Campervan, RV & Vanlife News

Tasmania's Parks and Wildlife Service (PWS) has launched the first phase of an online booking system for selected paid campsites. The system covers campgrounds in Narawntapu, Maria Island, Freycinet, Mount Field, South Bruny and Mount William national parks, as well as Fortescue Bay, Bigs Beach Conservation Area, Arthur-Pieman Conservation Area and Lime Bay State Reserve. Fees are now charged per site for groups of up to six people: $18 per night for standard sites, $24 for premium unpowered sites and $35 for premium powered sites. Larger groups must book additional sites. Freycinet and Fortescue Bay will use numbered sites, while the other eight locations remain unnumbered. The system aims to address "phantom camping", where campers book sites without occupying them.

Qatar's Ministry of Interior set permitted hours for towing caravans and trailers: Sunday to Wednesday 8:00–17:00, Thursday to Saturday 8:00–12:00.

Turismo de Portugal reported that campsites registered 7 million overnight stays in 2025, down from the previous year. According to TravelBi, citing National Statistics Institute (INE) data, 257 operating campsites received about 2 million campers last year, a 4.6% decrease from 2024, while total overnight stays fell 3.4% year-on-year. Domestic visitors accounted for the largest share with 4 million overnight stays in 2025. Summer demand peaked, with Portuguese campers making up 72.4% of all overnight stays, or nearly seven in ten; August was the busiest month for domestic tourism at 1.33 million overnight stays by Portuguese campers. International visitors were more prevalent in winter, accounting for 66.9% of all campsite overnight stays in January 2025. Germany, Spain and France remained the leading international markets with about 200,000 guests each, followed by the Netherlands and the United Kingdom in the top five with around 100,000 guests each.

Motorhome and cabin factories in Qatar have increased readiness for the 2026/2027 winter camping season amid rising demand since April and waiting lists at some plants due to demand exceeding production capacity. Prices for motorhomes and cabins range from 60,000 riyals to about 1.5 million riyals depending on size and specifications. A rise in manufacturing material prices of up to 35% and a jump in shipping costs from about $1,700 to $13,000 per container have created challenges, but factories have limited price increases for customers.

Maintenance work on caravans and cabins has begun at the Sealine parking complex ahead of registration for the 2026/2027 winter camping season, which opens on 11 October, with the season itself starting on 25 October. Owners are moving caravans and cabins out of campsites for annual servicing, including welding, electrical repairs, plumbing, satellite dish installation, painting, and tire checks. The cost of caravan maintenance ranges from 7,000 to 8,000 riyals, depending on condition and equipment.

Changan has unveiled the Hunter 2026, a camper powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine producing 171 hp and 390 Nm, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel drive. Dimensions are 5,995 mm long, 2,170 mm wide and 2,880 mm high, with a 3,430 mm wheelbase, 215 mm ground clearance and a kerb weight of 3,087 kg. Equipment includes a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, a 7.5-inch digital instrument cluster, automatic climate control, movable seats and tables, a water supply with a sink, and a rear rest area.

Erling Haaland has purchased an Airstream camper with Supreme branding for £67,000 and revealed the purchase on his YouTube channel, which has 4.4 million subscribers.

A report details a 25-day motorhome trip along the Croatian coast from Rovinj to Dubrovnik. The route covers Istria, Opatija, Plitvice Lakes, Šibenik, Trogir, Split, Makarska Riviera, and islands. It notes narrow winding roads, limited parking to campsites, high peak-season prices, and predominantly pebble beaches.

Australian company Headspace Campers has converted a Toyota HiAce LWB into a 4x4 camper, using a transfer case from the Land Cruiser 200, low-range gearing and dual air-locking differentials. The vehicle rides on 35-inch tires, retains its 2.8-liter turbo-diesel (174 hp, 450 Nm), and gains fuel tanks totaling 275 liters, a slide-out kitchen, a pop-up roof and a 48-volt electrical system. Payload is 1,500–1,600 kg, towing capacity is 1,700 kg.

Morocco attracts 10,000–12,000 French motorhome travelers yearly, drawn by climate, proximity, and infrastructure, boosting local economies.

Oman's consumer protection authority in Barka, with the public prosecutor, temporarily closed a caravan manufacturer after consumer complaints about unfulfilled contractual obligations.

French magazine Le Monde du Camping-Car highlights Morocco's appeal for motorhome travelers. An estimated 10,000–12,000 French motorhome tourists visit annually.

Four people were injured on Saturday afternoon on federal highway B77 between Busdorf and Jagel in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, when an electric Audi driver attempted an overtaking maneuver despite a no-passing zone. The car collided head-on with an oncoming motorhome. The truck being overtaken was also damaged. Police closed the road for rescue operations and launched an investigation.

Saudi environmental security forces detained a citizen for camping without a permit in the Imam Faisal bin Turki Reserve. The violator faces a fine of up to 3000 riyals.

Organizers of the Mundi Mundi Bash near Broken Hill opened the gates for free entry on the final day after weather improved. Heavy rain had made parts of the camping area unusable, preventing thousands of ticket holders from attending. Founder Greg Donovan said about 75 mm of rain fell over 11 days, a third of Broken Hill's annual average. Around 10,000 attendees showed up, compared to the expected 15,000.

The Forest Conservation Directorate of Annaba Province, together with the National Gendarmerie, conducted a patrol in the Chetaibi forest to prevent wildfires. The measures include a ban on camping, entry, and movement within forest areas, especially during high-temperature periods. The operation is part of the 2026 wildfire prevention campaign.

The province of Ifrane is carrying out extensive renovations of youth infrastructure, including camps, youth centers, and sports facilities. About 100 million dirhams have been allocated for the rehabilitation of the Khrouzouza camp, with similar amounts for the Ben Smim and Ras El Ma camps. The capacity of camps is expected to reach 1,600 participants, and a new camp is planned in Tioumliline. Work on neighborhood sports centers is 95% complete.

A fire broke out in Dahshur, Giza, engulfing a group of caravans parked in front of the Wadi Degla club. Civil defense forces quickly responded and extinguished the flames, preventing the fire from spreading to nearby structures. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Tourism has approved 177 standards for classifying tourist camps, covering licensing, safety, services, and equipment. The standards define camps as facilities providing tents, equipped plots, motorhomes, and caravans, with requirements for fencing, sanitary facilities, and a reception area. They also mandate food services, including local dishes, and online booking. Plot sizes range from 30 to 60 square meters, with an additional 30 square meters for caravans, and running water must be available at 50% of plots.

Jeddah Municipality conducted a field campaign on the northern beach of Abhur, resulting in the demolition of several camps and the removal of caravans used for short-term rentals. Prior to the action, owners were issued warnings explaining the regulations and given a period to rectify violations. After the deadline, field teams continued monitoring and took legal measures, including penalties, against unresolved violations.