Camping in Norway..
Camping pretty much anywhere in Norway is already hard to beat — but Sjoa and Heidal hit a sweet spot that campers love: big valley views, proper mountains nearby, and a river that makes everything feel alive. Also, despite Sjoa being a very popular tourist destination for Norwegian and visitor it has not yet become a “tourist trap” meaning that it is never overcrowded. If you’re planning to camp in the area (or you’re already here with a tent or campervan), this guide will help you do it right — with local-level practical tips. And if you want a very Norwegian way to end a river day: there’s a riverside sauna in Nedre Heidal that feels like a cheat code for recovery!
Looking at the beautiful Sjoa river
Quick navigation
- Why campers love Sjoa & Heidal
- Camping options
- Wild camping rules (simple version)
- Camping near the Sjoa and Otta Rivers
- What to pack (summer + shoulder season)
- The 1-day camper itinerary (rafting + sauna)
- Family camping tips
- Road-trip “one-night stop” itinerary
- FAQ
Whitewater kayaking course on the Lågen river
1. Why campers love Sjoa & Heidal
Sjoa is famous for its river, and Heidal is the kind of valley where you can actually exhale pristine nordic air and bleat out into the vaste mountains without caring what your fellow human will think! – maaaaeeeeeh!!
- Easy to mix chill days + adventure days (hike, fish and sauna)
- Great base for hikes, drives, viewpoints – read our hiking blog here for directions!
- The river gives you that “wild Norway” vibe even when you’re just making coffee
- If you want one “I came to Norway for this” activity: whitewater rafting on the Sjoa River
- Off the beaten track meaning it is not overcrowded
- Lots of amazing outdoor activities all in the same area, meaning you do not have to travel far
Rafting in Sjoa
2. Camping options in Sjoa & Heidal
1) Campgrounds (easy mode) – Mad Goats Sjoa River
Facilities, toilets, showers, reliable parking, predictable comfort.
2) Simple cabins / huts (comfort mode) – Weistad Camping
Perfect for drying gear, resetting mid-trip, or avoiding a full week of soggy tent life.
3) Wild camping (adventure mode)
The dream. Also the one that requires the most respect; if you chose this option, whatever you do – CLEAN UP AFTER YOURSELF! Sorry for the shouting but please, have respect for yourself, others and Mother Earth. <3
Free camping spots in the Sjoa, Otta and Heidal area:
– Free camping beside the Otta
– Free camping beside the Otta River, closer to the township (do not block vehicles!)
Ps, if you want a very cheap place to stay (99NOK per night) that includes sauna, shower and kitchen facilities then we recommend staying with us at Mad Goats Sjoa River.
The Lågen river and the misty mountains
3. Wild camping rules in Norway
Norway’s right to roam is legendary — but it comes with responsibilities. You can read more about the specific rules here on Visit Norway. The simplest version:
- Camp on uncultivated land (not farmland / planted fields)
- Keep at least 150 metres from houses and cabins
- Don’t stay more than two nights in the same spot unless you have permission (remote exceptions exist)
- Leave the place looking like you were never there. If you need to poo, which I presume you will, make sure to use biodegradable paper (not wet-wipes) and bury your faeces in a hole at least 15cm under the ground and cover it! The worst thing is walking into the forest and seeing toilet paper and crap laying around everywhere!
- Be cautious with fires (conditions and rules vary)
Camp-banter truth: Wild camping is loved here when it’s done respectfully. If you trash a place, you’re not “wild camping” — you’re just being a problem. And you will ruin the party for everyone – so don’t be a sheep, be a Goat.
Mad Goats Sjoa River
4. Camping near the Sjoa and Otta Rivers: what people don’t realise (but should)
This is where campers get surprised. River valleys are magic… and they have patterns.
1) It can feel warm in the day and cold at night. Cold air drops into valleys. Near the river, evenings can bite — even in summer.
2) Condensation is real. If you wake up damp, it’s not your tent “failing”. It’s river humidity + temperature swings.
3) Drying gear matters. One wet day can become three wet days if you never properly dry sleeping bags / base layers.
Simple fixes that change everything:
- Choose a spot with a bit of airflow (not right in the lowest valley pocket)
- Keep sleeping gear in a dry bag or waterproof liner
- Bring at least one “guaranteed dry” layer for night
- Quick-dry towel is your best mate!
Åmot river section on Sjoa river
5. What to pack for Sjoa / Heidal valley nights (summer + shoulder season)
Even if you’re “not a gear person,” bring these and you’ll avoid misery:
Non-negotiable:
- Hammock and tent (water proof!)
