Camping remains a staple of European family travel, offering a way to explore the continent's diverse landscapes without breaking the bank. A new study by Discovercars.com, an international car rental broker, has ranked the most affordable European countries for family camping holidays in 2026, based on the combined cost of campsite stays and car hire for a family of four.
The research analysed prices for the week of 27 July to 2 August 2026, comparing two to four popular campsites in different regions of each country. It also calculated the average cost of renting an SUV near each campsite during the same period. The resulting ranking highlights where families can stretch their euros furthest.
Top Five Affordable Destinations
Portugal leads the list, with a total weekly cost of just €363. This is largely due to the lowest car rental fees in the study—an SUV costs as little as €143 for a week. Campsite fees average €220, placing them in the middle range, but no additional charges for facilities or amenities were noted. Many Portuguese campsites also welcome pets, making them a practical choice for families travelling with dogs or cats.
Spain comes second, with an average total of €398. Campsite fees here are the second most affordable in the ranking at €149, while car rental averages €249. Spanish campsites also reported no extra fees for amenities and all accept pets. For those nervous about driving abroad, a previous study by the same company found Spain to be the easiest country in Europe to drive in.
Austria takes third place, with a weekly cost of €445. Known for its alpine scenery, hiking trails, and numerous lakes, Austria offers campsite fees averaging €187 and car rental at €258. However, some campsites charge extra for electricity (billed per kWh at around €0.80–0.85) and warm-water showers (€1.50–1.70 each).
United Kingdom ranks fourth at €504 per week. While the weather can be unpredictable, the UK boasts a wide range of landscapes, from the coastlines of Suffolk and Dorset to the hills of the Peak District. Campsite fees average €272—the second highest in the study—but car rental is the second most affordable at €232.
Sweden rounds out the top five, with a total cost of €552. The Scandinavian nation is famous for its late summer sunsets, offering more daylight hours to enjoy the scenery. Campsite fees average €200, while car rental comes to €352.
For families seeking alternatives to traditional beach holidays, the study aligns with broader trends in European travel. As noted in our coverage of European Summer Travel in 2026, short breaks and family trips are increasingly popular, and camping offers a budget-friendly way to participate.
Most Expensive Destinations
At the other end of the scale, the Netherlands is the most expensive country for family camping, with an average weekly cost of €1,021. Campsite fees are the highest in the study at €511, and car rental averages €510.
Switzerland follows at €958. While campsite fees are moderate at €246, the country has the highest car rental costs of any destination analysed, averaging €712 for a week.
Norway ranks third most expensive at €776, with campsite fees of €267 and car rental at €509. Finland is fourth at €637, despite having some of the lowest campsite fees (€152). Higher car rental costs of €485 push up the total, and some campsites charge extra for electricity, laundry, and sauna access.
France rounds out the top five most expensive at €629. Although it has the cheapest campsite fees in the study at just €142, relatively high car rental prices of €487 make it a pricier option overall.
For those considering a cooler alternative, our guide to Europe's Top 'Coolcation' Destinations for 2026 highlights Iceland, Finland, and Norway as leading choices for summer escapes that avoid the heat.
