Camping

There are several things you should consider for a trip, whether you are going on a long or short trip.

• Research your destination countries

  Before you leave home research where you want to visit thoroughly. Whilst it is nice to choose each morning where you will visit, there is nothing worse than realising that you have already passed something you would loved to have visited. Guide books are an invaluable resource. They give masses of information and tips. There are many websites that offer great information also. Websites generally offer lots of photos about destinations, whereas guidebooks often don't, to save printing costs. See the guide book section.

• Prepare your vehicle

  An obvious one, but easy to overlook. If you have any problem with your vehicle, get it checked before you leave home. Breaking down is almost always expensive. Language barriers can complicate matters if you need repairs.

• Get good maps and even GPS

  No matter where you are travelling you will need good maps. Up to date maps are important in places like Spain and Portugal where new roads are constantly being built. Also consider buying a GPS unit. They make navigating very easy.

• Take lots of music

  Make sure you take lots of music with you. Take lots more than you think. If you are spending lots of time in your vehicle, whether travelling or stationary, you will get through music quickly. If you have a MP3 cd player in your vehicle make yourself lots of CDs using this format, as it reduces the number of CDs to carry.

• Take books in your preferred language

  If you are a reader and are going to county where your preferred language (such as English) is not the first language (in a country such as Portugal) take a few spare books. Charity shops are a good place to find lots of cheap books. Getting hold of a foreign language book is not always easy. The best place to get hold of a foreign language book on your tip is in a large bookstore, especially in cities. Some campsites have a bookshelf where you can swap the books you have read with books other people have left behind. Also ask other campers you meet, to see if they have books they would like to swap.

I have compiled some tips to help your camping experiences.

Essentials

1. Don't drink tap water

   Never drink tap water. Only a few countries in Europe have tap water suitable for drinking, these include Great Briton, France and German. I still recommend drinking only bottled water in these countries. Water supplies at campsites are not always very good. I also recommend using bottled water when making hot drinks such as coffee and tea. It is also a good idea to brush your teeth with bottles water also. Bottled water can be bought cheaply in bulk from supermarkets.

Free camping is where you park your vehicle in an acceptable place, such as a beach car park, and camp for free. Camping is perhaps a misleading term. In most countries erecting a tent is not accepted, and you should ensure that all of your things remain in your vehicle. Sitting outside with a table and chairs is fine, as is hanging out your washing. The key thing is to make no noise and mess, leave the spot as you found it.

The ups and downs of free camping

Free camping is a great way to reduce your daily costs, by not paying campsite fees. The downside is that you do not have the facilities that the campsite offers. For smaller vehicles, such as camper vans, the biggest problem is normally that you will not have a toilet or shower at the free camping location. Many beach side areas have cold water showers, and some have toilets. You can of course get a chemical toilet to store in your vehicle. Large vehicles often have a toilet and shower room. It is possible to work around the lack of facilities by using the beach showers and using toilets in local places such as bus stations, train stations, supermarkets and of course public toilets. If you have the nerve it is possible to enter a larger restaurant, when it's busy, and just use the toilets. It is unlikely anyone will notice or challenge you. You must respect the free camping area to ensure it's continued use.

Security when free camping

Your vehicle is always at risk from thieves and damage not mater where you are. Free camping spots are known by locals and most leisure vehicles are very obvious. Always park sensible, never leave anything on display, and always lock your vehicle. If others are parking in the area park next to them, not just close to them. A vehicle is safer when in a pack of vehicles, rather than a lone vehicle on the edge of the pack. When you park up chat with the people camping around you. Don't be put off by people with dreadlocks or by surfers, which you will find in seaside areas. These people are normally very nice, friendly and also looking for a secure place to park.

Permission

You should always get permission before free camping. This is not always easy as it can be hard to determine who to ask. It is made more difficult when travelling in a country where you do not speak the primary language. If you do not seek permission when you must accept that you may be awoken by the police or land owner, moved on or issued with a fine. This is very rare though. In acceptable or designated free camping areas very few troubles occur. In my experience I have had no trouble, meet lots of nice people and saved a lot of money.

In France there are many official free camping sites, knows as aire de camping. These may charge a small overnight fee during peak months, but are free during off-peak times. Responsible free camping is generally accepted elsewhere.

In Spain and Portugal free camping is tolerated in most car parks around beach areas. In some areas it is not tolerated, and will be signposted. Note: free camping is illegal in the Algarve region of Portugal.

