CanICampHere?
About

CanICampHere

CanICampHere makes Switzerland’s camping regulations easier to understand—supporting responsible camping alongside local guidance.

Project Mission

The CanICampHere project aims to create a comprehensive, user-friendly resource that helps outdoor enthusiasts understand where camping is allowed, restricted, or prohibited throughout Switzerland.

Switzerland has complex camping regulations that vary by canton, municipality, and protected area status — and often locally too, for example around specific lakes or individual sites. The goal is to aggregate this information and present it in an accessible format, helping campers make informed decisions and promoting responsible outdoor recreation.

By providing clear information about camping regulations, this project helps to:

  • Reduce illegal camping in protected or sensitive areas
  • Help outdoor enthusiasts find suitable camping locations
  • Promote responsible camping practices
  • Preserve Switzerland's natural beauty for future generations
CanICampHere Illustration

Help improve the map

The map is only as useful as the information behind it. If something looks wrong or outdated — or camping rules are missing — please tell us. We only update from official sources (e.g. regulations, municipal websites) or from an email by the municipality. Easiest path: write the municipality and add contribute@canicamphere.com in CC.

How to share an update

  • •Open a municipality on the map and choose “Report or add data”
  • •Email the municipality and add contribute@canicamphere.com in CC — we can use their reply directly
  • •Or write us at contribute@canicamphere.com with a link to the official source (regulation, website), or forward the municipality’s reply
  • •Photos of prohibition signs also help — please include an exact location (place, coordinates, or map link) and send them to contribute@canicamphere.com
Report or add data

Camping Status Legend

This legend explains the color-coded categories for camping regulations on the map. Each category can be toggled and its opacity adjusted in the "Camping Status" panel.

Important Notes:

  • Emergency bivouacking (overnight stays without tents) is generally permitted in most areas
  • Camping is generally not allowed in protected areas (e.g., national parks, nature reserves), in urban areas and tourist hotspots, or in densely populated regions
  • Always ask for permission when camping on private land (e.g., farms)
  • This platform serves as an informational guide only – always verify with local authorities

Camping Allowed

Camping is generally permitted in this area according to official sources. Check the tooltip for specific conditions or limitations.

Restricted Camping

Camping is permitted under specific conditions (e.g., with permits, limited duration, or designated areas only). Check the tooltip for details.

Camping Prohibited

Camping is not permitted in this area according to official sources. This typically applies to protected areas and private property.

Camping Allowed (Unverified)

Camping is likely permitted based on unofficial sources, but this hasn't been confirmed by authorities. Verify locally before camping.

Restricted Camping (Unverified)

Camping may be permitted with restrictions based on unofficial sources. Conditions may apply – verify with local authorities.

Camping Prohibited (Unverified)

Camping may not be permitted based on unofficial sources. This information requires verification with local authorities.

Content Usage Policy

Website Content

The following content requires permission for reuse:

  • All graphical elements (logos, icons, illustrations)
  • Camping restriction data by municipality
  • Custom map styling and visualizations
  • Photographs marked as proprietary

Data Usage

The camping restriction data compiled from various sources is provided for informational purposes only. For commercial use or redistribution, please contact us for permission.

Request Permission

Data Sources

CanICampHere relies on data from various official and community sources. Below is an overview of key data sources:

Swiss National Park

Explore Switzerland's national parks with data on protected areas showcasing unique landscapes and biodiversity.

map.geo.admin.ch

Hunting Ban Reserves

Detailed information on areas with hunting restrictions aimed at preserving wildlife and natural habitats.

map.geo.admin.ch

Pro Natura: Nature Preserves

Data provided by Pro Natura on conservation projects and efforts to maintain Switzerland's natural beauty.

map.geo.admin.ch

Cantonal Protected Areas

Official cantonal datasets for protected areas, imported canton by canton and normalized for the map.

