Wild camping in the woods in Poland - everything you need to know
Wild camping in the woods is a great form of leisure activity for many people. However, not everyone knows that there are certain rules that must be followed in order to be able to legally camp in this way.
Read our guide and find out where wild camping is legal and what conditions need to be met. Also read our list of camping equipment.
Where can you pitch a tent in the wild in Poland and what are the conditions?
A few years ago, a pilot programme called ‘Stay overnight in the forest’ was launched, which designated forest areas where it is fully legal to camp. This initiative was met with great interest, so in 2021 the programme was significantly expanded. From a dozen or so permitted sites across Poland, a coherent system covering more than 600,000 hectares of forest managed by the State Forests was created.
Where can you pitch a tent in the wild? To find a place to camp, simply use the Interactive map of the State Forests. However, you must remember that when camping in the forest there are certain rules that must be strictly adhered to. You will find all the information about the programme under this link.
What to take on a camping trip in the woods? - list of essential equipment
Wilderness camping comes with certain challenges. You need to plan carefully what to take with you so that your trip does not turn out to be an unpleasant experience. In the rest of this article, we will suggest what you should definitely keep in mind.
What to choose for sleeping in the woods - a hammock or maybe a tent?
When you go camping in the forest, a key consideration is choosing the right sleeping equipment. The Forestry Commission's recommendations include three main options: a hammock, a camping sheet or a tent. However, it is always advisable to check the regulations on the websites of the individual forest districts.
1. Hammock for sleeping in the woods
A hammock is a great alternative to a traditional tent when wild camping. It is often several times lighter than a tent, so it works well for backpacking hikes. All you need is two trees of sufficient diameter (about 4-5 metres apart) and you can create a comfortable ‘suspended bed’.
On colder nights, it's a good idea to take a hammock liner with you for extra thermal comfort. It's also a good idea to stock up on a carrimat that can be slipped under your body so that the cold doesn't penetrate from underneath.
The risk of falling out of a hammock while sleeping is minimal, but for safety's sake don't hang it too high and remove larger stones from the ground. Also remember never to hang a hammock from dead trees.
2. Bivouac sheet
Bivouac sheet (tarp) can be used in two ways: on its own or in a set with a hammock. In the first case, the tarp is used to construct a shelter, similar to a tent. Many configurations are available to adapt the structure to the prevailing conditions. In the second case, the tarp is used as a canopy for the hammock to protect it from rain, wind and sun.
3. Tent for sleeping in the woods
If you want to pitch a tent while wild camping then there are a few rules to follow. Choose a durable surface, avoid damaging undergrowth and removing litter. As an enclosed space, a tent protects you from insects and small animals. Of the options discussed, it provides the best protection against the vagaries of the weather.
Cooking and eating on a camping trip
When wild camping in the forest, you need to take care of your food. By far the easiest solution is to take along what is known as dry provisions, i.e. snacks and ready-to-eat products without heat treatment. These products are usually light and small in size, which makes them easy to transport in your backpack. Worth choosing: rusks, dried meat, nuts or energy bars. However, if you want a warm meal, you can purchase freeze-dried food, which only requires pouring in warm, hot or cold water.
You can also get a thermos lunch box to put hot food in and keep it hot for a long time. There are models on the market that keep food warm for up to 12 hours.
You can also take with you tourist cooker, to prepare a hot meal. Remember, however, that according to Forestry Regulations, you may only use a gas cooker under certain conditions and with appropriate precautions. It is forbidden to use the cooker on peaty soils, in tall grass and on young trees, and where the tree crown is lower than 5 m. Information regarding the possibility of using cookstoves in a particular area should be on the website of the specific forest district.
You can also pick fruit and mushrooms in the forest. Make sure, however, that they are edible and not under species protection and that you are not in a marked area where picking is prohibited.
Please note that campfires may only be lit in areas designated for this purpose by the Forestry Commissioner.
Also remember to take an adequate supply of water, and ideally stock up on tourist filter, to draw and treat water from nearby water bodies.
Accessories for hygiene and first aid on a camping trip
When wild camping you need to take care of your personal hygiene. Take some useful items with you, such as a quick-dry towel, wet wipes, toilet paper and a toothbrush and toothpaste. If you plan to stay for more than two nights, it is best to stock up on tourist shower.
It is also best to take a small first aid kit with you. You can buy one that is already equipped and add to it, for example, the medicines you take regularly. Alternatively, you can buy a first aid kit without equipment and supplement it with the necessary bandages, dressings and plasters.
Be sure to also take with you repellents to repel mosquitoes and other insects occurring in the forests!
Additional things to take when camping in the woods
Other wild camping accessories that are sure to come in handy are:
- fire source — you can take matches, a lighter or a flint,
- torch — the best choice head torch, which will enable you to carry out a variety of activities freely,
- multitool — a versatile tool that comes in handy for cutting food or repairing minor faults encountered while camping,
- rubbish sacks — also take a rubbish bag with you to clean up after camping.
Equipment and accessories for camping at Militaria.pl
If you are looking for equipment and accessories for wild camping, we recommend you take a look at our survival, buschraft, hiking category. There you will find everything you need for camping. From tents, tarps, hammocks and sleeping bags to hiking cookers, long-term food, cooking utensils and first aid kits.
