Wild Camping in Belgium: Bivouac Zones, Rules and What to Pack

Pitching your tent in the woods, waking up to birdsong and making coffee while the mist still hangs between the trees: it sounds like a dream. But are you allowed to do that just anywhere in Belgium? The short answer: no, not everywhere. The good news: there are more than 50 places where you can.

Is wild camping allowed in Belgium?

Camping freely wherever you want is prohibited in Belgium, in both Flanders and Wallonia. Anyone who pitches a tent in the woods anyway risks a fine.

To still make camping in nature possible, there are bivouac zones: designated spots where you can pitch your tent for one or two nights for free. In Flanders people often call it "pole camping" (paalkamperen), because the spot is often marked only by a pole.

You'll find an overview of all locations on bivakzone.be.

The rules in Flanders (pole camping)

• Your tent must be within a 10-metre radius of the pole.
• You can stay for a maximum of 48 hours.
• Usually a maximum of 3 tents are allowed at the same time.
• Fires aren't allowed everywhere. Check the local rules.

The rules in Wallonia (aires de bivouac)

• You can stay for one night.
• Your tent may stand there between 4 pm and 10 am the next morning.
• In many places you can light a fire, but only in the designated fire ring.

What you need to know everywhere

• There are no facilities: no drinking water, no toilet, no shower, no electricity.
• Cars, caravans and trailers are not allowed. You arrive on foot, by bike or by canoe.
• Leave no trace: take all your rubbish with you, including food scraps.
• Be quiet, especially in the evening and at night. You're a guest of the animals.
• During dry periods a fire ban may apply. Always respect it.

Packing list for an autumn bivouac night

An autumn night in Belgium can get quite cold, sometimes down to around freezing. With these items you'll stay warm and dry.

Sleeping

• Sleeping mat: the cold mainly comes from the ground. A good mat is at least as important as your sleeping bag.
• Sleeping bag with a comfort temperature of around 5 °C or lower.
• Hat to sleep in: your head is often the only part sticking out of your sleeping bag.

Clothing

• Hiking clothes for the day, in layers.
• Dry clothes for the evening and night: never sleep in the clothes you've been sweating in. A dry T-shirt, warm socks and a hoodie with a soft inside make a world of difference.
• Rain jacket.
• Warm socks, preferably wool.

Camp

• Tent (practise pitching it beforehand!), head torch with red light, stove and pan, enough water, rubbish bag, pocket knife, small first-aid kit.

Tips for your first bivouac night

1. Choose a spot not too far from home, so you can easily go back if it's disappointing.
2. Arrive in good time, so you can pitch your tent before dark.
3. Eat something warm before going to sleep: it gives your body fuel for the night.
4. Bring a hot water bottle for your sleeping bag. A sturdy bottle with warm (not boiling) water, tightly closed, works perfectly.
5. Look up. Far from the city, the starry sky is often spectacular.

Frequently asked questions

Is wild camping prohibited in Belgium?

Yes, free camping is prohibited throughout Belgium. It is allowed in official bivouac zones, free of charge and under clear conditions.

How many bivouac zones are there in Belgium?

More than 50, spread across Flanders and Wallonia. Bivakzone.be has a map with all locations and their rules.

Can you light a campfire in a bivouac zone?

It depends on the location. In many Walloon bivouac zones it's allowed in a designated fire ring; in Flanders it often isn't. During droughts a general fire ban sometimes applies.

For evenings by the campfire

Our Camping collection is made for those moments: the Rustic Retreat Hoodie with a tent and campfire, the North Light Sweatshirt with a glowing tent under the stars, or the Star Map Shirt. Warm enough for the evening, and a nice reminder of your night outdoors.