Is wild camping allowed in Italy?

No, wild camping, also known as boondocking, dry camping, or dispersed camping, is unfortunately not allowed in Italy. However, there are some exceptions and situations in which it is tolerated by the residents and authorities, and no punishments follow.

You can find the perfect pitch to set up your camp with the Caravanya App:

Written by: Phil

Get to know the whole team

Last researched: 2023

Wild camping is officially prohibited in Italy and can cost you between 100 € to 500 € if you are caught. Authorities regularly patrol tourist areas and the coastlines to enforce this prohibition.

However, there are a few exceptions:

Outside the tourist areas and inland, wild camping is mostly tolerated by the inhabitants and authorities.
It is also allowed to stay overnight in your vehicle to restore your driving ability.
If you avoid the coast and big cities, you can also sleep in your motorhome away from the campsite.

It is also possible to ask the next farmer or landowner if it is possible to spend a night on their property, which is often allowed without problems.

Posts like these are possible thanks to our partners. Take a look at our partner ELEMENT Camper!

You can find the perfect pitch to set up your camp with the Caravanya App

Tips and tricks for wild camping in Italy

The undulating streets of Tuscany with their wide poppy fields, the breathtaking coasts with their inviting beaches, or the cultural metropolises of Italy which have significantly influenced our modern civilization; Italy and its nature are always worth a visit. We have put together a few hints on what to consider when traveling through Italy in a camper or motorhome.

Avoid big cities with a motorhome
Is this your first time in Italy with your motorhome? Are you considering a short trip to the city center of Rome? Not a good idea, there often is a ban on motorhomes in cities.

Toll
Depending on which vehicle you drive to explore Italy, you will have to pay different tolls. How much toll you have to pay can be calculated here http://www.autostrade.it/autostrade_en-gis/gis.do

Temperatures and air conditioning
Italy is beautiful in summer, but it can quickly get hotter than 40 degrees Celsius, and it stays very warm at night. If you are traveling in a motorhome or camper, air conditioning is advisable.

Eyes open in traffic
This is, of course, a general rule, but Italy is known for the fact that car drivers, especially in the city, are very rough and do not shy away from damaging your car if you are in the way.

By the way: According to a study by the ADAC, Italy ranks ninth among the cheapest camping countries in Europe. For example, two adults with one child pay an average of 45.39 € for an overnight stay on a campsite, including parking space and ancillary costs.

Caravanya app is available on:

10 interesting, bizarre and funny facts about Italy

Italy, the country that gave us pizza and pasta. Pizza is one of the words that is understood in almost every country in the world, not particularly surprising since probably everyone has eaten one before. But pasta doesn't have to hide either, did you know that the Italians demonstrated with pasta against McDonald's? We have put together these and nine other facts for you.

Fact #1 - Demonstration with pasta
In 1986, the first McDonalds opened in Rome. The reaction of the Italians? They distributed pasta free of charge to demonstrate against it.

Fact #2 - New York
Even if it is hard to imagine, New York (4o° 43') is more southern than Rome (41° 53'). But the difference is just 100 km.

Fact #3 - Police cars
Running away from the police is generally not a good idea, especially not in Lazio. The police drive with Lamborghini's patrol.

Fact #4 - Dance ban
In Rome, dancing in groups of more than three people is forbidden. If you do, fines of more than 500 € may be imposed on you.

Fact #5 - The Trevi Fountain
Every day, hundreds of people throw coins into the fountain to make a wish. A total of about 3.500 € a day.

Fact #6 - Car theft
Statistically, most cars are stolen in Italy. So you should always lock your car when you park it somewhere.

Fact #7 - Mario the Honorary Member
The Nintendo plumber Mario is probably the most famous fictitious Italian. So famous that he is an honorary member of the Italian plumbing community.

Fact #8 - Where does Leonardo da Vinci come from?
Quite simply, from Vinci. His name suffix "da Vinci" is not a family name, but a name of origin. By the way, Vinci is located in the province of Florence.

Fact #9 - The letters J, K, W, X, and Y don't exist
At least not in words that have an Italian origin. They only appear in foreign words that have found their way into Italian.

Fact #10 - Ferrari was the origin of Lamborghini
Lamborghini made tractors. Since the founder of the company was disappointed about the service of Ferrari he started to produce his own sports cars.

Everything you need to know for your trip

Equipment

Warning triangle Yes
Safety vest Yes, one per occupant
First aid kit No
Replacement lamp set No
Spare tyre / repair set No
Fire extinguisher No
Tow rope No
Tear rope for all trailers No

Driving

Do I need a vignette, or are there tolls? Yes
Right hand trafficTo avoid dazzling other road users, you need to readjust or mask your headlights if they have asymmetrical light and are right-hand drive
Is it compulsory to drive with lights on during the day? Yes

Information

Is the tap water potable? Yes
Socket type: F+L
Energency numbers: 112
Currency: Euro (EUR)
Official Languages: Italian
Country licence plate code: I

Average prices, in €

Price coffee rounded: 1.00
Price beer rounded: 5.50

Entry conditions for animals

You need a valid EU pet passport in which your animal is clearly identified (microchip or tattoo), as well as a rabies vaccination valid on entry. The rabies vaccination must be at least 21 days old, but not older than 6 months. Yes
If your entry is from a non-EU country with a reduced rabies status, you must have a rabies antibody test carried out approximately four weeks before you enter the country and have it entered on your EU pet passport. Yes
Your dog must be treated for tapeworms 24 to 120 hours before entry. No
In addition to a valid EU pet passport with all the required entries, you also need an official veterinary health certificate (max. 10 days old). No
The import of fighting dogs or breeds classified as dangerous is not permitted. No

We try our best to keep the information up to date. Even so, we can always make mistakes. Have you found an error? Send us an email to moc.aynavarac@ofni!

You could find this interestig, too...

Wild camping in the Netherlands
In the Netherlands, wild camping is strictly forbidden and, unlike in other countries, it is also not permitted to camp on private property. This regulation...
Camping in the rain - Pastime in the campervan in bad weather
With these tips, you will never be bored again during your camping vacation despite the rain. Get creative, work effectively, or relax - you decide.
Wild camping in Greece
Wild camping and bivouacking away from official campsites is strictly prohibited. Particularly in the high season, this is regularly checked in tourist areas,...
Basic equipment for a camping trip
Here you will find a comprehensive list of the essential things that are or should be part of your camping equipment.
Wild camping in Portugal
Especially in the high season, and in the popular tourist areas, wild camping is forbidden in Portugal. Although the law is strict, it is not always enforced....
Which travel options are there?
Tent, caravan, campervan or motor home - what suits me best and what are the advantages? We have the answers for you!

Share/save on