Roaming in Comfort: Exploring Our Favourite Type of Camper Stop
Berlin Germany
Few topics elicit stronger opinions than the best type of camper stop and the key factors that contribute to a peaceful night's rest. This is a subject that ignites not only the passion of van travellers, but also the communities where they park. It's a topic that generates considerable tension on social media, with opinions that are often deeply held and fiercely defended. Unfortunately, the discussion is rife with misinformation and exaggeration, particularly when it comes to the behaviour of campers. Additionally, some local authorities hold insular views, failing to consider the stance taken by their European counterparts who prioritise safe travel and rest for van tourists.
Bremen Germany
The purpose of this article is not to weigh in on the broader debate, but rather to outline our approach to selecting camper stops and the guiding principles we follow. We write this article holding three key principles dear: respecting others' choices without judgment or comment, acknowledging that cost is a significant factor in individual decision-making, and refraining from advising others on what to do. Our experience has taught us that it's crucial to consider factors like a person's appetite for risk, budget, and community preferences when making recommendations. Without this information, it's difficult to determine what type of camper stop will best suit their needs and preferences. The purpose of this article is to share our approach to selecting camper stops, with no intention of implying judgment on the choices of others
Auschwitz Poland
It is fair to say that most responsible campers do agree on these head line principles .
Safety: Ensure that the area you choose to park is safe and secure. Look for well-lit, populated areas with low crime rates.
Legality: Make sure it's legal to park your camper in the area. Check for any parking regulations or permit requirements before settling in for the night.
Comfort: Look for a spot that is relatively flat, with a stable surface to park on. Ensure there is enough space to comfortably park your camper and move around.
Amenities: Consider proximity to amenities such as public restrooms, water sources, and waste bins.
Noise: Choose an area away from noisy roads or bustling nightlife to ensure a peaceful night's sleep.
Community: Be respectful of the local community by avoiding parking in residential areas or blocking driveways.
Leave No Trace: Always leave your parking area as clean and tidy as you found it, and never leave behind rubbish.
Bayern Munich FC Car Park
Once the baseline principles for selecting a place to park your camper have been established, the remaining factors are largely a matter of personal preference. Everyone has different tastes, priorities, and needs when it comes to choosing a spot to park their camper for the night. It's important to respect and support each other's individual preferences and choices, even if they differ from our own. After all, the freedom to make our own choices is what allows us to enjoy our own unique experiences.
Our approach to selecting a camper stop involves recognising that all options are tactical choices, and there are no inherently "bad" tactics - only tactics that may not be suitable for a particular situation. We typically begin by deciding where we want to be and then consult camping apps to identify potential options. Our preferred app is Camper Contact, with Search for Sites as a backup. While many of our friends use Park for Nights with great success, we find that it suggests locations we are less inclined to park in.
Poznan Poland
We make use of a variety of park-up options that best suit our plans, with the exception of unofficial or stealth park-ups. On our latest trip through Northern and Central Europe, we utilised permitted car parks, parking areas, camper stops, stellplatz, and campsites. We find that campsites are particularly convenient for topping up our batteries and doing laundry. Despite having camped in 19 European countries thus far, we have not encountered any instances of crime or excessive noise. We have never been asked to move on in the middle of the night or endured ‘the knock’ We have also never received unwanted attention from the community or had any negative experiences with locals.
Graz Austria
After all our ramblings about criteria for selecting camper stops, I must admit that we do have a favourite type of spot - and as we write this, we find ourselves sitting in just such a place. Our favourite sort of camper stop is a German stellplatz in the countryside, complete with toilets, showers, picnic benches, and stunning views from the window. And if that weren't enough, this particular stellplatz even has a BBQ area for us to enjoy for the cost of £19 per night without EHU. The best part? The number of vans allowed is limited, so last night we had the place to ourselves and enjoyed absolute bliss including access to the wine fridge (complete with an honest box). Check out the pictures below to see why we love this type of spot so much.
///ruining.sparky.shovel
In conclusion, choosing the right camper stop is a matter of personal preference and depends on your individual needs and priorities. By following our general principles and keeping an open mind, we can find the perfect spot for our adventures, just like we did with our beloved German stellplatz. Happy travels! Helen and Martin.
