Vanlife in Romania
Ultimate Guide to Vanlife in Romania
Campsites vs. Wild Camping
In Romania, you can choose between campsites and wild camping. Wild camping is allowed and can give you some of the most beautiful experiences. We used the Park4Night app and often woke up in spectacular places – by lakes, in the mountains, or next to old fortresses. The views you get when wild camping are often much more impressive than on a regular campsite.
Campsites are usually comfortable but often basic. On average, you pay about €20 per night for two people. They usually offer facilities such as showers, washing areas, electricity, and places to dump (black) water. However, the surroundings are usually less scenic compared to wild camping. One campsite we really liked was De Oude Wilg, run by a Dutchman married to a Romanian. It was funny to see so many Dutch people staying there.
Tip: From 15 August, the high season starts. Popular campsites can then get busy, so make sure you arrive in the early afternoon or book your spot in advance.
Our Favourite Wild Camping and Campsite Spots in Romania
List of nice camp spots
- "Luna, Apa si Timpul, Timisoara: P4N #411475
- Foot of the river, Fughiu: P4N #417364
- After the Transfăgărășan: P4N #540209
- Close to mud vulcanoes: P4N #291941
Groceries on the Road
It is easy to do your shopping along the way at Lidl and Kaufland. These supermarkets can be found almost everywhere and usually have large car parks where you can easily park your campervan. Nearby, you often find other useful shops such as Kik, where you can buy cheap essentials or clothes for your trip.
Roads and Driving in Romania
The roads in Romania are generally good, with smooth asphalt on the main roads. On more remote roads, you need to watch out for animals crossing, such as dogs, goats, cows, or sheep. This is especially important at night.
Important: Do not forget that you need a vignette (rovinieta) to drive on most roads in Romania. We bought ours online before crossing the border, which was quick and easy.
Mountain roads are often narrow and full of bends, so driving can be tricky when it’s busy. With a bit of patience, though, it is always manageable. Most roads are actually quiet, especially once you get away from the big cities.
Tip: Watch out for potholes or unexpected obstacles, especially on smaller roads. Driving slowly makes your road trip much safer and stress-free.
Vanlife Romania: Our Experience
We found that wild camping in Romania really adds something special to the journey. Waking up by a quiet lake or on top of a mountain makes the experience unforgettable. Campsites are practical for comfort, but the true vanlife feeling comes from the remote spots you discover with Park4Night.
With the right preparation – groceries, route planning, and a bit of patience on the roads – vanlife in Romania is absolutely worth it. The country combines stunning nature, peaceful roads, and welcoming people, making your campervan road trip a truly unique adventure.