Planning and Travel

Planning a camper trip is different from planning a hotel holiday. You don't have a room reservation — you have freedom. But that freedom works best with a bit of preparation. Here you'll find step-by-step how to plan your route, where to look for information, and what expenses to expect.

How to Plan Your Route

Step 1: Pick a Region, Not Specific Addresses

Don't plan like a point-to-point navigation. Pick a region you want to explore — for example the Rhodopes, the Black Sea coast, or northern Greece. Base it on the sights you want to visit.

Step 2: Mark Interesting Places in Google Maps

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

Step 3: Find Inspiration

Not sure what's in the area? Here's where to start:

• Instagram — search by hashtags like #travel, #campingbulgaria, #vanlife, or by place names. See what people photograph and where they stop.
• ChatGPT — ask "What are the most interesting places to visit by camper in the Rhodopes for 5 days?" and you get a list of ideas to then verify on Google.
• YouTube — search for videos with real experiences and routes.
• Travel blogs — Bulgarian and international. Most have specific routes with distances and stops.

Step 4: Make a Rough Daily Plan

Don't schedule to the minute, but have a general idea of what you're doing each day. Example plan for a 5-day trip:

Important: Don't overdo the kilometres. 150–200 km per day is the upper limit for comfortable camper travel. More than that gets tiring.

Step 5: Mark Where You'll Sleep and Refill Water

Know in advance where the campsites or overnight spots are along your route. 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

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.

Park4Night

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

Campercontact is focused on campsites and motorhome parks. It has great filters by facilities (electricity, water, toilet) and is especially useful for 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, make noise, or cause a disturbance.

Campsite Etiquette

A campsite is a shared space. A few unwritten rules:

• Quiet after 10 PM and before 8 AM — most campsites have quiet hours
• Don't take more space than allocated — stay within your pitch
• Clean up after yourself — toilets, kitchens, sinks. Leave them as you'd want to find them
• Don't dump grey water on the ground — use the designated disposal points
• Dogs on a leash — if the campsite allows pets

Expenses — What to Expect

Campsite Fees

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

Fuel

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

Toll Roads and Vignettes

In Bulgaria — electronic vignette. In Austria, Switzerland, and Slovenia — separate vignettes for each country. In Italy and France — toll fees on motorways. Campers up to 3.5 tonnes are charged as cars. Fully integrated ones are sometimes charged as buses.

Food

Cooking in the camper saves significantly compared to restaurants. Plan and shop for groceries for 3–4 days at a time.

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 additional fluid for the diesel engine. If the onboard computer shows a warning, you can buy a container of AdBlue from 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 stations are along your route. One bottle usually lasts 2+ weeks with normal use (cooking). If the camper has a diesel heater, the gas will last even longer.

Campers come with 1 fully charged bottle when you rent them.

Wi-Fi and Internet on the Road

Within the EU, roaming is included in your plan — 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

Children

Camper travel with children is wonderful — they love the adventure and open space. A child seat appropriate for the child's age and size is mandatory. Plan shorter drives (2–3 hours maximum between stops) and look for campsites with a playground or pool.

Pets

Travelling with pets is possible only after prior inquiry with us. During movement, the animal must be secured or in a transport crate. Going on beds and sofas is not allowed — provide your own pet bed. Not all campsites accept pets — check in advance.