The Archives-  January 2001

Camping, Caravanning or  Motor Caravanning in Europe

Most European countries offer better camping and caravanning facilities than Britain: look out for the international tent or caravan symbols.

General
Sites range from those with only basic facilities like drinking water and sanitation, to very well equipped and comfortable establishments, with hot and cold water, showers, lighting, mains electricity points for caravans, laundry and ironing rooms, TV rooms, shops, supermarkets, restaurants and swimming pools.
Many countries have a national classification system, but there is no international Standard.  Classification is normally based on the amenities provided, heavily weighted towards sanitary facilities.  It does not necessarily indicate overall standard.  At the height of the summer season, many sites in popular areas become very crowded, and it is difficult for even the best sites to maintain good standards of cleanliness.  Whenever possible, inspect the site before deciding whether to stay.  Lists of sites are normally available from national tourist offices, and guide books listing sites in all European countries are published by the Caravan Club and the AA.  In most countries there are many more sites than those listed.  Some sites are open all year round, but the season is mainly from May to September.  Those sites that are open all year round usually charge lower prices out of season.
Camping is one of the cheapest forms of accommodation, but there is a wide range of charges.  Prices are normally calculated on a daily rate, but there are different methods of charging: perhaps separate charges for the car, the pitch, and each person, or for the car and each person, or for the pitch and each person.  Some sites make an all-inclusive charge.  Many allow reductions for children, and some allow reductions to holders of an International Camping Carnet.  A special visitor's tax is payable in addition to all other charges in some countries or some areas.  Most camping sites allow tents, trailer caravans and motor caravans.  A few accept tents only, and on some sites there is a separate area for tents.  Cars can usually be parked beside tents, but sometimes have to be parked in a separate area.  Tents and equipment can be hired at some sites, but there is likely to be a heavy demand in popular areas in the high season.  It is advisable to book in advance.

Making a reservation
When you make an advance reservation, you are more likely to get a reply if you send an international reply coupon (obtainable at a post office).  The best time to write is about Easter, when sites are just opening for the season.  Remember that the site operator will probably not understand English.  The Caravan Club guidebook gives sample booking requests in five languages.  When a site is booked, it does not mean that a particular pitch is reserved - only that space is allocated.  The earliest arrivals, booked or unbooked, get the best pitches.  In popular areas, sites quickly fill up after 4 p.m.  All site users should always report first to the camp office to book a pitch and fulfill any national registration formalities.  Visitors may have to surrender their passports for the duration of their stay - which may present difficulties, because the passport may also have to be produced to cash travellers' cheques.  At many camps an International Camping Carnet is accepted instead.
Wild camping (staying overnight somewhere that is not an organised site) is allowed in some countries, provided that the landowner gives permission.  On common land, ask the local police or local authority.
In most countries, offsite camping is not allowed in state forest or woodlands, and it is not wise to choose a spot near military installations or protected areas.  Lighting open fires without permission is generally against the law and can lead to heavy fines.
In some countries, camping is allowed only on organised sites, and wild camping can result in prosecution and confiscation of equipment.

Country-by-Country Guide

Austria
The most popular camping areas are Salzburg and Tirol, and many of the 350 organised sites are within this area.  A list is available from the national tourist office.  Some secondary roads are narrow with steep gradients, and many pass roads are either unsuitable for trailers or closed to them.  Get details of your route from a motoring organisation before touring with a trailer caravan.  Most sites allow reductions in charges for children and for holders of an International Camping Carne.  Local taxes are payable in some places.
The Austrian Camping Club (OCC), Schubertring 3, 1010 Vienna 1, can give further information.
Wild camping is allowed, with the landowner's permission.  For camping in state forests, ask the local Bürgermeister.  Open fires are not allowed in woodland areas.  Anyone camping wild for more than three days should report to the local police, and should tell the police if they change to another location.

Andorra
There are about 20 sites, ranging from basic to well equipped.  They are normally open between early June and the beginning of October.

Belgium
The national tourist office issues a list of about 220 sites, many in the Ardennes area.  Sites tend to be crowded during July and August.  The classification, which ranges from 4-star to 1-star, should be shown at the site entrance.  Local taxes are payable in some places.
Wild camping is permitted, with restrictions.  It is not allowed on public roads for more than 24 hours, or along the seashore.  In some places there are notices prohibiting wild camping.  Do not fail to observe them.
For common lands or state forests, get permission from the local police or the Garde des Eaux et Fôrets.

Bulgaria
There are nearly 100 sites, graded into three categories special, 1st class, and 2nd class.  A list and map are available from the national tourist office.   Children aged 2  to 12 years are charged half price.  'There is a visitor's tax payable in some areas.
Wild camping is not permitted.

