In the summer of 2022, my son and I spent 2 months driving through Europe with a tent. Here's some practical advice regarding campsites in Europe

# Introduction<br><br>During the summer of 2022, my son (15) and I embarked on a fantastic adventure driving through Europe with a small tent and sleeping bag. The experience exceeded my expectations in many ways, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking to explore this beautiful continent. Here are some practical tips regarding campsites that we learned along the way:<br><br>## Mobile Homes and Seasonal Campers Are Extremely Popular in Europe<br><br>One of the most surprising observations we made during our trip was the prevalence of mobile homes and seasonal campers. These structures were often equipped with all the comforts of home, including refrigerators, sofas, and even satellite TV. We noticed that many campsites were dominated by these permanent setups, which sometimes made it challenging for us to find space for our small tent. It was clear that this is a popular way for many Europeans to enjoy their summer vacations.<br><br>## Reservations<br><br>While campsites are generally plentiful, we encountered a few instances where we couldn't secure a spot due to high demand. This was particularly true in Norway and Poland, where campsites were in short supply. To avoid potential issues, it's advisable to book reservations well in advance, especially if you're traveling with an RV or caravan, or if you're visiting popular areas like the High Tatras.<br><br>## Campsites in Norway<br><br>Norway has a well-developed system of campsites, but they were often crowded, noisy, and not especially clean. However, this was partly due to the time of year and the popularity of the area we were visiting. We paid around 250-300 NOK (~€25-30) per night for two people. One notable observation was that many Norwegians bring their full mobile homes for a few nights, only to return home when they need to use a real bathroom.<br><br>## Campsites in Sweden<br><br>In contrast to Norway, Swedish campsites were more spread out, quieter, and generally cleaner. However, they were more expensive, with prices ranging from 350-450 SEK (~€30-40) per night for the two of us.<br><br>## Campsites in Poland<br><br>Polish campsites were abundant and clean, with competitive pricing at around 60-80 PLN (~€15-20) per night. However, the facilities were often underwhelming.<br><br>## Campsites in Germany<br><br>German campsites were more expensive than those in Poland, with prices averaging 20-30€ per night. However, the facilities were generally clean and well-maintained.<br><br>## Campsites in Austria and Italy<br><br>The least expensive campsites we encountered were in Austria and Italy, with prices ranging from 15-25€ per night. These campsites offered a mix of cleanliness and facilities, but were generally more crowded than those in other countries.<br><br># Conclusion<br><br>In conclusion, our experience with campsites in Europe was largely positive, despite some challenges and variations in quality and pricing. By understanding the popularity of mobile homes and seasonal campers, reserving spots in advance, and being prepared for differences in facilities and cleanliness, travelers can make the most of their camping adventure in Europe.