Campervan tips for Europe?

[usoverseas]

Once we finish our OMY, our plan is to buy a used campervan and start with slow travel around Europe. 

Would love to hear people's tips for places to visit, favorite "camping" spots, blogs to check out, best dog friendly locations, etc. We are nature lovers, so favorite hikes, best places for paddle boarding/kayaking, etc would be great to hear.

Thanks in advance!

[BuildingFrugalHabits]

I'm interested to hear what people have to say.  I'd like to try something like that in the US. I'm also interested in slow traveling Europe but there is much less public land over there so I wonder how widespread the camping options are.  Please keep us posted as your plans develop. 

[GreenSheep]

Although I haven't campervanned in Europe, I did spend a couple of weeks in a camper van all over Iceland, and there is a ferry that runs between Iceland and Denmark and will carry autos. Iceland was such a spectacularly camper friendly place (and a fantastic destination overall, particularly for nature lovers) that if I were doing a camper van trip around Europe, I would find a way to include Iceland.

[teksanski]

Hey there. Since I'm a Polish I can give you some advices in here. Eastern Poland is great place for people loving nature. On north east of Poland you should visit Mazury region. It consist with lakes and forests. During season, which is June – September there are camper spots in almost every city and village. You can do: all water sports, bike riding, forests walking, hunting, fishing, mushrooms picking (late July – September). Besides that you can visit Hitler bunkers where Operation Valkyrie took place (movie: Valkyrie, with Tom Cruise) – if you like history. If you like to see very old forest (500 year old trees), and the European bison, which is the heaviest surviving wild land animal in Europe you should go to Bialowieza forest.

When you finish your lake/forest part you can drive south to Bieszczady mountains. These are not tall mountains with beautiful views, friendly people, very nice nature. Absolutely no industry. I’m not so big fan of mountains, so I cannot tell you more, but you should google for pictures typing in the name.

In Poland it is not allowed to camp on public places, so you have to find a place.
4 Polish Zloty = 1 USD
Avarage prices per one day
Adult person 15zł
Child (2-15 years) 10zł
Camper 22zł
Trailer 20zł
Electricity 12zł
Pet 5zł
So two adults with camper, electricity and pet = around 17 USD.

Additional information:

Gas prices are much higher in Europe, then in US.
Food, specially in a grocery shops are quite low in Poland, comparing to other European countries.
Polish people are friendly to Americans – which is not always the case.
Polish old people don’t speak English – they speak Russian.
Polish young people can speak English, at least they understand, so you can use your hands to sort things out :).
Poland is very safe country.
From Mazury region you can drive to Lithuania. I have a friend there, if you need advices from there. From Bieszczady you can drive to Slovakia within 1 hour – I have a friend there too, so I can ask him too.

If you need anything else, please let me know. If you decide to came definitely let me know! :)

Best regards

Teksanski

[Poeirenta]

We just returned from Brittany, France, and there were lots of campers and places to park them. We liked how compact most of them were, compared to these crazy big 5th wheels and bus-style ones we see in the US.

[usoverseas]

I'm interested to hear what people have to say.  I'd like to try something like that in the US. I'm also interested in slow traveling Europe but there is much less public land over there so I wonder how widespread the camping options are.  Please keep us posted as your plans develop.

We are just starting to research but one of the places we have found so far that sounds fantastic is France Passion. Small wineries and farmers offer free parking. Typically you end up buying something yummy from them so it is a win win. We had some friends do this and loved it!

[usoverseas]

Although I haven't campervanned in Europe, I did spend a couple of weeks in a camper van all over Iceland, and there is a ferry that runs between Iceland and Denmark and will carry autos. Iceland was such a spectacularly camper friendly place (and a fantastic destination overall, particularly for nature lovers) that if I were doing a camper van trip around Europe, I would find a way to include Iceland.

