Camper and vanlife boom in Italy: record registrations and young people choose freedom on wheels

On the morning of June 11, 2026, at the entrance to Lu Bagnu near Castelsardo (Sassari province), a car collided with a motorhome. A 49-year-old Sardinian woman suffered multiple limb fractures and was airlifted by rescue helicopter to Santissima Annunziata hospital. The two tourists in the motorhome sustained only minor injuries. The Carabinieri are investigating the crash.

On June 11, 2026, the TV show 'Camper in Viaggio' will broadcast live from the Sanctuary of Madonna dell'Armo in Lauria, Basilicata. The 90-minute episode will highlight local cuisine, crafts, music, and history. The event is seen as a key tourism promotion for the Lagonegrese area.

The municipality of Elva (Maira Valley) has announced a tender for the management of the 'La Sousto dal Col' shelter and the adjacent camper van area at Colle delle Cavalline. Renovation works funded by the PNRR are nearly complete.

A survey conducted at the Salone del Camper (Parma, September 12–20, 2026) found that 25.7% of motorhome owners travel with their dog, influencing route and stop choices. From April 22, 2026, EU Regulation 2026/20 will tighten requirements for animal documentation and health during non-commercial travel. There is also growing interest in cultural routes: until November 8, 2026, the Monumenti Aperti initiative opens over 800 sites in 85 municipalities, and the network of literary parks includes over 60 communities in 15 regions.

Municipal police removed a motorhome parked in front of the community in Vasto, used by volunteers supporting the Trevallion Birmingham family. The vehicle was found to be uninsured, as the policy had expired four days earlier and the 15-day grace period had passed. Owners paid approximately 600 euros in fines and fees to recover it. Despite the seizure, volunteers continue their protests, including demonstrations at the juvenile court in L'Aquila and weekly prayer gatherings.

In Montenero di Bisaccia, a camper area with 18 pitches will be built on half of the former Capolaserra stadium. Facilities include toilets, showers, a picnic area with barbecue, a bocce court, and Wi-Fi. The project costs €157,000, with two-thirds funded by the Ministry of Tourism and the remainder through a municipal loan. The site lies within a Sic protected area, so an environmental impact assessment was required; the Molise region approved it on May 29.