Digital nomadism has become more than a trend—it’s a lifestyle. But what if your version of remote work bliss doesn’t involve cafes and coworking hubs, but rather lakeside tents, mountain sunrises, and forest Wi-Fi? For nomads who crave the outdoors as much as flexibility, these countries offer the best of both worlds: natural beauty and decent internet.
In Part 1, we explore five countries that cater to campers who work remotely, offering the sweet spot between wilderness and work-friendly infrastructure.
1. Portugal
- Why it’s great: Portugal is a haven for digital nomads thanks to its visa options, affordable cost of living, and strong community.
- Best camping spots: Serra da Estrela mountains, Algarve coast, and Peneda-Gerês National Park.
- Wi-Fi + Work tips:
- Urban hubs like Lisbon and Porto have coworking spaces, but smaller towns often offer Wi-Fi at cafes or eco-camps.
- Many digital nomad colivings in the countryside now include outdoor workspaces and decent mobile connectivity.
2. New Zealand
- Why it’s great: The landscape is unreal—volcanoes, fjords, beaches, and glaciers—all within a day’s drive.
- Best camping spots: Lake Tekapo (ideal for stargazing), Fiordland National Park, and Coromandel Peninsula.
- Wi-Fi + Work tips:
- Data SIMs with large mobile allowances are popular.
- Freedom camping is legal in many places, but check DOC (Department of Conservation) rules.
- Public libraries and i-SITE visitor centers often offer internet access.
3. Mexico
- Why it’s great: Colorful culture, warm climate, and laid-back coastal life.
- Best camping spots: Baja California for overlanding, Valle de Bravo for forest camping, and Sayulita for a surf-nomad vibe.
- Wi-Fi + Work tips:
- Telcel SIMs provide strong coverage—even in more remote areas.
- Work-friendly cafes abound in places like Oaxaca and Mexico City.
- Avoid wild camping near touristy areas unless in a group or secure campground.
4. Thailand
- Why it’s great: Thailand remains the OG digital nomad base—cheap living, great food, and surprisingly good infrastructure.
- Best camping spots: Doi Inthanon (Thailand’s highest mountain), Erawan National Park, and Khao Sok for lake-based floating tents.
- Wi-Fi + Work tips:
- Most mobile providers offer generous data plans.
- Remote camping may not always have Wi-Fi—consider portable hotspots or satellite boosters.
- Base in Chiang Mai or Pai and take weekend camping trips.
5. Canada
- Why it’s great: Insanely vast nature, quiet camping, and a stable digital infrastructure.
- Best camping spots: Banff & Jasper (Alberta), Vancouver Island (BC), Algonquin Park (Ontario).
- Wi-Fi + Work tips:
- Public libraries are lifesavers in rural towns.
- Canada has excellent mobile coverage around major routes and towns.
- Make use of seasonal campgrounds with plug-in power and decent reception.
6. Indonesia
- Why it’s great: Bali is the digital nomad capital of Southeast Asia, but Indonesia has over 17,000 islands with plenty of off-grid escapes.
- Best camping spots: Lombok’s Mount Rinjani, Sumba Island, and North Sumatra’s Lake Toba.
- Wi-Fi + Work tips:
- Bali has dozens of coworking spots and 4G connectivity.
- SIM cards are cheap and data is generous—great for camping in nearby villages or nature spots.
- Avoid monsoon season if you’re tent camping.
7. United States
- Why it’s great: National parks, state forests, BLM land, and vanlife culture make the U.S. ideal for campers who work.
- Best camping spots: Yosemite, Utah’s Mighty Five, and Great Smoky Mountains.
- Wi-Fi + Work tips:
- Verizon and T-Mobile have excellent rural coverage.
- RV parks and campgrounds often have Wi-Fi or cell boosters.
- Remote work hubs are growing in places like Asheville, Denver, and Flagstaff.
8. Australia
- Why it’s great: Endless open roads, coastal views, and laid-back lifestyle—perfect for vanlifers and tent lovers alike.
- Best camping spots: Great Ocean Road, Blue Mountains, and Cape Tribulation.
- Wi-Fi + Work tips:
- Mobile coverage is strong near cities but patchy inland—use Telstra for the best network.
- National parks sometimes offer paid campgrounds with basic services.
- Stay near Byron Bay, Cairns, or Hobart for balanced work/camp life.
9. Georgia (the country)
- Why it’s great: Georgia has a digital nomad visa, great mountain ranges, and the Caucasus—some of Europe’s most underrated landscapes.
- Best camping spots: Kazbegi, Svaneti, and Borjomi National Park.
- Wi-Fi + Work tips:
- Tbilisi has excellent fiber internet and coworking culture.
- SIM cards are cheap and reliable, even in rural zones.
- Spring and fall are best for camping—winters can be extreme.
10. South Africa
- Why it’s great: From beach to bush, South Africa offers biodiversity like nowhere else.
- Best camping spots: Drakensberg Mountains, Cederberg Wilderness, and the Garden Route.
- Wi-Fi + Work tips:
- Cape Town and Johannesburg have excellent coworking spaces.
- Use MTN or Vodacom for mobile data.
- Stay in eco-lodges or equipped bush camps for safe remote work.
Whether you’re coding by campfire, editing videos in a hammock, or hosting Zoom calls next to a waterfall, these ten countries prove that digital nomad life doesn’t have to mean choosing between Wi-Fi and wilderness.
Pack light, pitch often, and stay connected.
