Fjords, mountains, lakes and beaches are just some of the spectacular sights that draw tourists to Norway. The country is absolutely stunning and it’s popular with everyone, whether they’re looking to explore the streets of Oslo or camp under the Northern Lights.
Our focus is on the latter type of traveler here, since we’re talking about the best campsites in Norway! We’ve covered all the top sights in the country, so we’re pretty sure you’ll find at least one option you love below. Whether you want to be near big cities like Oslo and Trondheim or want to stay right on the beach, one of these campsites in Norway is just right for you!
In Norway you can camp almost anywhere you want thanks to their Everyman’s Right. It’s basically the freedom to stay anywhere in nature, as long as you follow their most basic rules.
The first rule is that you can only camp on uncultivated land, meaning no pitching your tent on a parking lot or in someone else’s garden. Also, there should be a distance of at least 150 meters between your pitch and the next house or hut. The final rule is that you can only stay for two days without permission. If you want to stay longer, you must seek permission from the landowner. But if you’re in the mountains or somewhere very remote, it’s okay to stay longer without asking for permission.
These rules and Everyman’s Right only apply to non-motorized campers. If it’s just you and your tent, it’s okay to set up camp virtually anywhere you want. But it’s not possible if you’re in a motorhome or a campervan – vehicles should all be parked roadside or at the nearest parking lot, in order to preserve nature.
Moskenes campsite is in Lofoten and it offers spectacular views of the Lofoten Wall, a collection of mountain peaks that look absolutely magnificent from a distance. There’s a lot of popular hiking trails in the area, which is why many people choose to stay at this campsite in Norway.
It’s a modern camp with all the facilities you might need during your stay including two sanitary buildings and a pub. There’s a communal kitchen, a barbecue area and a playground for kids in the camp as well. The only thing the campsite lacks is a store, so you might want to stock up on the essentials before you arrive at the camp.
This campsite is a great base for exploring Moskenes and Flakstadt. There’s loads of museums in the area to visit and they’re not your traditional art museums. They are museums on stockfish, dolls and Vikings, and they’re definitely worth visiting. It’s also possible to go on organized fishing trips and boat rides to other towns. In fact, the campsite is really close to the harbor, so you can just get on a ferry whenever you like!
Preikestolen or Pulpit Rock is one of the most popular natural attractions in Norway. Hundreds of thousands of people annually hike to see the rock that juts out of the mountain. They enjoy the views, take awesome selfies and are very careful about where they are stepping, because Pulpit Rock is at an altitude of 1,982ft.
Preikestolen Camping is a campsite not far from the popular attraction. If you’re following a longer trail to Pulpit Rock or just want to spend some time in the area, it’s a great place to set up camp. They offer pitches for motorhomes, campervans and tent, and they operate on a first come first served basis. It’s not possible to make reservations even during high season, and it’s recommended you arrive as early as possible if you want to ensure you’ll get a pitch.
The campsite is quite modern with clean sanitary blocks and free WiFi all over camp. Pitches also have access to electricity, but there is an extra charge for it. On the other hand, showers and WiFi are included in the price of the pitch, and there’s no extra fee for your pets.
Lone Camping is a lakeside campsite about 20 kilometers outside Bergen. The nature around the campsite is absolutely stunning, and there’s lots to do in the area from swimming and fishing in the lake to poolgolf and canoeing. Also, it’s about an hour to walk to Bergen and it’s definitely worth it to make the effort. Bergen is a stunning city surrounded by mountains and fjords, with many historic sites worth seeing.
Mount Ulriken is also close to the campsite, and you can either hike to the top or ride the cableway. The panoramic views from the top are absolutely mesmerizing – if you ever read Harry Hole novels, you already know what to expect.
The campsite features a modern sanitary block with a laundry room and clean bathrooms, as well as common kitchen and lounge areas. For the most part there aren’t any trees on the camping grounds, with a few notable exceptions. That’s not an issue in terms of shade, but more so because the campsite is not really parcelled and trees can provide you with some privacy from your neighbors. This campsite is quite open, so expect to have very little privacy if you’re not in your tent.
Haraldshaugen campsite is in southwestern Norway, near some spectacular monuments. The most notable sight in the area is the Haraldshaugen – an 1800s obelisk that stands tall on a grassy mound. The campsite is near the shore on the edge of Haugesund city, so it’s both set in spectacular nature but still just five minute away from stores, banks, gas stations and everything else you might need.
Hiking to fjords and waterfalls in the area is the most popular activity, but it’s definitely not the only thing to do. You can go on boat tours, head to an adrenaline park or just spend your time roaming around the city exploring galleries and escape rooms.
As for the campsite, it is quite modern and well equipped. Pitches have access to electricity, but you might not have it directly at your pitch. Instead, the pitches are grouped into areas, and there’s a couple outlets in each area. All campers get access to free WiFi and the sanitary block, which includes everything from clean showers to a laundry room. There’s a playground for kids at the campsite, as well as an indoor barbecue area and a common lounge/TV room. The nearest store is in the city, about 400 meters away from the camp and the same goes for bars and restaurants.
Sokn Camping is a campsite on Sokn island in southern Norway. It is particularly popular in the summer months, since the weather gets warm enough that it’s actually possible to go swimming.
