Camping & Van Life: Freedom on Four Wheels

From tent pitches to converted vans – everything you need to know for your camping adventure in Europe.

1. Camping Trend: Why More and More Germans Are Camping

Camping is booming like never before. According to the Federal Statistical Office and the ADAC, the German camping industry recorded record overnight numbers of over 40 million per year in recent years. The trend has intensified massively since 2020 – and shows no signs of slowing down.

The main reasons for the camping boom:

Freedom and flexibility: No rigid hotel plan – you decide spontaneously where to go and how long to stay
Proximity to nature: Wake up to birdsong instead of a hotel alarm, sunset right at the parking spot
Cost savings: A parking spot costs an average of 15–35€ per night – a hotel room can quickly cost three to five times that
Family-friendly: Kids love camping – campfires, adventures, and new friendships at the site
Sustainability: Regional vacation with a smaller carbon footprint than flying
Community: The camping scene is growing – new friendships are formed around campfires and at parking spots

Especially the Generation Z and Millennials are driving the vanlife trend forward through social media. Hashtags like #vanlife have over 15 million posts on Instagram. But families and older couples are also rediscovering camping as a flexible and nature-oriented form of travel.

2. Camping Types Compared: From Tent to Glamping

Camping is not the same as camping. Depending on budget, comfort requirements, and travel enthusiasm, there are completely different approaches. Here is the big comparison:

Tenting – the Classic

Costs: Tent from 80€ (entry-level) to 500€+ (professional trekking tent), pitch 8–20€/night
Advantages: Lightweight, inexpensive, flexible, fits in any trunk
Disadvantages: Weather-dependent, little comfort, setting up and taking down in the rain can be frustrating
Ideal for: Festival-goers, hikers, budget travelers, minimalists

Motorhome – the Rolling Home

Costs: New price from 45,000€, used from 15,000€, rental from 80–150€/day
Advantages: Fully equipped (kitchen, bathroom, heating), comfortable, family-friendly
Disadvantages: High acquisition costs, parking search in cities, tolls and fuel expensive
Ideal for: Families, couples, long-term travelers, comfort campers

Campervan – Compact and Agile

Costs: Conversion from 3,000–10,000€ (DIY), ready from 35,000€, rental from 60–120€/day
Advantages: Everyday usability, parking-friendly, cool lifestyle factor
Disadvantages: Limited space (especially for couples long-term), headroom often restricted
Ideal for: Solo travelers, couples, weekend adventurers, digital nomads

Rooftop Tent – the Compromise

Costs: Rooftop tent from 1,000–3,500€, roof rack from 200€
Advantages: Quick setup and takedown (2 minutes), above ground (dry, safe), car remains usable
Disadvantages: Higher fuel consumption, ladder impractical at night, weight limit to consider
Ideal for: SUV and off-road vehicle owners, couples, overlanders

Glamping – Luxury in Nature

Costs: 80–300€/night (safari tent, treehouse, tiny house)
Advantages: Nature experience with hotel bed comfort, no personal equipment needed, often Instagram-worthy
Disadvantages: Expensive, less flexible, no "real" camping feeling
Ideal for: Camping newcomers, romantic getaways, comfort-loving nature enthusiasts

3. The Best Campsites in Europe

Europe offers an incredible variety of campsites – from the Croatian Adriatic coast to Sweden's remote forest lakes. Here are our top recommendations:

Croatia – the Camping Paradise on the Mediterranean

Croatia has been one of the most popular camping destinations for Germans for years. The combination of crystal-clear water, sunny location, and well-equipped sites is unbeatable.

Camping Stoša, Rovinj: 5-star site with infinity pool, right by the sea. From 35€/night
Camping Zaton, Zadar: Huge family site with water park, animation, and sandy beach. From 25€/night
Camp Strasko, Pag: Natural site under pines, perfect for those seeking peace. From 20€/night

France – Variety from the Atlantic to Provence

France has the most campsites in Europe (about 8,000!) and caters to every camping preference – whether surfing on the Atlantic, lavender fields in Provence, or wine tasting in Alsace.

