Wild Camping Rules in Europe and the US, Country by Country

Few things divide trekkers more than wild camping. In some countries it's a right written into law; in others it can cost you a fine and a lecture from a ranger. Here's a quick, practical overview. Rules change and often differ between parks, so always check locally before you pitch.

Where wild camping is a right

Country	The short version
Scotland	Allowed on most unenclosed land under the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. Parts of Loch Lomond & The Trossachs need a permit from March to September.
Norway	Allemannsretten lets you camp for up to two nights on uncultivated land, at least 150 m from houses and cabins.
Sweden	The Right of Public Access allows a night or two away from homes. Some national parks add restrictions.
Finland	Everyman's rights allow short-term camping. In national parks, use the marked campsites and wilderness huts.

Where it depends

Country	The short version
France	Often tolerated as a bivouac from dusk to dawn in the mountains, but national parks have strict zones. From 2027 the French side of the Tour du Mont Blanc plans to require a booking for every night.
Italy	Set by regions and parks. A one-night bivouac high in the mountains is often tolerated; valleys and parks are stricter.
Switzerland	Decided by each canton. A single night above the tree line is often accepted; banned in the Swiss National Park and nature reserves.
Spain	Regulated by each region and generally banned in natural parks. Refuges and campsites are the norm.
Wales	Needs the landowner's permission, though discreet high camps are often tolerated.
Albania and Kyrgyzstan	Widely tolerated in the mountains, with cheap guesthouses and yurt camps as alternatives.

Where it's banned or heavily restricted

Country	The short version
England and Northern Ireland	Not allowed without the landowner's permission.
Austria and Germany	Restricted or banned in most areas. Use huts, campsites or official trekking pitches.
Croatia, Portugal and Greece	Wild camping is illegal, with fines in some protected areas.
National parks in Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia and Czechia	Camping is only allowed at designated sites, or not at all. Mountain huts fill the gap.

The United States

In US national parks you need a wilderness permit for any overnight stay, and many parks assign you to specific campsites. Popular routes like the Enchantments, Half Dome, Mount Whitney and the Wonderland Trail use lotteries months in advance. On most national forest and Bureau of Land Management land, dispersed camping is allowed without a reservation, usually for up to 14 days.

How to camp well anywhere

Arrive late, leave early, and leave no trace.
Camp at least 50–60 m from water, and well away from paths and houses.
Never light fires where they're banned. In dry summers, that's most places.
In bear country, cook away from your tent and store food in a canister or hang.

Find the camping rules for each route on our trek pages.