Growth in Popularity of Camping and Motorhomes in Europe

In 2025, overnight stays in campsites and caravan parks in the EU reached 413 million, accounting for 13.4% of all tourist overnight stays. France leads with 154 million overnight stays, followed by Spain, Italy, and Germany. Bulgaria recorded an 8.4% growth, significantly above the EU average (1.1%), ranking sixth in growth rate.

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.

New regulations affecting motorhome and car owners come into force in 2026. Key changes include the introduction of Euro-7 emission standards from November, a mandatory exchange of driving licenses issued between 1999 and 2001 by January 19th, and increased operating costs due to CO₂ pricing. Additional driver assistance systems will become mandatory from July, while new rules for city access and emergency signaling will be implemented in Austria and Spain.

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.

Spain tightened inspections for camper vans — meanwhile in Torrox, 50 motorhomes occupied a riverbed. Italians 3D-printed a motorhome from plastic in four days, Hyundai unveiled an 800-volt electric camper, and 34 million Americans are hitting the road. Demolitions in Turkey, bans in Scotland, and a woman who drove along the Baltic in an electric Smart — all in this issue.

Warendorf introduced paid motorhome parking — and lost its tourists. Japan quietly reached 607 RV parks while Nagoya showed a camper on a rocket launcher chassis. The Turkish coastal ban, a Polish trailer with a side shower, and Korean rentals straight from the train — in this issue.