Camping abroad
Camping abroad can seem daunting at first, but with Pitchup sites in Europe, the Americas, Africa and beyond, there really is a whole world of outdoor adventure out there. Below, we’ve summarised the key information you’ll need to start planning a camping trip abroad, whether that’s a family camping trip within Europe or an expedition further afield.
Camping in Europe
Europe is probably the most obvious choice of destination for UK travellers, and there's plenty of choice whether you're looking at rented accommodation or bringing your own tent, campervan or caravan.
We recommend planning your trip in advance and booking all of your accommodation before starting your trip, as post-Brexit rules mean that it is possible for UK travellers to be asked for proof that they are entering the Schengen area for tourism.
Navigation and map apps
Planning your itinerary in advance will also make navigation much easier when you arrive. If you are planning to use a satellite navigation system on your mobile phone, it is worth bearing in mind that some mobile operators have now reintroduced roaming charges for UK contract-holders travelling to Europe.
If you are on the road for a longer period or want to avoid these charges, you might want to explore downloading an offline maps app. You might also want to consider downloading a navigation app that can be configured by vehicle size if you are taking a campervan, caravan or motorhome, as this will help you to avoid low bridges, narrow lanes and other hazards that you might not be so alert to when driving abroad.
Driving in Europe
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GB sticker: Unless your car has an EU number plate (showing GB within a circle of stars on a blue background), you will need a GB sticker on your vehicle (or trailer, if applicable) when driving in the EU (although this is not required for UK-registered cars travelling to Ireland).
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Driving insurance: Your UK travel insurance will provide third-party cover for almost every country in Europe as standard. If you are travelling to the EU, you will not need a green card from your insurer as proof of insurance. Find out more on the official government website.
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Towing in Europe: As in the UK, European speed limits may be lower for vehicles towing caravans. In certain countries, such as France, vehicles should display stickers on the back of the caravan confirming the applicable speed limit (usually 80/90 km/h).
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Driving licence: If you are driving, you will need a photo ID driving licence to travel to Europe. The old paper-based licence is no longer accepted.
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Tolls/vignettes: It is more common for motorways to be toll roads in Europe than in the UK. In some countries, such as Switzerland, you will need to buy a motorway vignette to display in your windscreen, either before travelling or at the border. In other countries, you will need to have cash at the ready to pay for tolls. Most navigation apps can be programmed to avoid toll roads.
- Driving long distances can be tiring, especially in an unfamiliar environment. Take regular breaks at service stations, and consider breaking your journey close to the ferry port/Eurotunnel if you’re having to travel within Britain to get to the continent.
Campsites near the Dover ferry
Other documents
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Passport: UK travellers visiting Europe will require a valid passport (with the exception of Ireland, where any form of photo ID is accepted). In some EU countries, strictly speaking you must carry government-issued ID on you at all times. If you do not wish to do this, consider making photocopies of your ID for everyday use and keeping originals in a safe place.
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Visas: If you are a UK passport holder going on holiday to the European Union, you will not need a visa unless you are planning to stay for more than 90 days over a 180-day period. No restrictions apply to the Republic of Ireland.
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Health insurance: If you have an EHIC (European Health Insurance) card, you should still bring it on holiday with you, as it will still be valid until its expiry date despite Brexit. If your EHIC card is out of date, you should apply for a GHIC (Global Health Insurance) card, which provides a similar level of cover for healthcare treatment abroad.
- Travel insurance: Travel insurance is strongly recommended when camping abroad to cover you in the event of illness, unforeseeable commitments such as jury service or the theft of personal property. Always bring a copy of your policy document with you. Campsite reservations made through Pitchup are confirmed as soon as you book; a booking confirmation email can be submitted to your insurer as proof that you have booked accommodation in advance.
Tips for staying at a campsite in Europe
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Drinking water: In much of continental Europe, it is safe to drink the tap water. However, many campers in Europe buy bottled water because of the chemical taste commonly found in European drinking water.
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Staying cool: In the summer, European campsites are likely to get much hotter than campsites in the UK. Stay cool by bringing a hammock to relax in, pitching in the shade and slowing down your activity during the hottest parts of the day. For more tips, visit our guide to keeping your tent cool.
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Swimwear: In some European countries, you may be required to wear a swimming cap or swimming socks. It is also possible that men will not be permitted to swim in long Bermuda shorts and will need short Speedo-style swimwear before being allowed in the pool.
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Pegs: If you are camping in a tent in southern Europe in the summer, you will want to bring strong pegs, as the ground can get very compact even at well-maintained campsites. See our pegs guide for more information.
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Electricity (pitches): If you are planning to use an electric hook-up, you may or may not need a local adapter, as most European campsites are compatible with UK-style three-pronged plugs. It may also be possible to hire an adapter on site. Many European sites have what is known as ‘reversed polarity’. This may not apply to all electric hook-ups. It will not affect your appliances, but it will mean that the socket will remain live even when the appliance is not in use. Buy a polarity tester beforehand if this is a concern.
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Electricity (glamping/static caravans): If your accommodation comes with mains electricity, you will likely need a travel adapter for any appliances you bring from home.
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Gas: Calor Gas and Supergas are not commercially available in continental Europe. Either bring a supply from home or buy Campingaz instead (you may need a regulator kit to make sure that this option is compatible with your stove).
- Wild camping is not explicitly allowed in most of Europe, although in some countries it is tolerated in practice. Wild camping is fully legal (with some local/seasonal restrictions) in countries including Norway, Sweden, Estonia, Iceland and Finland. See our guide to wild camping for more information.
Explore all campsites in France
Browse all Pitchup sites in Spain
Camping in the rest of the world
Camping holidays are also up for grabs elsewhere in the world. Whether you’re imagining an RV road trip across the USA, a safari in South Africa or backpacking through the Australian outback, you’ll find that Pitchup has a range of outdoor accommodation options with up-to-date availability to tempt you. There’s also a wealth of glamping accommodation available if it’s not practical to bring your tent or camping vehicle to these far-flung destinations.
Tips for camping in the rest of the world
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Stay up to date with UK government travel guidance, especially if you are visiting a country with a less established tourism industry. Check the official government website for travel advice including how to stay safe in public, areas that it’s best to avoid, potential scams and how to get consular help in an emergency.
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If you are camping in an area with dangerous species, ask locals about tips and tricks to help keep them well away from your pitch. This may be as simple as never leaving food in your tent in areas with bears, shaking out your boots before putting them on where there are lots of insects, or using smoke and fumes to keep snakes at bay.
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It may not be safe to drink or cook using tap water when camping outside of Europe. Use bottled water, boil or filter your water, or use purification tablets instead.
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Look for campsites near national parks, where you can be pretty sure there will be well-mapped trails, guided tours and shops selling camping essentials.
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Take out good travel insurance and read the policy carefully. If you are planning a trip involving adventurous activities such as skiing, helicopter rides or high-altitude trekking, you may need to take out more expensive or specialised insurance.
- Some countries have a wild camping culture, while others do not. Very often, wild camping (or camping generally) will be more of a niche activity, so clear rules may not exist. Pre-book a campsite or ask locals for permission or advice if you are in doubt.
Now you’ve got to grips with the practicalities of camping or glamping abroad, start exploring all destinations on Pitchup, or click the links below for inspiring road trips, long-distance hikes and other activities.