In the Netherlands, caravans are still more popular than campers: one in 20 households owns a caravan. However, despite the higher cost, many Dutch tourists prefer a camper for convenience and freedom.
Camper advantages
- Most new campers weigh under 3.5 tonnes and can be driven with a standard B licence, while towing a heavy caravan requires B96 or BE licences, with training costs up to 1500 euros.
- Campers are easier to manoeuvre in cities and on narrow roads, and they are not subject to extra toll charges.
Disadvantages and changes
- Campers are more expensive to buy and maintain and are less mobile once parked.
- From 1 January 2026, the tax on campers in the Netherlands increased: instead of a quarter of the rate, half is now charged, raising costs for owners, especially diesel models.
- The caravan market is shrinking: at recent shows, 166 camper brands were presented versus about 20 caravan brands, while caravan prices rose 20–30% without technical updates.
The choice between a caravan and a camper depends on travel style: a caravan is usually cheaper and leaves the car free, but requires towing skills.