Where and How to Camp in Ukraine

Summer camping is a great way to enjoy nature, feel a sense of freedom, and escape the hustle and bustle of city life. Solitude under the starry sky, evenings by the campfire, and fresh morning air make this type of vacation especially appealing. Ukraine boasts many picturesque places ideal for camping — from healing lakes and seaside coasts to majestic granite canyons. In this article, we’ll tell you about the best camping spots and share useful tips to make your trip truly comfortable and memorable.

Korostyshiv Canyon

Korostyshiv Canyon is a scenic place created by human hands but transformed into a true natural oasis. It is located near the town of Korostyshiv in Zhytomyr Region. Once a granite quarry, it now features a lake in the center of the old site, with clear, transparent water surrounded by cliffs and pine forest.

It's a great spot for active recreation: in summer, people swim, sunbathe on the rocks, jump into the water, enjoy picnics, and take photo shoots. Rock climbers and SUP board enthusiasts will also find plenty to do here. It can be crowded on weekends, but weekdays offer peace and solitude.

It’s easy to reach the canyon by car or bus from Kyiv — the journey takes about an hour and a half. There are both free and paid parking areas on-site. There are only a few cafés and organized overnight spots, so it’s best to bring your own food, water, and tent. Also, take garbage bags — it’s a popular location, and it’s important to keep it clean.

Read also: Deserted and Unique Beaches on the Sea Coast.

Dzhurynskyi Waterfall

Dzhurynskyi Waterfall is located near the village of Nyrkiv in Ternopil Region and is considered the highest waterfall on the flatlands of Ukraine — it reaches a height of 16 meters. This scenic and energetically powerful place is surrounded by hills and remnants of the ancient Chervonohorod fortress. The water crashes down with a roar, creating a cool atmosphere even on hot days, while trees and flowers fill the air with freshness.

You can swim in the natural pools at the base of the waterfall, have a picnic, or simply enjoy the views and sounds of nature. There are not too many tourists, especially on weekdays, so it’s great for a secluded retreat. The water is clean but quite cool, especially in the shade of the cliffs.

The infrastructure nearby is minimal — a small parking area, a few benches, and some snack kiosks in high season. It's best to bring your own food, water, and, if you plan to stay overnight, a tent. The location is perfect for wild camping.

You can reach the waterfall by car via the village of Nyrkiv. The final stretch of the road is unpaved, so in rainy weather it’s better to travel in a high-clearance vehicle or continue on foot.

Read also: Kitesurfing on the Kinburn Spit.

Lake Svityaz

Svityaz is the deepest and largest lake in Ukraine. It is located in the Volyn region and is part of the Shatsk Lakes group. The water in Svityaz is crystal clear, and it is surrounded by forests. In summer, you can enjoy swimming, breathing the clean pine forest air, picking berries, fishing, or simply walking along ecological trails.

You can camp on the shore of Lake Svityaz either in an organized campground or independently. Campgrounds offer toilets, showers, parking, and tent rentals if needed. You should bring your own food and water. There are several cafés and changing booths on the lake’s shore. If you prefer a more secluded camping spot, you can set up your tent on the upper part of the shore. However, in that case, you’ll need to coordinate with forest rangers, or you might be fined.

You can reach the lake by car. There are also minibuses from Shatsk and Kovel that go to Svityaz.

Aktove Canyon

Aktove Canyon is located on the Mertvovod River in the Mykolaiv region. It is part of the “Buzkyi Gard” National Park and is the only complex in Europe consisting of granite boulders and cliffs of various sizes. In addition to the cliffs, you’ll see a deep river valley, a forest, waterfalls, and a clean lake.

Near Aktove Canyon, there is an organized camping site at the “Pid Lelekou” estate, offering electricity, showers, and other amenities. It is located in the village of Aktove. For those who prefer wild camping, it is best to set up a tent right by the river. Make sure to bring enough water and food, as there is no infrastructure nearby.

Read also: Hiking in Aktove Canyon.

You can reach the canyon from the village of Aktove, but be aware that there are no paved roads. Another route option is to get to Voznesensk, then head to Trykraty, and from there go to the canyon via Petropavlivka. Locals will gladly help you with directions to the canyon.

Bakota

Bakota is an incredibly picturesque place located near Kamianets-Podilskyi. It used to be a village, but in 1981, the Dniester Hydroelectric Power Station was built here, which led to the area being flooded and the locals being relocated. Today, Bakota is a popular destination for relaxation, including camping. In the Bakota Bay, you can enjoy the silence, admire the landscapes, and go fishing.

