How is wild camping defined?
Are you eager to go wild camping, but a little unsure about the rules that apply to wild camping? Then this article is for you. We go through the laws and regulations, and offer tips so that you can equip yourself correctly and find the best places for wild camping.
How is wild camping defined?
When you travel with a motorhome, motorhome or caravan, you can choose to spend the night at campsites or special pitches, or you can choose wild camping. Wild camping means spending the night in a place that is not specifically designed for camping vehicles, for example in a car park or in an area close to nature. All ways of spending the night have their advantages and disadvantages, and may be appropriate for different occasions.
To spend the night at campsites Campsites can often be close to nature and beautiful surroundings, and it is not uncommon for a campsite to have the very best location right by the sea or a lake. At a campsite you will find all the services you need, such as toilets, showers, electricity and the ability to fill and empty tanks. At some campsites there are also various activities such as restaurants, swimming pools and activities for children. Camping overnight is generally more expensive than camping at a special site, and how big the difference is varies. There is everything from simple natural campsites, which cost about the same as a special pitch, to exclusive campsites with all the activities you can imagine, which is of course represented by the higher price.
To spend the night in special pitches for motorhomes A special pitch is a somewhat simpler place, compared to a campsite, and is intended as accommodation for motorhomes and camper vans. In some special pitches, even caravans are welcome, but it is common that the special pitches are meant for motorhomes only. Many special places are centrally located in a city or close to an attraction, while others are located in the countryside or in nature.
The surface can be asphalt, gravel or grass and it is often a form of service, but not always. For example, there may be electricity, toilets and/or the ability to empty and fill tanks. However, it is unusual to be able to empty gray water and waste water in a special place. Unlike a campsite, special pitches are rarely serviced, and you often pay the fee via app, via Swish or perhaps at a nearby restaurant or marina.
For wild camping The third way to spend the night with a motorhome or caravan is to wild camp. When you wild camp, you spend the night in a place of your choice. Many people like to wild camp close to nature, perhaps with a view of a lake or other beautiful natural area. It is important to remember that you must follow the laws and regulations, so that you do not stay in a place where you are not allowed to spend the night.
Where can you wild camp? What does the law say? When you go wild camping, you must keep track of the laws and regulations for wild camping, which vary between countries. The rules can sometimes also vary between different regions and areas. This means that you must be aware of local regulations and any prohibition signs.
Generally speaking, in all countries, it is important to take care of nature and not litter or disturb it. If you choose to spend the night in places other than campsites and special sites, for example in a car park, it may sometimes be appropriate to avoid "camping behaviour". This means that you should avoid knocking out the stairs or the awning, and do not place your outdoor furniture next to the vehicle. Below we go through some of the most important rules in some surrounding countries.
Rules for wild camping in Sweden Wild camping is permitted in Sweden, but according to the Off-Road Driving Act it is forbidden to drive off-road with motorhomes and caravans. This means that you are not allowed to park in forests, on beaches, in pastures or on lawns. However, you can park on asphalt, gravel or other surfaces that will not be damaged by the vehicle, next to a beach or nature reserve.
Read more about wild camping in Sweden in our own article with further information, tips and beautiful places for wild camping in Sweden.
Rules for wild camping in Norway Wild camping is permitted in Norway as long as you stay away from inhabited houses. The mobile home or caravan must be at least 150 meters from residential buildings and cabins. Accommodation in vehicles parked on a public road, street or car park is also permitted.
Please note that you are obliged to show consideration for the surroundings and take care of nature. You must not litter.
