Camping in Helsinki

Many travellers arrive in or leave Finland through Helsinki. It is worth including Helsinki in your travel plans, whether you have just one day or a whole week to spend in the capital. Depending on your interests, you can enjoy both city life and nature.

Wild camping

Like in many larger cities, wild camping is possible in Helsinki, but it is not always easy to find a suitable place. In the Helsinki area, camping is more restricted than in many other parts of Finland, as there are many residential areas and local rules restricting overnight parking.

If you are travelling on a budget or simply prefer wild camping, you may be able to find places to spend the night, especially if you have a smaller motorhome or camper van. Always make sure that overnight stays are allowed and respect local regulations and the surroundings.

Rastila Camping

Helsinki has one official campground, Rastila Camping, which is easy to reach from all directions and is open year-round. The campground is located in eastern Helsinki, close to the Itäväylä motorway, and is well signposted. Rastila Camping offers pull-through caravan pitches, tent pitches and rental cottages.

The campground is also a great choice for families with children. There are two playgrounds, a sauna and a beach on the site. You will also find Café Monami, which serves coffee, snacks and meals. The nearby waterfront walking path is ideal for walking, jogging or taking your dog for a stroll. The service buildings include toilets, showers, laundry facilities and camper services, making the campground suitable for both short visits and longer stays.

The campground is generally peaceful and comfortable, making it a good choice for longer stays. The maximum stay during the summer season is two weeks. It is recommended to book in advance during the summer and holiday periods, as the campground can become busy.

Grocery stores nearby

Within a short walking distance of the campground, there are two grocery stores: a small K-Market and a medium-sized S-market. If you arrive via Itäväylä and pass through Itäkeskus, one of Helsinki’s largest shopping areas, you can also stop at Prisma Itäkeskus, a large supermarket that is convenient for buying supplies. If you have a larger motorhome, be aware that parking around Itäkeskus can be challenging, as much of the parking is in garages with height restrictions.

How to get around

HSL contactless payment machine

Getting from Rastila Camping to Helsinki city centre is easy. The Rastila metro station is only a short walk from the campground, and the journey to the city centre takes about 20 minutes.

Rastila is in HSL’s AB fare zone, so an AB ticket is enough for travelling to the city centre. You can buy tickets with the HSL app or from the contactless ticket machines at the metro station using a payment card.

If you enjoy cycling, Helsinki is a great city to explore by bike. An extensive network of cycling paths makes it easy and safe to travel between attractions and outdoor destinations.

When leaving Helsinki, Rastila Camping provides convenient access to Finland’s main roads. From here, you can easily continue your journey towards destinations such as Turku, Tampere or the Lake Saimaa region. If you are heading north, you can even drive all the way to Lapland with very few turns along the route.

If you have more time and your own vehicle, Nuuksio National Park is another excellent destination for hiking and experiencing Finnish nature, only about an hour’s drive from Rastila Camping.

Bonus tip: Explore the nearby islands

Helsinki has a beautiful archipelago with many islands worth visiting. The most famous destination is Suomenlinna, which can be reached by ferry, but there are also several interesting islands much closer to Rastila Camping.

Beach day or kayaking in Vuosaari

If you would like a break from the city or want to explore the nearby archipelago, you can walk about 20 minutes from the campground to Vuosaari Paddling Center (Vuosaari Melontakeskus) and rent a kayak. From there, you can paddle to nearby islands, including Pikku Leikosaari, a small recreational island in the eastern Helsinki archipelago.

The round-trip to Pikku Leikosaari is approximately 9 km. It is recommended to have at least some previous paddling experience, as the route includes open water where wind conditions can change. Plan enough time for the trip so that you can also enjoy the island. A total of at least four hours is recommended.

Pikku Leikosaari has a small public self-service wood-fired sauna. If there is space available, you can use it by writing your name in the booking log. It may be necessary to bring your own fresh water for the sauna, as the available water may only consist of collected rainwater and seawater cannot be used. It is also a great place for a picnic or grilling sausages, as there are several pleasant spots around the island.

For more information about kayak rentals and suggested paddling routes, contact Vuosaari Melontakeskus or ask the staff for route recommendations before setting off.

If you prefer a relaxing beach day, you can walk, cycle or take the metro to Aurinkolahti Beach in Vuosaari. The beach has a café and a small outdoor fitness area.

Outdoor gym and café in Mustikkamaa

From Rastila Camping, you can cycle to Mustikkamaa, or take the metro to Kulosaari and walk from there. Driving is also possible, as there is a parking area, although it can become crowded during warm summer days. Parking a larger motorhome may also be difficult.

Mustikkamaa offers plenty to do. There is a treetop adventure park, the popular outdoor café Lippa, a beach and a sports park with a well-equipped free outdoor gym. The island is also home to Sompasauna, a free community-built public sauna.

From Mustikkamaa, you can cross the pedestrian bridge to Kalasatama and the REDI shopping centre, where you will find many restaurants, cafés and shops. From REDI, you can take the metro back to Rastila Camping.

Published on 22.7.2026