Motorhome holidays keep getting pricier: how to keep yours affordable
A motorhome holiday is getting more expensive mainly because of a pile-up of costs: buying or renting the vehicle, higher pitch fees in peak season, fuel, tolls and road vignettes, and insurance. The trip stays affordable if you travel off-season, choose cheaper countries and regions, stay longer in one place, and use simple motorhome stopovers (aires) instead of pricey campsites.
More and more campers are noticing it: a holiday with the motorhome feels pricier than it did a few years ago. Regional broadcaster RTV Oost captured the frustration of motorhome owners who say the rising costs 'make no sense at all'. So what is really behind the increase, and is a camper trip still worth it? We break down the cost drivers and share concrete tips to keep your trip affordable.
Why a motorhome holiday feels more expensive
The price of a motorhome holiday is pushed up by several items at once. It starts with the vehicle itself: new and used motorhomes have risen in price over recent years, and renting isn't cheap either, especially in the summer months when demand peaks.
On top of that come the travel costs on the road. A motorhome is heavier than a regular car, so fuel adds up faster. Tolls, vignettes and low-emission zones in countries like France, Italy and Austria make the drive costlier. And then there are the pitch fees, which can climb sharply in peak season and at popular destinations.
The main cost drivers at a glance
Purchase or rental: the biggest fixed cost. If you only go occasionally, renting is often cheaper than owning, because maintenance, storage and depreciation fall away.
Pitch fee: rates vary widely by country, region and season. A coastal pitch in August costs a multiple of the same pitch in May or September.
Fuel, tolls and vignettes: variable costs that grow with distance and route. A shorter or smarter route saves money directly.
Insurance and extras: motorhome insurance, breakdown cover, tourist tax and charges for electricity or water at the pitch. Individually small, together they add up.
Is a camper trip still worth it?
Despite the higher costs, the motorhome stays appealing for many travellers: you're free, you pay no hotel and often cook your own meals, which saves money in turn. So a motorhome holiday can still work out cheaper than a long-haul flight plus hotel, as long as you make your choices deliberately.
The maths shifts the further and faster you travel. Many kilometres in a short time drive up fuel and toll costs, while staying longer in one place or region lowers your cost per day. Travellers who treat the trip as 'slow travel' usually get the most value for their money.
How to keep your motorhome holiday affordable
Travel off-season. In the shoulder season (May, June, September) pitches are cheaper and quieter, and the weather across much of Europe is still fine.
Choose cheaper countries and regions. In Southern and Eastern Europe pitch fees are often lower than at the top Mediterranean spots in August. A region slightly inland is usually cheaper than right on the coast.
Stay longer in one place. Many campsites offer discounts for longer stays, and you save substantially on fuel and tolls because you drive less.
Save with aires and simple stopovers
Alongside regular campsites there are countless motorhome stopovers (called 'aires' in France, 'Stellplätze' in Germany) that are much cheaper or sometimes free. You pay for the basics: a spot for the night, often with the option to take on fresh water and empty waste water.
A smart mix works best: a few nights at a cheap stopover alternated with the occasional campsite with a pool and full amenities. Plan your route around these spots so you don't drive unnecessary detours and keep fuel costs down.
Compare campsites before you set off
Comparing well saves the most. Rates, amenities and location vary widely, and those very differences decide what you pay per night. By checking in advance which campsite fits your budget and wishes, you avoid expensive surprises on the road.
On the Ovisola map you can find campsites and motorhome stopovers across Europe, filterable by country, amenities (pool, family-friendly, near the sea) and price-from. That way you see at a glance where you get the most comfort for your budget.
Frequently asked questions
Why does a motorhome holiday keep getting more expensive?+
Because of a pile-up of costs: pricier purchase and rental of motorhomes, higher pitch fees in peak season, fuel, tolls and vignettes, and insurance. No single item is the sole cause; together they make the whole trip costlier than it was a few years ago.
When is a motorhome holiday cheapest?+
In the shoulder season, such as May, June and September. Pitches are cheaper and quieter then, while the weather across much of Europe is still pleasant. August and the school holidays are usually the most expensive.
Is renting or buying a motorhome cheaper?+
It depends on how often you go. If you only travel a few weeks a year, renting is often cheaper because maintenance, storage, insurance and depreciation fall away. For those who travel a lot and for long periods, owning can pay off over time.
How do I save on pitch fees?+
Choose cheaper countries and regions, travel off-season, stay longer in one place for tiered discounts, and alternate regular campsites with cheaper motorhome stopovers (aires/Stellplätze) that are sometimes even free.
How do I find an affordable campsite in Europe?+
Compare on rate, amenities and location in advance. On the Ovisola map you can filter campsites and motorhome stopovers across Europe by country, amenities and price-from, so you quickly see where you get the most comfort for your budget.