Be considerate

Free camping is accepted in many areas as the local people accept that the visiting travelers will spend their money on supplies, fuel and restaurants in local establishments. It is important to not upset the local people, police and authorities. If you do upset people you, and everyone else there, will almost certainly be moved on. This may also jeopardise the future of the free camping location. If you follow the simply rules and use your common sense you can enjoy free camping in lots of lovely areas, meet lots of nice people and save money.

Suitable free camping areas

Beaches

Beaches are a great, and for many, the best place to free camp. You can normally park up in a sandy or dirt car park, facing the sea. Beach areas are normally quite and have beautiful views and sounds. Some have toilets, and some have cold water showers. It is often possible to get water from the showers to use for washing, etc.

Truck stops

Many cross-country main roads have truck stops where truckers stop overnight. Almost all are free, some not being much more that dirt areas to the side of fuel stations. These areas can be good places to stop for the night. Safety is generally good, as you will almost always find at least 1 truck parked up. If you do stop stay out of the way of the trucks. The trucks need a lot of space to turn, and won't be happy if you are parked in the way. Look on the dirt surface to see their tire tracks, this will indicate where they turn and park.

Road laybys

It is often possible to find nice road laybys in which to park. Often around lakes or mountain areas. Parking next to a busy road isn't a good idea. Crime can be high in roadside areas.

Supermarket car parks

Some supermarkets allow vehicle to park overnight. Tesco in Britain accepts a few vehicles when parked out of the way. ALWAYS ask permission before stopping for the night.

City parks

Many city parks have large roads or avenues around them. It is often possible to find somewhere to park for the night.

Urban areas

If you have a small vehicle, such as a camper van, you can often park in urban areas. Always be aware of your profile though, crime is everywhere. If you have a stealth camper your chances of a free nights stop are much better. I have done this many times and had no problems. However, friends have had people try to pick their locks.

Free camping etiquette

1. Never leave any rubbish or waste behind.
2. Never make excessive noise. If you are playing music ensure only you can hear it.
3. Park sensible, so that people can use the parking bays around your vehicle.
4. If you have to run your engine to charge your leisure batteries, do so during the day, and not at night or early morning.
5. Don't ever use a generator, as they are noisy and everyone will hear it. If you need mains electricity then you probably need a campsite.

Where ever you travel with your camper van or motorhome, it is likely that you will want to visit cities. Due to the high traffic volume in cities, driving is more difficult that in rural areas. If you have a large vehicle, such as a motorhome, then driving becomes even more difficult. Parking especially can be more difficult. Here are some tips to help you enjoy visiting cities.

1. Park at campsites

   As parking is often difficult in cities, try staying in a campsite. Whilst there leave your vehicle there. Most campsites have a bus service that runs to the city. Good campsites will give you the timetable, and tell you which buses to catch. If you have bicycles, and the campsite is reasonable close to the city, cycle in. Also consider using taxis to get into and out of the city.

2. Park at the edge of cities

   If you do wish to park near the city, try parking away from the centre and walking or cycling into the centre. Away from the heart of the city the roads and parking spaces will be bigger and easier to negotiate. If you do leave your vehicle make sure you know where it is! Write down the street or suburb name.

   Note: All cities suffer from crime. When your vehicle is in the city thieves will see it and target it. Consider parking in a secure car park.

3. Use secure parking facilities

   To avoid the risk of damage or break-ins to your vehicle use secure parking facilities. Many secure parking facilities cannot accommodate large vehicles, so ask around. Airports are often good places for secure parking. Airports also have easy bus and train links to city centers.

4. Stay at hotels

   If you would like to stay in the heart of the city, and cannot find a campsite, try staying at a hotel. Ensure the hotel has a parking space for your vehicle.

Campsites are popular everywhere where you might consider living or travelling in a camper van or motorhome. Europe, Australia and the USA all have a fine selection of campsites.

Camping is very popular in western Europe and just about every town that draws tourist has a selection of campsites, with at least one opening all year round.

Campsite facilities

On each campsite you can expect to find: toilets, showers, fresh water taps, waste water drains, sinks to wash dishes and sinks to wash clothes. You may also find: a shop, a swimming pool, restaurants, bars, washing machines and dryers, clothes irons, fridges, gyms and other sports facilities and internet access (including WiFi).

Campsite tips

1. Look around - Prices and quality of campsites vary a lot, and prices don't always represent the quality of the campsite. It is often possible to find a cheaper and better quality campsite.
2. Municipal campsites - are often much cheaper than privately owned campsites. This is good if you are just stopping for the night, or are staying for a long time. The municipal campsites in Portugal can cost as little as €2.50 per person, per night, in winter.

