Camping in the wild is legal in more places than you might think!
Wild camping conjures up visions of spectacular sunsets and starry nightscapes. A warm glowing light emanating from a neon tent pitched atop a mountain summit. Long, unforgettable days pushing into wilderness areas and finding the perfect camping spot nestled amongst nature.
Camping in the wild is the shared dream of many dedicated trekkers longing for remote trails and peaceful seclusion. It is a true escape where all you need is your pack, the trail, and no one else for miles.
Organized by continent, with one must-do trail suggestion per destination. Here is a short bucket list of countries where you can wild camp to your heart’s content.
Jump ahead to:
Just in case… what is wild camping?
Wild camping, rural camping, freedom camping, free camping, bivouac camping, dispersed camping, backcountry camping…
It’s got a bunch of different names depending on where you are in the world.
They’re all talking about camping in tents/hammocks/bivvies/tarps outside of campsites, in the wild, national parks and public lands.
In many countries, camping in the wild is not legal and instead has to be done in designated camping areas.
This post is all about sharing the countries where wild camping is legal for tents/hammocks/bivvies
The best wild camping destinations
EUROPE
Wild Camping in Scotland
Legal: Yes
The Land Reform Act of 2003 gives public access rights to hikers and campers along many of Scotland’s trails and public land. While you are free to pitch your tent in most places, there are a few restrictions.
Restrictions:
- Do not stay in one place for more than three nights
- Do not camp in large groups
- Follow the leave no trace principles (details at the bottom of the article)
- Do not camp near buildings or animal enclosures
- Use a camp stove (no campfires unless otherwise indicated)
- Make yourself aware of any seasonal bylaws
- Some areas require a permit, such as Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park.
Suggested Trail: West Highland Way
Stretching 152 km (95 miles), the West Highland Way (WHW) is the first of Scotland’s designated long-distance trails.
It is most often travelled South to North starting in Milngavie (pronounced Mul-guy) and finishing in Fort William. While camping in the wild along this route is a Scottish tradition, some areas are only allowed in a season and with a permit.
Check here for more tips about camping wild in Scotland.
Wild camping in England
Legal: Yes, in Dartmoor
Whilst camping wild in England is very popular, it is not legal… besides Dartmoor. But in Dartmoor National Park, as long as you can carry everything in a backpack, are respectful and are in no bigger than a small group, wild camping is welcomed.
Restrictions:
- Stick to areas of open moorland
- Stay away from roads or settlements
- Follow leave no trace steps
- Have enough outdoor experience to stay safe
- Use their interactive map for guidance on accepted locations
Suggested Trail: The Two Moors Way
A 110-mile hiking trail that takes you right through the heart of Devon, from Dartmoor National Park to Exmoor National Park in Somerset and finally the coastline.
This is a stunning trail, and though wild camping is not legal across the whole of it, you pass right through the heart of Dartmoor where it is permitted.
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Wild camping in Estonia
Legal: Yes
Estonia is another country with a Right to Roam law. This law, also called the Everyman law, grants people the right to access nature freely. Although this right is codified into law in Estonia, there are restrictions.
Restrictions:
- Stay out of fenced and clearly marked private land
- Do not stay longer than a few nights
- Follow leave no trace principals
- Camp near trails
- Keep your campsite quiet
Suggested Trail: Baltic Coast Hiking Trail
This coastal trail is new and exciting as it spans 620km (385.25 miles) along the Baltic Coast. The Estonian Section can be traveled point-to-point from either Ikla or Tallin. There is also the option to do this hike in segments.
This trail wanders through beautiful seaside and forest settings where you can fall asleep to the sound of lapping waves one night and gentle winds blowing through the trees the next.
Wild camping in Norway
Legal – Yes
Scandinavian countries are famous worldwide for their freedom to roam laws. A little caution, though. The laws can differ from country to country, so it is best to familiarize yourself with laws about your destination.
