🇪🇺 European Union — OpenVan.camp
European Union
Europe's recreational vehicle market is projected to grow at a CAGR of over 7% through 2030. Professional operators are shifting from a lifestyle approach to logistics-driven procurement with total cost of ownership calculations. Key investments include tire pressure monitoring systems like the GR-TPMS RV01, designed for mixed terrain and large vehicles, offering real-time data and fuel savings. Certified TPMS installation is now recognized by major European insurers and increasingly required for EU compliance.
The European Parliament's Transport Committee adopted its position on May 5, 2026, regarding the modernization of EU roadworthiness testing rules. For motorhome and camper van owners, the key development is the rejection of the European Commission's proposal to require annual inspections for vehicles over ten years old, deemed disproportionate. Instead, new rules introduce the possibility of having inspections done abroad while on holiday and stricter measures against odometer fraud.
The European Parliament has approved a new driving license directive that will make it easier to drive heavier motorhomes. Holders of a category B license will be able to drive vehicles weighing up to 4.25 tonnes after special training, compared to the current 3.5-tonne limit. EU member states have three years to transpose the new rules into national law.
In 2025, overnight stays at EU campsites reached 413 million, a 28.5% increase over a decade, outpacing hotel growth (23.4%). Greece has allowed parking for motorhomes up to 7.5 meters in residential areas without time limits, with a 24-hour limit for larger vehicles and trailers.
Motorhome owners are warned about a serious defect in a popular chassis. A leak in the Fiat Ducato fuel line can lead to a vehicle fire. The recall involves 18 chassis variants, including Citroën Jumper and Peugeot Boxer, manufactured primarily in 2025.
The European motorhome market was valued at USD 25.48 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 51.62 billion by 2034, with a CAGR of 8.16%. Growth is driven by a preference for flexible and safe travel, the rise of domestic tourism, and smart technology integration, but is restrained by high costs and stringent environmental regulations.
Overnight stays at campsites, RV parks, and caravan sites in the EU reached 413 million in 2025, a 28.5% increase compared to 2015. 67% of stays were concentrated in the summer months, with France leading at 154 million nights, accounting for 37.2% of the EU total. France was followed by Spain (49.8 million), Italy (49.1 million), and Germany (45 million).
European Union
According to Eurostat, EU campsites and camper parks recorded 413 million overnight stays in 2025. 67% of these occurred during the summer months, peaking in August (118 million), with France leading the ranking (154 million). The growth in overnight stays in this segment since 2015 was 28.5%, outpacing growth in the hotel sector.
In 2025, the EU recorded 413 million overnight stays in campsites and motorhome parks. France leads with 154 million, followed by Spain, Italy and Germany.
In 2025, the EU recorded 413 million nights in campsites and camper parks, up 28.5% from 2015. France, Spain and Italy lead with over 37% of all nights.
Germany
According to Eurostat, overnight stays at campsites, motorhome and caravan parking in the EU reached 413 million in 2025, a 28.5% increase from 2015. 67% of these stays were concentrated in the summer months, with France leading at 154 million nights. Total overnight stays in the EU in 2025 reached a record 3.1 billion.
According to Eurostat, nights spent at campsites and motorhome and caravan sites in the EU reached 413 million in 2025, a 28.5% increase since 2015. This segment's growth outpaced that of hotels and other short-stay accommodations. France leads with 154 million nights, followed by Spain and Italy.
Bulgaria
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Eurostat data shows Bulgaria's camping nights rose 8.4% in 2025 to 153,700, far above the EU average of 1.1%, placing the country sixth in growth rate. EU total camping nights reached 413 million.
In 2025, 413 million nights were spent at campsites and RV/trailer parks in the EU. This represents a 28.5% increase since 2015, with 67% of nights concentrated in the summer months; France led with 154 million nights.
The Europe caravans market was valued at USD 7,945 million in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 26,980.48 million by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 14.55%. Growth is driven by sustained demand for domestic and regional road tourism post-pandemic and the expansion of camping infrastructure, which accounted for approximately 13.5% of EU overnight stays in 2024. The market faces restraints from divergent national towing regulations and high upfront acquisition costs.
The European Union has adopted a new driver's license directive allowing category B license holders to drive motorhomes up to 4.25 tons after additional training. However, the B96 license category remains necessary for towing trailers exceeding 750 kg, as the new rules only apply to combinations with lightweight trailers.
An analysis by the portal Pincamp has identified the countries with the lowest campsite prices in Europe for 2026. The cheapest night for a family during the high season is expected in Norway (38 euros), followed by Sweden (40 euros) and Germany (41 euros). The most expensive will be Croatia (73 euros), Italy (63 euros) and Switzerland (61 euros). Prices have risen in all 12 analyzed countries, especially in Spain (+15%), Croatia (+12%) and the UK (+11%).
Approximately 215,500 new recreational vehicles were registered in Europe in 2025, a 3% decrease from 2024. The total comprises about 88,500 caravans and 127,000 motorhomes, with the Dutch market growing while Spain and Belgium saw slight declines.
Thales Alenia Space, a European space services company, is developing the Multi-Purpose Habitation (MPH) module under the Artemis program. The MPH is a pressurised cylindrical structure about 3×6 metres, combining a rover and living quarters to allow astronauts to live and move on the lunar surface. Astrobotic, a US firm, is designing wheels for extreme lunar terrain. Deployment on the Moon is scheduled for around 2033.
The camping.info portal has announced the winners of its annual award, based solely on user ratings. For 2026, five campsites in Austria, Germany, and Italy were selected from over 62,000 votes. The winning sites feature extensive amenities such as pools, spa areas, and children's activities.