Germany has topped a new Select Car Leasing list of the best European countries to enjoy a camping holiday.
From Bavaria to the Black Forest, Germany's national parks are among the most picturesque on the face of the planet, offering thrills for a multitude of outdoors enthusiasts - from wildlife watchers to seasoned rock climbers.
Germany also plays host to the Euro 2024 football tournament this summer, with fans from across the Continent encouraged to pitch tents or park campervans within reach of stadiums as a means of enjoying the action.
And now Germany has claimed the No.1 spot in a European-wide review undertaken by researchers at Select Car Leasing and Select Van Leasing, and which takes into account several data points to highlight the best camping destinations for every type of camper.
Poland is placed second in the top 10, followed by France in third. The UK, meanwhile, features a highly-respectable 4th in the run-down.
How were the different countries actually scored? Read on to find out more.
The people with clipboards at Select Car Leasing took lots of different factors into account when compiling the list and then awarded each nation a unique Select Car Leasing score out of 10.
Countries racked-up points according to:
- The average cost of camping (for one tent per night, minus the cost of car parking and tourist taxes)
- Average cost of car hire (for a large car, for a week, in August)
- The number of campsites with swimming pools in each country
- Road quality
- Daily travel costs (factors-in expenses like food, sightseeing and fuel)
- Reviewer ratings for campsites
- Social media popularity
- Crime rates.
Our top ten countries are spread across Europe, perfect for those seeking a longer summer road trip.
Top 10 European Countries for Camping (with Select's score out of ten, based on all of the factors above):
- Germany – 6.83
- Poland – 6.71
- France – 6.69
- UK – 6.47
- Italy – 6.43
- Portugal – 6.32
- Romania – 6.22
- Bulgaria – 6.21
- Lithuania – 6.12
- Hungary – 6.09
Best Countries for Camping in Europe: Germany
Germany tops the Select Car Leasing list with an overall score of 6.83 out of 10. Germany could well be the destination for a fairy tale adventure, especially as it’s the origin for many of the Brothers Grimm stories! National parks there score a huge 4.68 out of 5, on average, based on Google reviews. Whilst it has slightly more expensive campsites than elsewhere in Europe, at £18 a night on average, Germany has lower transport and food costs, with a recommended daily budget of £132.
Best Countries for Camping in Europe: Poland
In second place is Poland, with an overall score of 6.71 out of 10. Poland is one of the least expensive countries in our top three when it comes to average costs, making it perfect for those looking to save cash and enjoy an affordable holiday this summer. This includes hiring a car for a week (at an average of just £148, or £21 a day) and a night's camping stay costing an average of just £11. Poland is also Instagram-friendly, as the beautiful national parks are rated the same as Germany's at 4.68/5. Poland is, of course, home to the stunning Tatra mountain range (below), which is a mecca for hikers.
Best Countries for Camping in Europe: France
Our third highest-ranked country for camping is France with an overall score of 6.69 out of 10. With temperatures hitting 42.4 °C during summer 2023, campsites with access to a pool are a must for all travellers and France has over 2,200 of them! A night's stay at a campsite in France is also a steal, as it costs just £11 on average.
Best Countries for Camping in Europe: the UK
Yes, we've grouped the UK together for the purposes of this list, rather than splitting it into constituent countries. But there's no getting away from the fact that you’re within touching distance of stunning scenery wherever you are in Britain, from the rugged landscapes of Wales' Eryri National Park (below) to Scotland's lofty Cairngorms. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the UK attracts a lower 'road quality' score than either Germany or France, achieving 4.9 out of 7, with many Brits still complaining bitterly about potholes.
Conclusion
Europe offers a diverse range of camping experiences, catering to every type of camper, from budget-conscious travellers to those seeking the highest quality of stay. Our detailed review provides invaluable insights into the cost, quality, popularity, and safety of camping in various European countries. From the fairy tale landscapes of Germany, which tops the list with its exceptional national parks and balanced costs, to the budget-friendly yet equally stunning Poland, and the sun-drenched, pool-rich campsites of France, there's something for everyone.
Methodology
Each data point consists of the latest research available from reputable sources. All sources are country-specific level data points. Countries missing more than one data point were removed from the study. The data was standardised using minmax normalisation. The minmax normalisation value is multiplied by 10 to create a score (between 0-10). A score of 10 is always the best result, while a score of 0 is the worst. Each country is then ranked on their overall rating across all data points, to find which country is the best for camping.
Cost of the stay:
• Cost of car hire: Kayak
The average weekly cost of hiring a car for a week in August.
• Cost of campsite: Camping
The average cost to stay at a campground per night in August.
• Daily travel cost – Budget Your Trip
The recommended daily budget for each country, including food, transport and nightly stay.
Quality of the stay
• Quality of national parks – Google
The average review rating of national parks in each country according to Google Maps.
• Quality of campsites –Google
The average review rating of campsites according to Google Maps.
• Number of campsites with pools in each country - Euro Campings
The total number of campsites that have a pool listed as an amenity.
Popularity of each country
• Instagram popularity – Instagram
The number of posts under each country’s hashtag (e.g. #france, #germany etc.).
• TikTok popularity – TikTok
The number of posts under each country's location filter.
Safety of each country
• Road quality – The Global Economy
Report on how well maintained the roads are in each country.
• Crime rates – Numbeo
How safe people feel in each country according to survey data.
Enjoyed this? Read our latest news
- Updated new BMW 3 Series revealed
- Wraps come off the new Porsche 911 hybrid
- VW teases hottest Golf GTI yet
- Audi RS 4 Avant celebrates 25th birthday with special edition
- Jeep unveils new all-wheel drive Avenger 4xe
Where To Next?
For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to our newsletter.
Looking for a great leasing deal? Check out our incredible range of special offers.
Read our latest reviews and find the right model for you.
Want to know more about leasing? Take a look at our comprehensive leasing guides.
Interested in everything motoring? Why not catch up on all the latest car leasing news.
