Wake up to the sound of waves. Watch the sun come up over the horizon. Enjoy a cup of coffee and listen to the birds. Pitch your tent next to some of Estonia's most beautiful landscapes.
Estonia is a dream destination for anyone looking to immerse themselves in nature. We've compiled an overview of a few places to start your search. Of course, there's a lot more to see than what's on this list, so use it as a starting point and get out and explore!
Thanks to Estonia's Freedom to Roam policy, you're not limited to official RMK campsites, though these tend to have the basic amenities needed for an enjoyable holiday in nature. Keep in mind these are wild campsites; you won't find showers or electric hook-ups or flush toilets. But many of these campfire sites have a fire pit, sheltered picnic tables, dry toilets, and trash bins, and best of all... they're free!
North Estonia is known for its forests and wildlife, and two of the country's six national parks, Lahemaa and Alutaguse. It's not far from Tallinn, so you can even manage a short weekend camping trip. It's an ideal region to get away from everything and enjoy nature.
Camping in western Estonia means enjoying the Baltic Sea and wonderful long, sandy beaches. You'll can set up camp close to Pärnu, Estonia's summertime capital, or head out to the islands for a relaxing holiday. Enjoy swimming, SUP, and kayaking during the day, and fall asleep to the sound of waves at night.
South Estonia is full of lakes, valleys, and rolling hills. This is one of the more popular parts of Estonia for taking a break from the city, getting away from it all, and getting back in touch with nature. Even though it may feel isolated from civilization, you'll still be a short drive to Tartu, Estonia's lively second city.
Estonia is a digital country, and that applies to camping in Estonia, too. There are hundreds of campsites around the country managed by the Estonian Forestry Ministry (RMK).
RMK has created an app that allows you to find every single (free!) RMK campsite in Estonia. The app gives you the location of the site, information about amenities provided, and photos of the campsite. Regular maintenance means clean campsites and sometimes even free firewood, making it easier to keep warm and cook your dinner. You may need to bring your own water and pack out your trash, but you can check all of that ahead of time on the app.
Not many tourists are aware of the amazing camping infrastructure in Estonia, but locals definitely are. This means campsites can get crowded, especially on weekends when the weather is good. Arrive early in the day to secure a campsite, or drive as far out into nature as you can. The more remote you are, the better the chance you have of getting a good spot. Be aware that you may sometimes encounter boisterous groups camping out to party. Pack earplugs or find a more remote site to set up camp.
It's time to talk about what to eat while you're camping. Cook like a MICHELIN-starred chef or fill up on snacks — it all depends on the amount of time you're willing to spend on preparation.
Typical Estonian foods like kohuke (chocolate-covered curd snacks) and pirukad (savory or sweet hand pies) travel well in backpacks. You can also stock up on fresh fruits and vegetables — cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and apples are local favorites for a trip to the forest. Better yet, try picking your own snacks! Depending on the season you may find wild garlic to add to your sandwich or salad, or forest blueberries or strawberries for a sweet treat on the trail.
Cooking over a campfire lets you get as elaborate or as simple as you want. If you have a pot or pan, you make stew, beans, meat, or pasta. You can also skewer sausages or marinated meat and roast them directly over the hot coals. Campfire bread is also a classic Estonian camp food. While the idea of making bread on a camping trip might sound tricky, it's a lot easier than it sounds. You can find ready-made bread mixes in a lot of stores. Mix up the dough and then wrap it around a stick and cook it over the fire.
Tin foil is also an important tool for campfire cooks. Trying wrapping meat and vegetables in tin foil. Add spices like garlic, rosemary, and thyme, and cook over the coals for about 20-30 minutes on each side for a delicious hot dinner.
Of course, a camping trip is never complete without marshmallows roasted over the flames!
The countryside's tasty hidden treasures
The countryside's tasty hidden treasures
Caravan camping has a romantic feel to it, especially during Estonia's light-filled summer nights! There are no restrictions – just take your home and drive wherever you desire.
In Estonia, you can take your camper van or caravan right into nature. You can stop at scenic places in the woods or at the seaside. You can find a seaside campsite or cottage with all the amenities that a camper van traveler might need as close as a few kilometers from Tallinn's medieval Old Town.
Estonian territory is fully covered with map data for GPS devices. Road atlases are on sale in bookstores, supermarkets, and gas stations, and the traffic sign system makes for easy navigation. From Estonia, you can travel freely to Latvia or take the ferry to Finland or Sweden.
The best time for caravan travel in Estonia is summer. The days are long, so it is safer to drive and you'll have more time to take in the gorgeous nature views while you're camping. As Estonia has a low population density — only 30 inhabitants per square kilometer —it is easy to find privacy outdoors.
There are plenty of campsites suitable for folks traveling in caravans and camper vans in Estonia. Most managed campsites are open from May to October, though you can find places to park at RMK sites open year-round, too.
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Where to go when the weather doesn't cooperate
Where to go when the weather doesn't cooperate