The camping boom continues: in 2024, the number of overnight stays at campsites reached 43 million, doubling in 20 years. But with popularity come risks. Police and ADAC warn about typical mistakes.
Key issues
- Overloading: exceeding the permitted 3.5 tonnes (for category B licences) impairs handling and braking. At the "Caravaning-Day" in Göttingen, visitors were offered free weighing and reaction tests.
- Unfamiliarity with equipment: beginners often don't know how to handle gas valves and refrigerator fans. In one case, a Facebook user received quick help from the community.
- Ignoring dimensions and rules: wild camping is banned in many European countries, including Italy and partly Austria.
According to ADAC (2023), 21% of Germany's population over 16 are into camping, with 47% of them under 40.