“My phone doesn’t stop ringing – it’s gone absolutely ballistic,” says Greg White, owner of Little Haven Campsite, a wild and beautiful eco-camp just minutes from the sea in Pembrokeshire, Wales. Camping is back – and it’s well and truly in style.
Within 24 hours of the UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson announcing that campsites in England could reopen on July 4, the camping website Pitchup recorded its highest number of UK bookings in a single day, and reservations on Cool Camping were 750% higher than the same day last year.
Moreover, although Scotland and Wales are yet to open their campsites, bookings have skyrocketed across mainland Europe as COVID-19 restrictions relax. Still, campers should expect plenty of changes. From contactless check-ins to wildlife corridors, here’s everything you need to know about camping in Europe this summer.
Is camping safe?
Camping is seen as low-risk. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control has cited several small-scale reports that show the majority of COVID-19 transmissions occur indoors, but it is known to spread at outdoor events with large crowds, such as football matches. Campsites also have strict measures in place to minimize the spread of the disease.
Although rules differ in each country (and per region in places like Germany and the Netherlands), Ros Pritchard, the Secretary General of EFCO&HPA, which represents the camping and caravan industry at the European level, states the core advice is the same across the continent.
“It is to keep your distance, which is going to be one meter, use hand sanitizer frequently, and for the business to be cleaning frequently,” she explains. Countries such as France and Switzerland have publicly outlined their plans for keeping campsites clean, but ultimately, campers must adhere to local rules.
Consider certified campsites
Not every campsite can fully comply with government guidance, so many will not reopen this summer. Others will only offer limited camping options, such as Glottenham Farm, which can only safely offer glamping.
While those that reopen should be adhering to local rules, the biggest camping website in the Netherlands, ANWB, is utilizing inspectors to ensure its campsites meet regional safety conditions. Each compliant campsite will be highlighted by a special sticker. Visit Britain has also created the “We’re Good To Go” industry standard mark to reassure tourists.
Check your visit eligibility
Although borders are open in some countries, various international and regional restrictions could scupper your plans. For instance, Norway only currently allows domestic travelers to visit its campsites, while the Netherlands still isn’t welcoming anyone from the UK or Sweden. Only campers from neighboring countries are currently permitted in Hungary.
Acsi, which produces European campsite guidebooks, is maintaining an updated list of current campsite restrictions.
Booking essentials
Previously, travelers could simply arrive at a campsite and pitch up, provided there was space. However, numerous European countries, such as the Netherlands and Croatia, now require foreign tourists to reserve their accommodations in advance. Moreover, travelers may need to show evidence of their booking at the border, so check restrictions for both your destination and any transit countries.
An increased appetite for camping and strict social distancing measures will lead to fewer available pitches, making advance reservation all but essential this summer. Certain camping websites like ANWB for the Netherlands, Spain, France, Italy, Denmark, and Croatia, are providing flexible cancellation policies should any coronavirus restrictions return.
What to pack
There may be an element of self-sufficiency required this summer, as some campsites will close shops, bars, and restaurants; although, locations in Luxembourg, Germany, and Austria will allow many to open.
Inquire ahead and take what you might need for the entire trip; this could mean packing sufficient food, a camp stove, and cooking fuel. If there’s no restaurant, pack plates, cups, cutlery, and washing-up equipment. You may also need a personal toilet tent, which should be confirmed in advance.
In some countries, such as Spain and Portugal, masks remain mandatory in enclosed spaces, including camp shops and bars. Wherever you travel, it’s prudent to take a face covering, and while many campsites are installing hand sanitizer stations on-site, it’s still wise to have your own.
Contactless or remote check-ins
To limit on-site interactions, numerous campsites will introduce contactless or remote check-ins, allowing campers to arrive, pay, and pitch without direct contact with staff. One site implementing this is Belair le Camping in the Dordogne, France. It offers either a contactless check-in or a socially distanced arrival, where a staff member will meet campers as usual.
“If they choose a contactless check-in, we send them a map prior to arrival. I even circle the map to tell them where their tent is,” explains owner Laura Pantry. Payments can be made remotely online, and campers will receive everything they need for their stay in their pre-arranged tent, including a welcome guide.
Increased pitch sizes and wildlife corridors
With greater social distancing measures, some campsites are utilizing wildlife corridors to mark out pitches. These areas of tall grass and wildflowers grow freely between pitches, showing campers the edge of their camp and encouraging them to maintain distance from other tents.
Cowpots Camping in Wales, a 100-acre farm featuring traditional agricultural grassland, wetlands, and a bluebell wood, has marked out pitches in this manner for three years.
“It’s great for the wildlife,” states owner Martin Bowman. Various plants, including buttercups and clovers, grow between the pitches, which are all spaced 35 meters apart.
Facility restrictions
In all European countries, policies have been implemented to ensure safe holidays, including extra cleaning, disinfectant stations, distancing rules, and minimized contact wherever possible, says Linda Gedink, who runs Camping Auf Kengert in Luxembourg.
While most facilities remain open, some, such as swimming pools, have limitations. For example, the pool can only accommodate a maximum of 25 people at once, and customers must wear masks when entering and exiting the restaurant.
In contrast, some modifications in England are stricter. The Bakewell Camping and Caravanning Club Site in the Lake District will reopen but without toilet and shower blocks. Research ahead and select a campsite that aligns with your needs.
The restroom and shower situation
While many countries such as the Netherlands, France, and Spain are reopening toilet blocks and showers, others, including England and Slovakia, may implement one-in one-out rules and bookable shower slots.
“We are frantically putting in numerous toilets,” says Greg White of Little Haven Campsite in Pembrokeshire, Wales. “Normally, we have 20 pitches, but this year we’ve decided to reduce to 12 pitches, each with an individual toilet for privacy and convenience.”
