Wild Camping in Pirin Mountain – Banderitsa Camping, Bulgaria

After spending a few magical days exploring the lush nature and waterfalls of the Belasitsa Mountains, it felt like the right moment to change scenery and head north. Belasitsa had spoiled us with its hidden cascades, chestnut forests, and vibrant greenery, but our mountaineering spirit was calling for something different, something wilder, higher, and more alpine.

So we packed up and set our sights on Pirin Mountain, one of Bulgaria’s most iconic alpine ranges. The drive itself was a journey of transition: from the soft, forested ridges of Belasitsa to the dramatic granite peaks of Pirin. Before even reaching our final destination, we spotted a perfect place to spend the night, a wild camping area tucked high in the mountains: Banderitsa Camping.

▶ Listen to this Post Now

This became our base, not only for a peaceful overnight stay but also as the starting point for some of the most exciting hiking trails in Pirin.

How to Reach Pirin Mountain and Specifically Banderitsa Camping

Reaching Banderitsa Camping is straightforward, though it does involve a scenic mountain drive.

Starting Point: From the town of Sandanski (coming directly from Belasitsa), you follow the road north towards the mountain town of Bansko.
To Bansko: The drive takes about 1.5 hours, passing through rolling countryside, small villages, and vineyards before the alpine profile of Pirin begins to dominate the horizon.
Into Pirin National Park: From Bansko, follow the paved road up towards Vihren Hut. About 12 km into the mountain, you’ll find Banderitsa Camping on your right-hand side, at an altitude of 1,800 meters.

The road is well-maintained in summer, but during winter or early spring, snow and ice can make it more challenging.

About Banderitsa Camping

Banderitsa Camping is one of the few designated wild camping spots inside Pirin National Park. Unlike typical campsites with lots of infrastructure, here you’ll find only the essentials: a meadow surrounded by pine forest, basic facilities, and plenty of fresh mountain air.

Altitude: ~1,800 meters
Facilities: Wooden tables, benches, fire pits, and a water source. Toilets are simple but functional.
Atmosphere: Quiet, rustic, and immersed in nature. Nights are crisp, skies are filled with stars, and the morning sun hits the peaks long before it warms the meadows.

It’s the perfect spot for adventurers who prefer simplicity over comfort and who want to wake up already deep inside the mountain. From here, you’re just steps away from some of Pirin’s most famous trails.

Support the journey — buy me a coffee

I share these articles and the climbing guidebooks because I love the outdoors, and they’ll always be free. If they’ve helped you, help me keep them coming. Click the button to support my work.

Explore all outdoor activities in a convenient list view here

Camping with the Sierra Designs Flash 3

Just before sunset, we pitched our Sierra Designs Flash 3 tent, the faithful shelter that has been with us on countless outdoor adventures since 2014—often accompanied by its smaller sibling, the Sierra Designs Lightning 2. Setting it up on the meadow at Banderitsa Camping felt like a familiar ritual: a moment that marked the transition from the day’s journey into the calm of the alpine night.

Discover More Outdoor Adventures in Bulgaria

Once the tent was standing firm against the backdrop of Pirin’s rugged peaks, we prepared a simple dinner, letting the crisp mountain air sharpen our appetite. The evening light slowly faded into twilight, painting the sky deep blue, and soon the first stars appeared above the jagged horizon.

With the crescent moon rising above the ridge, we enjoyed our meal outside, sitting quietly, watching the night settle in. There is something timeless about eating under the moonlight and stargazing from the heart of the mountains—a reminder of why wild camping holds such a special place in every mountaineer’s heart.g, nature photography, or simply unwinding with a picnic while the kids enjoy the playground.

Pitching the Sierra Designs Flash 3 tent at Banderitsa Camping, just before nightfall.

Sierra Designs Flash 3 tent in an open meadow with Pirin Mountain peaks in the background. — The Sierra Designs Flash 3 tent standing strong with Pirin’s alpine peaks as a backdrop.

Crescent moon above the silhouette of Pirin Mountain ridge at dusk. — Evening sky over Pirin with a crescent moon — the perfect start to a night of wild camping.

Sierra Designs Flash 3 tent near pine forest at Banderitsa Camping, Pirin National Park. — Morning light over the Sierra Designs Flash 3 tent at Banderitsa Camping.

Gear Reflection: A Decade with the Sierra Designs Flash 3

The Sierra Designs Flash 3 has been part of our outdoor life for more than a decade, and it has proven itself time and again in the mountains. From summer nights under star-filled skies to unpredictable alpine storms, this tent has offered a reliable and comfortable shelter.

What makes it stand out is its balance between space, stability, and packability. The design allows for quick pitching even after a long day of hiking, while the interior provides enough room to move around without feeling cramped. Over the years, it has been tested on countless adventures across Greece, Bulgaria and beyond, and the fact that it is still holding up strong is a testament to its durability.

While lighter and more compact options exist today, there is something reassuring about carrying a piece of gear that has shared so many journeys.

Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email

About Pirin Mountain

The Pirin Mountains are often referred to as the “Alps of the Balkans” for their rugged granite peaks, sharp ridges, and glacial lakes. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Pirin National Park protects over 400 km² of pristine alpine landscape.

Highest Peak: Vihren (2,914 m)
Lakes: Over 180 glacial lakes, the most famous being Popovo Lake and the Banderishki group.
Flora & Fauna: Ancient Bosnian pine trees, edelweiss, and wildlife such as chamois, bears, and eagles.
Season: The best time for hiking is June to September. In winter, Pirin transforms into one of Bulgaria’s top ski destinations, with Bansko as the hub.

Pirin combines raw alpine beauty with accessibility, making it a must for every mountaineer visiting the Balkans. And if you’re looking for the perfect place to start your Pirin adventure, few spots are as atmospheric and well-positioned as Banderitsa Camping.

Support the journey — buy me a coffee

Before you leave this blog check out the following map

Below: This map marks all the mountaineering adventures that have been featured on Olympus Mountaineering so far, including several Sport climbing crags – Select full screen to expand, zoom in for more detail, or click on a marker for a link to the post.