Top 10 Campsites in Norway
Norway's camping infrastructure sits alongside one of the world's most generous wild access traditions: allemannsretten (the right of all) permits overnight camping on uncultivated land almost anywhere in the country, as long as you are at least 150 metres from the nearest house and stay no more than two nights in the same spot. Commercial campsites still serve a purpose — facilities, motorhome services, reliable electricity — but the freedom to camp outside them is genuinely available in a way that few countries match.
1. Preikestolen Camping, Rogaland
At the base of the road to Preikestolhytta, the starting point for the hike to the Pulpit Rock. Electric pitches for motorhomes, tent area, good sanitary block. The position is less dramatic than the plateau above, but the site is the practical choice for an early start on the 6 km trail. The view from Preikestolen — 604 metres above the Lysefjord — requires clear weather; check the forecast the night before from the site.
2. Lofoten Beach Camp, Haukland, Nordland
On Haukland beach in the Lofoten islands, one of the best beaches in Europe by any measure: white sand, mountain backdrop, Arctic clarity. The site mixes tent pitches, motorhome spaces, and accommodation units. Facilities are good for a remote location. The Lofoten road circuit from Svolvaer to A i Lofoten passes Haukland; the midnight sun from this beach in June is exceptional.
3. Bud Camping, Romsdal, More og Romsdal
At the Bud headland on the Atlantic Ocean Road circuit, one of the most windswept and dramatic coastal positions in Norway. Simple site with basic facilities; the scenery compensates for the infrastructure. The Atlantic Ocean Road itself — connecting islands via low bridges above the open sea — is a 10-minute drive. Electric hookups available; tent area on exposed grass above the sea.
4. Hardanger Fjord Lodge, Ullensvang, Vestland
On the shore of the Hardangerfjord in the orchard region of Ullensvang. The fjord is 179 km long and reaches 900 metres depth; the campsite is positioned for views across to the Folgefonna glacier. Electric pitches, a sanitary block, and proximity to Odda and the Trolltunga trailhead (20 km). The Norwegian Scenic Route Hardangerfjord runs past the site.
5. Nordkapp Camping, Finnmark
The campsite closest to the North Cape plateau — the most northerly point accessible by road on the European continental mainland. A functional site with electric pitches, a sanitary block, and a camp kitchen. The position at 71 degrees north means the midnight sun is present from mid-May to late July; temperatures are cold regardless of season. Book ahead; this is a bucket-list stop and the campground fills from late June.
6. Saltstraumen Camping, Nordland
Beside Saltstraumen — the world's strongest tidal current — near Bodo. Electric pitches, good sanitary facilities, a restaurant. The maelstrom reaches 37 km/h at peak tidal change and is visible from the campsite; the fishing from the bridge and rocks during the current is exceptional. Bodo is the departure port for the Lofoten express ferry.
7. Geiranger Fjordcamping, More og Romsdal
In the village of Geiranger, at the innermost point of the UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord. The campsite sits above the village with the fjord and the Seven Sisters and Suitor waterfalls visible across the water. Electric pitches, full sanitary facilities, and motorhome services. The Dalsnibba viewpoint and the Eagle Road to Eidsdal depart from Geiranger.
8. Olden Camping, Nordfjord, Vestland
At the head of the Oldedalen valley, at the foot of the Jostedalsbreen glacier — Europe's largest mainland glacier. Electric pitches, a well-maintained sanitary block, and boat launch access to the Nordfjord. The Briksdal and Kjenndal glacier arms are day walks or short drives from the site. The valley in late September, with turning birch and snow on the plateau above, is one of the finest autumn landscapes in Norway.
9. Otta Camping, Innlandet
On the Otta river in the Gudbrandsdalen valley, near the junction of the E6 and route 15 west to Geiranger. A functional transit site with electric pitches, a good sanitary block, and direct river access. The Rondane and Jotunheimen national parks are within an hour in each direction. Well-placed for the central Norway route north.
10. Trollstigen Resort, More og Romsdal
At the foot of the Trollstigen mountain road — eleven hairpin bends to a plateau at 858 m — the resort campsite sits in the valley below the falls. Electric pitches, a restaurant, and proximity to one of the most photographed roads in Europe. The top of Trollstigen is best before 9 a.m.; staying at the base campsite makes an early departure practical.
Allemannsretten in practice
The right applies to uncultivated land: forests, mountains, moorland, and the coastal strip above the tideline. You cannot camp on cultivated land, in enclosed gardens, or on sports grounds. You must not light open fires between 15 April and 15 September (fire prohibition period). Responsible use — no litter, minimal fire impact, respect for other users — is the implicit condition under which the right is tolerated by landowners.
Find Norwegian campsites on the map
The map covers Norway's campsite network. Use it to plan the stage lengths on the major scenic routes and identify sites with motorhome electric hookups.