Campsites in the Dalsland Nordmarken Lake System
There are over a hundred campsites in the Dalsland Nordmarken lake system. The DANO non-profit association has invested in these to protect our fragile natural environment and to give visitors the best experience possible. The flora and fauna of the area and the requests of landowners have been taken into consideration in the selection of the campsites. Most of the campsites have wind shelters and all have permanent fire pits and organic toilets. Most of the campsites have wood for our guests to use. The wood usually needs to be cut and split. Please note that the wood may only be used in the existing and approved fire pits available at each site. This service is funded through the sale of Nature Conservation Cards.
01 Nature Conservation Cards
The Nature Conservation Card is a unique service that entitles you to use our wilderness campsites. Staying at a wilderness campsite is very different than staying at a campground. The wilderness campsites are completely surrounded by nature and by staying here, you agree to be on nature’s terms. Campsites cannot be reserved, and you may only stay one night in the same place. In addition to wind shelters, most campsites also have a few tent sites. Nature Conservation Cards can be purchased online here, at canoe rentals, or at one of our tourist offices.
If you choose not to purchase a Nature Conservation Card, the Swedish right of public access law (“Freedom to Roam”) applies, along with its restrictions for overnight stays and lighting fires in the wilderness. You are not entitled to use permanent facilities such as wind shelters and fire pits at the campsites. Wardens check to make sure visitors have Nature Conservation Cards and are permitted to use the facilities.
02 Wardens (DANO Crew).
DANO wardens work in the lake system to assist and inform visitors about the area, providing information on suitable tours, interesting places to visit, etc. The wardens are additionally responsible for the maintenance and supervision of campsites. They also notify visitors of restrictions, such as the bird protection areas and any fire bans.
03 Fire bans.
A campsite is a prepared facility where the “Freedom to Roam” law does not apply. The “Freedom to Roam” law also does not provide any general right to light fires. From 1 June to 31 August, a fire ban is enforced in the Dalsland Nordmarken lake system and fires are only permitted in designated fire pits in the campsites. Occasionally, a ban is placed on all open fires and during this ban, open fires are prohibited everywhere, even in designated fire pits. It is your duty as a guest in the area to inform yourself about any fire bans. Camping stoves are permitted, but exercise caution.
For current information, download the app BRANDRISK UTE for current fire risk and forecast via GPS and search function In Värmland, a red flag with a yellow cross is hoisted on 25 sites in the event of a total fire ban.
Be frugal with the wood at the campsites – it must serve many people. The lighting of fires is always at your own risk.
Download the App Brandrisk Ute for information on current fire risks and forecasts via GPS and search function.
04 Toilets.
The toilets at the campsite are organic. They work by separating the urine from the solid faeces. Never throw garbage into the toilets, as this will destroy their ecological function. The toilets should only be used for bodily functions. Only in exceptional cases, when no toilet access is available, you may bury faeces and toilet paper in a secluded spot. You should therefore always have a small shovel with you. You may occasionally come across the remains of a container for decomposition without a toilet building above it at a campsite. Do not break these up or throw rubbish in them!
05 Garbage.
Never leave garbage in the wilderness. It is against the law. You must bring your garbage with you from the campsite. Keep in mind that many people after you would also like to experience our beautiful nature. Abandoned garbage is spread by birds and rodents and destroys nature and kills animals. There are recycling stations in every residential district where you can deposit newspapers and glass, paper, metal and plastic packaging. There are also a few garbage containers for mixed waste in the canal district which are intended primarily for canoe and pleasure boat tourists.
06 Protected areas.
Animal Protection Areas have been established in Sweden to ensure that animals are left alone during the breeding season. Even within the nature reserves, there may be areas with access restrictions in order to protect the wildlife. There are also numerous bird protection areas in the Dalsland Nordmarken lake system. Most of these are marked with red and yellow signs, but in some places, the signs may have fallen down or been removed. In these areas, it is prohibited to disembark and you are not permitted to come closer than 100 metres from the beach. The bird protection areas are always marked on canoe maps and as a guest, you are obligated to acquaint yourself with their locations.
07 Emergencies.
In emergency situations – such as forest fires, accidents and drowning – call 112. To get help faster, you should know the name and number of your campsite. You will find this information on the wind shelter or in the Canoe County (Kanotland) guide. We advise that you always take note of the most recent campsite you have passed and the next campsite you will visit. For other than emergency situations, call the police at 11414 or 1177 for medical advice.