Campervan tips in Europe often start with a dream: waking up to mountain views, brewing coffee as the sun rises, and not knowing where you’ll sleep that night. Freedom. Flexibility. Adventure.
With our camper, we’ve explored all over Europe – from the Dutch polders to the Greek coast. And along the way, we quickly learned: every country has its own charm… and its own rules, driving styles, and surprises.
Whether you’re new to vanlife or already a seasoned cassette toilet-dumper (respect!), we’re sharing our honest, country-by-country experiences here. Practical, real, and with a wink.
🇳🇱 Netherlands – Small, Straightforward, and Well-Organised
Our home country is the perfect place to start your camper journey. Roads are easy to navigate, there’s no toll or vignette, and you’re never far from a new province.
But finding a place to stay overnight can be a challenge. There are many campsites – from basic to glamping – but free spots are rare. The few that do exist can be found on apps like Park4Night, but they fill up quickly, and “camping behaviour” (chairs outside, awning out) is often not allowed.
Service points exist, but they’re not nearly as widespread as in France or Belgium.
💡 Tip: Bring your bike. Everything is nearby, and it’s perfect for little exploration trips – or grabbing groceries.
🇧🇪 Belgium – Waffles, Beer, and Camper Spots
As soon as you cross the border, the landscape and vibe change. Belgium is charming in its slight chaos. Expect friendly people, picturesque villages, and plenty of camper parking options.
Roads can be a bit rougher (hello, concrete plates!), but there’s no toll on most highways – only a few tunnels require payment.
The Ardennes are full of peaceful nature spots, perfect for wild(ish) camping with a view.
💡 Tip: Try a local craft beer on a sunny terrace and have a Liège waffle for breakfast. We won’t judge.
🇫🇷 France – The Camper Paradise
France is an absolute dream for camper travellers. Seriously. Almost every town has a “aire de camping-car” – a designated camper spot with water, electricity, and waste disposal. Often free or just a couple of euros.
Highways are great but pricey due to tolls (péage). Luckily, the smaller roads are beautiful and free.
Mountain driving can be intense – hairpin turns, steep climbs, and overconfident oncoming traffic. But the views? 100% worth it.
💡 Tip: Grab a baguette and some cheese, park next to a vineyard, and call it lunch with a view.
🇩🇪 Germany – Orderly and Efficient
Germany is about as camper-friendly as it gets. Roads are excellent, there’s no toll for most vehicles, and Stellplätze (dedicated camper areas) are everywhere – often cheaper than campsites.
Cities typically offer large parking areas outside the centre, with public transport connections. Efficient, as expected.
Just be aware: some cities require an Umweltplakette (eco-sticker) to enter certain zones.
💡 Tip: Currywurst from a highway service station is a completely valid lunch. Truly.
🇦🇹 Austria – Mountains and Motorhome Weight Checks?
Austria is breathtakingly beautiful. Think alpine meadows, fresh mountain air, and crystal-clear lakes. But driving here isn’t all fun and games.
You’ll need a vignette to drive on highways (available at the border), and some alpine roads have extra tolls.
Here’s what many don’t realize: Austria is strict about camper weight limits. If you’re over 3,500 kg, you could face a hefty fine.
Campsites are clean, often scenic, and perfectly maintained. Imagine grilling your schnitzel by a mountain lake – camper bliss.
💡 Tip: bring warm blankets – even summer nights can get chilly up in the mountains.
🇮🇹 Italy – Stunning, Chaotic, and Sometimes… Bin-less
Italy is warm, wonderful, and a little bit wild. Roads are narrow and twisty, and the driving style is… let’s say “passionate.”
There are plenty of toll roads. Have cash or a toll pass ready. Parking in cities is often a headache, so better to skip it if you’re after a relaxed journey.
And now for something frustrating: trash bins. They’re often incredibly hard to find – we started wondering if Italians secretly use portals to another dimension. Be prepared to hold onto your waste until you reach a campsite or fuel station.
💡 Tip: travel outside of peak summer months and explore the lesser-known regions like Tuscany, Umbria, or Le Marche – fewer tourists, just as much beauty.
🇪🇸 Spain – Sunshine, Open Roads, and Siestas
Spain is a dream for road trips. Warm climate, mostly free highways, and well-maintained roads.
Coastal areas offer tons of campsites, often with pools and beach bars. Inland, it gets quieter – you might drive for hours without seeing anyone.
💡 Tip: follow the locals’ rhythm. Take a siesta. It’s too hot to drive midday anyway, so find a shady spot and relax.
🇵🇹 Portugal – Wild, Warm, and Wonderfully Rugged
Portugal may be small, but it packs a punch. Rugged coasts, charming towns, and an easygoing vibe make it a top destination.
Toll roads are mostly electronic, so make sure you register beforehand.
Wild camping is no longer allowed in many areas, especially protected nature reserves. Enforcement is getting stricter, so stay respectful and informed.
💡 Tip: go surfing in Nazaré or stroll through Porto. And treat yourself to a Pastel de Nata daily. It’s the law. (Well, it should be.)
🇱🇺 Luxembourg – Small But Surprisingly Scenic
Luxembourg is perfect for a short camper break. No highway tolls, cheap diesel, and loads of nature.
There are plenty of well-kept camper areas, often free, and the roads are pristine.
💡 Tip: combine Luxembourg with Germany or Belgium for a one-week mini road trip.
🇬🇷 Greece – Wild Camping With a Sea View
Greece is a camper’s dream: remote beaches, kind locals, and that feeling of true freedom. But it does require a bit of prep.
Roads can be poorly maintained, and dumping your chemical toilet can be tricky. Due to the narrow pipe systems, it’s often not allowed or even possible.
💡 Tip: bring a composting toilet – odourless, eco-friendly, and perfect for off-grid stays.
Beyond that? Just enjoy. The sun, the food, the views… You might never want to leave.
The Road Is the Destination
Every kilometre we drove taught us something new – about each country, about each other, and about vanlife itself.
It’s not always glamorous (if you’ve ever emptied the toilet cassette in a downpour, you know), but it’s 100% real. Every morning brings a new view. Every village feels like a discovery.
So: fill up the tank, chill the fridge, and turn on the GPS (or don’t).
You don’t have to go far to feel free. Sometimes, freedom is parked beside you on a cliffside with a sea view and a few other travellers living the same wild dream. Enjoy the Campervan tips in Europe!