Currently included

Ramsar

Official information on Ramsar sites designated as wetlands of international importance in Switzerland.

map.geo.admin.ch

UNESCO World natural heritage

Official protected area data for UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Switzerland.

map.geo.admin.ch

Designated wildlife areas

Areas where human activities are limited to preserve wildlife habitats.

map.geo.admin.ch Geodienste

Mire landscapes

Sensitive moorland areas with unique ecosystems in Switzerland.

map.geo.admin.ch

Fens

Fens are flat wetlands that support unique ecosystems with specialized plant and animal species.

map.geo.admin.ch

Raised bogs

Raised bogs are wetland areas characterized by a raised water table and specialized vegetation, acting as important carbon sinks.

map.geo.admin.ch

Floodplains

Floodplains are dynamic riverbank zones shaped by regular flooding, fostering high levels of biodiversity.

map.geo.admin.ch

Dry grasslands

Data on dry grasslands that serve as natural habitats with characteristic flora and fauna, contributing to biodiversity conservation.

map.geo.admin.ch

Amphibian spawning areas

Federal inventory of amphibian spawning areas of national importance, protecting the remaining habitats of Switzerland's 19 amphibian species.

map.geo.admin.ch

Shooting announcements / Danger zones

Published shooting announcements and danger zones of the Swiss Army. Shows active shooting ranges with scheduled times and safety information.

map.geo.admin.ch

Hiking Trails

Signposted swissTLM3D hiking trails from swisstopo, colored by class: yellow Wanderweg, red Bergwanderweg, blue Alpinwanderweg.

map.geo.admin.ch

Cableways & Lifts

Aerial cableways, gondolas and chairlifts from the swissTLM3D landscape model provided by swisstopo.

map.geo.admin.ch

Rivers & Streams

River and stream network from the swissTLM3D landscape model provided by swisstopo.

map.geo.admin.ch

Forest Fire Danger

Daily forest fire danger levels published by the Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN).

map.geo.admin.ch

Avalanche Terrain

SilvaProtect-CH avalanche hazard indication published by the Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN).

map.geo.admin.ch

Agricultural Land

Agricultural land use areas published by the Federal Office for Agriculture (FOAG) and the cantons.

map.geo.admin.ch

Livestock Guardian Dogs

Alpine pastures protected by livestock guardian dogs, published by the Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN).

map.geo.admin.ch

Municipal Boundaries

Official geographic boundaries from swisstopo.

swisstopo swissBOUNDARIES3D

TCS - Camping Regulations

Camping regulations information from Touring Club Switzerland.

TCS Wild Camping

Treeline Data

Approximate tree line boundaries provided by Agroscope.

Agroscope Treeline Data

Leave No Trace

Principles for responsible outdoor recreation.

Visit Leave No Trace

Mountain Huts

Community-contributed data on mountain huts from OpenStreetMap.

OpenStreetMap

Official Campsites

Locations of campsites contributed by the OpenStreetMap community.

OpenStreetMap

Via Ferratas

Via ferrata routes contributed by the OpenStreetMap community.

OpenStreetMap

Peaks

Mountain summit locations and elevations contributed by the OpenStreetMap community.

OpenStreetMap

Lakes

Detailed lake data provided by the OpenStreetMap community.

OpenStreetMap

Glaciers

Glacier data curated from OpenStreetMap.

OpenStreetMap

Map Styles

The map styles include Standard (OpenStreetMap), 3D Terrain (OpenFreeMap + Mapterhorn), Satellite (SWISSIMAGE), and Topographic (swisstopo Base Map).

View OpenStreetMap Attribution

Routing Service

Calculating hiking routes.

openrouteservice

Elevation Data

Point elevation data based on the swissALTI3D digital elevation model provided by swisstopo.

swisstopo Height API

Disclaimer

While the goal is to provide accurate and up-to-date information, camping regulations can change, and there may be local restrictions not captured in the data. CanICampHere should be used as a general guide only.

Always verify information with official sources before planning your trip. Respect all posted signs and instructions from local authorities, even if they differ from what is shown on the map.

CanICampHere is not responsible for any consequences resulting from the use of information provided on this website.