Holidays in mobile homes and caravans: Where you can stay overnight in Europe – and where not

Sleep where you want: This is how mobile home and caravan rental companies lure holidaymakers. There are quite strict rules. And big fines.

Romantic camping on a deserted beach or by a lonely, quiet mountain lake: such images tempt you to vacation in a mobile home. But the romance is quickly over when you find yourself on a full campsite instead of in the dunes.

And that can definitely happen, because simply setting up camp where it suits you – that’s forbidden in many countries. These rules are sometimes vigorously enforced – especially in regions where there are many campsites.

Croatia, Spain and the Netherlands in particular have acquired a corresponding reputation. Even in Eastern Europe, a campsite is often the only place where you can stay overnight in a mobile home.

At least this has one advantage: because motorhomes are safer there than in the wilderness or on the side of the road. What rules apply to our European neighbors? And what is allowed in Germany? Find out here.

Campsites are plentiful throughout the country, especially along the coast. However, parking spaces are rare. Beyond such places, camping is only allowed for one night.

Campsites are rather rare to find, there are no parking spaces at all. Overnight stays are only allowed on the campsite. The ban even includes private property.

In addition to many campsites, farms, inns and ports often have parking spaces. Since there is no shortage of these, overnight stays are also prohibited.

You will also find a large number of campsites and parking spaces here. If necessary, you may spend a night on the side of the road to regain your ability to drive – except in the case of a regional ban. More detailed information about Germany can be found below.

Campsites are primarily found along the coast. There are no parking spaces. Outside of a built-up area, you must head for a campsite to stay overnight.

In addition to a large number of campsites, there are also parking spaces, which you will mainly find at inns. In addition, staying overnight is only allowed on private property – if the owner agrees.

There are many pitches and even more campsites. Overnight stays beyond these sites are governed by local regulations.

In Greece you will find many campsites, especially by the sea, but almost no pitches. Overnight stays are only allowed on campsites.

There are no parking spaces, but there are many campsites. If you want to stay somewhere else, you must comply with local regulations.

The network of campsites is very dense. However, there are no parking spaces. You are not allowed to stay overnight at the roadside. Also observe the local regulations.

Especially in the north and in the middle of the country there are many campsites and plenty of parking spaces. You can also spend a night elsewhere, but observe the local regulations.

Overnight stays are only allowed on campsites (many on the coast) and the few pitches. It is also not allowed on private property.

There are no parking spaces, but there are enough campsites. You may stay overnight on private property if the owner agrees, outside of built-up areas it is only allowed on campsites.

You will find campsites along the coast and lakes, but otherwise they are rare. There are no parking spaces at all. If you don’t stay overnight in a built-up area, you have to head for a campsite.

Overnight stays are only allowed on campsites. There are many of them. However, there are no parking spaces.

Overnight stays are only permitted on campsites (very many, also on farms) and on the few pitches.

Especially in the south you will find many campsites, but there are only a few parking spaces. In addition, overnight stays are regulated by local bans.