What are my rights when booking a camping holiday?

Many campers do not book their campsites in advance. Camping vacations are becoming increasingly popular. For this reason, campsites increasingly want you to book in advance, especially in high season. Also, some campsites require staying a minimum number of days.

#booking-a-campsite

Read the conditions of the relevant campsite with due care. Are you cancelling your camping vacation? Then you are often required to pay the campsite a cancellation fee. This means that in most cases, cancellation is not free.

Campsites often have more lenient rules than hotels. Some campsites do not charge a cancellation fee. But as camping becomes more popular, an increasing number of campsites charge cancellation fees.

#camping-cancellation

Some tips for booking a campsite:

• Are you going camping in the high season? Then ask if a minimum stay applies. Some campsites apply a minimum stay, or a minimum or maximum number of days you can stay.
• Make sure you know the check-in and check-out times. These are especially important if you leave late at night or arrive early in the morning.
• Is your RV or caravan large? Then check that the space you rent is large enough.
• Do you have any special preferences? For example, a baby changing area or a dog walking area? Then look at the campsite map and choose a space near this location.

#camping-tips-booking

Campsite prices often vary widely. It is worth comparing the prices of several campsites. Keep in mind that the total price often consists of many different costs. So ask for the total price in advance or upon arrival.

The campsite sets the price mainly based on:

• The number of persons
• The number of vehicles
• The number of tents
• The size of the space

Be aware of other fees that are often charged:

• The accommodation costs of children or adults
• The tourist tax
• The fees for electricity and water

#camping-tips-prices

Would you like to pitch your tent, caravan or motorhome in the great outdoors? If so, always check if this is allowed in your vacation country. Wild camping may be against the law and subject to high fines. Always first do research on the internet or ask. For example, ask a tourist office or the municipality where you want to camp.

Wild camping is prohibited in most European countries. Usually you may only camp on private property, subject to permission of the land owner. You can also look for someone who rents out their garden to campers. This form of camping is becoming increasingly popular.

#wild-camping

In most EU countries, it is illegal to spend the night with a caravan or motorhome in parking lots and at roadside resting zones. RVs are often not allowed in parking lots at all. Are you travelling in Europe with your RV? If so, always check the rules in your vacation country first.

#camping-parking-lot

Each country has its own customs and rules. For example:

• In Spain, there are special parking lots where camping is permitted. You can access the area for a small fee.
• In Sweden, you may pitch a tent in the outdoors. However, a number of conditions apply: For example, you may not wild camp near a residence. Also, you may not leave any traces, such as trash or traces of a campfire.

Some rules apply across Europe. For example, you should never camp in a public space, such as a park, border, shoulder or plaza. The ban also applies to typical camping activities, such as barbecuing and hanging out laundry.

#camping-local-rules