In short
- Tent camping is free in designated RMK areas.
- Campfires are only allowed in marked fire rings.
- Open fires are banned during high fire risk periods.
In this article
- Can you camp for free in Lahemaa National Park?
- Where are the designated campsites located?
- What are the fire regulations for campers?
- What should you pack for a camping trip here?
- How do you protect local wildlife while camping?
- What are the driving and parking rules?
- Can you forage for food near the campsites?
Lahemaa National Park spans 747 square kilometers of coast, forest, and bog. The State Forest Management Centre (RMK) provides free areas for visitors to sleep in nature. You need to know the specific regulations for pitching tents and making fires before you arrive.
Can you camp for free in Lahemaa National Park?
Yes, camping in the park is completely free.
You do not need to pay a fee or buy a permit for standard tent camping. You must pitch your tent only in marked, designated RMK campsites. Wild camping outside of these specific zones is not allowed.
Where are the designated campsites located?
Campsites are spread across the park near RMK hiking trails.
The park features over 120 kilometers of official trails. The RMK app provides exact locations for free campsites and parking areas. You can also find free park maps at the RMK Visitor Centre in the Palmse Manor stables.
What are the fire regulations for campers?
You may only make campfires in marked, designated fire pits.
You must fully extinguish your fire before leaving the campsite. If the state declares a high fire risk, making open fires is strictly prohibited everywhere in the park. Check the current fire hazard warnings before lighting a match.
What should you pack for a camping trip here?
Pack layers, waterproof gear, and insect repellent.
- Clothing: A windproof and waterproof jacket for sudden coastal weather changes.
- Footwear: Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots for uneven forest paths.
- Navigation: Downloaded offline maps or the RMK app, as cell service drops.
- Protection: Mosquito and tick repellent is essential in summer.
How do you protect local wildlife while camping?
Keep all dogs on a leash at all times.
The park is home to brown bears, wolves, lynx, moose, and wild boars. Keeping dogs leashed protects both your pet and the local animals. Do not enter restricted nature reserves like Esku and Remnispea without a special permit.
What are the driving and parking rules?
You must keep motor vehicles on designated roads.
Off-roading is entirely prohibited. You may only park in official RMK parking lots, which are free to use. Renting a car is the most practical way to reach these remote campsites.
Can you forage for food near the campsites?
You can pick wild berries and mushrooms on public land.
Forests cover roughly 34,400 hectares of the park. You may forage freely in the public forest areas. Do not pick berries or mushrooms on marked and fenced private land without the owner's permission.
Questions travellers ask
Are there bears near the campsites?
Yes, brown bears live in Lahemaa National Park. You should keep your campsite clean and store food securely.
Do RMK campsites have cell service?
Cell service is spotty in deep forests. You should download offline maps or the RMK app before arriving.
Can I park my vehicle anywhere to camp?
No. Motor vehicles must stay on designated roads and use marked RMK parking lots. Off-roading is prohibited everywhere.
