From Norway to Croatia: These campsites belong on every bucket list

Whether along the Atlantic coast of Portugal, through the fjords of Norway, over the Alpine passes of Switzerland, or along the picturesque wine routes of France: anyone traveling with a campervan experiences pure freedom. Particularly popular are the route along the Côte d'Azur, the North Cape route through Scandinavia, the panoramic roads in the Dolomites, or the coastal road through Croatia. The right campsite isn't just a place to stay overnight, but often a highlight in itself. Here are five special spots that are ideal for an unforgettable road trip :

Jenny Krutzinna holds a PhD in philosophy and is a passionate camper. When switching from a tent to a motorhome presented her with challenges in finding a campsite, she and her partner quickly developed a digital solution. For eight years, they have been running a leading camping app that helps hundreds of thousands of campers find suitable overnight spots across Europe. Jenny also regularly gives talks on camping and travel topics at camping trade fairs and van life events. She spends about six months of her year on the road in a camper van.

Lofoten Beach Camp, Norway

Located directly on the white sandy beach of Flakstad in the Lofoten Islands, this site is a dream for nature and Northern Lights lovers. The sea, dramatic rock formations, and the midnight sun make the camp a magical place. There are simple pitches right in the dunes – spectacular sunsets included. A must for anyone heading to the North Cape.

Camping Les Criques de Porteils, France

Located between Collioure and Argelès-sur-Mer on the French Mediterranean coast, this terraced campsite offers spectacular views of the azure sea. Small coves invite you to swim and snorkel. With direct access to the "Sentier du Littoral" hiking trail, the site is ideal for combining with an active road trip through the South of France.

Camping Vidor Family & Wellness Resort, Italy

This luxurious campsite in the Fassa Valley combines alpine charm with modern amenities. It's ideal as a stopover on a road trip through the Dolomites or along the famous "Great Dolomites Road." The wellness area with panoramic views, indoor pool, and sauna is just the thing after a hike or bike ride.

Camping Zaton Holiday Resort, Croatia

Located between Zadar and Nin, this large site offers direct access to a gently sloping sandy beach – ideal for families. Numerous activities, a wide range of leisure options, and the proximity to Krka and Plitvice Lakes National Parks make it an ideal base for campers looking to combine culture, nature, and a beach holiday.

Eco-camping Val d'Or, Luxembourg

Located in the heart of the Luxembourg Ardennes, this charming, nature-oriented campsite is nestled along the Clerve River. It's ideal for road trippers traveling through the border triangle of Belgium, Germany, and Luxembourg. With a focus on sustainability and tranquility, Val d'Or offers a relaxed atmosphere in a green setting.

What you really need for a campervan road trip depends largely on how you travel: Families have different needs than solo travelers, summer vacationers need different things than winter campers. Whether you're traveling in a tent, van, or motorhome also makes a difference. However, there is a basic set of equipment that's useful in any case – for comfort, safety, and independence on the road.

Navigation & Communication

Offline-capable navigation apps or a traditional sat nav are essential, especially in remote areas. A road map is also a good backup. A portable Wi-Fi router or an EU-wide SIM card provides connectivity – as do charging cables, a 12V power adapter, and a power bank.

Electricity & Energy Supply

Those who want to be independent should consider additional power sources such as solar panels or a second battery. CEE adapters, extension cables, and power strips are essential at campsites.

Cooking equipment & food

A portable gas stove, pots, dishes, cutlery, a cutting board, and a sponge are part of the kitchen equipment. A cool box or compressor refrigerator keeps food fresh, and a water canister provides supplies. Foldable sinks, organic dishwashing liquid, and a selection of nonperishable foods are also practical.

A good mattress or a sturdy airbed, suitable sleeping bags or blankets, and pillows ensure restful sleep. Blackout blinds, mosquito nets, and insulation (such as thermal mats) increase comfort. Camping chairs, a table, and an awning make outdoor life more pleasant.

A warning triangle, high-visibility vest, first-aid kit, and spare light bulbs are mandatory in many countries. Also helpful: a small first-aid kit, mosquito repellent, sunscreen, a fire extinguisher, a multi-tool, and duct tape for minor repairs.

A portable shower, wet wipes, biodegradable soap, and trash bags are helpful—especially when camping. Those who are self-sufficient should consider a portable toilet. Separating waste while on the move is a must.

Flashlights or headlamps, clotheslines, tent pegs, guy ropes, bicycles, and a small toolbox round out the gear. Smart packing saves space—and you're prepared for almost anything.

A well-planned road trip is half the battle – especially when camping . When traveling in a camper, you not only have to set your destinations, but also consider factors like travel times, finding a parking space, toll roads, and supply points. However, you should still leave enough flexibility to react spontaneously to weather, mood, or recommendations along the way. The trick, therefore, lies in planning with flexibility – here's a guide to achieving this:

Clarify travel duration & interests

First, you should determine how much time you have available and what type of traveler you're looking for: culture, nature, beach, mountains, active holidays, or a mix? Those traveling with children should plan shorter daily trips, while those who are sporty should also consider regions with suitable activities.