- Sleep bag and sleeping mat
- Water bottle, gas cooker, and cutlery (river water in Sjoa is clean and does not need boiling)
- Rain jacket + rain pants (Norway laughs at optimism)
- Warm layer for evenings aka thermal underwear top and bottom (yes, even summer)
- Dry bags (or one waterproof “sleep gear bag”)
- Warm woollen socks (not optional)
- Headlamp you trust (and batteries)
- Quick-dry towel
- Insect repellent
Shoulder season upgrades (spring/autumn):
- Warmer sleeping setup than you think
- Better camp shoes (mud is undefeated)
- More redundancy (spare base layer, spare socks)
Freedom camping in Sjoa Norway
6. Things to do in Heidal: the simple “camp base” approach
If you’re camping in Heidal, you’ll enjoy the trip most if you structure it like this:
• Day 1: arrive, set camp, short walk, early night
• Day 2: one “proper” activity day (river/mountains)
NOTE: if you are a whitewater kayaker and need info on the area, remember to first downland the “RiverApp” to check river flows and read this blog to learn about my top 5 rivers in Sjoa.
• Day 3: chill morning, drive/mission, move on or repeat
This keeps the trip from turning into a rushed checklist.
The 1-day itinerary campers actually want (the elite combo)
Morning: slow start + a short mission
Coffee. Breakfast. Let the valley wake up. Keep it easy.
Midday: do something proper in Sjoa
If you want one big signature activity while you’re here, whitewater rafting on Sjoa is the classic move. There are also many amazing hikes which we have documented – read here to find the start locations.
Rafting in Sjoa on the famous Sjoa Playrun Grade 3 section
Evening: the best recovery ritual in the Heidal valley (the “Norway cheat code”)
After a river day (or even just cold hiking weather), the best reset is:
heat → cold air → repeat → sleep like a rock
Mad Goats has two saunas beside the Sjoa River in Heidal (Sjoa River Sauna + Sjoa Forest Sauna).
Internal link: Saunas on the Sjoa River (Heidal) → You can book the sauna here.
“Soft local tip: sauna is the difference between “surviving camping” and actually thriving in it.”
Sjoa River Sauna
Camping in Norway with kids (Heidal/Sjoa edition)
If you’re camping with kids, the goal is simple: reduce friction.
What makes it easier:
- Campground or cabin base (less chaos)
- A predictable warm-up option (rain happens)
- One “big fun thing” per day max
Real parent win: A sauna session can turn “cold, wet, grumpy” into “reset, warm, calm” fast — especially after river play.
The “one-night stop” itinerary (road trip hack)
If you’re driving through the region and only have one night:
Late afternoon: arrive + set up camp
Evening: sauna session (warmth + reset)
Next day: rafting / short hike / drive onward
It’s a ridiculously efficient way to experience “real Norway” without needing a full week!
Camping in the forest at Mad Goats
Quick checklist before freedom camping in Norway: don’t mess this up!
Before you settle in:
- You’re not on cultivated land
- You’re a respectful distance from houses/cabins (wild camping)
- You have a toilet/waste plan
- No food left out
- Your camp looks better than when you arrived
Do that, and you’re camping in Norway the way Norway intended!
Dappled light through the forest at Mad Goats Sjoa
FAQ: Camping in Sjoa & Heidal
Can you wild camp near the Sjoa River?
Yes — as long as you follow Norway’s right-to-roam rules: uncultivated land, respectful distance from houses/cabins, and leave no trace.
How close can I camp to houses or cabins in Norway?
A good rule is at least 150 metres away when wild camping
How long can you stay in one wild camping spot?
Usually up to two nights unless you have permission (remote exceptions exist).
Are there campgrounds near Sjoa / Heidal?
Yes — there are several options in the wider area, from serviced campgrounds to simpler cabins/huts. Peak season can fill up. Weistad Camping, Mad Goats Sjoa and Sjoa Camping are your best option in the Heidal Valley.
What’s the biggest mistake people make camping here?
Underestimating cold, damp evenings near the river. Bring a warm layer and keep sleep gear dry.
What should I pack for camping in Sjoa / Heidal?
Rain gear, warm evening layer, dry bags for sleeping gear, warm socks, a headlamp, and a quick-dry towel – and a Goat attitude!
Is rafting in Sjoa suitable for beginners?
Yes — there are different sections/levels and trips can be matched to your group. Join Mad Goats action tour for grade 3 fun with professional goat-level raft guides.
What’s the best way to warm up after a cold river day?
A riverside sauna is the classic Norwegian reset: heat up properly, cool down in fresh air, and you’ll sleep insanely well – and probably live longer.
Can I combine camping, rafting, and sauna in one day?
Definitely. That combo is basically the perfect Heidal day: camp → river adventure → sauna →deep sleep. This is the ultimate thing to do when visiting Sjoa in addition to whitewater kayaking, fishing and hiking.
When is the best season for camping in Heidal?
Summer is easiest from Mid-May to Mid-September. Shoulder seasons are beautiful too, but you’ll want better gear for the colder weather.
“CATCH YOU ON THE WATER!”
