Writer: Helena Bergström
Can you fricamp in that dreamy way - on a beach overlooking the sea or with high mountains as a backdrop - or is it forbidden everywhere? We get this question very often! We have travelled (and fricamped) with our motorhome in many countries, so we try to answer based on our experiences.
Tweet
Share
Share
Pin
Share
ShareTable of contents
Dreamy free campsites
Dreamy free camping, what is it? I'm sure there are many different ideas about this, but usually it involves parking your motorhome/caravan/van overnight in a beautiful spot with a great view, without going into a campsite or caravan park. Is it possible? Yes, sometimes, and sometimes not...
What is authorised?
Europe is made up of many different countries, which means that rules vary from country to country. Sometimes the rules even vary from region to region within the same country. We have summarised the rules, in general terms, in this post:
What is allowed - often unclear
What is and isn't allowed when it comes to fricamping is also often a bit unclear. For example, if ”fricamping” is prohibited - what does that actually mean? Can you still sleep for a few hours in your vehicle to safely continue driving when you are very tired?
Is it the sleeping itself that is prohibited or is it the camping behaviour (unfolding the awning / taking out chairs) that is not accepted? It can be slightly different, and it is not always clear.
Many ”depends” - location, season ...
What is allowed, or what is tolerated, often includes many ”depends”. For example, bans (and enforcement of bans!) are common at beaches, protected nature areas and tourist areas, and during high season. Rural areas anywhere, in low season - usually more opportunities!
So, is it possible to fricamp?
Yes, fricamping is absolutely possible, but not everywhere. In some countries and regions it should be avoided altogether, and in other places it can work just fine. In countries where sheep The rules vary of course, but the following guidelines are usually a good starting point:
- Drive on roads - not off-road or in nature.
- Stopping in a car park, lay-by or other place intended for motor vehicles.
- Avoid protected areas such as nature reserves and beaches.
- Follow rules and instructions on signs.
- Don't camp in areas that are too touristy, and not too close to residential buildings.
- Check what other users have written about the location in the Park4Night app.
- Avoid camping behaviour - don't unfold the awning or take out the outdoor furniture.
- Do not disturb or litter.
Is it possible to fricamp in such a ”dreamy” way?
But the question remains, can you find those dreamy free campsites with sea or mountain views... or is it an illusion? Our answer is that you can can find these places - especially if you're travelling in the low season, in less densely populated areas and in a country where the rules are not too strict. We have found some fantastic and dreamy free camping sites in Sweden, Finland, Estonia and France.
Men, You should be aware that it is not easy to find these places. If you are travelling around Europe with a camper van, you shouldn't expect to find these places often - quite the opposite!
Often, it's a good idea to pull into a campsite or car park - that way you know it's legal and you have access to services. Occasionally, you may find yourself free camping in a simple and boring car park somewhere. On the odd occasion - well, you'll find that dreamy spot, which will be a lovely memory of your trip!
What are your experiences with fricamping?
What are your experiences with fricamping? Have you ever found really dreamy places to stay?
English (UK) 
Svenska
Znogge says:
I have no experience at all but saw some who fricamped on Gotland. Don't know the rules either but now understand that there is a lot to check out.
26 February 2026 - 8:41
Frido says:
Couldn't fricamping also be combined with a certain degree of insecurity? Especially in deserted car parks or roads?
As for sleeping for a while, you can't tell the difference from the outside between a motorhome with or without occupants. If you park and go to sleep in a car park without being ”seen”, the car simply looks parked and it does not bother anyone?
26 February 2026 - 14:09
Helena says:
We often feel safe when we free camp, but there may be places where we don't feel safe (or where it may not be appropriate to free camp).
Regarding sleeping for a while, I think you're absolutely right - it's generally fine to sleep for a while in the motorhome in a car park or similar. The interesting thing might be if you choose to sleep there at night - is it the same then? Often it's fine, but sometimes the rules (or tolerance) can suddenly change. So, it's not always obvious what's ok or not...
27 February 2026 - 9:35
JoY says:
Things have certainly changed in the 22 years we've had a motorhome. You can still find nice places to camp, especially if you intend to go north in Sweden. In Europe it is clearly more difficult, although it is possible during the low season and you can always ask for permission, if there is someone to ask. Then I think we in Sweden can at least continue fricamping.
26 February 2026 - 16:50
Helena says:
Yes, there have been more motorhomes if nothing else, and thus more rules (and in some cases less tolerance). But yes, during the low season and in some countries (including Sweden, but not only!) It is still fine if you behave respectfully 🙂
27 February 2026 - 9:36