Prosecutor investigates legality of forest lease for camping in Bulgaria

On the evening of June 16, 2026, a conflict broke out on Butamyata beach in Sinemorets, Bulgaria, involving a Russian citizen. The man parked his luxury motorhome with Czech plates next to two Ukrainian vans, played loud music including the Russian anthem, and after a verbal altercation, threatened Ukrainians with a weapon and fired 3-4 shots. As the Ukrainians tried to leave, he smashed the windshield of one van with a stone. The attacker was detained by police, and additional weapons were found in his motorhome.

The administration of the Bulgarian municipality of Tsarevo issued an official position on the case of leasing municipal land for campers, caravans, and tents near Butamyata beach in Sinemorets. Authorities called opposition to camping sites illogical, stating they are the only eco-friendly alternative to coastal overdevelopment. The Burgas District Prosecutor's Office found violations in the transfer of 35 decares of land, including a lack of environmental approvals for Strandzha Nature Park, but the municipality insists the tender procedure was followed and notes that prior approval is the tenant's responsibility.

The administration of the Bulgarian municipality of Tsarevo issued a statement in response to a prosecutor's investigation questioning the legality of leasing land for campsites and caravans. Authorities argue that such sites are one of the few real alternatives to overdevelopment along the Black Sea coast. The prosecutor claims some plots do not meet the requirements of the Ministry of Regional Development, but the municipality notes that the decisions were not challenged for five months and were reviewed by the regional administration.

Mayor Marin Kirov stated that attention in the Butamyata beach case is shifting from the tender procedure to decisions designating plots for campers, caravans, and tents. The prosecutor's office found violations in the lease of nearly 35 hectares of municipal land. Kirov noted that the council's decisions were not contested, and no activity permit has been issued yet.

The District Prosecutor's Office in Burgas has found violations in the lease of municipal plots near Butamyata Beach in Sinemorets for caravans and campers. The Tsarevo municipality insists on the legality of the decisions; the final ruling is expected in court.

The young company HIP Campers from Sofia has presented a 7.2-meter motorhome. The model is designed for modern travelers and features high-quality finishing. The new vehicle has attracted attention in the industry.