Wild camping in Europe 2025: rules, tricks and rebels
March 26, 2025
Wild camping in Europe 2025: rules, tricks and rebels
For many adventurers, wild camping with a motorhome or campervan is the ultimate freedom: sleeping in the middle of nature, away from crowded campsites and with maximum flexibility. However, the legal regulations vary greatly in Europe. While some countries allow or tolerate free standing, others impose heavy penalties. However, if you know the rules, you can use clever tricks to stay overnight even where it is officially prohibited. In this detailed blog post, you can find out everything about wild camping in Europe 2025: what is allowed, what loopholes there are and how you can spend the night undisturbed with your camper or motorhome.
Wild camping in Europe - a dream with hurdles
Whether with a classic motorhome, a converted campervan or a mini camper - the ability to stay overnight anywhere makes traveling particularly exciting. But while the Everyman's Right in Scandinavia often allows free standing, there are strict restrictions in other countries. Many countries are tightening their regulations to curb illegal camping and protect nature.
We go through the European countries in detail, show you alternatives and give you tips for safe and compliant wild camping. And if you're looking for a safe, legal pitch, take a look at the options on ParknSleep!
Rules - Where is wild camping allowed?
Every country in Europe has its own laws on wild camping with vehicles. Here is a detailed overview from Camperguru:
Permitted with restrictions
Norway & Sweden: Thanks to the Everyman's Right, free standing is allowed for one night as long as you stay at least 150 meters away from inhabited buildings.
Finland: Similar to Norway, but national parks and private land are off limits.
Scotland: Free standing is generally permitted, but there are restrictions in tourist hotspots.
Restricted or tolerated
France: Overnight stays in parking lots or on remote roads are often tolerated, but not officially permitted. Municipal parking spaces or private facilities are better.
Germany: Officially, you are allowed to spend a night in a camper in a parking lot to "restore your fitness to drive", but wild camping in the classic sense is not permitted.
Austria: Allowed in some federal states, strictly forbidden in others. It is best to use pitches or farms.
Switzerland: Parking and sleeping in public parking lots is sometimes allowed, but wild camping in nature is highly regulated.
Italy: Very different depending on the region. In South Tyrol, fixed parking spaces are mandatory, in rural areas, overnight stays in parking lots are sometimes tolerated.
Strictly forbidden
Spain & Portugal: Wild camping with a vehicle is prohibited and is strictly controlled, especially on beaches and in national parks.
Croatia & Slovenia: Also strictly prohibited, especially in tourist areas.
Netherlands & Belgium: Overnight stays in the vehicle outside of official parking spaces are prohibited.
Denmark: Only permitted in designated parking spaces or parking lots.
(Tip: check on site, as rules can change at short notice).
Tricks - How can you still stay overnight legally?
Even in countries where wild camping is prohibited, there are clever ways to spend an undisturbed night with your camper:
Use parking lots with permission: Many supermarkets, restaurants or farms allow campers to stay overnight if you ask nicely in advance.
Industrial sites & business parks: In many countries, these areas are empty at night and offer discreet parking opportunities.
Use apps and maps: Open Camping Map or camping apps such as Park4Night help to find legal pitches. Testimonials from other users help you find safe and hidden pitches.
Use ParknSleep: If you want to stay overnight legally and safely, you will find a large selection of pitches on ParknSleep.
Choose rest areas strategically: Overnight stays are usually permitted in highway parking lots as long as no camping activities such as tables and chairs are set out.
Ask nicely: In rural areas, there are often private individuals who allow campers to stay overnight for a small fee.
Inconspicuousness is the key: no loud behavior, no camping furniture outside - those who behave discreetly have fewer problems.
Travel in the off-season: In less busy months, the controls are often less strict and parking spaces are easier to find.
Rebels - The wild campers who won't be told what to do
Some campers don't give a damn about the rules - with varying degrees of success. Here are the best-known wild camping rebels:
The long-term travelers: They live permanently in a camper and have a feel for where you can stay for several days without attracting attention.
The parking space tricksters: They use official parking spaces, but do everything they can to avoid being noticed as campers - no extended roof structure, no chairs outside, hood slightly open as if they were just taking a break.
