Wild camping in Latvia: is it allowed? (2026)
Wild camping is allowed and even encouraged in Latvia: in forests outside protected areas you may pitch your tent freely, unless a sign forbids it.
What's allowed
- Pitching your tent or hanging a hammock in forest outside protected areas
- Roaming freely through state, municipal and private forest (where no sign forbids it)
- Picking berries and mushrooms in the open countryside
- Staying overnight briefly, with respect for quiet and surroundings
What's not allowed
- Camping in nature reserves, on fragile dunes or in military zones
- Staying on land marked 'Private property' or 'No access'
- Making noise, leaving litter or damaging vegetation
- Lighting fires outside designated spots or during a fire ban
Latvia has a strong everyman’s right of free access to nature. Wild camping is not only allowed but even encouraged, as long as you respect a few simple rules. The basis is set out in the Forest Law (article 5): everyone may move freely through state, municipal and private forests.
Where it’s allowed
In forests outside protected areas you may pitch your tent or hang a hammock between the trees at any time and in almost any spot. The right of free access only lapses where a sign closes it off, such as “Privātīpašums” (private property) or “Ieeja aizliegta” (no access), or in a specially protected nature area.
Never set up camp in:
- Nature reserves and strictly protected zones.
- Fragile dunes along the coast.
- Military or closed-off land.
Keep your stay short — one to two nights — and behave according to the municipality’s local rules of conduct (no nuisance, no litter).
Open fires
Light a fire only at spots intended for it with a fire pit, and never during a dry spell or fire ban. In the dry season, wildfire risk is strictly monitored. In doubt? Then use a gas stove.
Practical tips
- Choose camping spots along hiking trails and in state forest; always watch for signs.
- Take all your litter with you and leave no trace.
- Stay away from fields, meadows and dwellings.
- The right of access doesn’t cover campers — use official car parks and motorhome stopovers.
- Arrive late and leave early, especially closer to villages.