Wild camping in Bulgaria: is it allowed? (2026)
Wild camping is officially banned in Bulgaria, but it's widely tolerated in the mountains and countryside — along the Black Sea and in parks a strict ban applies.
What's allowed
- Discreetly bivouacking in the mountains outside national parks (often tolerated)
- Staying overnight on quiet rural land, far from tourist crowds
- Camping at a recognised campsite or camper spot
- Staying overnight on private land with the owner's permission
What's not allowed
- Tents or motorhomes on the beaches and dunes of the Black Sea
- Camping in national parks and nature reserves
- Open fire outside designated zones (high wildfire risk)
- Staying overnight on private land without permission
In Bulgaria, wild camping is officially banned, but the reality is more nuanced. In the countryside and the mountains — outside protected areas — it is in many cases tolerated and rarely penalised. Along the Black Sea and in national parks, on the other hand, a strict and actively enforced ban applies.
Where it’s tolerated
In the mountains (outside national parks), such as in remote parts of the Rila, Pirin or Rhodopes, you’ll usually have few problems if you bivouac discreetly. The further you are from tourist hotspots and big cities, the greater the tolerance. Just stick to leave no trace and don’t bother anyone.
Strict ban: Black Sea & parks
Along the Black Sea coast, camping on beaches and dunes has been explicitly forbidden since a change in the law — this was even upheld by the Constitutional Court. The fines are steep:
- ±€500 for a tent on a dune.
- Up to ±€1,500 for a motorhome or caravan.
In national parks and nature reserves, camping is also banned, with fines that can run up to ±€1,000.
Open fire
Open fire is forbidden outside designated spots. In summer, Bulgaria faces a high wildfire risk; use a small gas stove instead of a campfire.
Practical tips
- Choose the mountains over the coast: tolerance is by far the greatest there.
- Camp discreetly: arrive late, leave early, one spot per night.
- Unsure about private land? Ask the owner for permission — it’s appreciated and avoids problems.
- Check beforehand that you’re not in a national park or reserve; there the risk of a hefty fine is real.