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Is wild camping allowed in Belgium?

No Tolerated! Yes

No, wild camping, also known as boondocking, dry camping, or dispersed camping, is unfortunately not officially allowed in Belgium. The ban is controlled and enforced mainly at the coast and in the high season. However, there are several exceptions.

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Last researched: 2023

Wild camping is not allowed in Belgium and especially on the coast, there are no exceptions. Penalties of up to 150 € can be imposed.

But off the coast, it looks quite different again. As long as no prohibition sign explicitly forbids wild camping and standing free, you can sleep in the following places without problems for one night both with camper and tent:

  • On parking lots
  • On roads as long as traffic is not disturbed
  • On private properties, it is even allowed to camp for several nights, but it is advisable to ask permission in advance if you know who owns the land.

Apart from that, there are pile campsites in Belgium where overnight stays are allowed.

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Tips and tricks for wild camping in Belgium

Belgium is one of the smaller countries in Europe. Nevertheless, there is a lot to see and experience here. From walks along the North Sea coast to extensive hikes in the Ardennes, Belgium has a lot to offer. Besides the varied nature, especially the small, medieval villages attract more and more tourists to this enchanting country. Thanks to the multitude of possibilities to stay one or more nights free, Belgium is becoming more and more popular among wild campers. However, some points should be considered here.

Traveling with a dog
There is no problem entering Belgium with your best friend, but a few points should be taken into account:

  • You will need an EU pet passport and a valid vaccination certificate when entering Belgium.
  • Your dog must be older than 15 weeks to enter the country
  • You may start your journey through Belgium with a maximum of 5 dogs.
  • There are no bans on dog breeds, so luckily all dogs are allowed on the journey.

Toll
In Belgium, there is a general toll obligation, but this only applies to vehicles over 3.5 tonnes. Unlike in other countries, however, the toll is not paid with a vignette, but via an on-board unit. If your vehicle exceeds 3.5 tons, you must visit a "Service Point" on your arrival to borrow a unit.

Pile camping
A slightly different form of wild camping is possible on "pile campsites". The respective rules of the site are written out on the pile, but there are basic rules that almost always apply:

  • The stay is usually limited to three days, in some areas even only to one night.
  • You should set up a maximum of three small tents at the same time.
  • Campfires are usually not allowed on these sites, but you may use your gas cooker.

Traffic rules
To avoid getting in trouble with the police, you should follow the traffic rules. It is important to keep in mind that there is a speed limit of 90 km/h outside town. In addition to a first aid kit and a warning triangle, it is also mandatory to carry a warning vest and a functioning fire extinguisher.

10 interesting, bizarre and funny facts about Belgium

Belgium is known for its French fries, beer and of course Belgian chocolate. But did you know that the Brussels airport is the world's largest chocolate transshipment center? Here we have compiled this and nine other facts for you.

Fact #1 - Wellness
There is now a kind of spa in every major city. The term 'spa' for wellness facilities comes from the Belgian resort of Spa in the Ardennes.

Fact #2 - Chocolate
The Belgian Chocolate House at Brussels Zaventem Airport sells 856 tonnes of chocolate a year, making it the world's largest chocolate transshipment center.

Fact #3 - Tramway
The Kusttram is the longest tram line in the world with 68 kilometers and 69 stops. It runs the entire North Sea coast of Belgium.

Fact #4 - Beer
Belgians love their beer. Not surprisingly, the largest brewery group in the world, Anheuser-Busch InBev, has its headquarters in Belgium.

Fact #5 - Comics
In Belgium, there are more comic book manufacturers per square kilometer than anywhere else in the world. Even more than in Japan or the USA.

Fact #6 - Festivals
Belgians love music and festivals. In no other country in Europe do so many festivals take place throughout the year as here.

Fact #7 - New York
According to legend, Peter Minuit bought the land of today's Manhattan district in 1626 and then founded the city of Nieuw Amsterdam, which later became New York City.

Fact #8 - Diamonds
Antwerp is the diamond capital of the world. Approximately 84% of all rough diamonds worldwide are processed here before they are resold.

Fact #9 - On the moon
The only work of art on the moon is the fallen astronaut ("Fallen Astronaut") by the Belgian artist Paul Van Hoeydonck.

Fact #10 - Urbanization
Almost 98% of the Belgian population live in cities or urban areas, making them one of the world's top performers.

Everything you need to know for your trip

Equipment

  • Warning triangle Yes
  • Safety vest Yes, one per occupant
  • First aid kit Yes
  • 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? Not nationwide, but there are isolated exceptions.
  • 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? No

Information

  • Is the tap water potable? Yes
  • Socket type: C + F
  • Energency numbers: 110/112
  • Currency: EUR
  • Official Languages: French, Dutch, German
  • Country licence plate code: B

Average prices, in €

  • Price coffee rounded: 2.75
  • Price beer rounded: 4.00

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. No
  • 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@ofnullni!

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