Portugal Joins Spain, Austria, United Kingdom and Sweden as Europe’s Most Affordable Family Camping Destinations with Lowest Car Rental and Campsite Costs for Summer Travel

Written By: Pritam Nath

Pritam Nath

Pritam Nath is a published writer, journalist, and media researcher with over seven years of experience in journalism, content creation, and strategic communication. He specializes in media studies, journalism and mass communication, content strategy, and audience-focused storytelling. A certified journalist, he has produced research-driven news, feature stories, and industry analysis across media, travel, tourism, hospitality, culture, and strategic communication. Combining academic expertise with practical experience in digital publishing, Pritam creates insightful, engaging, and credible content that informs diverse audiences. He continues to explore emerging trends in global media, journalism, tourism, and digital communication while developing impactful content strategies.

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June 25, 2026 5:17 PM

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Families planning an affordable European camping holiday this summer have more budget-friendly choices than ever, with Portugal leading a new ranking of the continent’s cheapest camping destinations. New research from DiscoverCars.com reveals that Portugal, Spain, Austria, the United Kingdom and Sweden offer the best value for families combining campsite accommodation with rental cars during the peak summer holiday period. The analysis compared the average lowest campsite prices and local car rental costs for a week-long stay between July 27 and August 2, highlighting destinations where travelers can significantly reduce holiday expenses without compromising outdoor experiences.

The findings underscore the growing popularity of self-drive camping holidays as travelers seek flexible, nature-focused vacations amid rising travel costs. Portugal secured the top position with the lowest combined average expense of just €363, thanks to Europe’s cheapest rental car rates and affordable campsites. Spain followed closely, while Austria completed the top three with competitive pricing across both accommodation and transportation. Meanwhile, the United Kingdom and Sweden also ranked among the best-value destinations for families seeking scenic camping escapes. At the opposite end of the spectrum, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Norway, Finland and France emerged as Europe’s most expensive camping destinations, demonstrating the substantial cost differences travelers should consider when planning their summer adventures.

Portugal Leads Europe’s Most Affordable Family Camping Destinations

DiscoverCars.com evaluated between two and four popular family-friendly campsites in every country included in the study before combining the average lowest campsite price with local weekly car rental costs.

Portugal claimed the number one position after recording the lowest average car rental price of €143 alongside campsite costs averaging €220, creating the lowest overall travel budget among all countries surveyed.

Spain and Austria Deliver Strong Value for Summer Family Road Trips

Spain secured second place thanks to the lowest average campsite pricing in the research at €149 and competitive vehicle rental costs of €249. Together, the combined average expense reached €398 for a week-long family camping holiday.

Austria ranked third with campsite costs averaging €187 and rental vehicles priced at €258, producing a total estimated holiday cost of €445. The country’s balance of affordable accommodation, mountain scenery and well-developed camping infrastructure contributed to its strong value ranking.

United Kingdom and Sweden Complete the Top Five Budget Camping Destinations

Although the United Kingdom recorded one of the highest campsite costs among the leading destinations at €272, relatively inexpensive car rental prices averaging €232 helped keep total travel expenses to €504.

Sweden rounded out the top five with campsite costs averaging €200 and car hire expenses of €352, resulting in a combined weekly budget of €552 for families seeking outdoor adventures across Scandinavia.

Europe’s Most Expensive Family Camping Destinations

The study also identified countries where travelers should expect considerably higher expenses for both accommodation and transportation during the peak summer season.

The Netherlands topped the list of the most expensive camping destinations, with average weekly costs exceeding €1,000, while Switzerland followed closely at €958. Norway, Finland and France also recorded significantly higher overall travel costs than Europe’s leading budget destinations.

Car Rental and Early Booking Remain Essential for Budget Travelers

According to DiscoverCars.com Head of Growth Aleksandrs Buraks, packing camping equipment into a rental vehicle remains one of the best ways for families to experience Europe’s natural attractions while managing holiday budgets.

The company also advises travelers to review local driving regulations before departure, ensure they carry the correct driving documentation and reserve both campsites and rental cars well in advance to secure the lowest available prices during the busy summer travel season.

FAQs

1. Which country is the cheapest for family camping in Europe this summer?
Portugal ranks first with an average combined weekly campsite and car rental cost of €363.

2. Which country ranks second in the affordability ranking?
Spain is the second most affordable destination with an average weekly cost of €398.

3. How was the research conducted?
DiscoverCars.com analyzed popular family campsites and combined the average lowest campsite rates with local weekly car rental prices.

4. What travel period was used for the comparison?
The study examined prices for a one-week stay between July 27 and August 2.

5. Which countries complete the top five affordable destinations?
Portugal, Spain, Austria, the United Kingdom and Sweden.

6. Which country is the most expensive for family camping?
The Netherlands ranks as the most expensive with an average weekly cost of €1,021.

7. Why is Portugal ranked first?
It has the lowest average car rental prices and affordable campsite rates.

8. Is booking early recommended?
Yes. Early reservations for both campsites and rental vehicles can help reduce travel costs.

9. Should travelers check local driving rules?
Yes. Visitors should familiarize themselves with local driving laws and carry all required documentation.

10. Why are camping holidays becoming more popular?
Camping offers flexible, affordable, family-friendly travel while allowing visitors to explore scenic destinations at lower overall costs.