Dreaming of camping in Denmark? You’re not alone. Denmark is famous for many things, from its position one of the happiest places on earth, to celebrations like Midsommer. For many people though, one of the most appealing parts of life in Denmark, is the beautiful landscape.
Denmark is among the most eye-catching destinations on the planet, offering everything from stunning architecture, to rolling countryside. For those who want to get back to nature, soak up some clean air, and enjoy life away from the rush, camping in Denmark is a dream come true.
From camping in Copenhagen, to spending nights under the stars in some of the lesser-known parts of the Danish countryside, there are plenty of ways to plan your adventure. Today, we’re going to cover the basics of camping in Denmark, and where you should go to get an amazing experience.
Can you camp anywhere in Denmark?
Most parts of Scandinavia are known for the amazing relationship between people and nature. Campsites in Denmark are a great way to get a taste of the connection for yourself. Although you won’t be able to throw up a tent just anywhere.
Unlike Sweden, the “right to roam” isn’t a thing for Danish adventurers. This means you don’t have complete control over where you stay the night.
Generally, Denmark needs to be more cautious about where it allows visitors to camp, because it’s more densely populated, with larger amounts of private land. This is why there are designated camps for adventurers to use.
The good news is you can choose exactly how “raw and rugged” you want your camping experience to be. Denmark is home to everything from luxury camping pods and “glamping” areas, as well as various campsites specifically intended for those who want to go without home comforts.
Most “authentic” campsites in Denmark are equipped with running water, and that’s about it. You can also find some locations with wooden shelters to camp under. Alternatively, you can stick to a camping environment where there are no extra amenities provided at all.
What is wild camping in Denmark?
The term “wild camping” usually refers to spending the night in nature outside of organized caravan parks and campsites. Since this isn’t legal in Denmark, the phrase usually refers to the “raw” sites mentioned above, where you won’t have access to amenities.
To provide an authentic wild camping experience, these sites ban motorized vehicles and various other creature comforts.
Though camping without extra help can be a lot of fun for those who like a challenge, we’d definitely recommend planning these kinds of camping trips for the summer.
Winter in Scandinavian regions like Denmark can be extremely harsh — and with only a basic shelter, there’s a possibility you’ll end up getting sick.
Another similar option for those who want a wild camping experience in Denmark, is to check out some of the available “free tenting” zones throughout Danish public forests. You can visit these areas and set up a bed for a night without paying any service fee.
There are rules for how long you can stay in one location (one night). You’ll also have to bring all your supplies with you.
Danish campers who want a more authentic experience can find lists of the available wild and free camping zones on the Denmark Ministry of Environment website.
Is Denmark motorhome friendly?
So, what’s the situation when you’re bringing a vehicle to campsites in Denmark?
In most parts of the world, sleeping in your car is far from an authentic camping experience. However, since the weather in Denmark can be overwhelming for some, you might decide to spend a night in the back of your vehicle if you’re feeling cold.
Unfortunately, while you’re allow to sleep and rest in a camper by the roadside for one night, you can’t just sleep in your car.
Pulling into a layby in Denmark with a campervan and sleeping for the night is okay, if you make sure you don’t put out any awning, chairs, or tents. Of course, sleeping in your car is illegal, so you can’t simply find a great place to park and spend your vacation inside your car.
If you want the creature comforts of your own vehicle, you’ll need to use a campervan, and sleep at one of the many official campsites for campervans in the region.
Similar to the varied tent sites in Denmark, there are a range of different kinds of camping spots for campers. You can find locations with activities, fun, and amenities, or just choose a location where you can refill water.
Travelers with campervans in Denmark can also consider trying to spend a night on a local farm — a concept known as bondegårdscamping. Not all farms will have camper spaces though.
Camping in Denmark: The rules for camping in Denmark
The exact rules for camping in Denmark can vary depending on the kind of campsite, and where you are. For the most part, you can find a list of helpful guidelines from the Ministry of Environment in Denmark’s website.
Some of the most important rules to consider include:
Sleeping in forests
You can sleep on the forest floor in a hammock, sleeping bag, or similar product. Your tarpaulin cannot function as a tent outside of camping grounds, and you cannot harm any trees or plants during your stay.
Smaller campsites
Small campsites are for single occupancy, with small groups and families allowed for a maximum of 2 nights. You can find small campsites here: http://udinaturen.dk/
Larger campsites
Large campsites can support larger groups of 15 people or more and can be booked in advance. You are welcome to use shelters when they’re not occupied. Here’s a website where you can find large campsites: http://booking.naturstyrelsen.dk/Home/Kort
Other woodlands
There are 275 woodland areas throughout Denmark where you can set up a tent for a single night. This is called “fri teltning”. Not all woodlands will be available to camp in.
