The world’s best countries for camping – region by region
With so many places across the planet that are perfect for sleeping under the stars, it’s tricky to pin down the world’s best countries for camping. But we’ve attempted it anyway.
So drum roll, please: here are Pitchup’s top camping hotspots – mostly based on access to outdoor space, stunning nature and excellent safety.
The best countries for camping in Europe
Top spot
Norway slides into the No. 1 spot as the scenery is spectacular – it’s full of massive fjords, rushing waterfalls and towering crags. And, as one of Europe’s priciest countries for travelling in, bedding down under canvas will also save you a bob (or five).
Another reason to love Norway is because wild camping is allowed anywhere for up to 48 hours in one spot without permission from the owner. The ‘All Man’s Land’ law – called allemannsretten – specifies that you need to stay 500 metres away from buildings and you can’t pitch up on ‘cultivated’ land (eg grazing pastures).
If you like your camping a little less wild, the country also has sites with facilities.
Second place
Pitchup’s base is London, so it goes without saying that we have a soft spot for UK camping. The United Kingdom has an incredible range of campsites, holiday parks and glampsites to choose across its 19,491 miles of coastline and 10 national parks.
Split into four nations – England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland – the culture is also a lot more varied than people realise.
Honourable mention: France is also fab. It calls its holiday parks ‘fresh-air hotels’ and has all sorts of top terrain to choose from. Amble around the Alps, wander in wine regions, bask by beaches… you get the picture. A huge choice of holiday parks with oodles of facilities also means it’s fantastic for families.
Under the radar
Croatia is a perfect pick if you fancy glamping on islands overlooking the Adriatic Sea. Slovenia has lush green nature that rivals the scenery in Austria and Switzerland but is a little less well known.
The best countries for camping Down Under
Top spot
Australia just about pips New Zealand to the post. Why? Because it’s got so much to get stuck into, from stylish cities (g’day, Sydney) to golden-sand beach towns (add Byron Bay to the agenda, stat).
You can camp close to the Twelve Apostles on the Great Ocean Road, the Northern Territory's Yellow Water Lagoon, the Margaret River vineyards and the kaleidoscopically coloured Great Barrier Reef.
We’re removing marks for its creepy critters, though – 9 out of the world’s 10 most poisonous snakes are found in this country(!)
Second place
New Zealand is a very close runner up for its otherworldly landscapes and a host of cheap campsites run by the government. If you’re keen to camp in NZ, don’t miss the bright blue lakes of Wanaka, the wild dolphin swimming trips in Kaikoura and the ferry rides across the epic Milford Sound.
It can be tricky to free camp in New Zealand, however, unless you have a self-contained motorhome or campervan.
Under-the-radar options
Tasmania is on the rise for packing such a pretty punch for its compact size. Meanwhile, the North Island of New Zealand is a better bet than the South Island if you’re keen to avoid the tourists.
The best countries for camping in North and Central America
Top spot
The USA is vast and varied. You can camp amid Alaskan mountain ranges, pitch up in the seemingly endless lands of the Midwest or in one of the western coast’s mind-bogglingly attractive national parks. With excellent roads and so much to see and do, it’s also ideal road trip territory.
Second place
Canada’s ice-covered mountain ranges and bright turquoise lakes mean it’s an unmissable place for a camping trip. It’s also huge, especially compared with its smaller population, so it’s easy to get off the beaten track here. The jaw-dropping nature in the national parks of British Columbia never disappoints.
Under the radar
Camping in the Costa Rican rainforest among sloths and toucans is the absolute dream. This country is one of the world’s most biodiverse – about a quarter of it is home to protected jungle. There are also golden-sand beaches and ancient volcanoes to check out.
The best countries for camping in South America
Top spot
Chile and Argentina are the capitals of camping in South America, mostly because they’re home to the otherworldly landscape of Patagonia. As a remote region, it’s top for a tent-toting holiday. Accommodation is few and far between, so bringing camping gear gives you more freedom to explore.
Don’t miss the craggy mountains of Torres del Paine National Park in Chile – it’s practically a pilgrimage place for hikers and campers.
Second place
Brazil gets a runner-up prize because it has so much rainforest to roam (not to mention incredible white-sand beaches). For somewhere seriously unknown, peruse our campsites in the jungle-rich Minas Gerais region.
Under the radar
Peru is a prime place for campers, especially beginners, as there are tons of guide-led, multi-day hikes to join here. Head to Huaraz and hike the snow-topped Cordillera Blanca mountain range on the three-night Santa Cruz trek. Or meander to Machu Picchu on the Salkantay Trail for four days, camping at different spots enroute before ending up at one of the world's great wonders.
The best countries for camping in Africa
Top spot
In Namibia, you can camp a short stroll from watering holes where white rhinos come to drink and in pristine desert landscapes. Don’t miss Etosha National Park, one of the only places in the world where you can head off on a self-drive safari.
Second place
South Africa should also be on your bucket list – especially for safaris. Kruger National Park's mountains, bush and tropical forests are home to the Big Five (lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants and buffalo), as well as countless other incredible creatures.
Under the radar
Because of the heat – and a lack of widespread camping culture – it often pays to camp (or glamp) in Africa. There are lodges in national parks like the Serengeti and Masai Mara for those once-in-a-lifetime trips, and if you camp you can often stay in hotel grounds and use the facilities at budget-boosting prices.
The best countries for camping in Asia
Top spot
Central Asia is your best bet for a camping trip – Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan specifically for their wide-open landscapes and nomadic culture. You can free camp in mountainous regions like Karakol, Kyrgyzstan's hiking hub, pretty easily and most of the travellers you’ll meet will be fellow adventurers.
Second place
We’d recommend Mongolia for homestays (organise a trip from guesthouses in Ulan Bator). Yurts (also known as ‘gers’) originated from this region, so if you’ve always wanted to sleep in one, here’s your chance for an authentic experience.
Alternatively, check out yurts across the world – these trending Central Asian tents are to be found at glampsites all over.
Under the radar
There’s not a huge camping culture in Asia – yet – but climbing areas in Laos like Vang Vieng offer tent stays right by world-class crags. China is also on the up – the government has planned to create 4,000 new campsites across the country by 2020.
Of course, you can camp pretty much anywhere you like across the world. Find campsites and holiday parks split nation by nation for your perfect stay.