That sounds fantastic, I will have to look into that as we have been wanting to go but always seems to be too expensive. I suspect that having a campervan might be a way to keep costs down. I don't think pup pup is allowed to go though. :0(

[usoverseas]

Hi Teksanski
Wow thanks for the fantastic tips! I really appreciate it! Would love to hear more about Slovakia as well! I'm trying to respond on my phone so I will write more later, but one quick question, how dog friendly are  Poland and Slovakia? Thanks again for such a detailed response, I can't wait to visit!

[teksanski]

Poland is dog friendly. Only thing is to look for places where dogs are allowed - most of camp sites. Good luck!! :)

[shrnjad]

The balkans are in general a great region to visit with spectacular nature. We spent only 5 days this summer camping in Croatia as a summer beach vacation on the island of Krk. I can recommend, they also have dog beaches.

Not far from there they have a dolphin sanctuary, I have not visited it, but I would love to. They have lots of Nature National Parks and the Alps in Slovenia and Italy are not far.

I can also in particular recommend Bosnia and Montenegro. Those countries are beautiful! :)

[usoverseas]

The balkans are in general a great region to visit with spectacular nature. We spent only 5 days this summer camping in Croatia as a summer beach vacation on the island of Krk. I can recommend, they also have dog beaches.

Not far from there they have a dolphin sanctuary, I have not visited it, but I would love to. They have lots of Nature National Parks and the Alps in Slovenia and Italy are not far.

I can also in particular recommend Bosnia and Montenegro. Those countries are beautiful! :)

Thanks, Shrnjad.  All of that sounds fantastic and great to know that Krk is dog friendly as well!

[usoverseas]

Thought I'd post a few of the links that I have found so far that seem like good resources for finding places to camp - some are wild camping and some are paid, I think:
http://overlandingassociation.org/wild-camping/ (this is new and should evolve to have more info, but give country rules)
http://www.furgovw.org/mapa_furgoperfecto/ (in spanish, so use google translate.  User provided info on places to stop)
http://www.archiescampings.eu/ (just points on a map I think with no review info)
http://ioverlander.com/ (user provided info on places to stop, people keep adding, so has grown quite a bit apparently.)
http://park4night.com/ (looks like user ratings on places, with pict, good search function)

Had a friend who did this and it sounded amazing.  Small farmers who make wine, honey, etc offer free stopovers at their places.  My understanding is that you are not obligated to buy, but most do as it is really worth it:
https://www.france-passion.com/en/


This one is link to a page that sells maps and guidbooks showing aires locations.  I have no affiliation with them, just looks like a good resource for camping in France, Spain, Portugal, etc.

https://www.vicarious-shop.com/Campervan-Guide-Books/


Any others I should add?

[Izzs]

I'm from the UK and have done a fair bit of camping around europe.
- As mentioned earlier france has lots of campsites, as does germany. I personally liked the campsites with less facilities best, as soon as there is a pool it becomes a bit holiday campish. There were some great sites with small pitches nestled between trees. 
- The dutch love to camp, if you're anywhere in europe in august you'll find whole campsites full of dutch people
- Sweden and Norway. I haven't done this myself but its legal to wild camp/caravan - there are certain restrictions e.g distance from houses, leaving no trace.
- For the UK the camping and caravan club website http://www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk is a good place to start looking. It lists most sites including tiny campsites in pub gardens/farmers fields etc. I would avoid the club owned sites though, they're a bit too ordered for my taste (perfectly cut grass and caravans in regimented lines)

[Threshkin]

Posting to follow.

[usoverseas]

I'm from the UK and have done a fair bit of camping around europe.
- As mentioned earlier france has lots of campsites, as does germany. I personally liked the campsites with less facilities best, as soon as there is a pool it becomes a bit holiday campish. There were some great sites with small pitches nestled between trees. 
- The dutch love to camp, if you're anywhere in europe in august you'll find whole campsites full of dutch people
- Sweden and Norway. I haven't done this myself but its legal to wild camp/caravan - there are certain restrictions e.g distance from houses, leaving no trace.
- For the UK the camping and caravan club website http://www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk is a good place to start looking. It lists most sites including tiny campsites in pub gardens/farmers fields etc. I would avoid the club owned sites though, they're a bit too ordered for my taste (perfectly cut grass and caravans in regimented lines)

Thanks, Lizzie_s!  Yes, I like the campsites with more trees, etc than pools!  Although having a proper hot shower as an option is always nice!

