3 wild camping trips in Europe, a complete guide June 2026

There are places that are just worth pitching a tent for. We've selected three in Europe, wild camping spots where the journey is as much a part of the trip as the night itself. Access, routes, what to pack. It's all here.

• The LFW team

01 — Lake Gaube, Pyrenees, France

At 2,000 meters altitude, with the Vignemale peak opposite, and no one around at night. Lake Gaube is one of those destinations you keep to yourself. One of the most beautiful bivouac spots in the Pyrenees, accessible yet far from ordinary.

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The route in detail

Pont d'Espagne → Lac de Gaube (6 km · +450 m · 2h)

The hike begins at the Pont d'Espagne parking area, one of the most popular spots in the Pyrenees—but only during the day. At night, it's deserted. The trail follows the Gave du Marcadau river through a dense beech forest before reaching the Pont d'Espagne and its waterfall. From there, the path climbs steadily through the forest until the treeline emerges at 1,600 meters. The lake suddenly appears, framed by the ridges that plunge into the water. Opposite, the Vignemale (3,298 meters) rises with its glacier tongue.

Don't miss it: The lake at golden hour, when the day's tourists have left and the Vignemale mountain is bathed in the evening light. That's exactly why we camp here rather than heading back down.

Lake Gaube → Hourquette d'Ossoue (day 2 option)

For those who want to go further, the Hourquette d'Ossoue (2,734 m) can be reached in 3 hours from the lake—this pass offers the most direct view of the Vignemale glacier and the most challenging terrain. There are some sections with scree slopes. Return to the lake for the second night, or descend directly to Gavarnie.

Don't miss it: The Ossoue glacier seen from the pass — the largest glacier in the French Pyrenees. In June, it is still very much present.

Bivouac regulations

Lake Gaube is located within the boundaries of the Pyrenees National Park. Bivouacking is permitted from one hour after sunset to one hour before sunrise, provided it is more than one hour's walk from the park boundaries or any roads. A maximum of one night is allowed in the same location. Leave no trace of water.

Logistics

Access : Cauterets is accessible by train (TGV Tarbes + TER Lourdes/Cauterets) or car from Pau or Tarbes

• Refueling: Cauterets is the starting point. Nothing along the way. Allow 2 days for self-sufficiency.
• Chairlift: Open seasonally (June-September) from Pont d'Espagne up to 1,800 m · shortens the approach by 2 hours
• Weather report : Storms arrive quickly in the Pyrenees. Leave early in the morning and wear a waterproof layer.
• Mapping: IGN TOP25 — 1748OT Gavarnie
• Gaube Lake Hotel: +33 (0)5 62 92 41 27

02 — Siusi Alpe, Dolomites, Italy

The largest alpine pasture in Europe. Peaks unlike any other. And an evening light that explains why the Dolomites are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. One of the craziest bivouacs we've ever done.

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The route in detail

Compatsch → Heart of the plateau (12 km · +300 m · 3h30)

From Compatsch, the plateau opens up immediately—short grass, a few wooden shelters, and in the background, the Dolomites rising steeply. Sassolungo (3,181 m) to the west, Sciliar (2,563 m) to the east. The most interesting path skirts the plateau to the north to reach the Saltria and Williamshütte area—less frequented, wilder. This is where you look for a bivouac spot. In the evening, the Enrosadira turns the peaks red—the optical phenomenon of the Dolomites that tints the rocks a reddish-orange a few minutes after sunset.

Don't miss it: The Enrosadira at sunset. It's not an exaggeration—the Dolomites literally turn red. Pitching your tent for that reason alone is worthwhile.

Plateau → Sciliar Ridges (day 2 option)

For the more adventurous, the ascent to Sciliar from the plateau takes 3 hours and offers a 360° panorama of the Dolomites, South Tyrol, and as far as Austria. The terrain is more challenging than the plateau, but the trail is well-marked. There's a direct descent to Siusi or a return via the plateau.

Don't miss it: The view from the Sciliar over the plateau seen from above — you realize the scale of it. And the marmots, which are everywhere.

