Camping Rules in Tunisia: What to Know Before You Go

Camping in Tunisia is a real pleasure, as long as you know where you are allowed to pitch your tent. The rules are not the same everywhere and they change with the seasons: here is what to check before you book your gear.

1. National parks and nature reserves: permit required, no camping

Visiting a national park or nature reserve requires a prior permit. According to an official statement published in October 2025, the request is made by email, at least seven days before the visit, to the regional agricultural development office (CRDA) of the area, together with the General Directorate of Forests. For groups of more than four people, the visit must be organized by an association, a travel agency or an authorized body (families are an exception).

Even with a permit, camping, lighting fires, making noise or using amplifiers is prohibited in these areas. Visitors take their waste with them. Offenses can lead to prosecution under the Forestry Code.

In practice: a visit to a national park is a day of discovery, not a night under canvas. If you plan to sleep on site, choose another location.

2. Forests and fire prevention

Every summer, local measures ban camping and fires in forested areas. For example, in 2026 the Djebel Zaghouan national park is closed to visits and camping from May 1 to October 31, with a 500 m zone around forests and farmland where camping and lighting fires are prohibited. The reason: a high fire risk and fragile ecosystems.

Remember this rule of thumb: never assume a site is allowed just because it was last year. Orders change from one year to the next, and sometimes from one week to the next during a heatwave.

3. Where to camp without taking risks

4. Before you leave: 4 checks

1. Call the CRDA or the local town hall to confirm that camping is allowed in the area today.
2. Choose organized campsites, beaches and private land whose owner agrees, rather than forests.
3. Tell someone close to you where you are going and when you will be back.
4. Don’t light a fire: a gas stove, a flashlight or a camping lamp is all you need.

5. Basic rules everywhere

• No fires outside a designated, supervised fire pit, and never in dry weather or strong wind.
• Keep quiet after dark: sound carries far outdoors.
• Stay on the trails and don’t cut branches or trees.
• Leave nothing behind: read our guide on leaving your campsite clean.
• Respect crops, fences and animals: close any gate you open.

This information is general and does not replace the instructions of local authorities; it may change.