Wild camping in Romania: what is allowed and in which areas

Are you thinking of getting away from the hustle and bustle of city life and retreating to the great outdoors?

Wild camping in Romania sounds extremely tempting and gives you the opportunity to discover spectacular landscapes and reconnect with nature.

However, before you pack your gear and set off on your camping adventure, find out about the rules and regulations governing wild camping in Romania.

It’s also important to know how to enjoy the experience in a responsible way so that you don’t damage nature and respect local communities.

This guide will give you all the information you need to enjoy Romania’s beauties while respecting the laws and helping to protect the environment.

Find out where camping is allowed, what rules to follow and how to minimize your impact on the ecosystem.

• What is wild camping and where is it allowed in Romania
• The best places for wild camping in Romania
• Dolphin Camping – A unique experience in the Danube Delta
• Tips for responsible wild camping in Romania
• Equipment needed for wild camping in Romania

What is wild camping and where is it allowed in Romania

The dream of camping under the open sky in a place far away from civilization sounds wonderful, doesn’t it?

That’s what wild camping – or “wild camping” as adventurers around the world call it – is all about.

It’s setting up your tent where nature calls you, not in a developed campsite full of neighbors and strict rules.

In Romania, legislation does not explicitly state whether wild camping is allowed or prohibited in all areas. For this reason, the activity takes place in a partially regulated legal framework. To avoid potential problems or misunderstandings, it is important to know the main rules that apply.

What Romanian law says about wild camping

The nature protection legislation (in particular Law 407/2006 – Hunting and Game Protection Law and Law 49/2011 on the regime of protected natural areas) regulates camping and access to natural areas.

In short:

• Camping is prohibited in national parks and protected areas without the approval of park administrations.
• It is forbidden to damage natural habitats, which may include lighting fire directly on the ground, littering or aggressive camping.
• It is forbidden to camp on private land without the owner’s consent.
• Outside of these situations, wild camping is tolerated if it is environmentally friendly and does not violate other local regulations.

Fines can range from 300 to 3,000 lei if these rules are broken.

The best places for wild camping in Romania

Even if it’s not allowed everywhere, there are a few places where you can camp, if you take care of nature and the people who live there.

Regions where wild camping is tolerated

Here are some ideas for wild camping in Romania:

Apuseni Mountains

A region rich in caves, alpine meadows and dense forests, the Apuseni Mountains are ideal for wild camping in Romania. Areas such as Padiș, Poiana Cucuieți, Poiana Glăvoi or Ghețarău are often tolerant of camping, as long as environmental rules are respected.

Danube Delta (except strict reserves)

The Delta is a unique but sensitive place. Camping is only allowed in unprotected areas, and access to certain parts of the Delta is by permit only. It is essential not to camp in areas with aquatic vegetation or wildlife breeding habitat.

Maramureș

The region offers many secluded areas with rolling hills, forests and traditional homesteads. Locals are generally welcoming and don’t object to short-term camping, especially if tourists behave respectfully.

Certain areas on the wild coast

The Wild Coast is one of the few places in Europe where you can camp close to the sea.

However, tourist pressure has increased and authorities have imposed tighter restrictions. Camping is still tolerated in certain areas of Vadu or Corbu, but only if you don’t set fires or leave rubbish.

👉 For example, camping is not allowed on Sulina beach, as the area is protected for the conservation of sensitive habitats of local species. However, the landscapes are lovely and well worth a visit!

Warnings: where to avoid wild camping in Romania

Here’s what to keep in mind:

National parks and protected areas

Parks such as Retezat, Ceahlău, Rodnei or Piatra Craiului have strict camping rules. Camping is only allowed in refuges or designated camping areas. Failure to respect these rules can result in serious fines.

Proximity to villages and private land

Private land is common in hilly or lowland areas. Camping without agreement can lead to conflicts with owners or even police intervention. In addition, some agricultural areas may be chemically treated or used for livestock.

👉 For example, in the Letea Forest, a unique area in the heart of the Delta, camping is strictly forbidden to protect the fragile ecosystem. Discover this beautiful place!

Dolphin Camping – A unique experience in the Danube Delta

If you want to enjoy the Danube Delta in a safe and nature-friendly place, Dolphin Camping is a good option.

It is the only campsite in the Delta with a direct access to the beach, combining the advantages of a normal campsite with the feeling of being alone in the middle of nature.