3. Never drink tap water - Only ever drink bottled water. Some countries have good quality tap water, but the supply to campsites can be low quality. Therefore it is always better to drink only bottled water, which can be bought cheaply in bulk from supermarkets.

Wifi on campsites

More and more campsites are offering free Wifi, so it always worth looking out for the sticker in the window in reception. You may have to park close to reception or go in the bar. Check the WiFi section for information about getting free access and a better signal. Many people live on campsites in Europe and it is always worth checking as someone may have a unsecured router.

When travelling and living in a camper van or motorhome you can chose to stay in campsites or free camp in acceptable areas. The facilities you have in your vehicle, namely a toilet and shower, will determine whether you can, or how often you can camp for free.

Sections

• Campsites
• Cities
• Free camping
• Tips
• Trip essentials

Campsites vs Free Camping

Campsites offer the greatest amount of facilities and the greatest security but cost money. To stretch your funds and increase your travelling time you can consider camping for free, or 'free camping'. I personally do both. I often free camp for several days, parking in acceptable areas such as beach car parks, using the toilets and (normally cold) beach showers. Every few days I go to a campsite. Whilst in the campsite I wash my clothes, top up my fresh water, dispose of my waste water and do anything I need to whilst I am them. This is a great way of reducing your camping costs.

Either way is good for meeting people. If you are incorporating water sports into your trip, such as surfing, windsurfing, kayaking, etc. then free camping by the beach offers a great advantage as you can watch the conditions of the sea and wind and get in the water whenever you like. You'll also meet more people practicing your sport.

Cities

Driving and staying in cities is more difficult with a large vehicle such as a camper van or motorhome. See our guide to cities.

Tips

See our camping tips section.

Essentials

Be sure to see our camping trip essentials guide.

Here are some tips on saving money when camping.

1. Free camp

   By free camping, as well as staying in campsites you can reduce your daily accommodation costs. Free camping is tolerated, and even encouraged, in some areas. If you find a beautiful and safe location free camping can be the best part of a trip

2. Stock up at supermarkets

   Convenience stores in small towns are often much more expensive than supermarkets. By stocking up at supermarkets, when you pass them, you can save a lot of money. If you have a large vehicle with lots of storage then you can fill your cupboards, which is particularly useful if you are going to spend long periods of time free camping, away from civilisation.

3. Check campsite prices

   The price of a campsite does not always reflect it's quality. There are many great campsites with great facilities, that are cheaper than nearby campsites. It does pay to look around before using a campsite.

Many people travel alone in a camper van or motorhome. I did so in 2006 through western Europe, and had a great time. It is easy to meet other people when travelling. Whether you are staying in campsites or free camping, there are friendly people everywhere. Other travelers are generally easy to approach, and most will speak English. Some people will be glad for someone else to talk to. If a couple or group of friends are travelling they are often glad for someone else to chat to and share stories and travel information. When free camping in surf locations you will find several people travelling alone, and its easy to find someone to surf, eat and drink with. Solo travelers often travel in convey from place to place, one they have met up someone they get along with.

If you are thinking about travelling alone don't be put off. It can just as rewarding, and sometimes more so, than travelling in groups.

Living in a camper van or motorhome is a cheap and convenient way to see lots of locations. If you are looking to explore in comfort then it is a great option.

I lived in my camper van for 9 months, and loved it. My vehicle
was a converted small Mercedes Sprinter which I converted into a camper van. I spent almost all of my time free camping, with occasional visits to camp sites when in built up areas, and also in rural areas to refresh water supplies and empty toilets, etc.

I travelled in France, Belgium, Spain and Portugal from September to June. I had no problems at all. I know free camping in these areas is more difficult during June, July and August as the police do not like too many people taking up car parks when there are lots of visitors to the beaches.

My camper van looked like an ordinary van from the outside, and so did not attract much attention.

But, If I were going to spend a lot of time living in a vehicle I would consider buying a motorhome as these are more comfortable. But a well converted camper van can be just as comfortable.

For a long period of time I would suggest that you have a wash room, with a toilet and perhaps a simple shower. Toilets are easy to empty with occasional visits to campsites, but showers require a lot of water to be carried. You can generally let the waste water just run onto the ground, but you may have to collect the water if you intend to camp on hard surfaces such as car parks.

