Is wild camping legal?
Wild camping (outside designated sites) exists in a legal gray area — it's tolerated in many remote mountain and national park areas but not formally sanctioned everywhere, and is explicitly restricted within national park core zones. When in doubt, use a designated site or ask locally.
National park rules
Mavrovo, Pelister, and Galičica National Parks each have specific rules on camping — generally restricted to designated areas, with open fires prohibited outside marked pits. Check current park regulations directly before planning a wild camp inside any park boundary.
Best regions for camping
Mavrovo and the surrounding mountains offer the most established camping infrastructure, given the hiking and ski-season traffic. Lakeside camping at Ohrid and Dojran suits travelers wanting a swimmable base; Berovo and Pelister suit those prioritizing forest quiet over lake access.
What to bring
Most designated sites have only basic facilities (toilets, sometimes showers) — come equipped as you would for any European campsite without assuming on-site rental gear. Mountain nights are cool even in summer; pack accordingly.
Fire safety
Open fires are a serious risk in the dry summer months across the country's forested regions — use only designated fire pits where provided, and check for any active fire bans before lighting anything.