We've been wondering for quite some time what the rules are for free camping in Sweden. That is, where can you spend the night in your motorhome and how long can you stay? Most people we've talked to have given different answers, but now it seems we've found what applies ...
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ShareRules according to the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency
According to the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency, the basic rule is that you may stay for a maximum of 24 hours at rest areas and signposted car parks along public roads on weekdays. On public holidays you may stay until the next weekday. To protect nature, motorised vehicles may not be driven on bare ground, beaches, meadows, pastures or other natural areas.
In the case of private roads, it is up to the landowner to decide. It is possible to park a motorised vehicle next to a road, provided that the terrain is not damaged. There are no rules on how long a motor vehicle can be parked in the same place, but for tents the limit is considered to be a single day.
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Henrik Hagström says:
Sleeping in a vehicle is not camping, whether it is a lorry, motorhome or bus. It becomes camping if you occupy several parking spaces, with an awning, tent or furniture. In Spain, they are more fussy and also count outriggers and levelling blocks.
As long as you don't break the parking rules, the police or other authorities have nothing to do with what goes on inside the car.
Unfortunately, there are ignorant people who put up no camping signs in car parks, because they don't want you to spend the night there, but this doesn't really restrict overnight stays in vehicles. However, I usually respect the sign and go somewhere else.
07 July 2015 - 21:05
Anonymous says:
Camping is done in tents! What you are doing is general capital destruction! House cars/caravans are a nuisance that only disrupts the necessary traffic on our roads.
19 April 2017 - 19:04
Anonymous says:
Bullshit and jealousy
31 May 2019 - 17:08
Fritidsvagnen says:
Thanks for the info!
New caravan owner
26 April 2017 - 21:37