Pitching a tent outside a recognised camping site in Flanders is not yet possible, but the Flemish Green party (Groen) is hoping to transform the region and provide more opportunities for wild camping.
In Norway, the principle of allowing people to camp anywhere for free is referred to as the "right of everyman". A similar concept is in place in Scotland, Iceland and even France during certain hours. In Belgium and many other countries, however, travelling around with a tent and pitching it at random is not allowed.
Groen is looking to change this, at least in Flanders. "Not everyone has the financial means to rent a hotel or cottage. There are also many people who are not interested in that and prefer to spend time in nature instead," Groen co-president Jeremie Vaneeckhout said.
Wealth of camping inspiration
The region already has 27 'bivouac sites': a patch of land with no facilities where those travelling around on foot or by bike can stay for free for a maximum of 48 hours upon reservation. Everything must be left spotless on departure.
Cooking equipment for camping. Credit: Belga / Jasper Jacobs
Vaneeckhout is now calling for this number to be boosted and even wants to reverse the logic currently applied to camping: instead of a limited number of places where you are allowed to bivouac, he proposes allowing it everywhere, unless otherwise specified (if the site is dangerous for camping or the nature is fragile, for example).
"An expansion of camping spots in Flanders, from the Voerstreek to the coast, would offer a wealth of new camping inspiration for all campers," he said, adding that children and adults alike would benefit from spending more time in nature. "After all, spending time outside in nature is good for both your physical and mental health."
Controlled freedom
Leisure organisation Pasar welcomes the call to increase the number of bivouacs but is not in favour of a general expansion of wild camping. "Our situation is simply not comparable to that in Scandinavia. Doing this in Flanders could result in people becoming more opposed to camping," managing director Michel Vandendriessche said.
Meanwhile, in countries where wild camping is legal, guidelines or rules have been implemented due to certain areas becoming overrun, to the extent that it presents a risk to the environment. In Scotland, for example, camping in areas of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park is only permitted within campsites or with a camping permit due to overuse.
Vaneeckhout will soon submit his proposal to the Flemish Parliament. Environment Minister Zuhal Demir will then have to provide the regulatory framework, while municipalities will be in charge of specifically designating camping spots.
