Wild Camping In Andorra – Is It Legal, Rules & Tips!

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Last updated on July 4, 2023 by Wandering our World

Often overlooked by campers, hikers and walkers, tiny Andorra is mainly thought of as a skiing destination rather than anything else.

But this little landlocked European nation is a perfect setting for wild camping, with temperatures pleasant for hiking in the summer and setting up a tent at the end of long day’s walking.

The views and countryside ain’t half bad either – Andorra’s mountain landscape is stunning. And it’s an amazing place for walking as many campers and hikers discover every year. With often limited phone signals in the Pyrenees mountains just remember to take a good map with you like this one. We’d also recommend this hiking guide to the Pyrenees.

So is wild camping in Andorra allowed? And what are the rules, if any, around wild camping in Andorra?

Photo via Unsplash+

The Rules Around Wild Camping In Andorra

DISCLAIMER: Below we give general advice, but we always recommend staying in an official campsite. If you choose to go wild camping/dispersed camping, then make sure you do so with someone who already knows the area where you’re planning on camping for your own safety.

So bad news, wild camping in Andorra is technically illegal – although it’s not as straight forward as that.

You are allowed to camp if you were planning on staying in a hut or building and it is full – therefore setting up a tent in the land surrounding the hut is allowed.

Of course that assumes that someone, or a group of people, would be carrying a tent with them in the first place. Therefore there is certainly an acknowledgement in this country, and acceptance, that camping is going to be carried out by some.

And actually it does seem to be permitted to Bivouac in Andorra – i.e. set up a tent for a few hours (pitch at dusk, take down at dawn), as long as you are doing so in a very rural spot. That being the case it is advised to have a tent that pitches quickly, and is discreet. A tent like this one would be a good choice.

Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/bokan76

So the reality is, that it is possible to wild camp in Andorra, as long as you are subtle about it, and follow a few common sense rules:

  • Choose a very rural spot where it is unlikely you will be disturbed or discovered. For example, in the countryside far from settlements. If you are hiking a popular walking route, make sure you choose to camp in a place that won’t be in any other hiker’s or walker’s way.
  • Do not camp on private land, near buildings, settlements, or on any land that appears to be cultivated. Our own experience is that if you make the effort to avoid these areas, then even if you are ‘discovered’ wild camping in this part of Europe, most farmers and locals are fine with it.
  • Avoid campfires.
  • You should only set up your tent at dusk, and you should take it down at dawn. Stay no longer than one night in the same place before moving on.
  • If someone asks you to leave their land, do so and be apologetic and polite. Say you didn’t know wild camping in Andorra was prohibited if needed.
  • Take any trash with you, and leave your camping spot the way you found it – if wild campers treat the country well, then even if it is technically illegal we will still be able to do it.

There are, of course, official campsites in Andorra if you wish to go the 100% legal route. Many have decent facilities and are a much cheaper alternative to hotels. You can find a list of campsites in Andorra by clicking here.

Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/Anatolly_Gleb

Tips For Wild Camping In Andorra

  • Keep an eye out for animal poo – if there’s a lot around that perfect camping spot you just discovered, you may end up being woken up by some enthusiastic sheep or deer in the middle of the night!
  • There are lots of different water sources in Andorra, but do remember to take plenty of water with you if you’re walking/hiking.
  • Remember to top up your water bottles at any rivers and streams you find along the way. A collapsible water bottle could be a useful purchase.
  • When going to the toilet you should do it far from water sources, such as rivers and lakes. Make sure to use a trowel (such as this folding one) to bury any human waste, don’t just leave it out in the open.

Recommended For Your Andorra Trip

Tempted to go wild camping elsewhere? Check out our guides to wild camping in, Estonia, Finland, Norway and many others!

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  • Wandering our World

    Hi and welcome to Wandering our World! This article was written by one of the Wandering our World team - a team of travel enthusiasts who live around the globe.