Wild camping in Germany: is it allowed? (2026)
Wild camping is banned across Germany in nature and forest areas, but the rules differ by state and official trekking and bivouac spots do exist.
What's allowed
- Staying overnight at official 'Trekkingplätze' (bookable bivouac spots in nature)
- Camping on private land with the owner's permission
- Bivouacking without a tent is sometimes tolerated, provided you're careful
- One night in your vehicle to rest ('to restore your fitness to drive')
What's not allowed
- Pitching your tent in a forest, nature or landscape conservation area
- Wild camping in national parks and nature reserves
- Open fire in nature (extra strict in dry summers)
- Multiple nights in the same spot with a motorhome outside official sites
In Germany, free wild camping is banned — there is no ‘right to roam’. Camping is governed by the nature and forest protection laws of the 16 separate states (Bundesländer), which means the exact rules differ from region to region. The common thread: pitching a tent in a forest or in nature is allowed almost nowhere, but there is a fine network of legal alternatives.
Where it is allowed
The best legal option are the official Trekkingplätze: marked bivouac spots in the middle of nature, often with a tent platform, fire pit, composting toilet and bench. You usually book them in advance for one night (± €5–10). They can be found in places such as the Palatinate, the Black Forest, the Eifel and Bavaria.
In the north, a little more is possible: states such as Brandenburg, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and Bremen allow one night’s stay under certain conditions for hikers, riders or canoeists. On private land you may always camp with the owner’s permission.
Where it is strictly forbidden
In national parks, nature reserves and landscape conservation areas, wild camping is forbidden everywhere, with the highest fines. Bavaria has the strictest rules in the country.
Open fire
Open fire is forbidden in nature, except at the designated fire pits of a Trekkingplatz. In dry summers, strict wildfire bans apply.
Fines
If you get caught, you risk a fine of up to ± €500. In protected areas this rises sharply — up to €2,500 in Bavarian reserves, and even towards €5,000 in cases of damage or trespassing on private land.
Practical tips
- Book a Trekkingplatz in advance — legal, cheap and often beautifully located.
- Check the rules of the state you’re in; they really do differ.
- Leave no trace and respect fire and drought bans.