Is wild camping allowed in Poland?

No, wild camping, also known as boondocking, dry camping, or dispersed camping, is unfortunately not officially allowed in Poland. Away from nature reserves, coastlines and tourist areas, however, the authorities and residents usually turn a blind eye.

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Written by: Tobi

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Last researched: 2023

Wild camping is officially not allowed. This ban is strictly controlled, especially in nature reserves and on the coast. If the police catch you camping, you may be fined up to 120 €. In more rural areas, the topic is dealt with in a more relaxed way.

It is also allowed to camp on private land with the permission of the owner. Also for public areas, it is possible to get permission for wild camping or to stand free from authorities.

Bivouacking or staying overnight in the car to restore driving ability is also tolerated in most cases. You should also avoid this again, if possible, in nature reserves and on the coast.

Since May 01, 2021, the Polish State Forest Service has made 600,00 hectares in 425 forest areas available for wild camping. Here you can find an overview map.

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

Tips and tricks for wild camping in Poland

High mountains, extensive beaches, extensive forests and all kinds of lakes, that and much more you can find all in Poland. Thanks to the relatively tolerant treatment of wildcampers and the hospitality of the Poles, you can fully enjoy nature here and get an impression of this beautiful country yourself. Here are some hints so that you know what to look out for during your trip.

Toll
In Poland, all vehicles on motorways are subject to tolls. The toll can be paid immediately in cash or by card, or electronically using the ViaAuto device. If you opt for electronic payment, you must register in advance. You can register online at https://www.viatoll.pl/.

Security
Poland is as safe as any other country. The Federal Foreign Office warns against an increased number of pickpockets, especially in conurbations. In rural areas, you should make sure that you put your camping equipment in your vehicle overnight and do not leave it in front of your car.

Traffic rules
In Poland, you should follow some traffic rules, as they are not enforced in every country.

If you exceed 0.2 per mille, driving is banned. Violation of these rules can lead to the withdrawal of your driving license and the securing of your vehicle.
A value above 0.5 per mil is considered a criminal offense and can result in a fine and imprisonment of up to 2 years.
Fines must be paid immediately in zloty. In case of refusal, the driver may be detained for up to 48 hours.

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10 interesting, bizarre and funny facts about Poland

Did you know that the Polish language has seven cases and 32 letters? This is one of the reasons why it is among the most difficult languages to learn. And while we are talking about the language, the surname of the inhabitants depends on their gender. In addition to these facts, we have collected eight other facts that you may not have known about Poland.

Fact #1 - Origin
The country name "Poland" comes from the tribe "Polanie" and means "people living in open fields."

Fact #2 - Synchronization
All films in Poland are dubbed by a single man who reads a translation of the text.

Fact #3 - Amber
Baltic amber is one of the most traded ambers in the world, and Poland is one of the largest exporters.

Fact #4 - Marie Curie
Marie Curie comes from Poland and was called Marie Sklodowska before her wedding. She was the first Nobel Prize winner.

Fact #5 - Surnames
The surnames in Polish depend on the sex. For example, if a father is called Kowalski, his daughter is called Kowalska.

Fact #6 - Transmission tower Konstantynów
The Konstantynów transmission tower was erected in 1974. Until its collapse, it was the highest building in the world, and the second-highest ever erected.

Fact #7 - The biggest castle
Marienburg Castle is the largest castle in the world in terms of area and is located in the small town of Malbork in the north of the country.

Fact #8 - Complex history
Do you love Game of Thrones? Then read Polish History. Between 1600 and 1945 Poland was occupied 43 times or fought for independence.

Fact #9 - Complicated language
Polish is one of the most difficult languages in the world, especially when it comes to pronunciation.

Fact #10 - Strong men
Polish men are among the strongest in the world, at least in competitions. They have won most of the "Strongest Man in the World" titles.

Travelogue from our community

Alexandra from quality-time-for.me shows you the Polish Sahara in the Słowiński Park Narodowy. You can read more about it here.

First published 22 January 2021

Everything you need to know for your trip

Equipment

Warning triangle Yes
Safety vest Yes
First aid kit No
Replacement lamp set No
Spare tyre / repair set No
Fire extinguisher Yes
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: C+F
Energency numbers: 112
Currency: Zloty (PLN)
Official Languages: Polish
Country licence plate code: PL

Average prices, in €

Price coffee rounded: 1.50
Price beer rounded: 2.25

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!

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