Ten practical camping products under 50 euros

Volkswagen presented the ID. California Cruise, its first electric camper based on the ID.Buzz Pro, at the Caravan Salon 2026 in Düsseldorf. The model is available with short and long wheelbases, features a sleeping area measuring 2.03 m by 1.20 m, climate control that can run for up to 48 hours, and V2L capability with up to 3.6 kW output. European pricing starts at 60,761 euros, with first deliveries expected in early 2027.

Volkswagen introduced the ID. California Cruise, the first electric camper in the California family, based on the ID. Buzz Pro. It is available in short and long wheelbase versions, featuring a fold-out bed, vehicle-to-load capability up to 2,000 watts, and a battery maintenance system that can operate up to 48 hours. Sales begin in early 2027, with prices starting at €60,761 in Germany. The model will not be sold in the US.

According to CIVD, Germany recorded 56 million overnight stays at campsites and 20 million at parking areas in 2025, setting new records. Caravanning tourists generated nearly €23 billion for the economy. From January to July 2026, 63,329 new motorhomes and caravans were registered in Germany, down 3% year-on-year. European sales remained nearly flat.

In Rheinhessen, Germany, wineries are offering motorhome parking spots. Weingut Gehring in Nierstein has a site with views of Frankfurt, from which the RheinTerrassenWeg trail is accessible. Meyerhof in Flonheim provides a choice between a bread roll service and a breakfast buffet, and hosts wine weekends with tastings and dinner. Burghof Oswald in Guntersblum has set up three spots in its garden, near the historic center.

Volkswagen has shown a fully electric version of the California camper, built on the ID.Buzz electric van. The new model, called ID.California Cruise, features a 120 cm wide bed for two with a newly developed mattress, ventilation grilles in the front side windows, blackout curtains for windows and panoramic roof, plus two camping chairs and a table. Unlike larger motorhomes, it lacks a kitchen and toilet, but includes a control unit for lighting and comfort functions, and V2L capability to power external devices. Sales begin later this autumn, with deliveries early next year; prices are not yet announced.

The CHIP editorial team will attend the world's largest trade fair for recreational vehicles in Düsseldorf. A live ticker will be available on the website from Monday for two days. The fair, running from August 28 to September 6, will feature over 830 exhibitors across nearly 250,000 square meters. New themed areas include rooftop tents and off-road campers. Day tickets start at €18.