispersed camping, is generally not permitted in the UK except for Scotland, there are some areas where it is allowed – under stringent conditions.
For example in Germany, hikers, horse riders and canoeists are allowed to pitch their tent for a night in certain federal states like Brandenburg, Bremen and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania.
But other countries in Europe, including Sweden and Norway, are more tolerant of this scenic activity.
In fact, Norway’s Allemannsretten („everyman’s right”) is a law that allows everyone to roam free on uncultivated land. This means that you’re allowed to hike or set up a tent almost anywhere in the wilderness – the main rule is to pitch it at least 150-200 metres from the nearest cabin or house.
In Scotland, wild camping isn’t prohibited thanks to its “right to roam” laws, meaning you can technically pitch up wherever you like.
Whilst some countries don’t enforce or punish wild camping too strictly, others can fine trespassers up to €3,000.
John Charnock, CEO of StressFreeCarRental.com said: “Whilst wild camping offers a unique way to experience nature, it’s important to be aware of the varying regulations across Europe.
“In some places like Norway and Scotland, the right to roam allows for more freedom, but in others, stringent rules and hefty fines mean campers must tread carefully.
“Always check local guidelines to ensure a safe and lawful adventure.”
- United Kingdom
Generally, wild camping without the landowner’s permission is illegal in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. But wild camping in Scotland isn’t prohibited thanks to ‘right to roam’ laws, so that means you can technically pitch up wherever you like – including in the country’s incredible National Parks.
Dartmoor National Park in England does actually allow wild camping in specific areas, but there are a few rules in place. Campers must carry all their equipment on foot, and stay a maximum of two nights. Overnight stays are not permitted in vehicles, including campervans and motorhomes, and large tents are also banned. Campers must pitch up out of sight at least 100 metres from the road, and leave no trace behind.
- France
France prohibits wild camping, however this is merely the official stance, as the government and law enforcement are still aware it occurs, and do not tend to treat it as a crime.
Basic rules on wild camping are set out in French town and country planning laws, in Article R111-33. Wild camping generally is not permitted in France, except when the landowner permits to do so. Pitching up in protected natural sites or near historic monuments is never allowed. Local authorities or other authorities in charge of these designated areas can establish specific rules regarding the area they govern.
- Germany
Wild camping is generally not allowed in most of Germany’s 16 federal states unless permission is obtained from the landowner or responsible government agency. If you are caught wild camping illegally, penalties vary significantly between the different federal states. Wild camping is strictly forbidden throughout Germany in national parks, nature reserves, landscape protection areas and natural reservoirs, regardless of the federal state. Significantly higher fines threaten here than in non-protected areas.
Wild camping in Germany is permitted under certain conditions in Brandenburg, Bremen and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, for example, in Brandenburg and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, hikers, horse riders or canoeists can officially pitch their tent for a night in the outdoors.
- Spain
Spain has implemented measures to regulate outdoor activities, including camping, in order to protect its natural environment and wildlife. As a result, wild camping is generally not legal in Spain, and there are strict regulations in place to prevent it. However, it’s best to check with local authorities or park rangers for specific guidelines in the area where you plan to camp. Some general guidelines to follow include only camping in areas that are not privately owned and are not classified as protected or natural areas, camping at least 100 metres away from any water source, and staying for a maximum of one night in any given spot.
Anyone caught camping in a prohibited area can face a hefty fine ranging from €30 to €3,000, depending on the circumstances.
- Sweden
Sweden’s wild camping laws are quite generous, as wild camping in Sweden is allowed for one to three nights as long as you do not disturb either nature or other people and you do not ignore any prohibition signs. However, wild camping in nature reserves and national parks is still prohibited, unless you are sleeping under the open sky. Holidaymakers who want to spend the night in their car, caravan or motorhome outside an official camping and parking area can stay on the side of the road or in designated areas for up to 24 hours.
- Norway
Norway’s “freedom to roam” allows you to hike or set up a tent almost anywhere in the wilderness – the main rule is to pitch it at least 150-200 metres from the nearest cabin or house. Additionally, you must camp in “utmark,” which means unfenced land, so avoid gardens, fields, farms, or any areas with activity and stick to the open wilderness.
You can only stay in the same spot for two nights, but there’s no strict rule on how far to move. Generally, moving at least 50 metres is acceptable.
- Italy
Wild camping is generally prohibited in Italy with fines ranging from €100-€500, but staying overnight is permitted in specially designated parking areas for motorhomes and on campsites. Although there are no generally applicable rules, the individual regions are responsible for the respective laws. These rules are particularly stringent in tourist areas and on/around beaches.
- Finland
Wild camping is officially allowed in Finland. However, there are some points to consider here as well: Wild camping is only allowed on uncultivated land, and wild camping is not permitted in nature reserves, national parks or on beaches.
- Greece
Greece does not allow wild camping, as the law states “it is forbidden to set up tents or park caravans in archeological sites, beaches, public forest edges, and generally public areas.” Violators can even be punished with imprisonment of up to three months, with a fine of three hundred €300 per person! However, outside of the usual tourist areas it is usually tolerated by the authorities and residents.
