Camping and Motorhomes in Sweden

Sweden is a dream destination for campers. The roads are empty, the countryside is vast, and almost every lake has a campsite. Whether you travel with a tent, caravan or motorhome, a little planning lets you explore the country in a relaxed and affordable way.

Campsites

Sweden has several hundred campsites, many of them right by the water. Facilities range from simple nature sites to large complexes with a restaurant, mini golf and a beach. Typical are the small cabins (stugor), which you can rent as an alternative when the weather is bad.

• Season: most sites are open from May to September. Some, especially in winter sports areas, are open all year round.
• Reservations: from Midsummer to mid-August, popular coastal sites are often fully booked. Outside these weeks, you can almost always find a pitch without booking.
• Camping card: some sites require a camping card or offer discounts with one. Ask about it when you first check in.

Motorhome pitches

In addition to campsites, there are more and more motorhome stopovers, called ställplats in Swedish. They are often located at guest harbours, in town centres or on farms, have simpler facilities and are cheaper than a campsite. Most offer electricity, water and a waste disposal station.

Wild camping: what is allowed

Many campers dream of a secluded spot by a lake. The Swedish Right of Public Access (allemansrätten) allows camping in the countryside for one or two nights, as long as you keep your distance from houses and do not damage anything. However, it does not apply to vehicles. Off-road driving is prohibited, including on meadows, forest floors and beaches. With a motorhome or caravan, you may only stop where parking is permitted, such as car parks and lay-bys directly by the road, and only for a short time. Private roads may be closed off, and prohibition signs must be observed.

On Swedish roads

• Dipped headlights are compulsory, even during the day.
• Lower speed limits apply to vehicles towing trailers or caravans than to cars.
• Stockholm and Gothenburg charge a congestion tax, which also applies to foreign vehicles.
• Watch out for elk (moose) and deer at dusk, especially on forest roads.
• In the north, petrol stations are far apart. Fill up in good time.

Find out more on the page Transport in Sweden.

Gas, electricity and waste disposal

Gas bottles brought from abroad, for example from Germany, generally cannot be exchanged in Sweden and can only be refilled at a few stations. Bring enough gas with you, or a suitable adapter. Electrical hook-ups at campsites follow the European CEE standard. Disposal stations for grey water and toilet waste can be found at campsites and motorhome pitches, as well as at many larger rest areas.

Practical tips

• Bring mosquito repellent, especially for the north and for sites by the water.
• Cards are accepted almost everywhere, even at small sites.
• Only light fires in fixed fireplaces, and never when there is a fire ban.