So I suspect we will have a lot more free time on our hands during FIRE and figured we would try and learn another language.  What do you think would be the most useful for campervanning around Europe?  We speak a bit of French, Spanish, and Portuguese - although all a bit rusty.  Wondering if just getting better at one of those makes more sense than starting something from scratch?  Any thoughts?

[UKMustache]

I'm from the UK and have done a fair bit of camping around europe.
- As mentioned earlier france has lots of campsites, as does germany. I personally liked the campsites with less facilities best, as soon as there is a pool it becomes a bit holiday campish. There were some great sites with small pitches nestled between trees. 
- The dutch love to camp, if you're anywhere in europe in august you'll find whole campsites full of dutch people
- Sweden and Norway. I haven't done this myself but its legal to wild camp/caravan - there are certain restrictions e.g distance from houses, leaving no trace.
- For the UK the camping and caravan club website http://www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk is a good place to start looking. It lists most sites including tiny campsites in pub gardens/farmers fields etc. I would avoid the club owned sites though, they're a bit too ordered for my taste (perfectly cut grass and caravans in regimented lines)

Thanks, Lizzie_s!  Yes, I like the campsites with more trees, etc than pools!  Although having a proper hot shower as an option is always nice!

So I suspect we will have a lot more free time on our hands during FIRE and figured we would try and learn another language.  What do you think would be the most useful for campervanning around Europe?  We speak a bit of French, Spanish, and Portuguese - although all a bit rusty.  Wondering if just getting better at one of those makes more sense than starting something from scratch?  Any thoughts?

In my experience most Europeans will try and communicate with you as best they can even if you don't speak their language... except the French!  I'd focus on that :)

[usoverseas]

In my experience most Europeans will try and communicate with you as best they can even if you don't speak their language... except the French!  I'd focus on that :)

Haha, brilliant!  Good tip. And since I love their wine and cheese so much, it may be quite helpful to have a good conversation in French!

[todthedog]

When do you plan to go?
During the summer holidays in France sites can be rammed.
In  September much more empty.
When living in Brittany traveled down the west coast along the Pyrenees and back up the middle without touching a motorway. Stopping at the individual wine regions always the small producers never the huge estates. You see cheese producers advertising their wares worth a detour.
We travelled in a Peugeot Partner van sleeping in the back with two dogs.
Great fun but perhaps a little too intimate!
Two points trying to hire a camper van during the Tour de France bike race is nearly impossible. If you have dogs make sure they have the right jabs etc for where you are going.  There are loads of places to let them run wild but be careful of grazing animals farmers will shoot  first and discuss later.

[usoverseas]

When do you plan to go?
During the summer holidays in France sites can be rammed.
In  September much more empty.
When living in Brittany traveled down the west coast along the Pyrenees and back up the middle without touching a motorway. Stopping at the individual wine regions always the small producers never the huge estates. You see cheese producers advertising their wares worth a detour.
We travelled in a Peugeot Partner van sleeping in the back with two dogs.
Great fun but perhaps a little too intimate!
Two points trying to hire a camper van during the Tour de France bike race is nearly impossible. If you have dogs make sure they have the right jabs etc for where you are going.  There are loads of places to let them run wild but be careful of grazing animals farmers will shoot  first and discuss later.

Thanks, todthedog!  Love the name, by the way!

Your trip sounds fabulous, I suspect our pup would love those sleeping arrangements!  Us, maybe not as much!  Did you have troubles finding enough shower stops along the way?  DH biggest concern is having enough room to cook, for me it's the hot showers! How long did you travel for?  Did you need a 4x4 or okay without?  Any places the dogs couldn't go - national parks, chateaux, etc?

