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Wild camping in Norway

Norway lets you sleep out in nature more freely than almost any other country – the right to roam, allemannsretten, is old and much loved. It comes with rules, and they are different for a tent and for a camper or motorhome. Here is what is allowed, what is not, and 61 spots we know and like.

By Henning, Arctic Campers – updated November 11, 2026

Show the wild camp spots on the map

Wild camping in Norway: the rules

With a tent

You may put up a tent on uncultivated land – forest, mountains, the shore – for up to two nights in one place without asking the landowner. Keep at least 150 metres from the nearest house or cabin that people live in. In the mountains and far from people you may stay longer. Fields, meadows, gardens and farmyards are cultivated land and not for camping, unless they are frozen or under snow.

With a camper or motorhome

The right to roam is for people on foot, not for vehicles. Driving off the road is not allowed, so a camper must stay on roads and parking areas. You may sleep in your vehicle on a public parking place or rest area unless a sign says otherwise, for a night or two, without putting out chairs and tables like on a campsite. Private roads and parking places need the owner's permission.

Where overnight parking is banned

At some of the most popular places the municipalities or landowners have banned overnight parking or charge a fee – especially in Lofoten and along the National Tourist Routes in summer. A sign at the entrance tells you: "Camping forbudt" or "Overnatting forbudt" means no overnight stay. Do not park on passing places on narrow roads, and never block a farm road or a boat ramp.

Fire

From 15 April to 15 September open fires are not allowed in or near forests and other uncultivated land, unless it is clearly safe – and the local fire service can ban fires completely when it is dry. A gas stove is fine. Never make a fire on bare rock: it cracks.

Rubbish, toilets and water

Take all your rubbish with you. Empty a camper's toilet and grey water only at a dump station – many petrol stations, rest areas and campsites have one, and our map shows them with the public toilets and showers. Fresh water comes from the taps at petrol stations and service points.

RV dump stations on the map ›

Leave no trace

Arrive late, leave early, and leave the place as you found it. The right to roam lasts only as long as people trust those who use it: every spot that is left full of rubbish is closed sooner or later.

Sources: Outdoor Recreation Act (friluftsloven) § 9 · Fire prevention regulations (forskrift om brannforebygging) § 3 · Norwegian Environment Agency

Wild camp spots we know 61

Each spot has its own page with directions, where to park, the season and what to know – and you can check in, so others see whether it is taken tonight.

Fjord Norway and Southern Norway 12

Helgeland, Nordland and Vesterålen 9

Lofoten 5

Senja 3

Tromsø and Troms 24

Finnmark 8

Questions about wild camping in Norway

Is wild camping legal in Norway?

Yes, with a tent: the right to roam (allemannsretten) allows up to two nights in one place on uncultivated land, at least 150 metres from houses and cabins that people live in, without asking the landowner.

Can I sleep in my campervan anywhere in Norway?

No. A camper or motorhome must stay on roads and parking areas – driving off the road is not allowed. You may sleep in it on public parking places and rest areas unless a sign forbids it.

How long can I stay in one place?

Two nights with a tent without the landowner's permission; longer in the mountains and far from people. In a vehicle on a parking place, a night or two.

Can I make a fire?

From 15 April to 15 September open fires are not allowed in or near forests and other uncultivated land unless it is clearly safe, and the fire service can ban all fires when it is dry. A gas stove is fine.

Where do I empty my camper's toilet?

Only at a dump station: many petrol stations, rest areas and campsites have one. Never in nature, a toilet in a car park or the sea.

Is wild camping allowed in Lofoten?

With a tent, under the same rules as everywhere. With a camper, many popular beaches and parking places in Lofoten have banned overnight parking or charge a fee in summer – follow the signs.

Everything the camping guide offers ›