Overnight Camping with horses on the trail

When we travel with our horses, we prefer sleeping near them rather than in hotel rooms. There’s something magical about hearing your horse chew at night or watching its silhouette against the moonlight from your sleeping bag. However, wild camping is restricted in many parts of Europe. And, of course, we need more than just a spot to pitch our camp—we also need enough grass to keep our two horses fed and content overnight.

Understanding the legal side of camping with horses

In most countries, using a bivi bag falls into a legal “gray zone,” whereas pitching a tent or making a fire is usually prohibited. To stay light and mobile, we opt for bivy bags combined with a tarp for extra weather protection, which allows us to remain within that legal gray area.

We once camped on a riverbank near a small town in France. The spot had a lot of grass and seemed to be a public picnic area. In the middle of the night, we were startled by blue lights—local police had shown up! Still half-asleep, we managed to explain that the horses were ours and securely tethered. The officer apologized for the disturbance, wished us a good night, and left. Experiences like this remind us that as long as we’re respectful to those around us, camping with horses is generally well-received.

Different types of campsites for traveling with horses

Here are some options we consider while camping with horses. Keep in mind, our experiences are based on traveling with just two horses; some places might not accommodate larger groups.

• Long-Riding Stations
  We rarely use designated long-riding stations unless we need a day off. They tend to be too costly for a three-month journey, and honestly, we don’t need the luxury. They also prefer advance bookings, while we prefer a flexible schedule without too many planned stops.

• Campgrounds
  Surprisingly, campgrounds often allow us to stay with our horses. If you try this, make sure your horse is calm and well-behaved, as you’ll likely be the center of attention. Availability of horse feed can be a challenge, so it’s good to inquire in advance. Campgrounds usually charge a little extra for horses, so this isn’t the cheapest option.

• Stables
  We frequently look for stables to spend the night, from fancy setups to simple backyard fields. Unless we need to rest the horses for a couple of nights, we generally stop by unannounced. Sometimes stables have set rates; other times, they leave the payment up to us or even invite us to share our travel stories instead.

• Farmers’ fields
  There have been countless times when we’ve knocked on a stranger’s door, asking if we could camp in a corner of their field with our horses. We’ve met many generous people this way, and though we always offer to pay, most let us stay for free. This option is a favorite, as it often comes with genuine hospitality and interesting local stories.

Tip: We often approach people we see outside their homes—it’s easier to start a conversation this way. If they can’t accommodate us, they might know someone who can.

• Wild areas
  Our favorite camping spots are in the wilderness—steppes, forests, or by riverbanks. In Central Asia and parts of Eastern Europe, wild camping is easier, as farmers often graze their livestock on public land, and no one raises an eyebrow when we camp. However, we are mindful never to let our horses graze on private farmland without permission. We look for state-managed or untouched land and always pack out all our trash to leave no trace.

Tip: We often find such places next to rivers, between forests and fields, in lake districts, or near train tracks. We use Google Earth to scout for grassy areas in advance, which takes some practice. I’ll cover more on route selection in a future article.

The importance of giving back

As long riders, we often rely on the kindness of strangers, and many people host us at no charge. Most enjoy hearing about our journey, sharing a drink, or petting the horses. Even when we’re tired, we make an effort to connect with our hosts, offering a token of appreciation or payment for any food or services.

Two styles of travel: planned vs. flexible

There are generally two approaches to long riding: the structured route and the open road.

1. The flexible approach
   Some, like us, love the freedom of the open road. We have no fixed plans, which means we can follow interesting leads and stay with fascinating people we meet along the way. However, this approach does carry risks—sometimes we struggle to find a suitable campsite, and there isn’t always enough grass for the horses. In these situations, we start early the next day, with the primary goal of finding food.

2. The structured approach
   Other riders prefer a more structured trip, with each stop planned ahead. While this ensures reliable spots for both rider and horse every night, it can feel restrictive if you encounter detours, unexpected events, or intriguing trails along the way. This approach is ideal for those who prioritize security and want to avoid surprises.

Ultimately, the best approach depends on your personality, sense of adventure, and your horse’s temperament.

Ready to hit the trail?

If you have more questions or are curious about other aspects of long riding, reach out! We love helping others find their way in the world of horse travel. Here’s to new trails, new friendships, and nights under the stars!