The idea of pitching your tent in the heart of the Corsican maquis, lulled by the Mediterranean breeze, attracts new fans of nature camping every year.. That said, it should be noted that the regulatory reality in 2025 is more nuanced than the clichéd images conveyed by social media. Moreover, despite being nicknamed the “Isle of Beauty,” Corsica is keen to preserve its exceptional landscapes, which explains strict legislation concerning wild camping and bivouacking.
In truth, every responsible adventurer must nevertheless deal with precise rules, while taking advantage of the alternatives offered by committed establishments like Merendella, a temple of supervised and secure nature camping in San-Nicolao. It is worth noting that wild camping raises issues that go beyond simple individual freedom. It also concerns environmental preservation, maintaining peace and quiet, and ensuring safety for all stakeholders.
The truths about wild camping in Corsica
Regulation 2025: between myth and reality
It must be said that since 2025, Corsica has strengthened its controls on wild camping. Imagine that pitching your tent outside of designated areas, whether on a beach, in a forest or in the mountains, is strictly prohibited. 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.* over most of the island. Be aware that the legislation, based on Article R111-42 of the Urban Planning Code provides for substantial fines – up to 1,500 euros – for offenders.
That being said, each municipality retains control over specific prohibition orders, hence the need to find out before any project.
Furthermore, it is important to distinguish between wild camping, a regular and unauthorized practice, and bivouacking. occasional, sometimes tolerated for hikers in difficulty for one night. For information, some mountain areas allow tents from sunset to sunrise, but this remains an exception, particularly on the famous GR20 where only bivouacking in the direct vicinity of refuges is legal.
Ecological and security issues: why so many restrictions ?
The priority is clear: protect the environmental wealth of the island, avoid fires and pollution and preserve the tranquility of natural sites.. Furthermore, the increasing flow of visitors in recent years has prompted the authorities to review their policy and increase controls. It should be noted that the Corsican maquis, fragile and unique, does not tolerate the bad behavior of lost campers.
Camping in the great outdoors should therefore never rhyme with letting go. That being said, Corsica values responsible outdoor accommodation, eco-camping and scrupulous respect for protected areas. Civic behavior is essential, both for one’s own safety and for the common good.
Can we still camp? Exceptions and special situations
It should be noted that a few rare exceptions to the general ban are maintained:
- bivouacking is tolerated for hikers who have mismanaged their time, particularly in the mountains, provided they do not stay more than one night in the same place;
- some shelters and lodges offer secure bivouac areas, paid or free depending on the location;
- private owners may, exceptionally and upon request, authorize camping on their land;
- the municipality, by temporary decree, can open dedicated spaces in the event of a special event or high summer crowds.
After these nuances, it should be noted that even in the event of force majeure, the installation of a wild camp must never endanger flora, fauna or the tranquility of the inhabitants. This is also the basis of sustainable and accepted tourism.
Legal nature spots: integrated campsites and official areas
Focus on Merendella: the model of success in nature and comfort
Located in San-Nicolao, on the Costa Verde, Merendella is a pioneer of nature camping in Upper Corsica. Please note that this 4-star establishment extends over a 7-hectare wooded park, with direct access to a 300-meter private beach and offers:
- traditional, spacious and shaded tent pitches;
- lodge, bungalow or chalet type accommodations with all modern comforts;
- the possibility of choosing a location on the sea, mountain or forest side, according to your wishes;
- ecological facilities, swimming pool, local catering, nautical club and sports activities*;
- a welcome policy adapted to families, couples or groups of friends.
After this list, it must be said that Merendella perfectly embodies the spirit of environmental respect, combined with freedom and security. Every camper finds a balance between immersion in nature and a legalized environment, ideal for sleeping peacefully without breaking the law.
Alternatives: shelters, lodges and paid areas
Apart from large campsites like Merendella, Corsica offers a wide range of facilities allowing you to experience nature adventures:
- mountain refuges accepting bivouacs nearby;
- numerous natural areas, often developed seasonally, at the water’s edge, in the mountains or in the scrubland;
- possibility of renting a space on private land via specialized platforms;
- rural lodgings with space to pitch your tent or set up your van legally.
Following this list, it should be noted that a good number of Corsican villages have an official campsite, which allows you to travel across the entire island while respecting the new ecological constraints.
Practical advice for a successful stay “close to nature”
Camping in Corsica, even in a regulated environment, requires preparation and anticipation. As an example, here are some recommendations shared by regulars and local professionals:
- always check with the town hall or local manager about the rules in force;
- avoid campfires at all costs, a major source of fires in summer;
- favor ecological and compostable materials, particularly for water and waste;
- maintain absolute discretion when setting up and leaving, so as not to disturb nocturnal wildlife;
- never camp within 200 meters of a drinking water point or a nature reserve.
After these tips, it must be recognized that enjoying Corsican nature also requires humility. Adopt a eco-citizen behavior means making the pleasure last and guaranteeing the acceptance of campers for seasons to come.
Nature camping in a van or in freedom: what will the realities be in 2025 ?
Despite the fact that the development of van tourism has attracted many adventurers, regulations remain strict: no tolerance for wild camping on beaches, in fields or forest areas. In addition, the police carry out very frequent checks, Corsica having experienced a massive influx of vehicles converted into tiny houses in recent years.
However, for information purposes, several specific areas now welcome vans and camper vans, often close to the beach, perfectly equipped and supervised. It should be noted that Merendella, but also others high-end campsites on the coast, allow you to combine a spirit of freedom with strict respect for the island’s nature.
In addition, the success of this formula encourages establishments to offer more and more services: ecological sanitation, waste management, access to electricity and shaded areas to preserve peace and quiet. Please note, Camping in the great outdoors in Corsica is not legally possible in 2025 outside of authorized areas, certain very restricted exceptions and official campsites such as Merendella.
That being said, the wealth of outdoor accommodation on offer, the abundance of rural areas and shelters guarantee each traveler an authentic experience., safe, and respectful of the local ecosystem. And beyond the fantasy of the “wild island”, Corsican outdoor tourism is constantly reinventing itself, combining adventure, comfort and preservation of natural heritage.
In short, Corsica remains a paradise for savvy campers, provided they play the card of respect and preparation, to fully enjoy this unique island, without risking fines or conflict with the inhabitants or the guardians of the island’s beauty.
