Alone by the water, surrounded by beautiful nature and stunning views. This is the ultimate camping spot for roof tents according to many. But how do you find it? Here I share my best tips on how to find a really good roof tent spot to camp at – both for wild camping and proper campsites.
One of my biggest fears when I bought my first roof tent was that my dreams of epic camping spots with magnificent views from the tent on the car roof would in reality most often turn out to be a paved roadside pullout along a busy European highway. Fortunately, it quickly turned out that my fears were unfounded. Most of the time we find beautiful places to stay – if not, the evening can be saved with a campsite or rest area.But as you might have guessed, I like wild camping the most, meaning setting up at a place that is not prepared for overnight stays with, for example, a motorhome.
1. Put on your roof tent glasses
I usually say that I always travel with roof tent glasses on. If I am out driving and see a small road that looks interesting, I often check where it leads. Driving around looking for that perfect camping spot also becomes part of the fun of the trip for me. The excitement of what awaits around the next bend or at the end of that little detour. But IT IS NOT ALWAYS EASY. Since I started roof tenting, I have realized how hard it can be to find small roads that are not lined with holiday homes or summer cottages or blocked by a gate.2. Google Maps is your best friend
My best tip is to use Google Maps or another map service and scan the area you plan to camp overnight. Choose satellite view so you can easily see if there are houses nearby (which I usually want to avoid) and if the place in question looks like it has parking options. If you come up empty, it is rarely far to a commercial campsite, no matter where you are. There are also plenty of beautiful rest areas and motorhome parking spots that can work if you don’t absolutely have to be completely alone.3. Apps like Park4Night
Park4Night is the most beloved app among roof tenters, vanlife people, and motorhome owners and has saved me several times when I came up empty on my own search. The Park4Night app lists places where you can park overnight. A good feature is that you can filter by type of camping spot – for example wild camping ("Surrounded by nature"), motorhome parking, rest area, campsite. You can also of course contribute yourself and add places you find. The app is free and available for both iPhone and Android.
Other app tips for finding roof tent spots include "Ställplatser" and "Fricamping"
4. Acamp
A new service where both private individuals and companies can offer campers to rent a spot from them. Booking and payment are done directly in the Acamp app or on their website. Maybe not proper wild camping – but there will be opportunities to book spots where only a few guests can stay at a time. The fun part is that they seem to focus on connecting with landowners who have something fun to show, such as a distillery, a restaurant out in the countryside, and organic farms. A fun opportunity to get a unique experience and at the same time avoid the crowds at regular campsites! Definitely going to try it this summer.5. Ask other roof tenters, outdoor people, and locals
My experience is that people are almost always generous with tips, so join groups for the city/region/place you are going to visit and/or outdoor/camping groups on Facebook and ask for tips. Two good groups: We who wild camp and Roof Tent Sweden.
Also ask relatives/friends/acquaintances who live or have lived in the area. Even the local tourist offices can have good tips.
