Hiking with a tent

Wondering what to consider when hiking with a tent, how to choose a campsite, or what to look for when buying new gear? Here you’ll find advice and tips for hiking with a tent.

The right to camp

The right of public access (allemansrätten) is fantastic and allows you to stay overnight in nature for a short time. However, the rule is always: do not disturb, do not destroy. Whenever possible, use established campsites to minimise your impact on the environment. Camping within sight or earshot of inhabited houses is not appropriate, nor should you camp in a way that disturbs landowners or their activities.

How long you may stay in one place is not strictly defined, but one or a couple of nights is generally acceptable. Also check whether specific rules apply in the area where you plan to camp. In nature reserves, national parks and other protected areas, there may be special regulations – for example, camping may only be allowed at designated sites. Make sure to check in advance. County Administrative Boards, municipalities and Sweden’s National Parks (opens in new tab) provide useful information.

Camping in the mountains

In the mountains, there are vast areas where you can camp without disturbing others. However, vegetation such as heather and lichen is sensitive, so tread carefully. You must also avoid camping in a way that disturbs reindeer. Many mountain areas are located within national parks and nature reserves, where rules on camping and fires may vary. Check regulations in advance, and feel free to ask at STF mountain facilities for tips on suitable campsites. Here you can find a packing list for mountain hiking with a tent.

Camping near a mountain station or mountain cabin

There are often great campsites both close to and a bit further away from STF mountain stations and cabins, and you are welcome to camp with your own tent nearby. However, if you wish to use facilities such as guest kitchens, drying rooms or other amenities, you need to pay a small service fee. If you don’t plan to use STF’s services, please leave the campsites closest to the facilities for those who do – this helps ensure there is enough space for everyone. You’ll receive more information about camping and services when speaking with staff or cabin hosts on arrival.

If you would like to have dinner at a mountain station restaurant, you need to book in advance – no earlier than seven days before arrival – by emailing bokningen@stfturist.se. Include your name, date, number of people and any dietary requirements.

Remember not to pitch your tent closer than 150 metres from a building or in a way that disrupts operations. For example, camping on a helipad is not allowed. Always ask staff on site for suitable camping locations.

At STF mountain stations, you can rent tents and equipment, making it easy to go on a day trip, stay overnight, and then return – perfect if you’re new to camping.

Read more about services and facilities on the respective mountain station and mountain cabin webpages.

Where is it suitable to hike with a tent?

Not sure which areas are suitable for hiking with a tent? Or maybe you want to try it for the first time? Here are a few suggestions for trails that work well for tent-based hiking.

The Jämtland Triangle is a classic choice – relatively short and with many great spots for camping. You also have the option to book accommodation at one of the mountain stations, so you don’t have to sleep in a tent every night.

For those with previous experience of mountain hiking and camping, the Laponia World Heritage Site offers fantastic routes. The area includes four national parks. To explore Sarek, you need to bring a tent, while in Padjelanta you can also stay in mountain cabins. In both areas, good preparation is essential – be sure to read up on mountain safety before you go.

Many of STF’s selected Signature Trails outside the mountain regions are also well suited for tent hiking. For example, Signature Trail Kinnekulle and Signature Trail Bergslagen are good options even for less experienced campers.

Choose your campsite with care

Find a nice campsite with a flat, preferably soft and dry surface. It should be close to water for cooking and washing, but not so close that the sound disturbs your sleep. Try to pitch your tent in shelter behind a hill, tree or similar – but a slight breeze can help keep mosquitoes away. If rain is expected, it’s especially important not to camp in a dip where water can collect. Plan ahead and start looking for a campsite before you run out of energy. Setting up camp takes time, and it’s much more enjoyable if you still have some energy left – especially if you’re travelling with children.

Camping with the family

Camping is great when hiking with children. Most kids find it cosy and exciting to sleep in a tent. Unlike hut-to-hut trips, there are no fixed distances – you decide how far to walk each day and when to stop. Let the shortest legs set the pace! Consider using your tent as a base camp and staying in the same place for a day or two. It adds variety and allows more time for play and exploration. A good tip is to practise at home first – spend a night camping in a nearby forest as a first adventure.

Sleeping in a shelter

There are many open shelters along trails in southern and central Sweden. They often have wooden floors for ground protection, but you’ll still need a sleeping mat. Shelters retain less heat than tents and are often located near water, which can make it colder. Make sure your sleeping bag is warm enough and that you’re properly dressed.

A campfire can be a nice addition when staying in a shelter. Use existing fire pits where possible and check whether fires are allowed – there may be restrictions due to drought or in protected areas. You may collect small loose branches from the ground, but never break branches, cut trees or remove bark without permission. If you’re travelling a short distance or sharing gear, consider bringing some dry firewood. Some shelters provide firewood, but check whether it’s intended for general use or emergencies only.

Choosing the right tent

When looking for a new tent, consider the seasons you’ll use it in, how many people will sleep in it and the type of environment you’ll be in. In the mountains, you may need a more robust tent that can handle harsh weather, while lower terrain requires less. Durability and low weight are key factors, and the tent should be easy to pitch in all conditions.

A family tent should suit your group size, children’s ages and your planned trips. A classic tunnel tent often works well for general camping, as it has spacious vestibules for storing gear. A dome tent is another option – it offers good interior space but usually lacks vestibules. Before buying, try borrowing or renting a tent to see what suits you best.

Good ventilation is essential

Ventilation is crucial for comfort in a tent. In colder seasons, condensation can be an issue, but good airflow helps reduce it. Make sure your tent has multiple vents positioned to allow air to circulate. Bring a simple dishcloth to wipe away condensation – it absorbs well and weighs almost nothing. How you position your tent in relation to the wind also affects ventilation. Adjust how tightly the tent is secured to the ground – leaving a small gap allows better airflow.

In summer, it’s nice to be able to open the tent and let in fresh air without letting in mosquitoes. A mesh door panel allows airflow and a view while keeping insects out.

Winter camping

Winter camping in the mountains is an amazing experience but requires preparation. In the coldest months, you’ll need a sturdy four-season tent with excellent ventilation. The tent should be spacious, including the vestibule, so you can store gear and avoid bringing snow inside. Your sleeping bag and sleeping mat must be suitable for winter, or you can use double layers. You’ll also need special tent pegs designed for snow.

In short, read up and practise – either at home or with someone experienced. STF offers winter mountain courses where you can learn winter camping or how to build a snow shelter (bivouac). You can also try camping near a mountain station or cabin at first, so you can warm up before heading into your tent for the night.

For winter trips, your backpack should hold 60–80 litres. Another option is to use a pulka (sled) to carry your gear, allowing you to bring heavier equipment. Special pulkas with harnesses and shafts are available for this purpose.

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