Writer: Helena Bergström
We are often told that you can free camp with a motorhome in Sweden ”thanks to the right of public access”. It is true that you can free camp in Sweden - to a certain extent - and it is also true that the right of public access is fantastic. However, these two things are not linked in the way that people often suggest... Let us explain!
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The right of public access - an amazing freedom
The right of public access is something quite unique to the Nordic countries and gives everyone the opportunity to spend time in nature. The right is based on the principle of “do not disturb - do not destroy” and means, among other things, that you can:
- hiking in nature
- cycling and canoeing
- picking berries and mushrooms
- pitch a tent for a single day
It's a freedom that many Swedes take almost for granted, and which often fascinates visitors from other countries. But this is also where a common misunderstanding arises: the right of public access applies to people - not motorised vehicles.
Motorhomes are not covered by the right of public access
For motorhomes and other motor vehicles, other rules and laws apply, including Off-road driving law. In short, this law prohibits off-road driving, with certain exceptions. Off-road is defined as land that is not a road, such as forests, meadows, beaches and mountainous areas.
In other words, this means that not are allowed to drive off-road and park their motorhome there, even if the site looks both attractive and empty. So you can not invoke the right of public access for this purpose. However, what you can do as a human being - after parking your motorhome in a suitable place - is to enjoy the right of public access by going for a lovely walk in the woods!
But, are you allowed to free camp with a motorhome in Sweden?
It is sometimes possible to free camp with a motorhome in Sweden - but it is not thanks to the right of public access. If you park your motorhome in a place where parking is allowed, such as a car park, along a road or on any other suitable surface where it is allowed to stop, it is in many cases okay to also sleep in the car for a night. Things you need to take into account include:
- Off-road driving law (driving motorised vehicles off-road is prohibited)
- Parking rules and local signs
- Rules for stopping at a rest area (you are usually allowed to stay up to 24 hours on weekdays. and until the next working day on weekends)
- Difference between parking and camping
When parking becomes camping
Parking means that the vehicle is stationary, and there is no general ban in Sweden on sleeping in a stationary car, so you can ”fricamp” (or rather: sleep in your vehicle) as long as you park legally and regularly.
However, if you start using the site as a campsite (unfolding the awning, taking out outdoor furniture, starting a barbecue, etc.), it can all be seen as camping, and it is often not allowed even if parking is authorised.
Why has the misunderstanding arisen?
We don't know why this misunderstanding about motorhomes and the right of public access has arisen, but perhaps it's because Sweden is often marketed around the Swedish countryside and the freedom to spend time in it. Perhaps you have also seen many photos of motorhomes or vans parked by some cosy lake?
Perhaps you think that ”the right of public access is what allows us to free camp in the Nordic countries - while you can't in other countries”? However, our experience is that the rules in ”other countries” vary greatly and that there are quite a few countries that accept what is accepted in Sweden - discreet overnight stays in vehicles in car parks or similar.
READ MORE: Fricamping in Europe - what applies to you with a motorhome
Sweden is still motorhome friendly
Even though the right of public access does not apply to motorhomes, this does not mean that travelling with a motorhome in Sweden is difficult - quite the opposite. There are plenty of campsites and caravan parks, and it is often possible to spend the night in your motorhome in a car park, as long as you are considerate.
Please note that it can be difficult to find suitable accommodation in popular tourist areas during the high season. Off-season and less touristic places offer, by nature, more opportunities.
Freedom is built on responsibility
The right of public access is great and so is the possibility to stay overnight in a vehicle in a car park. These freedoms are fundamentally based on trust. If we respect nature, landowners and local rules, there are also good opportunities to continue to enjoy what makes Sweden such a special country to travel in - whether on foot, in a tent or in a motorhome.
If you want to camp overnight with your motorhome: Follow the laws and local signs, do not use car parks as campsites and show consideration for both nature and other people. Do not refer to the right of public access!
