Are you a camper or want to start camping, and you aim to wake up to the quiet of a fjord or eat under the northern lights? Then Scandinavia, more specifically, Norway, is your place. Norway offers a unique camping experience with an amazing mix of culture, freedom, and nature. But there are many options and things you need to be careful about if you want to go camping in Norway.
You can camp anywhere in Norway thanks to allemannsretten, or the “right to roam.” It’s been a part of Norwegian life for over 60 years. You can bike, ski, or fish in untouched landscapes. But remember, you must follow the rules, like not having open fires in summer. The good thing about the allemannsretten is that it allows you to wild camp with your tent or campervan across Norway by following some simple rules. You can go for Norway’s wilderness camping without a worry about fine.
Check this out, too: 5 Best Norway Travel Guide Book List For Your 2025 Trip
Where do you start, though? This guide for camping in Norway covers everything from quiet snowy plateaus to equipped campsites. We’ll talk about scenic routes, campsites with great views, and local permits.
Camping in Norway: Overview
Camping in Norway brings adventure and beautiful nature together. It’s like Austria or Germany. It’s full of green areas and snowy mountains, but there is a twist of colder weather and a long ocean coastline. Norwegian authorities and people must understand how good camping in Norway’s wilderness is, so it’s pretty easy all around the country.
You can choose from Norway wilderness camping or the comforts of the best campsites in Norway. Each spot offers a unique experience and a bunch of opportunities. If you prefer to be alone and live with the wildlife, you can wild camp pretty much anywhere as long as you are at least 150 meters away from an inhabited place.
Norwegian people also love to camp all around. That’s why you can find campsites pretty much wherever you go, even in the wildest conditions or farther away places. Campsites also have a lot of amenities, such as bathrooms, electricity, or whatever else you may need.
Wild Camping vs. Campsites
Which one is better, though, when you are comparing wild camping to campsites? Well, it depends on what you like. Wild camping is about solitude in untouched landscapes. You have all the freedom you want, and it’s free, thanks to Allemannsretten. I’ll explain what allemannsretten is later. You can camp almost anywhere, but you must be extra careful and respect nature.
On the other hand, campsites offer more comfort. They have showers, kitchens, and laundry. These places are great for hiking and kayaking. They have eco-friendly options for all, from tents to cabins. You don’t have to worry about much. You are safe from the wildlife, unexpected accidents, or whatever else.
Wild Camping in Norway
Ever dreamed of waking up to a river’s rush or a mountain’s quiet? That’s wild camping in Norway. It’s a special way to connect with nature, and in Norway, you can do it in most places. Just put up your tent or if you are with a campervan, park somewhere nice and spend the night. But you must respect the beauty you’re enjoying. You also have the option to wild camp in national parks, but not all allow it. You have to carefully select which one allows wild camping and how it is allowed. There may be special rules you need to follow.
Allemannsretten
Allemannsretten basically says that if you are going to wild camp, you have to keep 150 meters from houses, farmland, or any habitated places and take all your trash with you. It’s great because it lets you camp freely in Norway’s countryside, forests, and mountains. It’s a chance to explore fjords and mountains perfectly, at your own pace.
Wild Camping with RV
RV travelers are welcome in Norway, too! The rules are similar, but RVs must park 150 meters from homes. Most roads are okay for camping unless signs say no. In busy spots like Lofoten, choose designated areas to protect nature and locals. I would say there are more camping ground options for RVs overall. They are pricier, though. So you have to be careful.
RV Camping in Norway
In Norway, you can just park your campervan or RV next to a lake, river, or the ocean on a beach and wake up to stunning views. RV camping in Norway is really common and offers a unique blend of comfort and adventure. It’s perfect for exploring Norway’s amazing national parks, fjords, and other natural beauties.
RV campsites in Norway have everything campervan lovers need. They offer clean Dump stations and power hookups. Because RV camping is quite common in Norway, there are a lot of campgrounds, too. If you don’t feel safe wild camping or want to have the comfort of a bathroom, shower, electricity, and safety, then a camping ground is a good choice for RV camping in Norway.
Campgrounds and Facilities
In Norway, like many other European countries, the best campsites in Norway are more than just spots to park. They are generally very good and have amazing views. For example, Helset Camping, open from May to September, charges 400 NOK per campervan. They also offer shore power for 50 NOK extra. You can get the basics for prices like these. This is slightly higher than that of other European countries.
Some camping grounds, like Tufto Camping and Sæbø Camping, have showers included. This means you can start each day feeling refreshed and ready to explore. It depends on what you need and want, you can find any type of campground with any type of facility you need.
Scenic Routes
The best part about an RV trip in Norway is the ability to take those beautiful roads wherever you are. There are a lot of scenic routes in Norway, whether in the north or in the south. Routes like those to the Lofoten Islands, Tromso or Trondheim have stunning landscapes. Many campgrounds along these routes offer everything from basic needs to full-service stations. You can also do wild camping while taking these routes. You can just stop wherever you like the most at night and spend it there. It’s really nice and very cheap since you don’t pay anything.
I have guides about what to do in Tromso and what to do in Trondheim if you're interested! Just click on the names to check out the articles.
Norway’s Camping Preparation
You liked what you heard so far, and are you planning a camping trip to Norway? That’s great! But you should prepare a little more than if you can do wild camping and how you can do it. Here’s how to prepare for a memorable and safe journey.
Fire Safety and Permits
First, knowing about fire safety is key, more so during the Norway camping season from April to September. Open fires are usually banned during this time. Always make sure your campfire is fully out before leaving it. Fire safety rules may change based on the local area. Always keep yourself updated. You also must get the right permits for camping areas when you are wild camping. This way, you keep the natural habitat safe and ensure that you don’t get any fines!
