Wild Camping in Georgia

Wild camping is all about being at one with nature, sleeping under the stars, and away from designated campsites and facilities. It’s not necessarily for everyone: some seasoned campers insist it’s the best and truest way to camp, while others argue that the risk of damage is too high. Concerns in particular include littering, disturbing wildlife, and potentially harming fragile ecosystems.

Nevertheless, wild camping is widely accepted in Georgia, especially for multi-day treks, where people often set up camp in remote areas for successive nights. Across the country’s many rural areas, sparsely populated mountainous regions, and thick forests, it’s easy to find a spot to pitch a tent and spend the night under the stars. Whether you're an experienced trekker or just looking for a new adventure, wild camping in Georgia is always memorable. 

However, although wild camping is allowed, there are some regulations to navigate…

Is it Legal to Camp in Georgia?

Short answer: Yes, wild camping is legal in Georgia, and it's a popular way of exploring the country’s glorious natural landscapes.

Long answer: Yes, wild camping is legal and immensely popular. That, however, doesn’t mean that there are no regulations to observe. It's important to respect local laws. Specifically, it’s not legal to camp on private property without permission. This can be somewhat complicated in remote rural areas, where many villages are either half abandoned or only seasonally occupied. What may seem like an abandoned house may actually be inhabited, but not have its yard marked or fenced. If there are people around, simply ask them to point you toward a free and safe patch of land. If there are not, do your best to steer clear of camping near constructions, even if they seem empty and unused.

Make sure not to litter or damage the environment in any way. Fines may be issued if these rules aren’t followed. Apply the “Leave no Trace” policy when camping, keeping your trip responsible and clean. 

Camping in national parks and protected areas isn’t normally just a case of simply setting up a tent in the wilderness. Rather, specific regulations usually apply, and it's crucial to follow these to avoid incurring penalties.

Camping in National Parks vs. Wild Camping

While camping is allowed in Georgia’s national parks and protected areas, you’re only allowed to set up a tent in specifically designated camping areas.

Some parks may require permits or even advance booking for camping spots, with hefty fines if regulations aren’t followed. It's always best to check with the park administration before planning your trip to make sure you have up-to-date information about all the rules and to reserve your spot if needed.

Best Areas (and Times of Year) for Wild Camping in Georgia

There are many spots in Georgia that have become popular destinations for wild camping, so choosing where to begin can be a bit daunting.

If you’re a first-time wild camper in Georgia, these are some of the top spots to keep in mind:

• For Those Who Want to Camp in Mountains: Kazbegi

Kazbegi is about a 3-hour drive from Tbilisi, making it a relatively accessible wild camping option. The roads are generally well-maintained in the area, with the regional center of Stepantsminda being easy to reach and serving as a convenient base where you can rest, eat, and purchase supplies before heading into the wild. 

Popular spots for setting up camp include the hillsides near Gergeti Trinity Church and Juta Valley, both of which are famous for panoramic mountain views. The best time of year for camping in Kazbegi is early summer to early autumn (i.e. June to late September) when the weather is mild and usually dry. But do bear in mind that even in summer the nights can get chilly due to the high altitude, so equip yourself accordingly.

• For Those Who Want to Camp on Lakeshore: Udziro Lake

Udziro Lake in Racha region is one of the most popular wild camping destinations in Georgia, and one of the most reachable too.

It’s a 4-to-5-hour drive from Tbilisi to Oni, the main town nearest the lake. The roads here are mostly in good condition, with the majority being well-paved and regularly maintained. However, as you’re in the mountains, roads can be susceptible to capricious climate, so common sense, care, and caution are still well advised. 

Before heading out to Udziro Lake, Oni is the best place to rest, eat, and stock up on camping supplies. From there, you’ll need to get to Glola village. Many campers prefer hiking to Glola, if they have the time and the energy. Keep in mind the distance is about 20 km and what can be a 30-minute drive will turn into a 5-hour hike. From Glola, you’ll have to hike to the lake, where you can set up camp on its shores, surrounded by rocky mountains on all sides. The best time to camp here is mid-summer to early autumn (July to mid-September), when the weather is relatively mild and chances of precipitation are low.

Tip: There’s another lake called Udziro in the Kakheti region. Make sure not to mess the two up when planning your camping trip.

• For Those Who Want to Camp in the Forest: Bakhmaro Forest

Bakhmaro is a famous resort town in the Guria region. While Bakhmaro is perhaps best known for its resort cottages, it’s still possible to find secluded spots for wild camping tucked away from the main areas. The best places to camp here are higher up on the hillsides, among the thick forests. But do ask the locals for some intel, mainly so that you don’t inadvertently camp in a privately owned area.

The drive from central Tbilisi to Bakhmaro takes about 5-5:30 hours. The roads leading here are generally in good order, and you can rest, eat, and stock up on essentials in Chokhatauri, the nearest significant town. The best time of year to camp here is early summer to early autumn (mid-June to late September), with mild, dry weather during the day and cooler nights.

You should also search hiking trail routes in Georgia for wild camping. Get your backpacks and start the unforgettable journey now.