Camping on private land

Camping on private land

Table of contents:

• 1. Questions and answers about camping on private land

• 2. Allowed or not - When is camping on private land permitted?

  • 2.1 Countries with camping on private land

    • 2.1.1 Permits for camping on private land in Germany

• 3. Insurance for camping on private land

• 4. Become a host with your private land

  • 4.1 Sanitary facilities - Are they a must?

  • 4.2 Fire pit - What is permitted?

• 5. Wild camping vs. camping on private land

  • 5.1 Advantages of wild camping

  • 5.2 Disadvantages of wild camping

  • 5.3 Advantages of private camping

  • 5.4 Disadvantages of private camping

• 6. Campsite vs. pitch on private land

  • 6.1 Costs of camping on private land

  • 6.2 How to find pitches on private land

    • 6.2.1 App for pitches on private land

    • 6.2.2 Pitch guide for camping holidays at private locations

• 7. Spain - popular regions for private camping

• 8. Bavaria - why it's worth the trip

• 9. Switzerland - private pitches with a view of the mountains

• 10. Italy - private camping by the water

Camping on private land: questions and answers

Camping on private land is becoming increasingly popular - whether with a motorhome, caravan, rooftop tent, or a regular tent. This blog post answers the most important questions on the topic.

Camping on private land: permitted or forbidden?

In most European countries, camping on private land is permitted, as long as the landowner has given their permission.

But in some countries other rules: in Croatia and Slovenia, camping is only permitted at official campsites. Pitches on private land, whether on a farm, a garden, an area in the forest, by a lake or on a meadow, are generally forbidden. In Slovenia and Croatia it is not enough to have permission from the landowner - only local authorities can grant exceptions.

The safest option is to use a provider for camping on private land, such as VanSite. That way you're on the safe side and know that overnight stays at the listed properties are genuinely permitted.

In which countries does VanSite offer camping on private land?

Most private land pitches on VanSite are in France, Spain, Italy, Germany, Sweden, Denmark, Austria and in Switzerland. Here you can find thousands of nature-close pitches from private individuals and book them directly online.

But there are also some other countries, such as Portugal, Romania, Poland, Netherlands and Norway, with some spots. More pitches are being added all the time, so it's always worth searching on VanSite for your chosen destination.

VanSite is one of the top providers for camping holidays on private land. You'll find many different options here: camping on a farm, at a winery, by a lake, by the sea, in the forest, or in wild Garden - here you'll find real hidden gem pitches to discover, offering you plenty of peace and privacy.

What permits are required for camping on private land in Germany?

For travellers: Of course, you always need the consent of the owner to stay overnight on a private property. Unless you book a pitch through a platform like VanSite.

For landowners: To offer your private property as a caravan-, tent-, or motorhome pitch, you generally do not need any permit.

Depending on your individual offer you should check whether it is necessary to register a business registration. If you are not sure whether you need a business licence, you can ask at your local trade office.

If you plan to turn your private property into an official pitch for multiple guests with infrastructure, including sanitary facilities, a building permit or usage permit may be required.

Which insurance policies cover damage when camping on private land?

For travellers: To be well covered during your camping adventure, it is worth taking out a suitable insurance policy, since your household insurance does not cover your movable belongings in a motorhome, caravan, or (roof) tent while camping. That means you need a camping comprehensive insurance and possibly also a contents insurance. A motor vehicle liability insurance is also legally required for campervans, caravans and motorhomes. For guidance on getting properly insured for a good camping experience, you can check the website of the Consumer Advice Centre or the Federation of Insured Persons.

For landowners: If you as a host want to avoid any risk when hosting campers on a private property, you should be properly insured. There is home and property owners' liability insurance that covers damage caused by visitors on your property. If something on your property gets damaged, the campers' personal or motor vehicle liability insurance may apply.

In any case, check your own insurance policy to find out exactly which damages are covered under your specific contract.

Become a host - Can I offer my garden for camping on private land?

If you own a property that is suitable for camping, offering a motorhome-, caravan-, or (roof) tent pitch can be a great way to earn some extra money and meet new people.

It does not matter whether your private property is a garden, a farm, or an open piece of land.

In short: Yes, you can become a host for campers with a garden, but also with other private natural properties.

To register as a VanSite as a host, or to find out more, click here:find out more, click here:

Do I have to offer sanitary facilities on my private property?

As a host you are not obliged to offer toilets, as many campers travel independently and are simply looking for a nice place to stay overnight.

If you have the means and the inclination, you can of course also offer shower or toilet access, making your pitch attractive for non-independent campers too.

Am I allowed to offer a fire pit for camping on my private property?

Some hosts offer the use of a fire pit as an additional service. There are a few rules to keep in mind:

• In Germany there are permit-free and permit-required fire pits.

• Permit-free fire pits:
  Enclosed, small fire pits up to 1 metre in diameter (e.g. fire bowls, fire baskets, garden fireplaces, self-built fire pits); the fire pit must be at least 100 metres from forests and easily flammable materials, and at least 5 metres from buildings made of flammable materials

• Campfires requiring a permit:
  Open campfires or larger fire pits with a diameter of more than 1 metre often require a permit from the local municipality. Nature reserves also have specific rules that must be checked with the responsible authority.