Wildlife
Meeting Norway’s wildlife, like elk and bears, can be exciting but dangerous if you don’t take the right precautions. Avoid camping in hunting seasons, and keep your site clean to avoid attracting animals. There is a good chance to see Norway’s wildlife while you are wild camping (the name says it!). However, whether you encounter wildlife or not, Norway wilderness camping means respecting wildlife, so keep a safe distance in places where you are most likely to encounter wildlife.
Packing
Bring a reliable tent, warm sleeping bag, and comfy sleeping pad for cold nights. Wear durable hiking boots and layers for changing weather. A multitool and first aid kit are also important. Don’t forget a water filter for clean drinking water; you may not be able to find stores everywhere in the fjords.
Best Camping Destinations
Ever wondered where to find the best camping destinations and best campsites in Norway? Knowing the top spots for camping is key for a great adventure – it helps you prepare better. Norway has both quiet wilderness and campsites with amenities. Some regions have more of one of these than the other.
Lofoten Islands
Picture camping where the sea meets towering mountains. The Lofoten Islands are among the best campsites in Norway. They have something for everyone, from RVs to tents, with their unique beaches and rugged beauty. Plus, it’s small areas with small islands. You can take ferries, ride on coastlines, and spend more time in nature. It’s the perfect little getaway to experience as much as you can in a small area. There is also a high chance you can do whale watching in Lofoten Islands – if you park close to the water, you may even see them with a binacular by yourself.
Hardangervidda Plateau
The Hardangervidda Plateau is Europe’s largest mountain plateau. It’s a true gem for camping in Norway’s national parks. The vast, stark landscapes are perfect for hiking and photography. However, since this is a national park, special rules may apply to different seasons and areas. Also, wildlife may be more active here. You probably will not be able to find as many campgrounds as you do in other parts, but there are some. I suggest wild camping here if you get yourself familiar with the rules.
Jotunheimen National Park
Jotunheimen National Park is great for hiking and seeing wild alpine landscapes. It has Norway’s tallest peaks and beautiful alpine lakes. It’s a top choice for those who love adventure and comfort. Another amazing wildlife camping place. And you can do it here, like Hardangervidda, on foot without the need for an RV. Take hikes, walk, and explore, and put your tent at night somewhere nice.
Geirangerfjord
The Geirangerfjord is famous for its steep cliffs and waterfalls. It’s ideal for scenic drives and camping. It offers great facilities and promotes eco-friendly camping to keep it beautiful. This is more of an RV area, though. Roads are small, and cliffs are steep. You have to be careful and extra ready before you come here. You can also leave your RV somewhere nice and flatter, take walks up those steep cliffs, and explore waterfalls on foot. and then, you can always come back to spend your night in your RV.
When is The Best Time to Camp in Norway?
Norway is famous for its harsh climate during the winter months. It’s a lot of snow, ice, rain, and minus-degree weather. You will want to pick the best time to go camping in Norway and know the best Norway camping season. Otherwise, it’ll be an extreme challenge. You might want to see the aurora borealis or the midnight sun. Each season in Norway has its own charm for campers.
The best time to camp in Norway is from late spring to early autumn, May through September. You’ll enjoy longer days of hiking, fishing, and exploring. Places above the Arctic Circle (like Trondheim, Tromso, and Lofoten Islands) see the midnight sun, where the sun never sets in summer! If you are into this warmer climate, then you have to go in this season.
If you like winter activities and experiences, then you have to go winter camping in Norway. It is magical if you’re brave and ready. Imagine camping under a sky lit by the northern lights. It’s a sight to see, mostly in the colder months. But you’ll need warm clothes and special camping gear for the cold – especially if you are with an RV. You need to make sure everything is set in stone.
Spring is great for those who love quiet and nature. Less touristy, a bit of both worlds in terms of weather. You can camp near fjords and see waterfalls at their peak. Autumn offers vibrant colors, fewer tourists, and lots of wild berries and mushrooms. Always check local guides for fire hazards or hunting seasons.
Conclusion
If Norway is your travel destination and you want to see the beauty with your own freedom, camping in Norway is the best choice, hands down. I guess the government also knows this because it is easy to camp in the wilderness in Norway, either to camp with your tent or in your campervan. You can camp everywhere if you are at least 150 meters away from a habitation place like a house or a farm.
If you don’t like wild camping, you can always camp at a campsite in Norway, as well. There are plenty of them with great amenities. Showers, toilets, and some even have stores or other extra stuff. Taking an RV and camping with your RV in Norway is especially great – you can take the country’s scenic routes, like the Atlantic Road.
All in all, camping in Norway offers amazing experiences, from seeing the northern lights to hiking to Trolltunga. Norwegian Krone (the currency of Norway) has also been weak for the past couple of years, so now is the perfect time for an adventure. So, why wait?
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I camp anywhere I want in Norway?
Yes, you can camp freely in uncultivated land for up to two nights. Just make sure you’re at least 150 meters away from houses or cabins. Always check local rules.
Are there any budget-friendly camping options in Norway?
Yes! Camping by the fjords is beautiful and affordable. There are many campsites and areas for campers or tents.
What should I do to ensure a smooth travel experience with ferries?
Plan ahead and arrive on time for your ferry. This is important, even more so in the summer. If you miss a ferry, you might have to wait a while. But card payments make things easy.
What are some essential items to bring when camping in Norway?
Pack layers for the weather, sturdy boots, and a reliable tent if you’re wild camping. Also, bring supplies for Sundays when shops might be closed. And don’t forget your camera for the northern lights!