You can reach Bakota by car or by minibus from Kamianets-Podilskyi. Travel until the fork in the road, then turn right toward the children's camp "Bakota." Once you reach the camp area, you’ll see a small bay. From this bay, you can go either right or left. If you’re driving, head right, as cars can access that side. The left side is less crowded and has more space to pitch a tent.

You can collect drinking water at the children’s camp. All other supplies should be brought with you.

Bukskyi Canyon

Bukskyi Canyon is located on the Hirs'kyi Tikych River near the village of Buki in the Cherkasy region. The granite cliffs here date back to the Proterozoic era. The canyon is about 5 km long, and the water can reach depths of up to 20 meters in some places.

Bukskyi Canyon is a breathtakingly beautiful place with fresh air and crystal-clear water. People come here to enjoy the silence, admire the beauty and grandeur of the cliffs, and swim in the river. The best way to see the local attractions (the old mill, Buky hydroelectric station, and the waterfalls) is from the right bank.

Bukskyi Canyon is part of a protected area, and camping is prohibited on its territory. Instead, stay in the Antonivskyi Forest located on the right side of the canyon. The forest is relatively secluded. Be sure to bring all necessary food and water with you.

• Camping near the canyon

You can reach Bukskyi Canyon by car. There are also buses from Kyiv and Odesa.

Blue Lakes

Blue Lakes are located in the Chernihiv region. Here you can swim in clean water, walk through a pine forest, pick berries and mushrooms, and simply enjoy the peace and scenic views.

There is a well-equipped campsite on the shore of the Blue Lakes: toilets, showers, drinking water, barbecue grills, and car parking. You can rent a two- or three-person tent for 100 UAH per night or pitch your own on a fenced, guarded area (you’ll need to pay 75 UAH per night).

The Blue Lakes are located in the village of Oleshna. You can get there by car or by minibus from Chernihiv.

Lake Kagul

Lake Kagul is located near the village of Nahorne in the Odesa region. A small part of the lake (about 1 km) belongs to neighboring Moldova. It’s a great place for solitude, as it is rarely crowded. The water in the lake is incredibly clean. Many birds nest on the cliffs, and medicinal herbs grow nearby. You can swim or fish in the lake. However, this spot is not suitable for vacations with children, as the lake entrance is steep.

You’ll need to come with your own tent and all essentials, as there is no infrastructure here. The best spot to camp is on the upper side of the lake, where there is a meadow. It offers a picturesque view of the surrounding area. Winds are practically nonexistent.

You can reach the lake by car from the village of Nahorne. Just follow the country roads without turning — the lake is large and hard to miss.

Migiya

Migiya is a picturesque village in the Mykolaiv region. It is famous for once being the site of a Ukrainian Cossack settlement. The Southern Bug River flows through the village, attracting fans of extreme water sports — every year, national rafting competitions are held in Migiya. So if you want not only to relax in nature but also to experience water-based adrenaline, Migiya is the place for you.

Read also: In Search of Adrenaline in Ukraine: Lala Tarapakina Tells Her Story.

You can camp near the river at the scenic granite canyon. There are several organized campgrounds with all amenities (showers, toilets, drinking water, electricity). You can also rent a kayak, canoe, or raft on-site.

You can reach Migiya by car or by minibus from Pervomaisk.

White Lake

White Lake is located in the Rivne region. It formed in the basin of the Styr River. White Lake is known for its healing properties: its water contains phosphorus and glycerin, which help treat dermatological conditions and improve overall skin health. Another unique feature of White Lake is that it doesn’t freeze in winter — the water temperature never drops below 8°C. In summer, the water becomes warm while maintaining crystal clarity, making it a favorite among swimmers.

The lake is home to pike, perch, eel, and tench, so fishing enthusiasts will have plenty to do. Muskrats and beavers live in the surrounding forests, and wild geese and ducks nest along the shore.

You can pitch a tent on the grounds of the “White Lake” recreation base, which offers full amenities. The price is 20 UAH per day. Outside the base, camping is also allowed — just walk along the shoreline to find a good spot.

White Lake is located in the village of Rudka, which you can reach by car.

There are many more camping spots in Ukraine: Biryuchyi Island in the Kherson region, Lake Synevyr in Zakarpattia, the village of Hrybivka in the Odesa region, and others. Explore the undiscovered corners of our country, and you'll see how truly beautiful it is.

Read also: Mezhyrichenskyi Park — A Place Where Nature Comes Alive.