European motorhome sales rise, caravans decline except in the Netherlands

The camping.info portal has announced the winners of its annual award, based solely on user ratings. For 2026, five campsites in Austria, Germany, and Italy were selected from over 62,000 votes. The winning sites feature extensive amenities such as pools, spa areas, and children's activities.

The spring travel season for motorhomes and camper vans is commencing across Europe. Rental companies are launching promotions, including free extra days for longer bookings and flexible one-way rental options. The season offers milder weather, fewer crowds, and the reopening of campsites after winter closures.

European innovations could make winter camping in motorhomes and caravans more comfortable. Fraunhofer researchers are developing phase-change material walls that store and release heat, while companies Heliatek and Exeger create flexible solar films for any surface. These technologies are currently experimental and not yet applied in production campers.

The European General Safety Regulation II (GSR II) mandates driver assistance systems for new motorhomes. From July 2026, all newly registered motorhomes must be equipped with systems such as emergency braking and fatigue detection assistants. Requirements vary by vehicle weight: models under 3.5 tonnes require eight systems, while heavier ones need four.

Promobil magazine has compiled a ranking of Europe's best campsites for 2026 based on an analysis of over 25,000 camper reviews. The top three spots are held by Club Camping Jesolo International in Italy, Camping De Kleine Wolf in the Netherlands, and Yelloh! Village Le Brasilia in France. The list also features top-rated sites in Croatia, Austria, Spain, and Germany.

European campsites are increasingly adopting age restrictions, following the trend for child-free holidays. The list includes 12 sites in Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, and France, with minimum age requirements of 14, 16, or 18 years. Some locations offer alternative accommodations like wooden caravans or tiny houses.