If you intend to spend time in northern Europe, or anywhere else that is cold uring winter, I would suggest a heating system of some kind. There are special camper van/motorhome heaters that live outside of the vehicle, run on diesel, and pump heat into the vehicle. These take a bit of work to fit and make some noise
with their diesel engine. A simpler option is to get a gas heater that sits on top of a gas bottle, but you need to have some sort of ventilation in the vehicle such as an open window, to allow the burnt gases to escape. You should also insulate the vehicle to ensure that the heat stays in and the cold stays out. Also thick curtains that fit the windows well will keep a lot of heat in.

I would consider a high-top vehicle necessary, to allow standing all of the time in the vehicle. During bad weather, which could last several days, you need to be able to stand comfortably and move around.

Having at least a small area where you can walk around is also good for stretching legs. Typical VW layouts, with the seating across the van is not good for living in a van, and is really only meant for weekend use.

Expenses can be kept to a minimum with free camping, limited driving and buy stocking up at supermarkets. LPG is cheaper to buy in large quantities, so having large gas bottles means you can save money there.

Electrical power is also a consideration. A vehicle for living in should have a good 12v electrical circuit. You would need 1 or maybe more leisure batteries. These should be charged when the engine is running, as this is the quickest way to charge them. Also consider solar panels which will provide a small amount of power during daylight hours. If you need lots of power, for a TV or laptop when consider
having several leisure batteries. If you will be free camping away from other people you can get a generator to provide 240v electricity. Wind turbines, like those on yachts, can also provide reasonable levels of 12v electricity, but they can be expensive and need to be taken down from the roof every time you drive the vehicle.

Good things

You always have your home with you

You don't have to plan your day looking for accommodation, or end your day short because you need to find a hotel.

You always have a form of transport

You don't have to use public transport. You can drive where you want, when you want. If you are exploring a lot of locations you will save lots of time and money by not using public transport. You do not have to get up early, or wait around for a public transport connection or flight. If you do not like somewhere you just dive on. If you do like somewhere you can stay. You can save lots of time this way

You can stay in beautiful locations

Most campsites are situated in lovely locations, and many have great facilities. However, if you are keen to try free camping (wild camping) then you can stay, for free, in many beautiful locations. There are few things better than watching the sun go down at the beach, and then wake up in the same location in the morning. All just by stepping out of your camper van or motorhome.

Ability to carry possessions

With a camper van you can carry much more than if relying on public transport for a trip. This is great if your trip will incorporate sports such as surfing, wind surfing or cycling.

Bad things

Security

Camper vans and motorhomes are easy to spot and are a target for thieves. If you are careful you can reduce the chances of theft or damage. Stealth campers can help greatly in making your vehicle 'blend in' to the normal traffic.

Initial cost and maintenance costs of the vehicle

Of course you have to purchase or build a camper van or motorhome, and these generally cost a lot of money. However you can trade in your existing vehicle. If you sleep in the camper van you will save accommodation costs and on a long trip this will work out much cheaper than using public transport and hotels. All vehicles need maintaining, and this can be expensive. Careful driving and good maintenance will keep your costs down.

More difficult to drive and park than a car

Camper vans and motorhomes are bigger and generally more difficult to drive than a car. All modern vehicles will have power steering, big mirrors and more expensive models will have reversing sensors or cameras. But the vehicles are large and require a good deal of care. High or wide vehicles will be limited to where they can go. Many car parks now have height restrictions. There is always somewhere else to park, and pop-top models get around this problem.

A problem when visiting islands

If visiting islands for a day or more taking a vehicle is often not an option. Sometimes taking a vehicle on a ferry is expensive, and often not an option. This can be overcome by finding somewhere secure to park the vehicle and then relying on public transport. Secure parking areas are available in a lot of areas. It is worth asking at campsites if they are able to store the vehicle for you during your separation from it. Campsites often store caravans for people.

Toilets and showers

Most camper vans and motorhomes do not have toilets and showers. This is because they take up a lot of room inside the vehicle, toilets can smell and showers require a lot of fresh and waste water be carried. Bigger motorhomes tend to have a toilet and a shower. It is easy to add a portable toilet to a camper van, but storing it is often a problem, and it will almost certainly smell. Most people tend to use campsites at night, which have showers and toilets. It is normally easy to find a toilet in any area where there are people, even at the beach. Cold water showers are available to most popular beaches in Europe. Whilst cold water showers are not ideal they are free. Solar showers are an option, and it is easy to rig up a simple shower for outdoor use with a camper. Most people rely on campsites and beaches though.