Planning and Travel

Here you'll find how to plan your route, where to look for overnight spots, how to handle grey-water and toilet disposal, refills, and what expenses to expect.

How to plan your route

Choosing regions and places

Start by picking the regions you'd like to pass through, and note the sights along the way. Think about whether you'll spend one or more days in each region depending on how much you want to see. There's plenty online about what's where, and AI chatbots can also throw out ideas. For Bulgaria, the Camping.bg guide is a useful companion while you plan.

Once you've picked a region (the Rhodopes, say), check whether the nearby campsites have spots for the dates you want. If there's no campsite nearby or they're full, you can also do wild camping, especially if you've recently been at a campsite (your water and battery should be enough). The camping guide also lists spots along the way.

Marking places in Google Maps

Create a "Camper Trip" folder in Google Maps (Saved > New List). Whenever you find an interesting place, a restaurant, waterfall, beach, or viewpoint, add it there. During your trip you'll see everything on the map and can decide on the spot what to visit.

Where to find inspiration

Not sure what's in the area? A few places to start:

• Instagram: search hashtags like #travel, #campingbulgaria, #vanlife, or by place and region names. See what people photograph and where they stop.
• ChatGPT: ask something like "What are the most interesting places to visit by camper in the Rhodopes for X days?" and you'll get ideas to verify on Google.
• YouTube: clips with real routes and experiences.
• Travel blogs: Bulgarian and international. Most lay out specific routes with distances and stops.

Daily plan for the trip

Don't schedule to the minute, but have a general idea of what you want to do. An example for a 5-day trip:

One thing worth flagging: don't overdo the kilometres. 150 to 200 km a day is about the upper limit for comfortable camper travel. More than that gets tiring fast.

Overnight spots and water refill points

Know in advance where the campsites or overnight spots are along your route, and mark them in Google Maps. Also note where you can refill water: at the campsite itself, at a petrol station with a hose, or at a public tap.

How to find a campsite and overnight spot

Camping.bg for Bulgarian campsites

Camping.bg is the largest Bulgarian platform for campsites. It shows campsites across Bulgaria with information on facilities, prices, and contacts. If you're travelling in Bulgaria, start here.

If you rent a camper from us, you get a discount on our Euro trip camping guide.

Park4Night across Europe

Park4Night is the largest database of camper spots in Europe. It shows campsites, free overnight spots, parking areas, water refill points, grey water disposal, and cassette dump points. Every spot has photos, ratings, and comments from other travellers.

Download the app before you leave and save spots offline. You won't always have signal.

Campercontact for Western Europe

Campercontact is focused on campsites and motorhome parks. The filters by facilities (electricity, water, toilet) are useful, especially in Western Europe.

Google Maps

Google Maps shows campsites with ratings and reviews. Search for "campsite near place". Use it to find sights, parking, petrol stations, and more.

Basic rules of camping

Where can we park for overnight stays

In Bulgaria and Europe, overnight stays are allowed at campsites and designated motorhome areas. "Wild" camping is officially not permitted, but in practice many travellers stop for a night at quiet parking areas, as long as they don't litter, don't make noise, and don't disturb anyone. The unwritten rule is to keep things low-profile: don't deploy the awning, don't bring out chairs, tables, and barbecues, and don't play loud music.

Campsite etiquette

A campsite is a shared space. A few things to keep in mind:

• Quiet hours, usually 10 PM to 8 AM.
• Stay within your allocated pitch.
• Clean up after yourself in the toilets, kitchens, and sinks. Leave them as you'd want to find them.
• Use the designated grey water disposal points instead of pouring it on the ground.
• If the campsite allows pets, keep your dog on a leash.

Expenses, what to expect

Campsite fees

Prices vary a lot, from 15 to 50+ euros per night depending on the country, season, and facilities. In Bulgaria, usually 15 to 30 euros per night. In Greece and Croatia in summer, 25 to 45. Most campsites charge per pitch plus number of people.

Fuel consumption and cost

Campers use 8 to 12 L/100 km of diesel, depending on size and terrain. For a 1,000 km route, expect around €100 to €150 in fuel.

Toll roads and vignettes

In Bulgaria, the electronic vignette is included in the price when you rent from XCampers. In Austria, Switzerland, and Slovenia, you'll need separate vignettes for each country. In Italy and France, you pay tolls on the motorways. Campers up to 3.5 tonnes are charged as cars. Fully integrated ones are sometimes charged as buses.

Food costs

Cooking in the camper saves a lot compared to restaurants. Plan and shop for groceries every 3 to 4 days.

Rough budget estimate for 7 days (two people)

Where and how to refuel

Campers run on diesel. Pay attention to the correct nozzle at the petrol station: diesel is usually black, petrol is green.

Some newer campers use AdBlue, an extra fluid for the diesel engine. If the onboard computer shows a warning, you can buy a container of AdBlue at most petrol stations.

Gas bottle refilling

Gas bottles are refilled at specialised stations, usually at larger petrol stations. In Park4Night you can find where these are along your route. One bottle usually lasts 2+ weeks with normal cooking use. If the camper has a diesel heater, the gas will last even longer.

Campers come with one fully charged bottle when you rent them.

Wi-Fi and internet on the road

Within the EU, roaming is often included in your plan, so you use your mobile data just like at home. For longer trips or if you need more data:

• eSIM apps like Airalo or Revolut offer cheap mobile plans for specific countries.
• Prepaid cards from a local operator are good value for longer stays in one country.
• Many campsites have Wi-Fi, usually free or for a small fee.

Travelling with children and pets

Travelling with children

A child seat appropriate for the child's age and size is mandatory. Every newer camper has Isofix on the rear seats for child seats. On older campers, a belt-based system can be used to secure the seat.

Plan stops based on the kids and how long they last in the car. A break every 2 to 3 hours of driving is normal. Look for campsites with a playground or pool.

Travelling with pets

Travelling with pets is possible only after prior inquiry with us. While driving, the animal must be secured or in a transport crate. Going on beds and sofas is not allowed, so bring your own pet bed.

For the campsite's own rules (leash, fee, common areas) see Camping with pets in the camping practices guide.