We are actually planning on doing this longer term, so buying something, maybe a Sprinter, and living in it. So we're not sure about the time of year.  We will have to go back and forth out of the Schengen for visa requirements, so will have to figure out where to spend the summer that isn't chaotic and where to spend winter that isn't miserably cold in a campervan.  I suspect there may be some night mixed in at airbnbs or similar to get caught up on hot showers and big kitchens!

Definitely need to look into the vaccinations, I've heard the ticks in Poland, etc are really nasty....anything else we should worry about for the dog?

[UKMustache]

When do you plan to go?
During the summer holidays in France sites can be rammed.
In  September much more empty.
When living in Brittany traveled down the west coast along the Pyrenees and back up the middle without touching a motorway. Stopping at the individual wine regions always the small producers never the huge estates. You see cheese producers advertising their wares worth a detour.
We travelled in a Peugeot Partner van sleeping in the back with two dogs.
Great fun but perhaps a little too intimate!
Two points trying to hire a camper van during the Tour de France bike race is nearly impossible. If you have dogs make sure they have the right jabs etc for where you are going.  There are loads of places to let them run wild but be careful of grazing animals farmers will shoot  first and discuss later.

Thanks, todthedog!  Love the name, by the way!

Your trip sounds fabulous, I suspect our pup would love those sleeping arrangements!  Us, maybe not as much!  Did you have troubles finding enough shower stops along the way?  DH biggest concern is having enough room to cook, for me it's the hot showers! How long did you travel for?  Did you need a 4x4 or okay without?  Any places the dogs couldn't go - national parks, chateaux, etc?

We are actually planning on doing this longer term, so buying something, maybe a Sprinter, and living in it. So we're not sure about the time of year.  We will have to go back and forth out of the Schengen for visa requirements, so will have to figure out where to spend the summer that isn't chaotic and where to spend winter that isn't miserably cold in a campervan.  I suspect there may be some night mixed in at airbnbs or similar to get caught up on hot showers and big kitchens!

Definitely need to look into the vaccinations, I've heard the ticks in Poland, etc are really nasty....anything else we should worry about for the dog?

If you made it as far into the UK as Wales and wanted a hot meal and a good shower I can recommend this site.
https://fforestfields.co.uk/
It's a bit more per night than some others but has a little cafe that serves reasonably priced cooked breakfasts, beers in the evening and on a Saturday night they bring a big clay pizza oven out etc.  It's a good atmosphere and would probably be a nice 'break' from rural camping.
I don't know if it's your thing but some of the walks you can do through the Brecon Beacons are incredible.

RE: 4x4 I don't think that's necessary at all.  Fuel is much more expensive in Europe so you'd add substantially to your costs if you did get one.

[todthedog]

Morning
I'll try and answer your questions best I can.
That trip took about 3 weeks during late September and into early October we were very lucky with the weather. living there made it much easier.
Cooking we bought a 2 ring gas stove from Lidl (low cost supermarket) cost about 15 euro ( for $ think euro and add on a bit so 15 euro is about 16.50 USD)  A big bottle of gas from any French supermarket about 20 Euros
will last several weeks. Double saucepan is a good move boil stuff in the bottom steam at the top. For me a coffee filter is an essential with real coffee, instant coffee should be banished to an inner circle of hell. They can be found for peanuts in any supermarket.

We stopped mostly in camp sites unless you are in really wild areas it is not so easy to pull off the road and stop. We steered clear of posh sites swimming pool type. The simple sites offered clean hot showers  some not all offered electrical hook up.
Brittany is considered a tourist area but even in mid summer you can find yourself alone on a 3 mile long beach.
The Med coast is crowded in Summer the Atlantic much less so especially if you stay away from towns.