Restrictions:
- Maximum stay of two nights unless you have permission to stay longer from the landowner
- No campfires between April and September
- Stay out of fenced farming areas during planting season (you can usually have access to those areas from October 15th to April 30th.
Suggested Trail: Osterdalen Path – AKA – The Pilgrim Trail
The Pilgrim Trail takes you from Tynset to Trondheim, following 243.2km (151 miles) of a sometimes gentle and sometimes rugged path. A section of this trail wanders through Forollhogna National Park, home to Norway’s largest reindeer population.
NORTH AMERICA
Wild camping in Canada
Legal: Yes
While wild camping is legal in Canada, there are no right-to-access laws. Wild camping is considered more of a privilege than a right, although legal on Crown Land (government-owned).
To Canadians, camping in the wild entails NOT staying in a national, provincial, or privately-owned campground. You may find places along trails that provide rustic washrooms or go into the backcountry where there are little to no facilities.
Also, Canada is a huge country. Restrictions may vary from province to province.
Restrictions:
- No camping on private property or owned land
- Respect wildlife
- Be aware of seasonal differences like hunting season
- Check for fire bans
- Follow leave no trace principals
- Some trails may require a permit
Suggested Trail: The Sunshine Coast Trail
The Sunshine coast trail is a point-to-point or, in this case, a hut-to-hut trail that extends 157.7km (98 miles) from Sarah Point in Desolation Sound to Saltery Bay in Powell River, BC. It is Canada’s longest hut-to-hut trail. You can wild camp anywhere along it.
No permits are required. Just be prepared to bear, hang your food and carry bear spray as this part of British Columbia’s Sunshine Coast, home to wolves, cougars, black and grizzly bears!
Wild camping in the United States
Legal – Yes
The United States has similar wild camping rules to their neighbors in the great white north. The US term for camping in the wild is dispersed camping. It is permitted on BLM lands (Bureau of Land Management), WMA (Wildlife Management Areas), national grasslands, and state forests. It is free, often remote, and may have some restrictions.
Restrictions:
- Sensitive habitats and ecological areas
- Where signs say NO CAMPING
- Not on private property
- No more than 14 days in one area
- 150 feet away from roadways and 100 feet away from water sources
- Follow leave no trace rules
- Respect wildlife
Recommended Trail: The Hayduke Trail
The Hayduke Trail is one for the experienced hiker. The 1281km (812 miles) of this desert trail winds its way through Arizona and Utah. The full length of the trail passes through several national parks and does require a FREE permit.
SOUTH AMERICA
Wild camping in Argentina
Legal: Yes
Camping wild in Argentina is something of a national pastime. The country’s only restricted area is on the Peninsula Valdez as it is a UNESCO World Heritage site. You might be hard-pressed to find any amenities along your route, except for an occasional rustic latrine.
Suggested Trail: Huemul Circuit
The Huemul Circuit is not a trail for the faint of heart. This trek through the Patagonia area of Argentina involves a full set of adventuring skills. Part of your route will cross two rivers, for which you will need a harness and zipline.
Taking on this hike requires you to watch a safety video while registering yourself at the park information centre. The full route will take you approximately four strenuous days. However, this will be a trip like no other as you fall asleep to the sound of a glacier shedding ice.
EXTRAS
Wild camping in New Zealand
Legal: Yes, in some areas
What we know as wild camping is generally called freedom camping in New Zealand: the possibility to pull up anywhere and pitch a tent immersed in the wild. Though it is legal, there are some details to be aware of.
There are different rules for camping on council land as well as camping on DOC (Department of Conservation) land. Many provide free camping spots or zones but you’ll need to check for each area.
Restrictions:
- Dispose of rubbish properly
- Keep the land clean
- Respect the environment
- Get rid of human waste (more info below)
The Rankers Free Camping App can be a good way of finding legal spots in NZ easily
Wild camping in Israel
Legal: No*
Whilst it is not legal to camp anywhere in Israel, their freecamping sites might tick the boxes. These are designated camping areas that are often wild, free and without any facilities. It’s a ‘nearly wild camping experience’ you’ll find in national forests, deserts and coastal areas.