Switzerland
There are about 500 sites, run by the Swiss Camping Federation and the Swiss Touring Club. Some sites, particularly at winter sports resorts, are open all year.  There are four categories of site.  Category 3 is described as simple, Category 2 as adequate, and Category 1 as comfortable.  Category 1 sites have reception desks and warm showers and are fenced in.  The top grade is Category la, which has even better sanitary installations and also special facilities.  There is no charge for children under 6 years, and children 6 to 12 years are charged half-price.  There is a visitor's tax at most places.  A list of about 220 sites, with a location map, is available from the national tourist office.
Wild camping is permitted, except in the National Park (canton of Grisons) and nature reserves.

Czechoslovakia
Many sites are well equipped but some have only basic facilities.  A list of about 20 Cedok camps is available from the national travel bureau.  These camps are well equipped, with buffet, TV room, sports hire service, cooking facilities, laundry and ironing room.  Under Czechoslovak frontier regulations, each camper must spend a specified amount for each day of his stay (children under 15 years half rate).  The minimum obligatory exchange can be covered by buying cheques from Cedok (London) Ltd.  Cedok cheques or travellers' cheques or foreign currency must be exchanged before arrival at a site; campsites have no exchange facilities.
Wild camping is not encouraged.
Open fires are not allowed in woodlands, and offenders are heavily fined.

German Federal Republic (West Germany)
The national tourist office issues a list and map of about 450 chosen sites.  There are, however, about 1500 sites throughout the country.  Guidebooks are available from the German Camping Club (DCC), D8000 Munich 40, Mandlstrasse 28, and the German motoring club (ADAC), D8000 Munich 222, Koniginstrasse 9-11a.
Sites are classified by symbols indicating the surroundings (outstandingly beautiful, very good, good and average), the facilities (excellent, very good, good and satisfactory) and the noise level (very quiet, quiet, average and noisy).  At sites affiliated to the DCC, holders of International Camping Carnets can get a 10% reduction on the charges per person (but not on charges for cars or tents).
On Heligoland and the smaller East Friesian Islands, camping sites are mainly reserved for organised groups, and advance booking is necessary.
Wild camping is not encouraged, and is not allowed in forests or nature reserves.

German Democratic Republic (East Germany)
There are 32 sites for tourists.  A few are for tourists in transit only.  Before entering East Germany, each camper of 16 years or over must buy fixed-price vouchers for the number of nights he intends to stay (the days of arrival and departure count as one day).  Vouchers can be bought from Berolina Travel Ltd or other official agents or at the frontier.  Without vouchers a visa cannot be obtained.  These vouchers are exchanged for East German currency at Reisebüro der DDR at the frontier.  The fixed daily rate is enough to cover camping and parking fees and usually also restaurant meals.  At spa sites, a special tax is payable.  When entering the country, campers must state which sites they intend to use.  Holders of transit visas can use only camps authorised for transit camping, and must report to the warden on arrival.  Holders of tourist entry visas must report to the district police on arrival at the first site, and must state the names of all other sites at which they intend to stay.  Bookings can be made through travel agents (there is a service charge, and should be made in time for the information to have reached the Reisebüro der DDR seven days before the campers arrival in the country.

Denmark
Camping in Denmark is well organised, with about 520 officially approved and graded sites regularly inspected by the health authorities.  Approved sites have a sign 'Godkendt Lejrplads'.  Sites with only 1 star must have at least the minimum sanitary installations, drinking water and space.  Sites with 2 stars must be suitably sheltered and have showers, electric plugs and laundry facilities and a shop not more than 2 km./1¼ miles away.  The 3-star sites must have a higher standard of toilets and wash places, a shop near by, a playground, cooking facilities and a camp warden on regular duty.  An International Camping Carnet is needed to enter any site.  Campers without one can buy, at the first site they visit, a Danish Camping Pass valid for four weeks for all approved Danish sites.  The Danish Tourist Board issues a list of 2-star and 3-star sites.  The official camping guide to all approved sites is available from Dansk Central-Boghandel, Nørregade 49, DK 1165 Copenhagen K. It can be bought at sites, bookshops and tourist offices in Denmark.
Wild camping is allowed, except on common or state land, among dunes or on beaches.  It is not, however generally practicable except at some farms on the island of Mors, North Jutland.  The tourist bureau in Nykøbing, Mors, can give advice on suitable places.

