Mongolia is an amazing country for wild camping. You hear a lot about the open landscapes and the feeling of space, but it’s hard to imagine what it’s actually like to spend nights out there until you do it yourself.
During my time in Mongolia I camped in many different places. Near rivers, behind small hills, close to nomadic families and sometimes completely alone in the steppe.
Is Wild Camping Safe?
In my experience, Mongolia felt like a safe place to camp.
Because the country is so sparsely populated, finding a quiet spot is usually not difficult. I often tried to set up my tent slightly away from main tracks so passing vehicles wouldn’t notice me too much.
Simple habits helped me feel more comfortable:
- keeping my gear close to the tent
- choosing a spot with some natural shelter
- avoiding camping right next to roads or villages
A few times I camped near a ger after greeting the family first. This actually felt safer than being completely alone, and sometimes it even led to tea, food or interesting conversations.
Animals Around the Campsite
Animals are everywhere in Mongolia. Most evenings I saw horses grazing nearby or herds of goats and sheep slowly moving across the landscape. Sometimes yaks in higher areas or camels in the drier regions.
They are usually calm and not something to worry about. The only animals that made me a bit more alert were the guard dogs near gers. They can run towards you quite aggressively. Slowing down, staying calm and letting the owner handle the situation usually solved it.
At night I sometimes heard animals moving around outside the tent. It can feel strange at first, but after a few nights you get used to it.
The Feeling of Being Alone
What surprised me most was how quiet it could be.
No traffic sounds.
No lights on the horizon.
Often no phone signal.
Some nights I realised I hadn’t seen another person for hours. For me, this didn’t feel scary. It felt peaceful. But I can imagine that for some travellers it might take a few days to get comfortable with that level of remoteness.
Cold Nights and Weather
Even in summer the nights can get cold.
Wind across the steppe can be strong, and rainstorms can appear quickly. I learned to look for slightly elevated camping spots so water wouldn’t collect around the tent.
Having a warm layer and a decent sleeping bag made a huge difference. On clear nights the temperature dropped more than I expected.
Want a Detailed Wild Camping Strategy?
In my full Mongolia Motorbike Guide, I explain:
- how I chose safe campsites
- how to avoid theft risks
- what to do near rivers
- how wind and terrain affect camp comfort
- practical cultural tips
- real mistakes I made
If you are planning to ride in Mongolia, this guide can help you camp with more confidence and save you many hours of research.
👉 Explore the Mongolia Motorbike Guide