Restrictions:
- Leave no trace
- Only camp in the designated area
- Only light fires in fire pits
Suggested trail: The Israel National Trail
If you want to take in the best of Israel, the National Trail is 683 miles long and covers the full length of the country. It’s listed as National Geographic’s top 20 epic multi-day hikes around the world!
Be a good guest & wild camping resources
Wild camping is a wonderful way to experience nature no matter what country you choose to pursue that dream. The key takeaway points are to respect the wild camping rules, laws, and cultures of the countries you visit. Be safe, be an advocate for the wilder places, walk softly and leave no trace.
And a quick note on leave no trace: it’s more than just taking your toilet paper and human wastes – check out our LNT Guide for lots of useful tips.
The resources below can also help you:
- How to Pick a Wild Camp Spot
- The Ultimate Guide to Sustainable Camping
- Peeing and Pooping Outside on the Trail
- Picking a Vegan Sleeping Bag
- The Best 2-Person Tents
- The Beginner’s Guide to Camping
- A Complete Wild Camping Packing List
- 13 Wild Camping Tips for First-Time Campers
- All Our Camping Resources
Are there any other countries where wild camping is legal? Tell us in the comments!
Wow this is ana amazing list! I had no idea there were so many places and so many beautiful trails. I cannot wait to get back out there now Spring is here!
Switzerland, not legal but very welcomed should you stick to the normal rules and are at height, I done the via Alpina trail east to west of the country 360+ klm over a month and it was breathtaking 👌 camped 90% of it although I do advise the hammock and tarp and have the knowledge to use the tarp as a ground shelter also
Sounds like an epic trip. How long did it take you in total? We’ve spent some time hiking in Switzerland and it’s mindblowing!
Spring is our favourite season for camping!
I can highly recommend both the Lycian Way in Turkey and the Kungsleden in Sweden. I wildcamped both of those in their entirety and they were both fantastic in different ways.
Thanks for the recommendations Lisa! We hope to make it to both ourselves one day 🙂
In Finland and Sweden wild camping is generally allowed for 1 night away from peoples houses. and there are many free shelters for the night . One important rule: no campfires, unless there is a designated place !!! Remember most land is privately owned , also forest ! Leave no marks, no litter!
Thanks for the insight Ake 🙂 Do you have a lot of wild camping experience in Finland and Sweden? Are landowners quite tolerant of campers?
Yes, the campfire rule is super important, it doesn’t take much for them to get out of control and result in disaster.
Thanks
Greenland….everywhere wild camping
Sounds amazing, a wild camping paradise! Have you been? 🙂
Awesome post! Appreciate your blog.
One addition to your USA entry…In the USA wild camping is also allowed on a type of federally-managed public land called *National Forest* land. This is a big deal for 2 reasons:
1) There’s a TON of NF land in the USA. ~300K sq. miles. (By comparison, the entire UK is ~100K sq miles total.)
2) Most of the NF land is in the epic Western states outdoorsy visitors want to experience. Places like
California, Colorado, Oregon, Washington, Wyoming, etc.
One can camp for 14 days in any one spot on NF land. Then relocate a few miles away (or more) to another NF spot.
I’m American, I used to lead outdoor trips professionally. It wasn’t until I was in my late 40s that I learned one could boondock (wild camp) on National Forest land for free. This is NOT widely known even by Americans.
Keep up the great blog. Cheers!
Steve
Thanks Steve and thanks for that info. I had no idea that this existed in the USA. That must make exploring these places so much easier and richer. In England wild camping has recently become illegal everywhere, after a new ruling earlier this year. So being able to pitch up and spend the night in those places seems like a real treat.
A great way to get more people experiencing and appreciating the outdoors.
Hopefully something we’ll get to experience for ourselves when we get the chance to visit in the future.
Thanks 🙂