Wild camping
You cannot pitch large tents if you’re in a “wild camping” space. One, two and three-person tents are okay, but anything larger is usually frowned upon.
Built up areas
You cannot pitch a tent within sight of any local roads or buildings.
Starting a fire
Open fires are only supported in designated areas where signs will make your options clear. Camping stoves with enclosed burners are allowed when used safely.
The environment
You must always take your litter away from any camping location with you.
Sanitation and hygiene
If you need to go to the bathroom, make sure it’s 50 meters from the nearest water source, dig a hole for solid waste, and stay away from any walking trails.
Is it easy to find campsites in Denmark?
There are quite a large number of campsites available in Denmark for people who want to get back to nature. There’s about 500 organized spaces, so you’ve got a good chance of finding a space somewhere close to wherever you want to be.
Notably, camping on the beach is not an option for most Danish regions, this is generally because camping on beaches is considered unsafe.
Your options for Danish camping sites will usually fall into one of two categories: Campingrådet and frie sites. The former term refers to any camping site approved by the Danish camping board; the latter refers to “independent” locations hosted by private owners.
Staying at a Danish camping board site
For a high-quality camping experience, it’s often best to stick to areas approved by the Danish Camping Board. The organization rates affiliated camping sites with a one-to-five star rating based on factors such as campsite security and maintenance.
The higher the number of stars, the more likely the location is to have bathroom, cooking, and information facilities.
To stay at a Danish Camping Board location, visitors need a Camping Key card, which is an ID card you can leave at the campsite reception instead of a passport. The card will also give you decent discounts at campsites across Europe.
You can buy a card from most Danish Camping Board sites on arrival, and they usually cost around 110 DDK.
Staying at an independent campsite
If you want a more unique or authentic experience when camping in Denmark, you can consider an independent site instead. The good thing about using an independent campsite is you don’t have to purchase a camping key card or join any kind of special community.
Independent sites can also offer a more unique experience.
Independent sites don’t have to adhere to the same standards as Danish Camping Board sites, however, which can be worrisome for some people. All Danish campsites need to be approved by local authorities, though, so you shouldn’t have to worry too much about the quality.
How much do campsites in Denmark cost?
The costs of camping in Denmark differ depending on a range of factors, including where you choose to stay, how big your tent is going to be, and how many amenities you want to use. If you’re not huge on creature comforts, and you’re not using a motorhome, camping in Denmark can be very cheap.
Notably, the costs of camping are usually higher in areas close to popular destinations like Copenhagen. You can sometimes get discounts for your vacation if you’re booking in advance, so it’s worth checking out the website of your campsite ahead of time.
Here are some great locations to consider:
1. Ballum Campsite
The Ballum camping site is an excellent destination if you’re looking for a natural, attractive, and affordable place to stay. Sleeping here can cost as little as 20 euros per night, and there are plenty of things to do and see in the area.
You can visit the island of Romo within the Wadden Sea or take a stroll through historical towns like Ribe.
Though not the most feature-rich camping environment in the world, Ballum has everything you need for a quiet and relaxing escape. You won’t get a private bathroom, but you will get wonderful countryside views.
2. Camp Mons Klint
For stunning Danish views and amazing scenery, it’s hard to go wrong with camp Mons Klint. Based within the iconic chalk cliffs of Mons Klint, which stretch over 120 meters above sea level, this campsite will give you some truly phenomenal views.
You can go on hiking trips around the woodlands and pastures, and even explore some of the hillier areas of Denmark.
There are tons of outdoor activities available nearby this camping site too, such as kayaking, paragliding, horse riding and mountain biking.
3. Rabjerg mile camping
Regarded as one of the most popular Danish camping sites in the country, the Rabjerg mile camping ground in Hulsig is located near the largest moving dune in Northern Europe.
This scenic campsite is a great destination for families and those who want to spend their nights in cozy, quiet spaces, surrounded by the beauty of Danish nature.
The Rabjerg mile is also a good base destination to start your trip from, if you’re thinking of visiting Skagen and similar locations in Denmark. There are fully equipped caravans and cabins to rent between March and September.
4. Hvidbjerg Strand Feriepark
If you’re looking for camp sites in Denmark with a few more creature comforts, the luxurious Hvidbjerg strand is a good pick. This resort is located on the western coast of Denmark and offers a host of wonderful bonus amenities for all kinds of visitors.
