Hotel in Inari, Lapland, Lapland
Inari Wilderness Camping
Simple but perfectly situated budget accommodation near the shores of Lake Inari, offering tent pitches, basic camping cabins, and access to the lake for fishing and swimming. Northern Lights viewing from the dark lakeside is extraordinary.
Inari Wilderness Camping is a budget accommodation situated at the edge of the village of Inari in the northernmost part of Finnish Lapland, close to the shores of Lake Inari — one of Europe's largest lakes and the centrepiece of the Inari region. The property is positioned near the historic village centre, placing guests within walking distance of the Siida Sámi Museum, Finland's leading cultural institution dedicated to the Sámi people and the natural history of Lapland, as well as the church of Inari and other local services. The broader setting provides direct access to the open subarctic wilderness of the Inari region.
The accommodation reflects the informal character of wilderness camping combined with basic indoor comfort. Hotel rooms are housed in a converted former school building, each with an individual character, private bathroom, and kitchenette. The remainder of the site provides thirty electrified pitches for motorhomes and caravans, along with dedicated tent camping areas near the lake shore. The combination of cabin-style rooms and open camping pitches makes this one of the more flexible budget options in the Inari area for different travel styles.
Shared facilities include a lakeside sauna, laundry and dryer access, a fireplace area, and a summer kitchen. The property rents equipment for use on Lake Inari, including canoes, rowboats, and motorboats, allowing guests to explore the lake independently. Fishing on Lake Inari is a year-round tradition, and the site's lakeside position is well suited to this activity. No on-site restaurant is available; the village centre is a short walk away and provides basic dining and grocery options.
The lakeside location makes Northern Lights observation one of the property's most compelling features. The open horizon across the lake, combined with minimal surrounding light pollution, creates excellent conditions for aurora viewing during the dark season from September to March. The property operates year-round on a twenty-four-hour basis and welcomes children and pets. The informal, practical service style is suited to independent travellers, overlanders, and those undertaking multi-day wilderness itineraries across the Inari region.
Amenities
- basic cabins
- tent pitches
- shared toilets
- lakeside access
- fire pits
Visit / Book / Contact
- Official website
- Phone: +358 16 671 108
Location
Inari camping area, 99870 Inari
68.9050, 27.0350 — View on map
Highlights
- Lakeside position on Lake Inari, one of Europe's largest lakes, with outstanding Northern Lights viewing conditions
- Flexible accommodation from hotel rooms in a converted school building to caravan pitches and tent camping areas
- Walking distance from Siida Sámi Museum, the leading cultural centre for the indigenous Sámi people of Lapland
- Canoe, rowboat, and motorboat rental on-site for independent exploration of Lake Inari and its islands
- Shared lakeside sauna offering a traditional Finnish sauna experience in an authentic Arctic setting
Tips
- Arrive with supplies from the shops in Inari village — the site has no restaurant and the summer kitchen is for basic use only
- The dark season from late September to March offers the best Northern Lights conditions; the open lake maximises sky visibility
- Fishing on Lake Inari requires a Finnish fishing permit available online via the Eräluvat service before arrival
- Inari is approximately 330 km north of Rovaniemi; allow extra journey time in winter when road conditions can slow progress significantly
- The Siida museum is within easy walking distance and is among the most informative cultural attractions in northern Finland
- Book cabin rooms well in advance for the polar night period in November and December and the midsummer fishing season
FAQ
What types of accommodation are available at Inari Wilderness Camping?
The property offers hotel rooms in a converted school building with private bathrooms and kitchenettes, thirty electrified pitches for caravans and motorhomes, and tent camping areas near the lake shore.
Is it possible to see the Northern Lights from the campsite?
Yes. The lakeside location with minimal surrounding light pollution makes this one of the better spots for aurora observation in the Inari area. The dark season from September to March provides the most consistent Northern Lights conditions.
Are boats or canoes available to hire at the property?
The property rents canoes, rowboats, and motorboats for use on Lake Inari. Equipment rental is available directly from the site during the summer season.
Does the property accept pets?
Pets are welcome at the property. Guests travelling with animals should inform the site when booking so a suitable pitch or room can be allocated.
Is the property open year-round?
Yes, the property operates year-round on a twenty-four-hour basis, though staffed reception hours vary by season. During winter months, reception is open Monday to Saturday with reduced hours.
Accessibility
The camping areas include unpaved ground typical of tent and caravan sites, which may present challenges for wheelchair users. The hotel rooms in the converted school building have not been confirmed as step-free or wheelchair-adapted. Visitors with specific mobility requirements should contact the property directly before arrival.
When to visit
Summer from June to August offers midnight sun, lake swimming, fishing, and boat hire in open water. The dark season from September to March is optimal for Northern Lights viewing, with the polar night period in November and December providing extended darkness for aurora observation.