Camping Le Vieux Port, Landes: Directly on the Atlantic coast, surfer paradise with water park. From 30€/night
Camping La Sirene, Argelès-sur-Mer: Huge 5-star site on the Côte Vermeille. From 28€/night
Huttopia Font-Romeu, Pyrénées: Nature camping in the mountains with glamping options. From 22€/night

Sweden – Wilderness and Everyman's Right

Thanks to the Allemansrätten (Everyman's Right), you can wild camp almost anywhere in Sweden for a night. In addition, there are enchanting campsites.

First Camp Kolmarden: Family site near wildlife park and Baltic Sea beach. From 25€/night
Camping Abisko, Lapland: Northern lights camping north of the Arctic Circle. From 18€/night
Göteborg Camping Lisebergsbyn: Close to the city with an amusement park next door. From 22€/night

Portugal – Surfing, Sun, and Slow Camping

Portugal is a hidden gem for campers – especially the Algarve coast and the region around Peniche offer fantastic opportunities.

Camping Sagres, Algarve: At the southwestern tip of Europe, spectacular cliffs. From 15€/night
Orbitur Peniche, Silver Coast: Surfer hotspot with sea view pitches. From 18€/night
Camping Lima, Minho: Green north, by the river, ideal for nature lovers. From 12€/night

Italy – Dolce Vita in the Open Air

Camping Norcenni Girasole, Tuscany: Pool landscape between vineyards and olive groves. From 30€/night
Camping Dei Fiori, Liguria: Terrace pitches with sea view, near Cinque Terre. From 28€/night
Camping Europa Silvella, Lake Garda: Directly by the lake, ideal for water sports. From 25€/night

4. Vanlife for Beginners: Renting vs. Buying a Van

You dream of vanlife but don't know where to start? Here is the honest comparison – with real numbers.

Option 1: Rent a Van – Test Without Risk

Costs: 70–150€/day depending on season and model, 1,500–3,500€ for 3 weeks
Providers: roadsurfer, FreewayCamper, CamperBoys, PaulCamper (private), Indie Campers
Advantages: No purchase risk, test different models, insurance included
Disadvantages: Fully booked and more expensive in high season (June–August)

Option 2: Buy a Van and Build It Yourself (DIY)

Base Vehicle: VW T5/T6 (8,000–25,000€), Mercedes Sprinter (10,000–20,000€), Fiat Ducato (8,000–15,000€)
Conversion Costs: 3,000–15,000€ depending on requirements (Minimalist vs. Full conversion with shower)
Total Costs: 12,000–40,000€ for a ready-to-drive, converted vehicle
Time Investment: 2–6 months for the conversion (full-time project on weekends)
Advantages: Individual, cheaper in the long run, proud of your own work
Disadvantages: Craftsmanship skills needed, TÜV approval, hidden costs

Option 3: Buy a Ready-Made Campervan

New Campervans: VW California from 65,000€, Ford Nugget from 55,000€, Mercedes Marco Polo from 70,000€
Used Campervans: From 25,000–45,000€ (3–5 years old)
Advantages: Drive off immediately, warranty, professional conversion
Disadvantages: High price, little individuality, long delivery times for new cars

The Most Important Basic Equipment

Bed system (folding bed or fixed bed) – at least 190 x 130 cm for couples
Kitchen unit with 2-burner gas stove and sink
Cooler or compressor refrigerator (from 200€)
Water tank (at least 30 liters) with 12V pump
Second battery (lithium from 400€) or solar system (100–200W)
Blackout for all windows (thermal mats or curtains)
Heater for trips outside of summer (diesel heater from 300€)

Tip: Rent a van 2–3 times before you buy. This way, you learn what equipment you really need and what vehicle size suits you.

5. Wild Camping in Europe – Where is it Allowed?

The romantic notion of camping freely by a lonely mountain lake – but wild camping is prohibited or heavily regulated in many countries. Here’s an overview:

Allowed: Scandinavia (Right of Public Access)

In Sweden, Norway, and Finland, the right of public access (Allemansrätten or Allemannsretten) applies. You may camp wild for one night – as long as you:

Are at least 150 meters away from inhabited houses
Leave no litter and make no open fire (during dry periods)
Stay a maximum of 1–2 nights at the same spot
Note: The right of public access primarily applies to tents – motorhomes and campervans do not automatically fall under this

