Camping in Europe this summer

[Tallesttiptoes]

Following on from last years cancellations, I’ve tentatively rebooked our P&O ferries for August, now going into Rotterdam. Last year we were going into Zeebrugge (it’s changed because they’ve now cancelled that route) and planned to do Bruges and Ghent, but now we are starting and ending the trip in the Netherlands I’m thinking about something different. We have 3 1/2 weeks so could in theory get a long way. I don’t know whether it’ll be difficult to go between countries though. Just wondered if anyone had travelled through Europe by campervan much last summer. I’m happy to all have covid tests upon entry to Netherlands but don’t want to go through lots of countries if we have to keep repeating. Sorry if this is a bit of a stupid question as I know things could be completely different by then but interested to hear experiences. I know we will also have to check we all have 6 months + on passports and get new driving documentation now we’ve left Europe too.

I’m also looking for some destination inspiration. Wondering about Austria, Bavarian Alps? Ideally we would like campsites with a swimming pool and cafe bar but not bothered about entertainment really. We’ve done the Mosel valley and Scharzwald in the past and really liked them.

Thanks in advance for inspiration!

The Ardenne area of Belgium/North France is very beautiful, especially around La Roche en Ardenne. We stayed at Campsite Floreal there.

at the moment it's a negative pcr test before entering the netherlands plus quarantine.
same if you were to move on from nl to germany.
tbh I wouldn't book anything yet but keep an eye on the situation. it might be ok but it might be very restrictive still.

Thanks for the recommendation @Fivemoreminutes1, I will take a look at that one.

@redcandlelight yes, I won’t book anything yet. The only reason we rebooked the ferries was because the credit only lasted until end of 2021 and realistically summer hols would be our only chance for enough time off to make a European trip worthwhile. Will just have to wait and see.

We want to do this in our van ! hopefully down to Portugal (but at the moment ill take anywhere!!) fingers crossed ..

Last year all we managed was Northumberland .. I am thinking of a lake district trip as soon as we can though.. (luckily not tied to school holidays and recently retired )

All bets are still off for 2021.

But you can cover a lot of ground in 3.5 weeks under normal conditions. You could work your way across Netherlands and northern Germany, onto Rügen, take the ferry to Sweden, and lap back round via Malmö, and the Öresund Bridge then south through Denmark. Or alternatively go up the east coast of Sweden, ferry to Poland and back through Poland and Germany to your return ferry in the Netherlands. Neither of those routes would be taxing or require a high daily mileage over 3 weeks.

It's not repeating if you're seeing different bits of the same country on different legs.

Thanks @DogInATent, some good route options I haven’t thought of there, will have a closer look.

@Laska2Meryls good luck! Fingers crossed for Portugal! Having said that, we had a great UK trip last year to north Yorks and then Norfolk but it would be great to get further afield if conditions permit.

Black Forest area in Germany has lots of good campsites with plenty to do and many campsites offer visitor cards that include free public transport. Also Austria is great in summer, pick a valley and you can spend a week or so exploring with many of the cable cars operating and different mountain activities. From NL probably five hours drive to the Black Forest and then a couple of hours more to the Austrian mountains.