Italy is a sun-soaked haven for campervan drivers, with spectacular scenery, ancient landmarks, picturesque campsites, and all the pizza you can eat! Italy has a long past and a rich culture, and you can visit any of its most famous towns and cities to get a glimpse into its fascinating history.
The capital, Rome, is home to countless millennia-old ruins, museums, and an entirely separate country, Vatican City. Florence is known for its Renaissance art and architecture, and Venice has romantic canals, delicate blown glass, and intriguing passageways. Milan has flair and style, whereas Naples is renowned for its delicious pizza and proximity to the remains of Pompeii.
Italy has 25 breathtaking national parks, each with its unique landscape and natural wonders. Gran Paradiso is home to rare wildlife and offers stunning alpine views, Cinque Terre is a coastal park with beautiful trails connecting five vibrant seaside towns, and Stelvio boasts the highest mountain pass in Italy and cerulean glaciers and lakes. Other notable national parks in Italy include Dolomiti Bellunesi, Pollino, and the Tuscan Archipelago.
From the frosty peaks of the Alps and the sun-washed slopes of the Apennines to the golden beaches and turquoise waters along Italy's neverending coastline, there's always a spectacular backdrop for every stretch of your journey.
For first-time campers, the best all-around option for an Italian vacation is the Intermediate or Budget-friendly campervan. These come equipped with beds, lounges, and often bathrooms and kitchenettes, and they're comfortable to drive along winding Italian roads. If you don't need much space and seek a more rugged and natural experience, go for the compact 4WD Camper. The larger Luxury Class motorhomes have all the luxuries of a home but tend to cost more.
To compare all of the best campervan models from the most trusted rental brands, head to Camp Champ and find the perfect deal for your vacation. Italy is a magnificent country for a campervan road trip; here's why:
Hotels are more expensive than campsites: Hotels, hostels, and AirBnBs all tend to be far more costly than a night in a campsite, especially if you locate a free sosta, or overnight rest stop.
You'll want to have more flexibility: There are so many fascinating attractions in Italy that you'll inevitably wish you could spend an extra day in one location. With a campervan, you're able to adapt plans on the go, giving yourself the freedom to explore.
There are campsites inside the National Parks: Many of Italy's 25 national parks encompass multiple towns and villages, so you can find a place to sleep in the heart of the country's most scenic settings.
Driving is the best way to get around: If you want to visit multiple locations on your trip, the easiest way to reach everything would be by car. Instead of renting a car, get a campervan and turn every drive into an adventure!
While it's possible to camp in low-cost rest stops each night, there's no replacement for the home comforts and unbeatable locations offered by these 10 campervan-friendly campsites in Italy:
Wild camping rules are determined by region, but it is generally prohibited in Italy, and fines can be heavy (€100-500). If unsure about a certain region check online or visit an information center.
There are plenty of campsites in Italy starting around €20 ($21 USD) per night
All drivers must have a current and full driver’s license to rent a vehicle.
For foreign licenses, an International Driving Permit is required. In addition, some companies require the driver to have held your license for a certain period of time (usually 1-3 years).