Ce face special Dolphin Camping:

• ● It’s in a secluded spot that can only be reached by boat, so you get an authentic wild camping experience, but in safety.

👉 Check out all the accommodation available at Dolphin Camping to suit every style of adventure!

• You have direct access to the Delta and the Black Sea beach.
• It has modern facilities to combine comfort with adventure.
• You can bird watch, fish and explore the canals of the Delta.
• Here the focus is on protecting the environment and nature-friendly tourism.

👉 Discover all the authentic experiences Dolphin Camping has to offer, from birdwatching to fishing and nature tours!

Why is so special Dolphin Camping

Dolphin Camping offers you the chance to discover the wild beauty of the Danube Delta without giving up comfort completely.

It is a successful combination of adventure, relaxation and respect for the natural environment.

What’s more, by choosing such experiences, you contribute directly to the protection of one of Europe’s most valuable ecosystems.

👉 Where the Danube meets the sea, you’ll find the wild Sfântu Gheorghe beach. Discover the charm of the place and see what awaits you in an authentic adventure!

Tips for responsible wild camping in Romania

No matter where you choose to pitch your tent – be it in the mountains, on the beach or in a hidden corner of the forest – responsible camping is essential. As well as making your experience more enjoyable, you’ll be helping to protect the natural environment for future generations.

1. Find out in advance

Before you set off on your camping adventure, research the area where you want to camp. Check whether:

• The area allows camping (especially in protected areas or national parks).
• A special camping or access permit is required.
• There are seasonal restrictions.

2. Respect the Leave No Trace principle

Follow these tips for sustainable tourism:

• Collect absolutely all waste, including biodegradables (food scraps).
• Avoid damaging vegetation and the natural landscape (do not break plants, move stones or twigs).
• If you have made minor changes to the tent site, leave the site exactly as you found it when you leave.

3. Respect local flora and fauna

Take into account the following points:

• Observe wild animals from a distance and avoid feeding them.
• Don’t pick plants or flowers, especially when you don’t know if they are protected species.
• Keep quiet: loud noises can disturb fragile ecosystems.

4. Be extra careful with fire

Consider the following rules:

• Open fires should only be built in designated areas (specially prepared fire pits).
• Use a camping stove if the area does not allow open fire.
• Make sure the fire is completely extinguished before leaving the site – use plenty of water and stir the ashes.

5. Choose your campsite carefully

Take our advice:

• Avoid camping near rivers, lakes or wetlands – these areas are essential for biodiversity and can be easily damaged.
• Choose sustainable land: areas with hardy grass or stony ground, not fragile or boggy soils.

6. Prepare your equipment and knowledge

Here’s what you should consider:

• Make sure you have a quality tent suitable for the weather conditions in the area.
• Take with you a map of the area and an extra water source.
• Inform yourself about possible local hazards (wild animals, extreme weather, terrain conditions).

By following these basic rules, you’ll be able to enjoy Romania’s wild beauty without leaving anything behind but beautiful memories. Now that you have all the information you need for responsible camping, let’s take a look at what you shouldn’t miss in your backpack.

Equipment needed for wild camping in Romania

For a safe and enjoyable wild camping experience in Romania, it’s important to be well prepared. Natural conditions can be unpredictable, so here’s what you don’t need to be without:

• A good tent that won’t let you out in the rain and is suitable for the area where you are going.
• A sleeping bag that will keep you warm, even if it’s cold at night.
• An isoprene or inflatable mattress so you don’t feel the cold of the ground and sleep better.
• A portable stove and food and water supplies.
• A system to filter the water.
• A map, compass or GPS.
• A flashlight or headlamp with spare batteries.
• A first aid kit.
• Suitable clothing and footwear for the weather and rough terrain.

With this basic equipment and a genuine respect for nature, you will be able to discover Romania’s most beautiful wild corners safely and joyfully.

All in all, wild camping in Romania is a possible and particularly enjoyable experience, but it comes with responsibilities.

Even if the law does not completely prohibit wild camping, you need to be well informed, respect nature and avoid protected areas or areas where camping is not allowed.

By choosing safe options like Dolphin Camping, you can experience the adventure of freedom in the great outdoors without worrying about breaking any rules.

Photo sources: Shutterstock, Dolphin Camping