Greece has officially joined a growing list of countries—including the US, UK, Netherlands, Luxembourg, Switzerland, and Czech Republic—that are implementing tough new travel bans targeting motorhomes. Driven by rising concerns over environmental impact, overcrowding, and unauthorized camping, these nations are introducing sweeping national prohibitions, regional overnight parking bans, and future sales restrictions that collectively mark a global clampdown on freeform motorhome travel. Greece’s move to implement a comprehensive national ban on motorhomes in public areas marks one of the most aggressive crackdowns to date. Under the new law, motorhomes and caravans are now prohibited from parking in public spaces such as beaches, parks, forests, and even standard car parks. The regulation also curtails private hosting, forbidding landowners from accommodating more than one motorhome on their property, regardless of consent. Offenders face steep penalties, including fines reaching €300 and the possibility of serving up to three months in jail. Officials cite environmental degradation, traffic congestion, and pressure on public services as key justifications for the ban. However, the law has sparked widespread concern among rural communities that rely heavily on camper tourism to sustain local economies, particularly during Greece’s long summer season. Netherlands, Luxembourg, and Switzerland: No Tolerance for Wild Camping Before Greece’s law came into effect, several European countries had already laid the groundwork for strict regulation of motorhome travel. Across the Netherlands, wild camping and parking motorhomes outside designated areas are completely forbidden under national law. Travelers are required to use designated motorhome sites or licensed campsites. Hefty penalties are imposed on those who park outside permitted areas, making spontaneous overnight stays virtually impossible. Luxembourg mirrors the Dutch model with a total ban on wild camping. Motorhomes must stay in official areas, and local enforcement often patrols rural zones to ensure compliance. Despite its small size, Luxembourg has adopted one of the most regulated approaches to motorhome travel in Europe
Greece has officially joined a growing list of countries—including the US, UK, Netherlands, Luxembourg, Switzerland, and Czech Republic—that are implementing tough new travel bans targeting motorhomes. Driven by rising concerns over environmental impact, overcrowding, and unauthorized camping, these nations are introducing sweeping national prohibitions, regional overnight parking bans, and future sales restrictions that collectively mark a global clampdown on freeform motorhome travel.
Greece’s move to implement a comprehensive national ban on motorhomes in public areas marks one of the most aggressive crackdowns to date. Under the new law, motorhomes and caravans are now prohibited from parking in public spaces such as beaches, parks, forests, and even standard car parks. The regulation also curtails private hosting, forbidding landowners from accommodating more than one motorhome on their property, regardless of consent.
Offenders face steep penalties, including fines reaching €300 and the possibility of serving up to three months in jail. Officials cite environmental degradation, traffic congestion, and pressure on public services as key justifications for the ban. However, the law has sparked widespread concern among rural communities that rely heavily on camper tourism to sustain local economies, particularly during Greece’s long summer season.
Netherlands, Luxembourg, and Switzerland: No Tolerance for Wild Camping
Before Greece’s law came into effect, several European countries had already laid the groundwork for strict regulation of motorhome travel.
Across the Netherlands, wild camping and parking motorhomes outside designated areas are completely forbidden under national law. Travelers are required to use designated motorhome sites or licensed campsites. Hefty penalties are imposed on those who park outside permitted areas, making spontaneous overnight stays virtually impossible.
Luxembourg mirrors the Dutch model with a total ban on wild camping. Motorhomes must stay in official areas, and local enforcement often patrols rural zones to ensure compliance. Despite its small size, Luxembourg has adopted one of the most regulated approaches to motorhome travel in Europe