Important note:

Rules can vary from place to place. If in doubt, check with your local municipality or fire department, to avoid any problems.

Camping on private land vs. wild camping: which is better?

Wild camping advantages:

• Spontaneity: You choose your own spot on the go.

• Adventure: Often far from other people and civilisation.

• Free of charge: No money needed.

Wild camping disadvantages:

• No planning: You never know in advance whether you'll find a suitable spot to sleep at short notice.

• Legally problematic: Prohibited or heavily restricted in many countries (including Germany).

• Risk of fines: Fines if you're caught.

• No safety: Nobody knows where you are, which is a risk in emergencies.

• No comfort: No water, toilet, or waste disposal.

Camping on private land advantages:

• Planning or spontaneity: VanSite pitches can be booked both in advance as well as spontaneously. You can check at any time on the map while on the go, which pitches are available near your current location.

• Legally permitted: If you've booked the pitch through a platform like VanSite, you are welcome on the property and can spend the night in peace, without worrying about fines.

• More safety: Especially if you're travelling alone or as a family, you shouldn't take any safety risks. Many private land pitches are close to an inhabited area. Don't just park somewhere in the middle of nowhere, instead camp with VanSite at a safe and permitted spot.

• Real hidden camping gems: There are many different types of private properties. Discover camping on a farm, pitches in the most beautiful nature, a green oasis near a city in a private garden, a peaceful spot in the forest, pitches by the sea or by a lake, and much more. The selection on VanSite is huge!

• More comfort: Although it feels like wild camping and purists get their money's worth, VanSite pitches are often the legal wild camping alternative with more comfort. Many of the VanSite camping accommodations also offer amenities. If you need something specific, use the right filter when searching for pitches in the VanSite App or on the website.

• Photos & experiences from other campers: VanSite makes sure there are as many accurate photos and even 360-degree shots of the pitches as possible. Campers can also leave reviews for each VanSite pitch. So you can get a picture of the place before you arrive.

Camping on private land disadvantages:

• It's not free: Unlike wild camping, staying on a private property usually not free, unless you know the owners personally or you have a VanSite AnnualPass. With the AnnualPass you pay a fair price once upfront and can then stay for free for a year on thousands of nature-close (rooftop) tent, caravan, or motorhome pitches across Europe - basically like a flat rate for camping on private land. Find out everything you need to know about the VanSite AnnualPass here:

  Camping card for Europe - Order now and save

Campsite or private land pitch?

Campsites are mainly for campers who like being around lots of people and prefer classic camping accommodations with infrastructure. Campsites often have restaurants, shops, leisure activities and playgrounds right on site.

A popular alternative to campsites is camping on private land. Here you have the chance to experience real camping adventures in nature, plenty of peace and privacy to enjoy and unforgettable experiences to collect.

What does camping on private land cost?

What a pitch for camping on private land costs is set by the owner. The price varies depending on facilities, proximity to popular holiday regions and size. With the VanSite AnnualPass, a flat rate for camping on private land across Europe, overnight stays at thousands of pitches are free.

How do you find pitches on private land?

There are platforms like VanSite that specialize in camping on private land. VanSite even offers a app for booking private pitches and a matching travel guide to browse.

What does the VanSite camping-on-private-land app cost?

The VanSite app for camping on private land in Europe is free. You can book each pitch individually and only pay the price per night.

Download the camping-on-private-land app for free here:

What does the VanSite pitch guide cost?

In addition to the free app and the free website, there is also a pitch guide as a hardcover book for the less tech-savvy campers among us.

Find out everything about the pitch guide here:

Camping on private land in Spain: which regions are especially popular?

In Spain there are many popular regions where you can camp on private land. Especially the Costa del Mar Balear between Barcelona and Valencia, but also the Atlantic coast towards Portugal is very popular.

Find private land in nature for camping in popular regions in Spain:

Camping on private land in Bavaria: is it worth visiting for a camping holiday?

Yes, Bavaria is a great destination for camping on private land. The unique combination of breathtaking Alpine landscapes, crystal-clear lakes, dense forests, fairytale villages and local specialties makes Bavaria a varied camping destination.

Find pitches on private land in Bavaria for your next holiday in a motorhome, caravan or tent:

Camping on private land in Switzerland: are there pitches with a mountain view?

In Switzerland you can book through platforms like VanSite private pitches with a mountain view. The nature in the mountain world is uniquely beautiful. Waking up at a pitch with a mountain panorama is one of the finest experiences in any camper's life.

Here you can discover private pitches in Switzerland - many of them with a mountain view:

Camping on private land in Italy: are there pitches by the water?

Yes, in Italy there are many pitches on private land that are right by the water. Whether on the Adriatic coast, the Mediterranean, the Ionian Sea or one of the many lakes in Italy.

Discover options for camping on private land in Italy, many of them right by the water:

Note: The content of this blog post has been prepared with great care. However, information may change over time. We cannot guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or currency of the information provided.