This summer, the topic of wild camping is making headlines in Trentino. As the local newspaper il Dolomiti reports, police in Alto Garda and Ledro have spent more than 1,400 service hours over the past months monitoring violations. The municipality of Nago-Torbole has been particularly affected, where ten campers were caught camping illegally overnight. According to the newspaper, police describe the situation as a "growing phenomenon" and pointed to numerous additional tips from local residents.
Wild Camping: Strict Rules, Heavy Fines
Under Italian law, camping outside of official sites is generally prohibited. Anyone caught faces a minimum fine of 100 euros, and in protected areas penalties can reach up to 1,000 euros. According to il Dolomiti, the ban is strictly enforced in Trentino, particularly in heavily frequented locations such as Lake Garda.
While the legal situation is clear nationwide, enforcement is not uniform in practice. As Trekking.itexplains, Veneto, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Sardinia, and Emilia-Romagna all have a blanket ban with no exceptions . In other regions such as Piedmont or Le Marche, wild camping is permitted for a maximum of 48 hours, but only with prior authorization from the municipality. In Lombardy and Tuscany, on the other hand, there are no clear regional regulations, which leads to gray areas.
Sensitive Zones Especially Protected
The rules are particularly strict in national parks and along coastlines. As il Dolomiti describes, even an extended awning or the setting up of camping furniture is enough to be classified as wild camping . In the Dolomites, such as in the Parco Nazionale Dolomiti Bellunesi, violations can result in substantial fines.
Bivacco: The Tolerated Exception
In some mountain regions, a distinction is made between conventional camping and what is known as bivacco . This refers to spending the night in a tent or bivouac sack from sunset to sunrise, typically high in the mountains and without visible camping equipment. Legally, this is not explicitly permitted either, but in regions such as Trentino or the Aosta Valley, it is tolerated under certain conditions, in the Aosta Valley for example above 2,500 meters or for a maximum of 48 hours with authorization. The tradition has its roots in alpinism, where bivouacking was often unavoidable for safety reasons.
While illegal camping is on the rise, legal camping tourism is booming at the same time. According to Camper Professional and Quality Travel , around 73 million overnight stays at campsites and motorhome pitches are expected in the summer of 2025, an increase over the previous year. Particularly in demand are agriturismo offerings, where farms provide pitches for campers, as well as glamping concepts that combine a nature experience with comfort.
Adventure at a Price
Despite these alternatives, the appeal of wild camping persists. Yet the examples from Trentino show that the adventure can come at a steep cost. According to Italian media reports, authorities plan to further intensify their inspections . For those who want to enjoy nature, official sites and legal options are the safer choice, while also protecting landscapes and communities from unnecessary strain.
Info Box: Wild Camping in Italy: Rules by Region
Sources: Trekking.it, Wildhood.app, Regione Campania, Regione Calabria, SardegnaAmbiente