Europe is well-known for its rich history and enthralling cultural offerings. But just as beautiful as Europe’s many castles, museums, and cities are the breath-taking landscapes that dot the continent. Europe’s beautiful outdoors make it an ideal location for camping. Millions of Europeans and tourists visit the continent’s great outdoors each year. Learn how to camp across Europe and the most dangerous campsites to make the most of your European camping vacation. Before you embark you first wild camping in Europe make sure you have checked our Wild Camping Essential Gear!
Ways to camp in Europe
Camping in Europe for beginners article will provides ways to camp in Europe. There are so many ways to camp not only in Europe but all around the world. Choosing how you camp all depends on the landscape and the place where you will be camping. Below is a list of best ways to camp in Europe:
- Camping by Tent in Europe
- Caravanning in Europe
- RV camping in Europe
- Cabin or Glamping in Europe
Camping by tent in Europe
Camping in a tent brings you as close to nature as you can get; there’s nothing like sleeping under the stars while comfortably tucked away in your tent. Tent campers will almost always find adequate accommodations in Europe’s many campsites.
Camping through campsite on the other hand, is easier especially if you have small children as there will be designated camping spots. Campsites will usually have facilities that campers can use. Whether you prefer the fields of Provence, France, the beaches in Spain, or the picturesque landscapes of Scotland, the vast majority of European campsites will have plenty of tent camping spaces available.
Tenting is one of the cheapest ways to camp in Europe. Camp sites typically cost between 20 and 30 euros per night, making them the most cost-effective option for campers.
Wild Camping in Europe
There are 2 ways of camping in tent, wild camping and camping through camp sites. Wild camping entails pitching your tent somewhere other than a designated campsite, and generally away from other people. It’s about getting back to basics: just you and a natural shelter. This could be in the woods, on a mountainside, or in a field.
Different rules apply for wild camping in different countries, so it’s important to check what restrictions apply in your chosen country. Even in countries where wild camping is legal, rules can vary from area to area, so you’ll still need to do some research into any local rules or guidelines to make sure that you’re wild camping in an approved spot.
Wild camping is legal in vast tracts of Scotland, but in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, most land is privately owned. As current law does not give people access to someone else’s land, strictly speaking wild camping is illegal in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. However, many landowners are happy to host wild campers if they ask permission first and are respectful of the land. It’s up to you to ensure that you ask permission and follow the wild camping rules.
If you are caught wild camping without permission, you may be found guilty of trespass. As this is classed as a civil offence, it’s unlikely that you will be arrested but you will be asked to move on. As long as you do so, that will be the end of the matter. If you are repeatedly caught wild camping without permission, you may be fined.
Caravanning in Europe
Campervans are a great way to get around Europe. You can not only camp comfortably at host campsites, but the van’s mobility also allows you to see more of the continent. When you travel by campervan, you can easily cross borders and see fascinating sights. From Switzerland, Belgium, Luxembourg, Austria, Slovenia, and Germany, for example, you can visit the alps. This type of vacation can also provide opportunities to try out new activities like mountain biking and rafting.
Because campervans are so popular in Europe, you’ll find adequate accommodations for these camping vehicles at the majority of campsites you visit. Renting a campervan can cost between 100 and 150 euros per day. You must also pay for gas and campsite parking. The costs of camping per night depends on different campsites. Some campsite are more expensive especially if they have lots of amenities on the site.
RV camping in Europe
RVs are a great way to camp in Europe while also enjoying spacious accommodations and modern amenities. You can also take long road trips to your favourite destinations in your own vehicle. However, you have to take into consideration the size of the RV you will be using. Some European countries have narrow road that would not be suitable for huge American RVs like the Winnebago type.
RVs are typically outfitted with appealing features such as kitchens, refrigerators, and bathrooms. RVs are common on European campsites; most will have dedicated RV lots with associated hook-ups. It can provide luxury while camping at a premium price. Renting an RV can cost up to 200 euros per day, not including fuel and campsite fees.
Cabin or Glamping in Europe
Some European campgrounds connect campers to nature by housing them in cabins. Packing a tent and camping supplies for your trip to Europe can be difficult as a tourist. Cabins on European campsites provide tourists with an easy way to enjoy the great outdoors without having to bring a tent or rent a motorhome.
Characteristics of on-site cabins vary. Glamping, a portmanteau of glamour camping, treats campers to fully furnished accommodations with luxury amenities. The price per night for cabin or glamping accommodations varies. The location, time of the year and amenities available usually affect the cost of this type of camping accommodation.
Before you book your next camping adventure to Europe make sure you have checked the Visa and ETIAS requirements. Check out blog relating to ETIAS and find out if you will need a Schengen Visa or an ETIAS to enter Europe in 2024.