Mongolia is one of the best places in the world for wild camping. Endless open landscapes, very few people, and almost complete freedom to choose your own campsite. But until you actually spend a night out there, it’s hard to imagine what it really feels like.
Can You Wild Camp in Mongolia?
Yes! Wild camping is allowed in most of Mongolia. There are very few restrictions, and you can camp almost anywhere as long as you respect the local people and their livestock.
Is Wild Camping Safe?
I never felt unsafe while camping in Mongolia. 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.
That said, like anywhere, it’s good to stay aware. Theft can happen occasionally, although I never experienced it myself. If something doesn’t feel right, it’s always easy to move on and find another spot.
In some areas, especially more remote parts of the steppe, you might come across people who have been drinking. Most of the time this is harmless, but it can be a bit uncomfortable or annoying. In those situations, it’s usually best to stay calm, keep things simple, and make it clear you’re not interested in socializing.
If you ever feel unsure, a good option is to ask a nearby family if you can camp close to their ger. People are generally welcoming and will often keep an eye out for you.
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. Check out this post if you are interested in what kind of animals you will find in Mongolia.
The Feeling of Being Alone
What surprised me most was how quiet it could be. It’s a kind of silence that’s hard to find anywhere else.
No sounds of other people.
No lights on the horizon.
Often no phone signal.
Cold Nights and Weather
Even in summer the nights can get cold. Wind across the steppe can be strong, and rainstorms can appear quickly. Make sure to look for slightly elevated camping spots so water can’t collect around the tent. One time I pitched my tent too low and woke up with water slowly running underneath it after rain.
Having a warm layer and a decent sleeping bag made a huge difference. On clear nights the temperature dropped more than I expected.
Best Spots I Found
Some of my favorite campsites were near rivers or slightly elevated hills with a wide view over the steppe. It’s always easier to have access to water at your campsite. In many places, the water is incredibly clear and fresh. I often drank it without filtering, although that’s always a personal choice and depends on the situation.
One thing to keep in mind is that in parts of the steppe there isn’t much wood available. If you’re planning to make a fire, it’s worth thinking ahead or bringing some firewood when possible.
I also found it really helpful to quickly check Google Satellite before choosing a spot. It makes it easier to find rivers, small valleys, or natural wind protection that you might not notice from ground level.
What to Bring for Wild Camping
- good sleeping bag & liner
- sleeping mat
- windproof tent
- basic food supplies
- water filter (you can drink most water without a filter)
For a more detailed list check out this post.
Wild Camping Tips for Mongolia
- Camp away from main tracks
- Always greet locals if nearby
- Be aware of guard dogs
- Expect cold nights
- Bring extra food & water
- Don’t worry too much, you’ll have a great time
Related posts
- Packing List for a Mongolia Motorbike Expedition
- Animals You’ll Encounter While Travelling in Mongolia
- Mongolian Customs and Useful Words
- Navigating Mongolia by Motorbike
Want to ride a motorbike across Mongolia?
If you’re planning your own motorbike trip through Mongolia, I’ve written a full guide where I go deeper into everything I learned along the way. From planning and gear to fuel, navigation and camping.
It’s basically everything I wish I knew before I started.
👉 Explore the Mongolia Motorbike Guide