Spain
The national tourist office publishes a list and map of more than 500 sites.  Most are along the coast, particularly the Costa Brava.  Many of the inland sites are around Madrid and in the Pyrénées area.  Early booking is advisable for coastal sites at popular resorts.  Sites are graded 1st, 2nd and 3rd class according to the amenities available.  There are also some luxury sites, which have a restaurant, supermarket, swimming pool and children's playground.  The classification should be displayed at the entrance to each site, as should charges, which are controlled.  An adult must accompany children under 16 years.  There are reduced charges for children under 10 years.  Many sites are supervised by the ANCE (Agrupacion Nacional de Campings de España), Calle Duque de Medinaceli 2, Madrid (14).
Wild camping is allowed but is restricted, for example, it is not allowed within 1 km. of an organised site, in urban centres, near the roadside, within 150m of a town's drinking water supply, on dry river beds or on land that is likely to be flooded.  Not more than three tents or caravans or ten people can camp at the same place.  Ask the local police for advice before choosing a pitch.

France
About 4000 sites are listed in the annual guide, published by the French Federation of Camping and Caravanning; an English edition can be bought from les Routiers, Department C, Stanley House, Smarden, Ashford, Kent. The Touring Club de France has 36 luxury sites two within the Paris area and there are 32 luxury Castels et Campings Caravanning sites within the grounds of' chateaux. Another chain of campsites, many with caravans to rent, is organised by Airhotels.  Lists are available from the national tourist office.  Sites are classified by stars.  The 1 star sites are simply equipped,  2 star well equipped, 3 star well equipped and comfortable, and 4-star very well equipped and very comfortable.  An International Camping Carnet is needed for Castels et Campings Caravanning sites and for sites in state forests (fôrets domaniales). It may also be needed at some other sites.
Wild camping is not allowed in the South of France, because of the fire risk.  It is also forbidden in the departments of' Landes and Gironde, and in state forests and nature reserves.  Camping in any unauthorised place can result in confiscation of equipment and prosecution.

Greece
There are about 80 campsites.  Many are privately owned, but there are a few run by the Hellenic Touring Club (ELPA) and 11 run by the national tourist organisation.  Most of the tourist organisation sites are along the north coast in Thrace and Macedonia.  A list of sites is available from the national tourist office.  Tents equipped with two beds and bed linen can be hired at the ELPA site at Moni Island, near Athens.  Book in advance with the Automobile and Touring Club of Greece (ELPA), Tower of Athens, 2-4 Messogion Street, Athens 610.  Wild camping is not permitted.

Hungary
The national travel centre lists 70 sites, graded from 1st to 4th class.  There is no charge for children under 6 Years of age, and children 6 to 16 years pay half rates.  Holders of International Camping Carnets are allowed some reduction, but in some areas a local tax is payable.  Before campers of 16 years or over can obtain a visa, they have to buy camping cheques at a fixed daily rate for the duration of their stay (minimum three days).  Cheques are available from Danube Travel or other Ibusz agents.  They can be cashed at campsites.  Buyers must hold an International Camping Carnet.  The Hungarian Camping and Caravanning Club, 1088 Budapest VIII, Múseum Utca 11, provides information about camping and booking.

Italy
Many of Italy's 1200 organised sites are in the north along the Adriatic and Riviera coasts and in the lake areas.  These sites are busy in summer, and early booking is advisable.
The Touring Club Italiano and the Italian Camping Federation publish camping guides.  The TCI guide can be ordered from Italian State Railways CIT (England) Ltd, 10 Charles 11 Street, London SW1Y 4AB.
The Camping Federation Guide can be bought from the state tourist department, or from Federazione Italiana del Campeggio, Centro Nazionale Campeggiatori Stranieri, Casella Postale 649, 501 00 Firenze, Italy.  The tourist department also publishes a free abridged list and location map.  Some sites provide fixed tents for hire and have restaurants; details are available from the Touring Club Italiano, Corso Italia 10, Milano, Italy.
Wild camping is allowed (with landowner's permission) but it is not encouraged.  It is not allowed in state forests and national parks.

Luxembourg
A list of more than 100 organised sites, with a location map, is available from the national tourist office.  Sites are classified into 1st, 2nd, 3rd and a pilot category.  The pilot category being the most luxurious and expensive.  Prices are controlled and must be displayed at the site entrance. Wild camping is allowed, with permission, except on the shores of the Upper Sûre Lake.  Permission to camp in state forests must be obtained from the Garde des Eaux et des Fôrets.

Norway
Most sites are open from June 15 to August 25.  There are about 1200 organised sites, many run by the motoring clubs (Norges Automobil-Forbund, Konelig Norsk Automobilklub, and Motorforernes Avholdsforbund).  The fjord region in West Norway is not generally suitable for caravans.  Sites are classified by stars 3-star, very well appointed, 2-star, well appointed, 1-star, standard.  All 3-star and 2-star sites have WC’s, showers, electric power points, laundry and ironing room, and a watchman.  The public authorities regularly inspect all sites.  The Norges Automobil-Forbund, Storgaten 2-4-6, Oslo 1, publishes a camping guide and a list is available from the national tourist office. Wild camping is allowed in any suitable spot in uninhabited areas.  Buy all you may need before entering mountain areas, as there are very few shops.
Open fires are not allowed in wooded areas.