Tolerated: Portugal, Balkans, Baltics

Portugal: Officially prohibited, but often tolerated outside the Algarve. Active controls have been in place in the Algarve since 2021 – fines up to 200€
Scotland: Wild camping is legal (Land Reform Act) – one of the few exceptions in Western Europe
Baltics (Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania): Widely practiced and tolerated in practice, especially in national parks with designated camping areas
Balkans (Albania, Montenegro, Bosnia): Hardly regulated, wild camping possible in many places

Prohibited: Germany, France, Italy, Spain

Germany: Wild camping is prohibited. "Bivouacking" (one night in a sleeping bag without a tent) is tolerated in some federal states. Fines: 5–500€ depending on the federal state
France: Prohibited, but bivouac (7 PM – 9 AM) is allowed in many hiking areas
Italy: Generally prohibited, regionally controlled with varying strictness
Spain: Prohibited, especially strict in coastal areas and national parks. Fines up to 600€

Tip: Use apps like park4night or iOverlander to find legal free camping spots. There, campers share their experiences and mark places where wild camping is tolerated.

6. Camping with Children – Tips for Families

Camping is a huge adventure for children: campfires, stick bread, new friendships, and being outdoors every day. With the right planning, it can also be relaxing for the parents.

Choosing the Right Campsite

Choose sites with a playground, entertainment program, and shallow swimming area
Sanitary facilities with a family bathroom and changing room make everyday life much easier
Shady pitches are worth their weight in gold in summer – children overheat quickly
Top family campsites: Camping Zaton (Croatia), Camping Le Vieux Port (France), Camping Norcenni (Italy)

Packing List for Family Camping

Family tent with separate sleeping cabins (from 200€)
Sleeping mats or air mattresses – children sleep best on self-inflating mats
Children's sleeping bags with fun designs (motivates them to sleep!)
Sand toys, balls, card games, and binoculars
Headlamp for each child (provides a sense of safety at night)
Sun protection: sunscreen SPF 50+, sun hat, UV shirt
Insect repellent (child-friendly!) and tick tweezers

Entertainment and Activities

Treasure Hunt: Hide small items around the campsite and create a treasure map
Nature Journal: Children collect leaves, stones, and feathers and stick them in
Star Gazing: Away from light pollution, the starry sky is an experience
Campfire Evenings: Stick bread, marshmallows, and stories – children's highlight number 1

Tip: Start with a weekend camping trip nearby before planning a longer trip. This way, the whole family can get to know the camping routine without stress.

7. The Right Equipment – What You Really Need

When it comes to equipment, quality over quantity. A good basic setup lasts for years and makes the difference between camping frustration and camping enjoyment.

Sleeping

Sleeping Bag: Synthetic (30–80€, easy to care for) or down (100–300€, lighter and warmer). Pay attention to comfort temperature!
Sleeping Mat: Self-inflating (30–100€) or air mattress with pump. R-value ≥3 for spring/autumn
Travel Pillow: Compressible, from 15€ – worth it for sleep comfort

Cooking

Gas Stove: 2-burner stove (30–80€) + gas cartridges (3–5€/piece). Brands: Campingaz, MSR, Primus
Cookware: Camping pot set made of aluminum or titanium (20–60€), stackable
Camping Cutlery: Folding set or spork (fork-spoon combo), from 5€
Cutting Board & Knife: Compact outdoor knife with protective cover
Spices: Small containers with salt, pepper, oil – instantly improves simple dishes

Cooling

Passive Cooler: From 20€, requires cooling packs, lasts 1–2 days. Okay for weekend trips
Thermoelectric Cooler: 50–150€, cools 15–20°C below outside temperature. Good for car trips
Compressor Cooler: 200–800€, cools like a real refrigerator (down to –18°C). A must for van life. Top brands: Dometic, Engel, Plug-In Festivals

Power – Off-Grid Travel

Solar System: 100W panel (from 100€) + charge controller (30€) is enough for phone, light, and cooler
Power Station: Portable solar generators (300–1,500€) from EcoFlow, Jackery, or Bluetti – ideal for tent campers
Second Battery: Lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) from 400€ (100Ah). Lifespan: 3,000–5,000 charge cycles
LED Camping Lamp: From 10€, rechargeable via USB. Compare lumen output and battery life

Other Essentials

Camping chairs (foldable, from 25€) and folding table
First aid kit for outdoor (from 15€)
Duct tape and cable ties – fix everything
Microfiber towels (quick-drying, compact)
Water canister (10–20L foldable) and water filter for longer trips

8. Sustainable Camping – Leave No Trace

If you love nature, you should protect it. The Leave-No-Trace Principle is the golden rule for sustainable camping: Leave no place worse than you found it.

