1. Comana Camping – Comana Natural Park (Giurgiu)
Less than an hour from Bucharest, the Comana Natural Park campsite is the most popular authentic camping option for those who want real nature, not artificial glamping. The tent area is located next to the lake and the forest, in a setting with rich biodiversity, where the mornings are accompanied by birds and frogs, not cars. The campsite is well organized for Romanian standards: toilets, showers, barbecue areas and controlled fire spaces.
The experience frequently mentioned by visitors is kayaking on the canals of Neajlov, in the evening, when the light falls on the reeds and the water becomes a mirror. The costs are very affordable: the camping fee is around 15–20 lei/person/night, the tent not being charged separately. A relevant review says: “It’s incredible how wild the place feels, even though it’s so close to Bucharest. You fall asleep to the sounds of nature and wake up in total silence.”
2. Camping Cernica – Lake Cernica (Ilfov)
Cernica camping is the natural choice for those who want a night under a tent without a long journey. Located on the shore of the lake, at the edge of the forest, it is very frequented by Bucharest residents on weekends, especially families and groups of friends. It is not a “wild” campsite, but rather a semi-developed one, with quick access to parking, restaurants and the Cernica Monastery.
The favorite activity here is fishing at sunrise, when the lake is calm and the mist hangs low over the water. The fees are low – between 20 and 30 lei/night/person, depending on the area and season. A fisherman notes in a review: “It’s not a mountain, but for a quick getaway it’s perfect. The lake in the morning is gorgeous.”
3. Campsite Valea Ialomiței – Moroeni (Dâmbovița)
For those who want real mountain camping, but without an extremely long road, the Moroeni–Scropoasa area is one of the best options. The campsite in Valea Ialomiței offers direct access to easy mountain trails, cool mountain air and spectacular views towards Bucegi.
The recurrent experience in the reviews is foggy mornings on the river and campfires in the evening, in an area where urban noise does not exist. The fees are modest – approximately 20–30 lei/person/night. A tourist writes: “One of the few places where camping actually means a mountain, not just a tent next to a road.”
4. Lebăda Luxury Resort – Neajlovului Delta (Giurgiu)
Although it is known as a 5★ resort, Lebăda also offers camping areas and caravans, for those who want an experience in nature, but with access to premium facilities. It is an ideal option for those who want “civilized” camping, with restaurants, a swimming pool and organized activities.
What constantly appears in the reviews is the contrast between nature and comfort: you sleep in a tent, but you can have breakfast at the restaurant and do organized kayaking. Prices for camping are higher than average – approximately 70–100 lei/person/night – but include access to resort infrastructure. “Resort level camping – not for purists, but great for families.”
5. Camping Snagov – Grădiștea area
In the north of Bucharest, unofficial campsites in the Snagov-Grădiștea area are preferred by those looking for camping near the water, especially in summer. Although not all are officially managed, there are areas that are tolerated, clean and constantly frequented.
The dominant experience is minimalist camping with campfires, fishing and boating. Costs are low or non-existent (depending on the area), but the responsibility rests with the campers. A typical review: “Simple, beautiful, no unnecessary rules – the varnish does it all.”
This article is an English translation and adaptation of the original Romanian article on Lista Scurtă. Read the Romanian version.
