Strict regulations for mobile homes: This is how expensive wild camping gets!

Strict regulations for mobile homes: This is how expensive wild camping gets!

In Europe, the regulations for overnight stays in motorhomes are becoming increasingly strict. Countries enact laws prohibiting overnight stays outside of official parking areas in order to reduce environmental impact and maintain public order. Loud Blackout News These measures affect not only popular tourist destinations, but also countries valued for their nature and flexibility.

A particularly strict example are the new regulations in Greece. In January 2025, Law 5170/2025 came into force, prohibiting the parking and overnight stay of mobile homes in public spaces. This particularly affects beaches, forests and public parking lots. Violations can be punished with fines of up to 3,000 euros and up to three months in prison. Overnight stays on private property are no longer permitted, even if the owner agrees.

Rules in Central Europe

Central Europe is also strict and unyielding when it comes to regulating motorhome travel. Wild camping is completely prohibited in the Netherlands; overnight stays are only permitted on official pitches and licensed campsites. Luxembourg has strict rules and intensive controls in rural areas. Switzerland only allows free overnight stays in explicitly signposted places, while many cantons have their own regulations.

Although there is no direct ban on wild camping in the Czech Republic, overnight stays are practically only permitted on official campsites. In the UK, local authorities regulate motorhome travel; There is an 18-month trial ban on overnight parking of motorhomes in North Yorkshire. In Lancashire, parking on the seafront between 6am and 8am is prohibited, with violators facing fines of up to £70.

Developments in Southern Europe

Southern countries such as Spain have also tightened their regulations. On the Costa Blanca, new parking bans for motorhomes were introduced in 2025 in coastal towns such as Santa Pola and Elche. In protected areas, such as in Águilas, height barriers have been installed to keep RVs out. This is part of a larger trend in Europe that is making wild camping testing more challenging in many regions.

It is generally recommended that travelers find out about local regulations in advance. Spontaneous overnight stays are no longer possible in many regions. The wild camping-friendly “everyman’s right” is only permitted in a few countries, such as Norway and Sweden, while strict bans apply in many others, including Italy, France and the Netherlands. In addition, it is generally not recommended to camp in forests and nature reserves, as this is often prohibited.

Tips for RV travelers

Travelers should also be aware that the legal situation for wild camping in Europe is highly variable and often confusing. To avoid fines, which can vary between 100 and 2,500 euros depending on the country, you should find out about specific regulations in advance. Sleeping in a car is often permitted as long as it is in a secure parking space and the stay does not last longer than one night. The ADAC parking space guide 2025 also offers useful information on over 6,800 parking spaces and campsites in 37 European countries, which represent a good alternative to unsafe overnight accommodations.

Providing timely information about local regulations and using official parking spaces is becoming increasingly important for motorhome travelers across Europe.