From Coast to Mountains

Västerbotten is one of Sweden’s most diverse camping regions. Here you can wake up by the sea in the morning, and by evening be driving through endless pine forests on your way to Lapland’s mountains. The region stretches from the Baltic coast inland to wild rivers, lakes, and some of Europe’s largest nature reserves.

Camping here means variety: sandy beaches and archipelago islands near Umeå, forest campsites around Lycksele and Storuman, and wilderness gateways in Hemavan and Tärnaby.

Coastal Camping – Umeå & Skellefteå

The Västerbotten coast is dotted with islands, fishing villages, and sandy beaches that feel almost Mediterranean on a warm summer’s day. Campsites here often sit right by the sea, with facilities for families, playgrounds, and opportunities for swimming or kayaking.

• Umeå archipelago – Rent a kayak or take a ferry to explore quiet islands.
• Skellefteå Riviera – A popular beach area with campsites nearby.
• Holmön island – Accessible by ferry, with camping opportunities and cycling routes.

Inland Rivers & Forests

As you travel west, Västerbotten turns into a landscape of rivers, lakes, and endless forest. This is where camping gets quieter and wilder. You’ll find small campsites near villages, but also plenty of opportunities for wild camping under Sweden’s allemansrätten.

Popular inland camping areas include:

• Lycksele – Known as “Lapland’s zoo town,” with family attractions and nearby riverside camping.
• Storuman & Gunnarn – Forest and lake-rich landscapes, perfect for fishing, canoeing, and berry picking.
• Åskilje – A riverside village surrounded by silence and nature trails.

Mountain Gateways – Hemavan & Tärnaby

At Västerbotten’s far western edge, the forest gives way to mountains. The ski resorts of Hemavan and Tärnaby are also summer hubs for hiking and camping. This is where the famous Kungsleden Trail begins, attracting hikers from all over the world.

For campers, this means easy access to:

• Alpine hiking routes.
• Mountain lakes rich with trout.
• Long-distance trails like Kungsleden and Lapplandsleden.

Family-Friendly & Active Camping

Västerbotten has a long tradition of outdoor life, and many campsites are designed with families in mind. You’ll often find:

• Playgrounds and swimming spots for kids.
• Easy cycle paths along rivers and through villages.
• Rental gear like canoes, boats, and mountain bikes.

For more adventurous travelers, there’s whitewater rafting in Vindelälven, fishing in remote mountain lakes, and even the chance to try winter camping under the Northern Lights.

Practical Things to Know

• Season: Most campsites open from June to September. Coastal areas warm up earlier, while mountain sites often open later in June.
• Freedom to roam: Allemansrätten applies here too — you can pitch a tent for a night in the forest, by a lake, or on the coast. Just respect nature and private land.
• Transport: Umeå is the main hub with an airport and good train links. Renting a car makes it easier to explore inland and mountain areas.

Discover More

• Visit Västerbotten – official tourism site.
• Swedish Lapland – Hiking – overview of trails crossing the mountain areas.
• STF – Kungsleden – official trail info.