The 7 Leave-No-Trace Principles

Plan ahead and prepare: Know the rules of the area, plan waste disposal in advance
Stay on durable paths and surfaces: Do not drive or camp off-road – protect vegetation and wildlife
Take your trash with you: Everything you bring, you take back. This includes fruit peels, cigarette butts, and bottle caps
Leave nature as you found it: Do not pick plants, move rocks, or break branches
Minimize campfires: Only use designated areas, utilize existing fire pits, and fully extinguish fires
Respect wildlife: Keep your distance, do not feed them, store food securely
Be considerate of other visitors: Reduce noise, respect privacy

Eco-Friendly Camping Products

Biodegradable soap: Dr. Bronner's or Sea to Summit Wilderness Wash (from 5€) – also for dishes and laundry
Reusable instead of disposable: Stainless steel water bottle, reusable containers, beeswax wraps instead of plastic wrap
Dry toilet: An eco-friendly alternative to chemical toilets for vans and wild camping (Trelino from 300€)
Solar panel instead of generator: Quiet, emission-free, and cheaper in the long run
Local food: Buy at regional markets and farm shops instead of supermarkets – fresher and more sustainable

Gray water and toilet: Dispose of gray water (dishwater) only at designated disposal stations. Never empty chemical toilets into nature – this is not only prohibited but also severely harms water bodies and soil. Many campsites and rest areas offer free disposal options (V/E stations).

9. The Best Apps for Campers

The smartphone is the most important tool for modern campers – from finding parking spots to route planning to weather forecasts. Here are the must-have apps:

Parking Spot Finder

park4night (iOS/Android, free with Premium from 10€/year)
The most popular app for campers in Europe. Over 200,000 parking spots, from official campsites to wild spots. Community-based reviews and photos.
Campercontact (iOS/Android, free with Premium from 5€/year)
Specialized in motorhome parking spots with detailed information on amenities, electricity, water, and waste disposal stations. Particularly strong in the Netherlands and Germany.
iOverlander (iOS/Android, free)
Open-source app with worldwide coverage. Ideal for overlanders and long-distance travelers. Spots off the beaten path.
Caravanya (iOS/Android, free with Premium from 20€/year)
German app focused on the DACH region. Extensive filtering options (dogs allowed, child-friendly, lake access, etc.). Good elevation profiles for motorhomes.

Navigation and Route Planning

Maps.me (free)
Offline maps for the whole world. Essential in areas without mobile network.
Kurviger (free, Premium from 20€/year)
Automatically plans winding and scenic routes – perfect for leisurely drivers.
CoPilot Wohnmobil (from 15€)
Considers vehicle size and weight in route planning. Warns of low bridges and narrow roads.

Useful Additional Apps

Windy: Detailed weather forecast with wind and rain radar – essential for tent campers
Flush: Finds public toilets nearby (worldwide)
GasBuddy / Tankerkoenig: Find the cheapest gas stations in the area
Merlin Bird ID: Recognize bird calls via microphone – a great nature experience at the campsite

Cost Overview: What Does a Camping Holiday Cost?

Here is a realistic calculation for 2 weeks of camping holiday in Southern Europe (2 people):

Budget Option (Tent + Own Car)

Campsite fees: 14 nights × 20€ = 280€
Fuel (1,500 km): approx. 200€
Groceries (Self-catering): approx. 350€
Tolls + Vignettes: approx. 60€
Activities/Entries: approx. 100€
Total: approx. 990€ (approx. 500€ per person)

Comfort Option (Rented Van)

Van rental: 14 days × 100€ = 1,400€
Fuel (1,500 km): approx. 250€
Campsite fees: 14 nights × 25€ = 350€
Groceries: approx. 400€
Tolls + Vignettes: approx. 80€
Activities/Entries: approx. 150€
Total: approx. 2,630€ (approx. 1,315€ per person)

For comparison: A classic package holiday in a 3-star hotel by the Mediterranean quickly costs 2,500–4,000€ for 2 weeks – but with all-inclusive meals. The big advantage of camping: maximum flexibility and the freedom to wake up somewhere different every day.