Best camping destinations in Europe
Best camping destinations in Europe
Grassland coastal fields and designated alpine park areas in Europe
Europe's camping offer is among the most developed in the world, with well-maintained campsite networks, freedom camping traditions and overlanding routes supporting an enormous range of camping styles across the continent's diverse landscapes. The most compelling destinations combine genuinely dramatic natural environments with the practical infrastructure that makes extended camping comfortable, from the Atlantic coastal sites and alpine meadow pitches to the forest campgrounds of the northern wilderness zones.
Freedom camping traditions vary considerably across the continent, with Scandinavian everyman's right legislation allowing wild camping across most land in stark contrast to the more regulated southern European approach where designated sites are standard. Several countries have developed dedicated overlanding and motorhome infrastructure that supports vehicle-based camping across extended multi-country itineraries.
Peak season bookings at the most popular coastal and alpine sites fill weeks in advance and reservation systems are now standard across most established campsite networks. Wildfire risk affects camping regulations across southern Europe during summer and checking current fire restrictions before travel is essential. Shoulder season camping delivers better availability and considerably more solitude.
Lists by region
Region in Finland
Lapland
Northern lights and midnight sun
Finnish law allows temporary camping in the countryside at a reasonable distance from homes. Open fires need the landowner's permission. Finland's largest region covers about 38,750 square miles and has only 176,215 residents. The Arctic Circle crosses it, so midnight sun, polar night and northern lights are all possible.
Region in Iceland
Landmannalaugar
Colorful mountains and natural pools
Natural hot springs here are open to the public for bathing. The area is at the edge of the Laugahraun lava field, which formed around 1477. It is the northern end of the Laugavegur trail. Parking reservations have been required since the 2024 season. Iceland requires motorhomes and campers to stay on official campsites.
Mountain
Pyrenees
Where France meets Spain majestically
Camping is banned in Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park except for bivouacs above 8,200 feet in the Ordesa sector. Tents may be up only from one hour before sunset to one hour after sunrise. Stays are limited to three nights per sector. Fires are banned. Aneto, the range's highest peak, reaches 11,168 feet.
Country
Norway
Land of the long cloud
The right to roam was codified in 1957. Tents must stay at least 492 feet from the nearest inhabited house. Campfires are banned in forests from 15 April to 15 September. Stays are limited to two days in one spot. That limit does not apply in the mountains or national parks.
Island in Norway
Lofoten
Dramatic Peaks and Northern Lights
The archipelago is a wall of peaks about 62 miles long between the 68th and 69th parallels north. In Svolvær the sun stays above the horizon from 25 May to 17 July. It does not rise from 4 December to 7 January. The Moskstraumen tidal eddies gave the world the word maelstrom.
Region in United Kingdom
Scottish Highlands
Rugged Beauty and Ancient Legends
The Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 gives a right to wild camp when exercised responsibly. The Scottish Outdoor Access Code explains how. The Highlands have about 24 people per square mile and are one of the most sparsely populated areas in Europe. Ben Nevis is the highest mountain in the UK.
Island in United Kingdom
Isle of Skye
Dramatic Landscapes and Ancient Legends
The island covers 639 square miles and is Scotland's second largest. Sgùrr Alasdair in the Black Cuillin reaches 3,258 feet and is the tallest mountain on any Scottish island. The Old Man of Storr draws more than 250,000 visitors a year. Overcrowding at sites like Neist Point led to complaints, so camp responsibly.
National Park in Italy
Dolomites National Park
Towering peaks and pristine wilderness
The Dolomites became a UNESCO site on 26 June 2009. Marmolada is the highest peak at 10,968 feet. The Alta Via routes take about a week to walk and have many rifugi. Wild camping is strictly prohibited in Val Gardena, which has no campsites at all.
National Park in Norway
Jotunheimen
Home of giants and glaciers
Galdhøpiggen rises 8,100 feet and is the highest point in Norway. The national park covers 444 square miles and has more than 50 marked trails. The Norwegian Mountain Touring Association maintains lodges between them. Besseggen ridge is a very popular trail. Memurubu guest house is at the base of a cliff by Lake Gjende.
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