7 Tips for Camping in Denmark
Camping in Denmark is free, easy and relaxed, making it one of the best ways to get out with your family and dive deep into the Danish countryside. These 5 tips for camping in Denmark will prepare you for taking on an incredible fall adventure with your family.
Book a shelter
The Danish Nature Agency makes it easy for campers to book a free shelter through their website. Shelters are small wooden huts with finished roofing, making it easy to camp without a ton of equipment and easy to stay dry if the weather isn’t perfect.
Tent camping is also allowed, but much more free flowing. Shelter sites allow you to set up a tent in the area or choose a camping spot in the wooded area you like, as long as it is state owned parkland, and then just make sure you’re following the rules.
To book a shelter, choose the option “shelter på primitiv overnatningsplads” and then preferred dates and locations. Some sites have water and toilet access while others will be more primitive. You may have to do a bit of google translating to read about each site if you don’t speak Danish, but the information you need will be there in the description. If the listing doesn’t mention water and toilets, it won’t have them!
As you can see, shelters are open to the elements – it’s wise to bring along a tarp for tying across the opening (usually there are nails present for such a thing) if the weather is potentially windy or rainy, or even just for keeping bugs out.
Quick tip: The Danes are extremely organized and plan in advance, especially in the summer months! To get the best campsites you may have to look a bit ahead, camp during the week if you can, or brave the shoulder seasons (early October is a great time to go for it).
Use GPS coordinates
Booking a shelter and campsite for free is a great resource, but that doesn’t mean they’re always easy to find. I highly recommend taking note of those GPS coordinates before you set out, as you’ll most likely be parking a bit away from your site and then walking into the forest to find your shelter. Sometimes you’ll see markers like the one below, but other times, you just need to explore your way there.
Get cozy with your closet camping friends
Many sites that are available to book will have two to three shelters on the site, sharing a communal large fire pit, maybe a few smaller fire pits. You may have the place all to yourself (this has been the case for us multiple times) or you may be sharing the site if someone else has booked one of the opposite shelters.
Campers are almost always friendly people, and it’s no different here. There are sites with only one shelter, so if it’s a priority to you to have your own space, plan accordingly. You’ll know if the site has more than one shelter if it’s listed with a number (example: Shelter 4 – Sydlangeland means there are 4 shelters available to book on the site).
Be prepared for rain
The Danish is climate is wet, and light rain is common throughout the fall. Don’t let it hold you back too much, as in general, it’s light enough to carry on with your plans, but come prepared for things to get wet.
Many large shelters have generous space for bringing things inside to stay dry, so take advantage. Bring beach towels for drying up and an extra tarp to cover wood or supplies that need to stay outside.
Bug spray!
If you’re spending much time in Copenhagen, you may get the idea that mosquitoes and other bugs are absent from this country, but that couldn’t be farther from the truth if you happen into the woods during the right conditions.
While fall camping is pretty safe because temperatures have cooled, spring and summer camping will certainly encounter bugs. Just be prepared with good quality bug spray. Also, keep a close eye out for ticks. They are common in Danish woods (again, mostly in spring and summer), and are super small, usually black in color. It’s good to do a quick check each evening on yourself and your kids.
Sleeping mats
This is essential if you’re choosing to book a shelter! They’re wonderful for staying dry, but for sleeping purposes, need a bit of a boost. Those hard wooden floors benefit greatly from a little extra cushion.
Even if you’re tent camping on the much preferred, softer ground, it can’t hurt having one of these along to make the whole experience just a bit better.
Explore the small towns around you
Because it’s such a small country, you won’t be far from civilization when you’re out camping. Take the opportunity on rainy days or when you’re in transit to explore the small towns around you. We have discovered some of our favorite spots in Denmark this way and would have never gone to these towns if camping hadn’t taken us there.
Favorite camping spots in Denmark
A few suggestions if you want a site that will deliver on location!
Fanø – Wadden Sea National Park
Thy National Park – Tvorup Øst
What to bring when camping in Denmark:
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Just the basics are essential here, as camping in Denmark is super approachable. As stated above, you’ll never be too far from civilization and with a shelter rental, you can get away from even needing a tent. If you prefer tent camping, this 4-person tent is affordable and efficient. If you have a bigger family or want more space, you can upgrade to this size.
Sleeping bags – I’ve had this one for years and absolutely love it. We’ve had these for the kids – they’re cheap (we haven’t wanted to pay full price until they’re fully grown) and get the job done if you’re not camping in the coldest weather.
Some camp sites will have grates on the fire pits for grilling, but we’ve visited some that haven’t, so it’s a good idea to throw in a portable grate, if you have one. This water container is clutch, as well as an effective cooler for keeping things cold.
Basic fire starting materials should round out your must haves – you’re allowed to gather wood from the forest floor in Denmark, but sometimes wood can be wet. Stop at a nearby gas station or grocery store to find dry bundles of wood if you run into this problem.
I hope your Danish camping adventure helps your family create some incredible memories here! If you’re looking for more information on Denmark, check out one of our other posts…