The local experts: They know the most remote paths that are not listed on Park4Night & Co. and find pitches that even rangers don't know about.
The urban campers: they spend the night in residential areas, pretend to be residents and use mobile blackouts for absolute discretion.
The short-term campers: they arrive at night, sleep for a few hours and are gone again before sunrise - nobody notices them.
Farm residents: They ask farmers directly if they can stand in their fields or driveways for a small fee - a win-win situation.
But be careful: if you get caught, you risk heavy fines and in some countries even having your vehicle towed away. So it pays to be smarter than the rebels!
Legal & security issues
1. are there European countries where wild camping is de facto tolerated even though it is officially prohibited?
Yes, in some European countries wild camping is tolerated despite official bans in certain regions or under certain conditions.
Greece, Romania, Croatia and Bulgaria: Wild camping is officially prohibited here, but is tolerated in many cases, especially in rural areas. Nevertheless, you should be careful, as there may be stricter controls in national parks.
France, Italy and Spain: Although wild camping is generally prohibited, a blind eye is often turned in rural areas. Nevertheless, you should be aware of the potential risks and observe local regulations.
2. what is the legal situation for campervans and roof tents? Are they treated differently from tents?
The legal treatment of campervans and roof tents varies from country to country.
Rooftop tents: These are generally regarded as cargo for the vehicle and are subject to the relevant traffic regulations. Nevertheless, the same regulations often apply to sleeping in them as for tents on the ground.
Campervans: In many countries, overnight stays are permitted for one night in order to restore driving ability. However, staying longer is often regarded as wild camping and may be prohibited.
3. are there legal gray areas or special regulations for long-term travelers?
In most European countries, there are no special regulations for long-term travelers. Staying in one place for a longer period of time is often considered camping and is not permitted outside official campsites. It is advisable to find out about the specific regulations of the country in question in advance.
4. what about wild camping on private land if there are no signs?
Camping on private land without the express permission of the landowner is not permitted in most European countries, regardless of whether signs are present or not. It is strongly recommended that you always obtain permission from the landowner to avoid legal consequences.
5. which apps or platforms offer the most reliable information about local laws?
There are various apps and platforms that provide information about local laws and suitable parking spaces.
Park4Night: A popular app with information about parking spaces, parking lots and campsites, but many places are illegal.
Camping-App.eu: Offers an extensive database of legal pitches in Europe with detailed information and ratings.
iOverlander: A global platform with information about campsites, water sources and other useful places for travelers.
However, it is important to note that the information in these apps is provided by users and may therefore vary. It is recommended that you always check the local laws and regulations yourself.
Tactics & Practice
1. which strategies help to camp inconspicuously and sustainably?
In order to camp inconspicuously and sustainably, the following strategies should be observed.
Choice of location: Choose remote locations away from residential areas and tourist hotspots.
Arrival and departure: Arrive late and leave early to avoid attention.
No open fires: Avoid campfires, as these can not only be dangerous but also attract attention.
Avoid leaving traces: Leave the site as you found it and take all garbage back with you.
2. what equipment is particularly important for self-sufficient wild camping over longer periods?
The following equipment is essential for longer self-sufficient wild camping stays.
Water supply: Additional water canisters or filters to ensure you always have clean drinking water.
Energy supply: Solar chargers or additional batteries for electronic devices.
Food: Non-perishable food and a means of cooking, such as a gas stove.
Hygiene: Portable toilets or scoops for the environmentally friendly disposal of human waste.
3. how can you find good wild camping spots even in overcrowded tourist regions?
The following tips can help in heavily frequented areas.
Research in advance: Use apps and forums to find lesser-known spots.
Ask the locals: Local residents often know hidden places that are not overcrowded.
Flexibility: Be prepared to look further away from the main attractions and to accept longer distances if necessary.
Conclusion: freedom with responsibility
Wild camping with a motorhome or camper is a fantastic way to travel around Europe - but only if it is done with respect for the environment and the law. If you inform yourself, you can experience the most beautiful places in Europe without committing a crime.
If you are looking for an uncomplicated and legal place to stay overnight, then take a look at ParknSleep. Here you will find spontaneous pitches that offer you safety and comfort - without any hassle from the authorities.
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