The campsite is pretty small with only about 40 pitches for campervans and motorhomes, and a separate area for tents. All motorhome pitches have power outlets and there’s free WiFi all over the campsite. They don’t offer any rental accommodation, so this place really is just for campers.
There’s a restaurant on-site where you can enjoy some drinks and meals, but the closest grocery store is a 20-minute walk from the camp. The sanitary facilities are pristine and available to everyone free of charge. In addition to that, Sokn Camping also features a boat marina, so if you’re arriving by boat you’ll have somewhere to park it. They also have a beach volleyball court and a water slide, which are fun for both kids and adults.
And if you don’t want to spend too much time in the camp, you can go and explore one of the many different hiking trails nearby. Some are close to the camp, but there’s a lot more options if you’re up for a quick drive.
If you want to see Norway’s capital, Ekeberg Camping is certainly the best campsite in Norway for you. It’s 10 minutes outside Oslo, on a hill that overlooks the city and offers some spectacular panoramic views. Head to the Munch Museum, visit the Royal Palace, go check out the Opera House – it’s all possible if you choose to stay in Ekeberg campsite.
The proximity of the camp to Norway’s capital city is the main reason for the popularity of the campsite. And also for the prices – compared to most other camping grounds in Norway, this one is by far the most expensive option. But it’s certainly cheaper than staying in a hotel or an AirBnB in Oslo, so there’s that.
Also, entertainment and things to do on the actual campsite are seriously lacking. There’s a café and that’s about it – for everything else, you’ll have to head down to Oslo. If you’re looking for a campsite where you can vacation for a week without having to venture outside the camp, this is certainly not the option for you.
As for the facilities on the site, you get free WiFi and access to clean bathrooms. There’s also a communal kitchen area, and that’s about it. It’s not a lot for the price, but you can’t get much closer to Oslo.
Storsand Gård is a campsite at Trondehim Fjord. It’s two minutes away from a sandy beach, and if it’s warm enough, you can actually go swimming in the fjord. The campsite is just some 17 kilometers away from Trondheim city, so it’s a great place to stay if you want to explore one of Norway’s largest cities.
And apart from walking around the streets of Trondheim, there’s quite a lot to do and see in the area. There’s loads of hiking trails worth exploring, especially if you head a bit east towards Hommelvik. Also, you have the possibility of renting boats at the camp, if you want to go on rides and maybe even see the smaller islands nearby.
The campsite offers pitches for tents and caravans, and all of them have access to electricity but it’s not free. The WiFi is free though, and it’s available in most areas of the campsite. There are two large sanitary buildings at the camp and they are squeaky clean. Also, the campsite features a kiosk where you can buy food and other essentials, but it’s only open during high season. If you’re staying here during low season, you’ll have to go to the nearest town for food and supplies. At least it’s not too far away – it’s only a five minute drive to a huge supermarket in Hommelvik.
Geiranger Camping is one of the most popular campsites in Norway. It is at the end of Geirangerfjord in a scenic area surrounded by idyllic landscape. You can rent rowing boats and pedal boats at the camp, and you’re free to go fishing in the fjord or river. This charming town is quite popular with cruising boats, so expect to see a couple of those docked at the harbor.
Geiranger is a charming town that’s close to quite a few hiking trails and features a scenic waterfall. I would recommend staying at this campsite if you’re interested in exploring the area and spending most of your time outside the camp.
The campsite is quite big with around 140 different pitches available. Electricity is available on 70 units, so worst case scenario is you’ll be sharing with your neighbors. The sanitary block is modern and clean, and it also includes a wheelchair accessible bathroom, a laundry room and a nursing room. There’s also a communal kitchen where you can cook and do dishes, which is quite convenient.
There’s no cafes or restaurants at the campsite, but there is a kiosk where you can buy the essentials. They also sell fresh pastries in the morning, so you don’t have to worry about breakfast. On top of that, the campsite is only about five minutes away from everything else you might need from the post office to a large supermarket.
Odda Camping is the campsite closest to Trolltunga, one of Norway’s most popular hiking destination. The Trolltunga cliff juts out from the mountain and overlooks the lake below, making it one of the most scenic spots in the country. It can also be quite dangerous if you don’t watch your step, and it’s for the best if you don’t get too close to the edge.
Although the campsite is the closest one to Trolltunga, don’t think you can be at the rock in an hour or two. It’s a 20-minute drive the parking lot at the trailhead, and from there you’re in for at least four hours of uphill hiking. It will take even longer if you’re not very experienced because the trail features a lot of switchbacks and it’s on difficult terrain. The round trip takes 8-12 hours, depending on your physical fitness, trail conditions and the number of people on the trail.
NOTE: Another nearby hike worth considering is the Buarbreen Glacier Hike, it is far easier, but also comes with stunning views.
As for the campsite, it’s very modern and has all the amenities you need for comfortable camping. All pitches have access to electricity, there’s free WiFi in the camp and the sanitary facilities are pristine. There’s a kiosk where you can shop for the essentials, and it’s possible to rent bikes and canoes directly at the camp.
Anna is the co-owner of expert world travel and can't wait to share her travel experience with the world. With over 54 countries under her belt she has a lot to write about! Including those insane encounters with black bears in Canada.