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In Brief
In the Netherlands, caravans remain more popular than campers, but many choose campers for convenience. Camper taxes rose in 2026, while caravan prices increased 20–30%.
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.
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.
Aggregated by OpenVan.camp from the public sources listed below, with AI-assisted translation and summary. We always link to the original source. Machine translation may differ from the original -- check the source for important details. Images and content remain the property of their respective owners. Copyright information
In the Netherlands, caravans are still more popular than motorhomes: one in 20 households owns a caravan. Since this year, tax rules for motorhomes ha...
In the Netherlands, caravans are still more popular than motorhomes: one in 20 households owns a caravan. Since this year, tax rules for motorhomes have changed, making them significantly more expensive, which likely contributes to the continued preference for caravans.
Despite higher costs, many Dutch holidaymakers prefer a motorhome over a caravan for convenience and freedom. Most new motorhomes weigh under 3.5 tonn...
Despite higher costs, many Dutch holidaymakers prefer a motorhome over a caravan for convenience and freedom. Most new motorhomes weigh under 3.5 tonnes and can be driven with a standard B license, while towing a heavy caravan requires a B96 or BE license, with training costs up to €1,500. Motorhomes are easier to maneuver in cities and on narrow roads, and they avoid extra toll charges. The caravan market is shrinking: recent fairs featured 166 motorhome brands versus about 20 caravan brands, with caravan prices rising 20–30% without technical upgrades.
The choice between a caravan and a motorhome depends on travel style. A caravan is usually cheaper to buy and maintain, leaves the car free for trips,...
The choice between a caravan and a motorhome depends on travel style. A caravan is usually cheaper to buy and maintain, leaves the car free for trips, but requires towing skills. A motorhome is convenient for frequent moves, but costs more and is less mobile on site. Since 1 January 2026, motorhome tax in the Netherlands has increased: the old quarter rate was replaced by a half rate, raising costs for owners, especially of heavier diesel models.
Netherlands — fuel prices
Updated: 22.08.2026
Super E10
$2.91 /l
€2.49 · £2.13/l
141 of 142
pricier than 99% of countries
Super Plus 98
$3.23 /l
€2.77 · £2.37/l
93 of 94
pricier than 98% of countries
Diesel
$2.97 /l
€2.54 · £2.18/l
140 of 142
pricier than 98% of countries
Diesel Special
$3.15 /l
€2.70 · £2.31/l
40 of 40
pricier than 98% of countries
LPG
$1.34 /l
€1.14 · £0.98/l
49 of 54
pricier than 89% of countries
CNG
$1.99 /l
€1.70 · £1.46/l
11 of 14
pricier than 71% of countries
Best regions in the coming days
Country overview
Avg. score
82
Top city
Utrecht 88
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German platform Caravaning published a comparison between motorhomes and caravans. Decisive reasons for choosing a caravan include a lower entry price from around €15,000, more living space, and convenience for longer stays. A motorhome is considered unbeatable for frequent travel, while a caravan is more suitable for family holidays with extended stops.
The European Caravan Federation presented the 2025 results. Total sales of recreational vehicles were just over 215,000 units, down 2.6% from 2024. Motorhome sales grew by 0.6% to 161,000 units, while caravan sales fell by about 11%. The Netherlands was the only country where caravan sales increased, by 3.4%.
The German automobile club ADAC reports a shift towards affordable and lightweight camping solutions. Manufacturers are introducing basic motorhomes starting from 40,000 euros and ultra-lightweight travel trailers for electric cars weighing from 775 kg. Modular vans and inflatable equipment, including kitchens, are emerging. New EU regulations allow driving vehicles up to 4.25 tons with a standard car driving license.
On Sunday evening, the fire brigade responded to the BP gas station on Oude Rijksweg in Putten after a report of a gas smell coming from a camper. The issue likely arose during LPG refueling, possibly due to a burst or detached hose. Firefighters inspected the camper and the immediate area. No injuries were reported, and the exact cause has not been officially confirmed.
British acoustic consultancy LF Acoustics measured the sound insulation of a typical modern touring caravan with double glazing, finding a 22 dB difference between outside and inside noise levels. German calculations for a campsite in Neustadt in Holstein estimated about 25 dB for the outer panels of a modern motorhome with closed windows. Sound insulation works in both directions but does not guarantee complete silence for neighbors, especially with open windows or roof hatches.
The Netherlands ranks fourth in Europe for camping popularity, with only Croatia, France and Denmark ahead. Over 4.2 million Dutch people regularly camp with a tent, caravan or motorhome. The trend traces back to a book by American minister William Henry Harrison Murray in 1869, which sparked a camping craze in the Adirondacks, and to British tailor Thomas Hiram Holding, who designed a compact lightweight tent in 1897. In the Netherlands, the first campsite opened in 1914 at Castricum, and by the late 1930s a quarter of the population camped.
A couple from Geldrop, who last year stayed at a campsite in Kessel with a tourer caravan and awning, decided to return and secured a permanent pitch with a static caravan. They were drawn by the calm atmosphere, the kindness of the staff and other campers. The man is set to retire in December, and they plan to spend more time at the site. The caravan has been customized to their needs, including a larger bed and a kitchen with multiple ovens.
Motsmann Engineering has unveiled the Outranger, an off-road caravan with a weight of about 650 kg, designed to be towed by almost any family car. The model, built using technology from the company's tram and bus component production, features six fiberglass panels, a galvanized steel chassis, and independent Timbren suspension. The base version costs around 23,900 euros, while the fully equipped version is about 30,000 euros. Sales begin in September, but only for the North American market; the caravan is not officially available in Europe.
A camper burned down completely on Kerkstraat in Druten overnight. Smoke and heat damaged a neighboring building; no injuries, cause under investigation.
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