You can bring your own tent or caravan, or rent one of the local beach villas, cabins, and hotel rooms with their own hot tubs.
There’s lots to do here too. You can go swimming on some beautiful open lakes, check out a cycling tour, or just take an incredible walk around the scenic environment.
5. Blushøj Camping
Based in the eye-catching city of Ebeltoft, Blushøj’s camping grounds are about an hour away from Aarhus, and they’re located quite close to the sea.
If you want to explore some of the most beautiful cities in Denmark, while taking in as much outdoor scenery as possible, Blushøj Camping can give you the best of both worlds.
Ideal for camping with children, the site features bonus amenities like a swimming pool and a playground. There’s also a regular rotation of shows and special events taking place, so everyone can get involved in making some memories. You can rent a tent, a caravan, or a cabin.
6. Camp Hverringe
A picturesque Danish campsite located close to a nature reserve and a local beach; Camp Hverringe is a great pick for all kinds of Danish visitors. This coastal camping site is particularly popular during the summer months, when people love to soak up some of the extra rays in a stunning natural destination.
You’ll also be close to the amazing Odense, too.
Camp Hverringe is within walking or driving distance of a number of great locations, but with a beach, pool, and a host of other features available, it’s hard to see why you’d want to leave the comfort of your site.
7. Bornholms Familiecamping
Intended specifically for families who want to explore all the wonders of nature, Bornholms Familiecamping is packed full of things to do and see when you’re in Denmark. You’ll find this stunning site nestled within Bornholm, an island many locals choose for their summer vacations.
You can bring or rent your own caravan or tent and spend days relaxing in the local woodlands.
With a beach to visit nearby, a pool, mini golf, a huge playground and trampolines, there are plenty of ways to keep kids entertained. Kids can also go horse riding or check out a windsurfing lesson.
8. Oro Strandcamping
Oro Strandcamping is one of the smallest campsites in Denmark, but it’s also one of the most unique locations to visit if you’re looking for a taste of Danish nature.
Situated next to the Oro beach, and about an hour away from Copenhagen, these grounds are perfect for anyone who wants to combine the city and the seaside on their trip.
The facilities are pretty straightforward at Oro Camping, giving you a more natural experience of being in the great outdoors. There’s an animal park nearby if you’re looking for something to do with the kids, and you can hire bikes to explore the island too.
9. Randboldal Camping
Welcoming tent users and campervan owners alike, Randboldal gives travelers plenty of ways to enjoy the wonders of the Danish countryside. This attractive campsite is surrounded by lakes and woods, so you can find plenty of wonderful scenery to soak up when you’re away.
The kids are well catered for too, with plenty of swimming lakes, diving platforms, and even a 60-meter waterslide.
As another bonus for kids, you’ll only be around 15 minutes away from the Legoland theme park by car. Visitors can hire mobile homes, cabins, and luxurious tents if they don’t have their own camping supplies.
10. DCU Camping Rørvig Strand
Situated about 200 metres from a sandy Danish beach, and surrounded by forest, the DCU camping center at Rørvig Strand will give you plenty of unique memories to take home. This scenic destination attracts everyone from food lovers to children, thanks to the local Sommerland amusement park.
There’s also the option to relax on the beach or go fishing.
The DCU Camping Rørvig Strand site is versatile, allowing families to choose exactly how relaxed or active they want to be during their trip. You can even rent a deluxe cabin if you’re feeling indulgent.
Quick questions about camping in Denmark
Before you go and book your vacation, here are some extra answers to questions you might have about camping in Denmark.
Q: Can you camp in winter?
While some locations will allow for camping in winter, this will usually mean hiring a cabin or motorhome, rather than staying in a tent. It can be very dangerous to stay in the great outdoors during the winter months, due to extreme cold.
Q: Is it legal to sleep in your car in Denmark?
Unfortunately, no, you can’t sleep in your car legally in Denmark. You can contract a camping site and see whether they can give you a discount on hiring a space for just a few hours of sleep though.
Q: How much do campsites in Denmark cost?
This varies on how many amenities you want and where you’re hoping to visit. However, it’s worth noting camping in Denmark can be very inexpensive.
Q: Is there free camping in Denmark?
You can stay in some places for just one night if you’re happy to go without amenities. This won’t cost you anything but the amount you spend on supplies.
Q: Do you need travel insurance?
While camping in Denmark can be a safe and comfortable experience, depending on where you choose to stay, you will still need camping insurance. A good policy can make a real difference if you’re camping in the middle of nowhere and something goes wrong.
Scandification: Discovering Scandinavia.
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