English (UK) 
Svenska
bmlarsreseblogg says:
Sometimes we really wonder what is wrong with people? If I just stand here in a car park, unfold the awning and put out chairs, it does not matter and there is room? Next time, there will probably be a sign prohibiting motorhome parking. We have seen many horror examples of this so of course you get tired sometimes... Well written post!
17 March 2026 - 12:48
Jompa says:
Now it is clear what applies to parking and camping. So no no chairs out etc if you park. And if you want to camp, do it because it is allowed and not along roads, forest edges, lakes etc where it is not allowed to camp. But sleeping in your vehicle when you park and following the parking rules is fine.
19 March 2026 - 5:29
Cm says:
If you place chairs and an awning in a ”neighbouring parking space”, it will be wrong. If you stand on the outermost spot and put the chair on the lawn, it is ok.
19 March 2026 - 11:21
RMy says:
Regardless of where you put the chairs or pull out the awning, if the result is the same, it counts as camping and is therefore not allowed if camping is not permitted there.
22 March 2026 - 22:19
Ditte says:
I don't have a motorhome, but I think it's good that you bring this up Sometimes people don't think further than their nose, and barely that. Stubborn? Yeah, yeah, yeah.
17 March 2026 - 15:25
Frido says:
What a good and enlightening text!
17 March 2026 - 19:35
Monnah says:
Very good text! Good reminder for both the one and the other direction.
18 March 2026 - 10:53
Ewa Gahnström says:
Is it okay to park a motorhome, caravan or pitch a tent in a turning area? Can you require them to remove themselves?.
18 March 2026 - 16:02
Helena says:
You must not park in a way that obstructs traffic. I.e. you must not obstruct traffic flow, pose a traffic hazard or violate local regulations. I find it hard to answer for sure for the specific situation, but it sounds like it might be an inappropriate parking. If they start ”camping” = even more inappropriate. You could try talking to them, or if necessary contact the landowner or police. If it happens repeatedly, maybe it's good to put up a sign?
18 March 2026 - 17:44
Thomas Agnevik says:
Turning areas normally have a parking ban. For example, if you are travelling on a forestry road and come to a turning area, it is for turning logging trucks with trailers. As long as you remain at the car, it is not so serious, but otherwise it is a typical parking that hinders traffic (if there is a logging truck)
19 March 2026 - 6:47
Anonymous says:
On forest roads, you can't even drive in. They are private roads.
19 March 2026 - 21:23
Dan says:
Why shouldn't you be allowed to drive on a private road?
Ownership has nothing to do with the ban on teafik.
20 March 2026 - 5:26
RMY says:
By clearly signposting, the landowner can prohibit driving on private forest roads.
23 March 2026 - 17:48
Kjell Karlsson says:
A turning area is just as it is named, thus parking is prohibited.
19 March 2026 - 9:36
Tradar chaufför says:
It is good if you think of the commercial traffic that is obliged by law to take a break and rest, you do not have to fill every single parking space along major busy roads such as e4 e20 when you are on holiday must be nicer to stand in quieter places. And if a truck comes, you can make room and not stand in the middle of the car park.
19 March 2026 - 7:20
Jari says:
A little common sense is usually enough when it comes to where to park your motorhome.
Kind of like picking up after your dog. In the bushes or in the middle of the path.
19 March 2026 - 23:37
Marcus says:
Well written. I marvel every summer at the increasing number of motorhomes on the roads that look more like military vehicles. Four-wheel drive devices with roughly patterned large wheels, maybe even snorkels. They usually have German licence plates. This makes you wonder what the purpose of these vehicles is.
I am German myself and I know that there is a widespread perception among my fellow countrymen that more or less everything is permitted in Sweden. They feel that most things are forbidden in Germany, while Sweden promises freedom. But in fact, the rules on how to spend time in nature are quite similar in Sweden and Germany. The difference is that the risk of getting caught or getting a good scolding is much greater in Germany.
22 March 2026 - 8:10