Wild camping in Romania: is it allowed? (2026)
Romania does not explicitly ban wild camping: outside parks and private land it is widely tolerated, especially in the Carpathians above the tree line.
What's allowed
- Bivouacking on public forest and mountain land outside protected areas
- Spending the night on the high mountain ridges, such as the Făgăraș (above the tree line)
- Camping at designated spots near mountain huts and refuges
- Staying one or a few nights, as long as you leave no trace
What's not allowed
- Camping in national parks and nature reserves outside designated zones
- Open fires on the ground (banned everywhere in protected areas)
- Pitching your tent on private land without permission
- Leaving waste behind or being a nuisance to others
Romania is one of the more tolerant countries in Europe for wild campers. There is no official ‘right to roam’, but the law does not explicitly ban wild camping on public land outside protected areas either. In practice, bivouacking on forest and mountain land is widely accepted, as long as you stay discreet and leave nothing behind.
Where it’s allowed
Outside national parks, nature reserves and private land, camping on public forest and mountain terrain is generally no problem. The Carpathians are the holy grail: in the Făgăraș, bivouacking on the high ridge — above the tree line, between the mountain huts — is a normal part of multi-day treks. Other ranges have their own rules: in Retezat you camp by Lake Bucura, in Piatra Craiului only at designated spots near the refuges.
National parks & reserves
In national parks and nature reserves you may only camp in designated areas. Violations fall under environmental law and can lead to fines of ±€60 to €600. Always check the status of the area you’re heading into beforehand.
Open fires & bears
Open fires on the ground are banned in all protected areas and dangerous in any case during dry spells. Use a gas stove. Take note: the Carpathians have a healthy bear population. Store your food properly, don’t camp near bins or huts with food scraps, and follow any warning signs.
Practical tips
- Camp high and discreet: arrive late, leave early, and ideally don’t stay several nights in the same place.
- Stick strictly to leave no trace — here it’s both an ethical and a legal obligation.
- Bring a free-standing, wind-resistant tent: above 2,000 m the weather can turn quickly and there is often no water.