Wild Camping In Kosovo: Is It Legal, Tips & What You Must Know!

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Last updated on October 11, 2022 by Wandering our World

Camping in Kosovo is becoming more and more popular every year and no wonder – this micro-nation is jam-packed with stunning scenery, friendly locals, and charming towns. In fact in many ways Kosovo is the perfect country to discover through camping. But is wild camping legal in Kosovo?

We’ve looked into the laws around wild camping in Kosovo, and collected testimonies from people who have gone camping in Kosovo, in order to create this short guide.

So read on and let your free camping in Kosovo adventure begin!

Photo via Unsplash+

Is Wild Camping In Kosovo legal?

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.

There isn’t any specific law in Kosovo that says wild camping is either legal or illegal. However good news – camping in nature is tolerated here!

In essence, wild camping is treated as legal in Kosovo, and is seen as an acceptable way for tourists and locals alike to enjoy the stunning scenery here. Plus, as it’s a favourite hobby of many walkers, hikers, and bikers in the country, locals are used to seeing pitched tents in beauty spots.

However, that being said, there are certain rules you are expected to abide by if camping in Kosovo. We outline them below:

Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/happyphoton

Free Camping In Kosovo: The ‘Rules’

There might not be rules that are written down on legal paper in Kosovo, but there are rules you are expected to abide by.

Wild campers are expected to pitch their tent in a sensible location, away from buildings, and settlements. If camping and walking, it’s best to camp a little away from main hiking trails.

Campers are expected to avoid camping on private land, and land that is being farmed. However testimonies from people who have gone wild camping in Kosovo say that if you do find a spot that is on farmland, or appears to be private, but you would like to pitch your tent, then seek out the owner and ask permission. Most of the time, they will say yes! But always ask permission first.

Wild camping is well tolerated, but that doesn’t mean you have a free place to stay for as long as you like. It’s expected that campers stay for a night or two and then move on to a new area.

And as you would expect, wild campers are expected to be quiet and clean. Taking all rubbish with them, and leaving the pitch in the same state in which they found it.

Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/Eshma

Some General Tips For Wild Camping In Kosovo

  • Choose a rural spot to pitch your tent, one where it is unlikely you will be disturbed – 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.
  • As mentioned above, if you wish to camp on farmland, or area that could be private – seek out the landowner and ask permission. Some will be fine with it, some may also ask for a small fee.
  • Set up your tent at dusk, and take it down at dawn. Stay no longer than one or two nights at most in the same place before moving on.
  • Take any trash with you, and leave your camping spot the way you found it – if wild campers treat the country well, then camping will continue to be tolerated.
  • Make sure your tent is mosquito proof!
  • When going to the toilet you should do it far from water sources, such as rivers and lakes. Make sure to use a trowel to bury any human waste, don’t just leave it out in the open.
  • Like many rugged and wild rural areas around the world, there are flora and fauna to be aware of in Kosovo. So read up and make sure you know what to expect in the region or area you are planning to wild camp in.
  • With much of the country covered in forest, it’s best to avoid creating camp fires – rather do any cooking on a storm cooker.

Tempted to go wild camping elsewhere? Well check out our guides to wild camping in Andorra, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Norway, Russia, and Scotland, among others!

Author

  • 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.