The Budget Accommodation Rick Steves Recommends To 'Camp Your Way Around' Europe

For many travelers to Europe, budget accommodations are a necessary trade-off. You want to be able to experience the culture and scenery, but not at the cost of burning a hole in your wallet by booking a luxurious stay. And, while Europe probably isn't the first continent people consider when it comes to planning a camping vacation, our favorite European travel guru, Rick Steves, suggests otherwise. Suppose you're planning a European adventure and want to cut costs without sacrificing comfort or convenience. In that case, Steves suggests a road-tested solution: exploring Europe in a camper van. While it may not be the first thought that comes to mind, Steves makes a compelling case for why this budget-friendly style of travel is not only practical but also deeply enjoyable. 

During "Camping in Europe", Steves comments that "Relatively few Americans take advantage of the thousands of available campgrounds, but those who do give rave reviews." While many Americans think of camping as an off-the-grid, wilderness activity, Steves points out that in Europe, it's often the opposite, stating that campsites there " are often located within or on the outskirts of an urban center and can range from functional (like park-and-rides) to vacation extravaganzas, with restaurants, mini water-parks, and miniature golf."

That means you can park your camper van near cities like Paris, Florence, or Vienna, and take public transportation into the city center —saving money on both lodging and parking. Whether you're backpacking across the continent or road-tripping with your family, a camper van offers flexibility, affordability, and access to Europe's top sights without breaking the bank. With a growing network of well-run campgrounds and plenty of camper-friendly services, this mode of travel is far easier — and more enjoyable — than many realize.

One of the major advantages of traveling through Europe by camper van is flexibility. There's no need to stick to rigid itineraries or stress over hotel check-in times. If the weather's better in the south, drive south. Found a charming lakeside village? Stay another night. Aside from freedom over check-in times, Steves explains that "Across Europe, with a camper van or motorhome, you can sleep overnight for free in any legal parking space, including rest stops on national motorways (look for a big blue and white P sign)."

If you do decide to spend the night in a campground, many offer hookups for electricity and water, and others provide shaded pitches, laundry facilities, and on-site cafes or small grocery stores. According to Steves, "Each country has companies specializing in camper van and motorhome rentals. Look for one with a pickup and drop-off location that makes sense for your itinerary. For example, McRent has 50 rental depots across Europe. AnywhereCampers offers one-way RV rentals. In Iceland, you can rent a fully equipped RV at the airport through HappyCampers and camp your way around the island."

While the upfront cost of renting a camper van may seem steep, it balances out when you factor in that you're covering both transportation and accommodation. Add the ability to cook your own meals in the van's mini-kitchen, and you'll quickly see why this can be one of the most cost-effective ways to travel Europe — especially for couples or families. For those interested in heading to a campground that has everything set up for you already, try Turn-Key Camping, a situation in which Steves says "sites (are) already set up with a tent, trailer, or mobile home and outfitted with linens and kitchen gear". 

While to some this may seem like a more isolating way of travel, it's actually far from it. Camping often introduces you to like-minded individuals and tends to foster a sense of community. Whether it's sharing tips over breakfast or gathering with neighbors to tell travel stories, camper travel has a way of bringing people together. And, it's not just for retirees. Young couples, digital nomads, and families with kids all take to the road during the warmer months. Steves comments that " Camping offers plenty to occupy children's attention, namely playgrounds that come fully equipped with European kids. As your kids make friends, your campground social circle widens." 

Of course, there's research that needs to go into renting a camper van and ensuring you have a successful trip. The most important things to triple check (especially when traveling during peak season) are what's included in your booking (i.e, insurance, linens, mileage limits, border crossings, etc.). Also, make sure to check which features your camper van comes with before renting, i.e, a kitchen, enough beds, a bathroom, etc.

You can download helpful apps like Park4Night, Searchforsights, Campercontact, or StayFree to find legal parking areas, overnight spots, and campsite reviews. Make sure you're comfortable with driving a manual transmission (otherwise you'll pay more for an automatic), and always carry your International Driving Permit with you. If you're looking to see Europe on a budget without giving up comfort or convenience, take Steves' advice: grab a camper van, hit the road, and camp your way around the continent.