Ticks are everywhere especially where animals have been grazing. You can protect the dogs with frontline or the like. Essential purchase is a tick hook less than a 1$ . Hook under the ticks head gently twist and pull and it will come out without leaving the head behind. Horrid things, I hooked one out of Mrs T's shoulder and that was in Sweden a week ago. Nothing to really get concerned about any more than being attacked by a rattlesnake in New York!! If you or the dogs get one, get it off asap if you then develop flu like symptoms see a Dr if not get on with your life. On the subject of bugs if you are planning to stop outside a lot a small investment in 'Smidge' is worthwhile it is the only thing I have found that reliably keeps the midges away. You won't need it all the time but you will be grateful if you find yourself in a mossie area. Available from that well known big river!

The French have a much more laid back attitude to dogs not unusual to see them in a restaurant.  Not often allowed inside chateaux.

Eating, look out for 'ouvriers' a literal translation is 'workers' these are restaurants you find everywhere in France and are where the workers have their lunch, always go for one with lots of white vans outside a sign of a good deal. You can eat a 4 couse meal often for about 15$ lunchtime.

Wittered on quite long enough, if I can assist me know.

[andrewjohnporter]

Hey, if no one has posted this already the blog http://ourtour.co.uk/home/information-zone/ has good info from a UK couple who FIREd and have been travelling Europe in a campervan for a few years. Think they have some free e-books.

[Irishtache]

Hi Usoverseas! We owned a campervan for two years and we used it for two long trips, 6 weeks and 5 weeks. It was  a 6 berth and we took the 3 kids. Trip 1, we whizzed through 12 countries in the 6 weeks, on the following trip, we spent the whole time in France. As we had the kids, we used 4 star campsites, ranging from €45 - €66 per night, including hookups. These sites all had pools, slides and hot, clean, showers and WCs. However, most French towns have 'municipal' sites that may not have pools or sometimes hookups and they are considerably cheaper and quieter. Most large towns have lots of supermarkets, Intermarche, Supermarche, Le Clerc, Giant, or Carrefour. Wine can be bought cheaply from local 'caves' a wine shop for a coupe of euro a litre. A great resource for camping in UK & Europe is www.motorhomefacts.com . They have a campsite database which is useful. One point: unless in a hurry for a ferry or other appointment, don't use motorways -they're dreary and expensive and you miss charming towns with nice little campsites and restaurants. Don't sleep at the rest stops on the motorways. They can be risky for break ins. Favourite areas; Loire Valley and Dordogne in France! By the way, we land tripped in Croatia and noticed that many campsites are located right on the water's edge. This is a hangover from the communist era when access to the sea and public facilities was paramount. 

Bon Voyage! IT

[usoverseas]

Hey, if no one has posted this already the blog http://ourtour.co.uk/home/information-zone/ has good info from a UK couple who FIREd and have been travelling Europe in a campervan for a few years. Think they have some free e-books.

That is a brilliant blog with a wealth of info  - I have spent hours reading it during my commute over the last several days.  Thank you so much for sharing!!

[usoverseas]

@IT - thank you so much for the tips.  I will definitely have to check out that site.  I suspect we will mostly stay away from the massive sites with pools and huge price tags, but bet we will feel the need to splurge every now and then.  I think we may end up in airbnbs occasionally just to have a hot shower, more space in the kitchen , catch up on laundry, etc. 

Good to know about the supermarkets brands and great to know about the wine.  Would you mind expanding on what that means - "local 'caves' a wine shop "?

Really good to know about the motorways and rest stops too.  I would have thought they were safe, so good to know to be careful!

Thanks again, for all of the tips, I really appreciate it!  So excited to be in planning mode!

[Irishtache]

Hi again. The cheaper campsites will have hot showers but, of course, quality will vary.

A Cave(pronounced KAV) is a wine shop in France. It's usually a small shop, off the tourist track, and contains massive barrels of cheap, but surprisingly good, local wine. You bring empty water bottles and they fill em up.

Motorhoming in Europe is really easy and, in addition to France Passion, many villages have a small number of 'aires' or bays for campers, cheap or free and sometimes water or dumping facilities. On the motorways, there are 'Aires' which are rest stops, OK for short breaks. Larger Aires have restaurants and shops and lots of lorries.