Roughly sketch the route – don’t plan it out

Instead of planning every night, we recommend a plan with two to three specific points per week—for example, regions or highlights you absolutely want to see. Leave room for spontaneous detours in between. Tools like OpenStreetMap or Google My Maps help you estimate distances realistically. Rule of thumb: Don't drive more than 200 to 300 kilometers per day to avoid stress.

Check pitches & campsites beforehand

Especially during peak season or in popular regions (e.g., southern France, Lofoten, northern Italy), it's worth reserving at least the first and last spots in advance. For stopovers, reputable apps and campsite guides are helpful, displaying legal spots with ratings and filtering options.

Plan roads, tolls & environmental zones

Many countries charge tolls (e.g., Austria, Switzerland, France, and Italy), while others have low-emission zones (e.g., Germany, France, and the UK). If you overlook this, you risk fines. Get information in advance and obtain the necessary vignettes or stickers.

In summer, it can get too hot in the south, some Alpine passes are still closed in spring, and many campsites close in autumn. Therefore, adjust your travel time to suit your route and activities – or plan alternative destinations.

Build in buffers & stay flexible

While planning is important, the best moments often arise spontaneously. A buffer of 1–2 days per week allows room for breaks, detours, or weather changes – making the road trip more relaxed and authentic.

A camping road trip through Europe promises freedom, but it should be well prepared – especially legally. Camping regulations vary from country to country. If you want to avoid fines and travel respectfully, you should know the most important rules regarding wild camping, freestanding camping, traffic regulations, and vehicle equipment.

Wild camping vs. freestanding – the difference counts

Wild camping means spending the night with a tent in the great outdoors, for example, in meadows, on the edge of a forest, or by a lake. Free camping refers to spending the night in a vehicle (such as a campervan or van) outside of designated campsites.

Permitted: In Norway, Sweden, and Finland, wild camping with a tent is permitted under the "right of public access" – as long as you keep your distance from houses, leave no trash behind, and stay for a maximum of two nights. Free camping is generally tolerated in remote areas, but is increasingly being restricted by appropriate signs. Overnight stays in parking lots are permitted unless explicitly prohibited.

Tolerated: In countries such as Germany, parts of Austria and Spain, spending a single night in a vehicle to restore driving ability is permitted – but only without camping behavior (no table, no awning).

Prohibited: In England, Croatia, Slovenia, Greece, and Portugal, wild camping is prohibited almost everywhere. Overnight stays are usually only permitted in designated campsites, and violations are punishable by heavy fines.

Traffic and environmental zones

Many cities have environmental zones that require a sticker or registration – for example, the Crit'Air vignette in France or environmental stickers in Germany. In London, Stockholm, and Oslo, additional city tolls apply.

Also pay attention to height and weight restrictions, especially in old towns and on mountain roads.

Vehicle equipment: Differences by country

The required safety equipment varies: This may include, for example, high-visibility vests for everyone, breathalyzers, two warning triangles or a breakdown light, spare bulbs, and a fire extinguisher. Be sure to check the regulations of the country you're traveling to before departure; otherwise, it can be expensive.

Consideration is mandatory

Fire-making, waste disposal, greywater drainage, and nighttime quiet are regulated everywhere. Open fires are generally prohibited, especially in southern countries and Scandinavia. Those who treat nature and their neighbors with respect not only travel safely—they are also welcome campers.

A road trip with a campervan sounds like boundless freedom—and in many cases, it is. But even with careful planning, unexpected challenges can arise along the way. The good news: With a little preparation, flexibility, and calm, most problems can be quickly resolved. Here are some common stumbling blocks—and tips on how to deal with them.

Sudden parking space shortage

Especially during peak season or in popular regions (e.g., southern France, northern Italy, the fjords of Norway), it can be difficult to find a spot on the spur of the moment. Many campsites are fully booked, especially on weekends. Tip: Book early or arrive early in the morning. When using information online or in apps, be sure to check that the pitches are legal, otherwise you'll quickly run into trouble.

Weather extremes and temperature differences

In Norway, it can suddenly snow even in July; in Spain, temperatures in a campervan can quickly exceed 40 degrees Celsius. Heat, storms, or persistent rain can be a real test. A thermal curtain, fan, sleeping mat, awning, or sun sail can help. Also, always have clothing for different weather conditions with you – even in summer.

Language barriers & regional rules

English isn't spoken everywhere, and many countries have different traffic and camping regulations. Tip: Check local regulations in advance, have an offline translator handy, and prepare important phrases (e.g., "Where is the nearest campsite?" in Italian or French).

Technical breakdowns on the vehicle

A flat tire, dead battery, or broken water pump can happen at any time. Important: Have tools, jumper cables, spare fuses, and a multimeter on board. A Europe-wide breakdown assistance program (such as ADAC Plus) provides peace of mind – as does a basic understanding of the vehicle's technology.

Lack of infrastructure for free camping

Those who stay overnight away from traditional campsites quickly face the problem: no water, no toilet, no electricity. A portable toilet, solar power, sufficient water and supplies, and good organization help you remain self-sufficient. Nevertheless, it's best to visit a serviced site every few days—not just for showering, but also for garbage disposal and refueling.

With realistic planning and a bit of improvisational talent, every challenge becomes an experience – and part of the adventure.

This article is from the EXPERTS Circle – a network of selected experts with in-depth knowledge and many years of experience. The content is based on individual assessments and is aligned with the current state of science and practice.