Netherlands
There are about 2000 sites.  The national tourist office issues a map and list of 500, chosen by the Netherlands Camping Council for their standards and the space available.  Those along the coast tend to be crowded from mid July to mid August.
Wild camping is not permitted.

Portugal
About half the 70 organised sites are along Portugal's 500-mile coastline.  About 20 are well-equipped sites run by the Orbitur chain; others are privately owned or run by local authorities.  A list of sites is available from the state tourist office.
Wild camping is allowed, but restricted.  It is forbidden within 1 km. of an organised site, beach or town, and there must not be more than three caravans together.
Open fires are prohibited in pine groves and forests.

Poland
There are about 200 camping sites classified in three categories, and about 350 bivouac sites equipped only with wells and basic conveniences.  Category 1 sites have hot and cold running water, showers, snack bars, souvenir and newspaper stalls.  Category 2 and 3 sites have more limited facilities.  Some sites have camping cabins for hire.  There is no charge for children under 7 years, and holders of International Camping Carnets are allowed some reduction.  A list of sites and a location map are available from the tourist information centre.  All foreign visitors must exchange a stipulated amount of' foreign currency into Polish currency, based on a daily rate according to the number of weeks for which they obtained a visa.  Camping coupons are available for foreign tourists at a favourable exchange rate.  These give priority at sites, and cover the cost of camping and parking fees and food.  They are valid throughout Poland from May 15 to September 30.  If not used they cannot be re-exchanged into foreign currency.
ORBIS-PZM camping coupons are sold by the Polish motoring organisation, Polski Zwiazek Motorowy (PZM), and can be bought at approved agents of Orbis, the Polish state travel agency or at PZM frontier offices.
Wild camping is sometimes possible with the permission of the local authority, but is not generally encouraged.  It is not allowed in national parks and along coastal dunes.

Romania
A list of more than 110 sites and a location map are available from the national tourist offices.  Most are near main towns and routes, and there are some along the Black Sea coast.  Sites open from June 1 to September 15.  Equipment can be hired at some.  Tourist camping-caravanning coupons, which can be bought at a favourable exchange rate at the frontier, are valid at sites recommended by the Automobile Club of Romania to cover parking and camping fees, dinner and breakfast.  The Automobile Club of Romania offers 5 litres of petrol free for each coupon bought.

Sweden
Most camping sites are owned and supervised by local authorities.  There are about 530 sites, approved by the Swedish National Camping Committee, identified by a special sign, a black tent encircled by a white C on a green background.  Sites are graded into three groups and a short list is available from the Swedish travel bureau.  A camping guide (Campingboken) with details in English is on sale in Sweden.  An International Camping Carnet is required at some sites.  Alternatively, a Swedish Camping Card can be bought at the first site visited and is valid for a year.  Cards are handed in on arrival and returned when the bill is paid.  Wild camping is allowed, with permission, except in restricted areas indicated by the sign 'Skyddsomrade'.

Finland
There are about 300 sites, usually beside waterways or near main roads.  All sites must be licensed and those that display a tent sign with the letter C in the middle are supervised by the Finnish Travel Association Camping Department, Uudenmaankatu 16a, 00120 Helsinki 12.  A list of 200 of the best-equipped sites is available from the Finnish Tourist Board.  Only a few sites cater for caravans.
Wild camping is permitted, as long as permission is obtained, but is not encouraged.
Most of the country's main roads are asphalted, but in the north and east there are dust and gravel roads that call for careful driving.  Some roads are impassable March to May and September and October.

Turkey
A list of ten well-equipped BP-Kervansaray Mocamps is available from the tourist office.  The address for advance bookings is Kervansaray Company, PO Box 211, Sisli, Istanbul, Turkey.
There are many other sites, especially along the coast, supervised by local authorities.  Some petrol stations can offer camping space and necessary facilities. Wild camping is permitted, except near military zones.

Yugoslavia (Former)

The Yugoslav motoring organisation, Auto-moto savez Jugoslavije, officially lists nearly 200 sites.  Their guidebook, which includes a map, is available from the national tourist office.  Most sites are along the coast or on the islands served by ferryboats, but there are many along the main route through Ljubljana, Zagreb, Belgrade and Skopje.
At many sites there are reductions for holders of an International Camping Carnet.
In addition to camping fees, there is a visitor's tax, which varies according to the time of year and the area.
Wild camping is riot permitted.