Bivouac regulations

Alpe di Siusi is a Provincial Nature Park. Bivouacking is permitted outside protected areas and away from mountain huts. Check the Sciliar-Catinaccio Natural Park map before setting out. General rule: off the main trails, away from mountain huts, no fires.

Logistics

• Access : From Bolzano (30 min by car), drive up to Siusi am Schlern, then take the cable car to Compatsch. Alternatively, take the train from Milan or Verona to Bolzano.
• Refueling: Numerous refuges on the plateau provide water. Food — bring your own from Bolzano or Siusi.
• Weather report : The plateau is exposed to the wind. Bring a sturdy tent. Thunderstorms are frequent in the afternoon during the summer.
• Cartography: Compass 076 Seiser Alm / Alpe di Siusi

03 — Sierra Nevada, Spain

3,479 m. The highest point in mainland Spain. Turquoise high-altitude lagoons. And nights at a latitude where you wouldn't expect such a dark sky. A bivouac to experience at least once.

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The route in detail

Hoya de la Mora → Laguna de las Yeguas (5 km · +300 m · 1h30)

The hike begins at the Hoya de la Mora parking area, the highest access point to the massif. Right from the start, you're above the treeline—a lunar landscape of rocks, with peaks rising above 3,000 meters on the horizon. The trail follows the western ridge towards Mulhacén, passing by Laguna de las Yeguas (2,830 m). The lagoon is framed by scree slopes, and the reflection of the peaks in the water at this altitude is worth the trip alone. This is where you pitch your tent.

Don't miss it: Sunset over the lagoons from the bivouac. At 3,000 m in southern Spain, the sky is absolutely clear. The stars at night are among the most beautiful we've seen in Europe.

Lagune de las Yeguas → Mulhacén (6 km · +650 m · 2h30)

Mulhacén (3,479 m) can be reached by ascending the ridges from the lagoon. The path is well-marked, with a gradual incline. At the summit, the view extends over the Sierra, the Mediterranean Sea on a clear day, and Morocco on certain days. The descent can be made via the same route or by taking a different path down the north face.

Don't miss it: Sunrise from Mulhacén if you bivouac near the summit. At 3,400 m, the sun rises over Spain before anyone else.

Bivouac regulations

The Sierra Nevada is a National Park. Camping is permitted above 1,600 m in unprotected areas, away from trails and springs. Tent pitched in the evening, taken down in the morning, no fires.

Logistics

• Access : Granada by plane from Paris (Transavia, Vueling, Iberia) · 1 hour 45 minutes flight time. From Granada, drive to Hoya de la Mora. In summer, there is an official shuttle bus from Granada (book on the National Park website).
• Access by car: In summer (June-October), the road to Hoya de la Mora is reserved for shuttle buses — check the regulations before setting out.
• Refueling: Grenade at the start. Nothing above — allow 2 days of autonomy.
• Weather report : Nights are cool even in summer at 3,000 m (5 to 10°C). A suitable sleeping bag is essential. UV rays are very intense at this altitude.
• Mapping: IGN España — Sierra Nevada 1:50,000
• National Park website: sierranevada.es

What to pack

The base

• Backpack 35-45L
• Lightweight tent that withstands the wind (all 3 spots are exposed)
• Sleeping bag suitable for cool nights (minimum 5°C)
• High-top hiking boots
• Waterproof jacket and thermal layer
• Headlamp
• Water: 2L minimum + purification tablets
• Food for 2 days

What makes the difference

• Lightweight, technical trousers that dry quickly — for walking, sleeping, and returning to the hotel without changing
• A compressive mid-layer — at nights at 2,000m, even in June, they are surprising
• High-SPF sunscreen — UV rays at altitude are a whole different ball game.

LFW Tip: These three spots are exactly the terrain for which we designed the VOYAGE range: lightweight, versatile pieces that fit into a 35cm bag.L and who go from the trail to dinner effortlessly. -20% off the entire range for 48 hours, code BLOG20.