How and Where to Camp in Times of #Coolcation
The charm of camping amidst nature, away from bustling campsites, has always been my primary allure of motorhome travel. Yet, after our recent return from our second motorhome journey through Norway, I couldn’t help but feel something had changed.
The rising trend of #coolcation—opting for cooler climates as Mediterranean destinations battle relentless heatwaves—and the idyllic notion of camping that #vanlife embodies, are reshaping the travel experience in this breathtaking country. My observations in Lofoten and along the Helgeland Coast this July led me to seriously reconsider my choices of overnight stays. Do I really want to contribute to the swarm, perpetually in pursuit of the perfect spot with the ultimate view and absolute solitude, while completely overlooking the sanctity of nature, private spaces, and the peace and quiet that local inhabitants deserve?
Rethinking the Concept of “Free Camping”
With a surge in motorhomes, the concept of “free camping” is simply unfeasible. It would imply every flat surface being occupied by a motorhome. Fortunately, Norwegians are proactive. They’re creating ample spaces where parking is permitted for a nominal fee, ensuring everyone has sufficient space and a pleasant view. This starkly contrasts many “free” parking spots where motorhomes are crammed together, disregarding fire safety measures and personal space, merely because it’s free.
Parking in an ‘official’ spot might not give you the thrill of venturing into the wild, but it’s a small price to pay to be part of the solution rather than the problem. We certainly don’t want the tolerant Norwegians to prohibit free camping simply because we fail to exercise common sense and test their patience, do we?
To illustrate my point, here are a few official camping spots where camping isn’t free, but worth every single Krone:
Seaside Caravan Parking, Lofoten
Starting with one of Lofoten’s most iconic spots, nestled on the tiny island of Olenisøya, between Reine and Hamnøy, this newly opened motorhome parking area offers a prime location. Just a short bridge away from the famous cluster of red fishermen’s houses in Lofoten, the site boasts brand-new loading and unloading facilities, electricity sockets, and charming wooden patios for each motorhome.
Bobil Parkering Avløysinga, Lofoten
This is an excellent spot to spend the night after hiking to Ryten and Kvalvika Beach. While it might sound unappealing to stay almost under a bridge, the high, sloping bridges connecting Lofoten’s many tiny islands create a surprisingly romantic setting. It’s a perfect place to watch the midnight sun as it hovers above the horizon, all from the comfort of your bed.
Eggum Bobil Parkering, Lofoten
Another tranquil spot in the bustling Lofoten islands. During our stay, rain and wind added to the dramatic scenery but also diminished our outdoor activities, preventing us from hiking to Unstad along the coast. Despite the weather, Eggum Beach, with its large, round rocks, is absolutely worth a visit, and spending the night there is an added bonus.
Merfjord Bobil Parkering, Senja
By now, you probably have an idea of the kind of places I prefer: a front-row spot by the sea with mountains in the background, a view of the midnight sun, and ideally a starting point for a great hike nearby. Merfjord Bobil Parkering meets all these criteria perfectly. You shouldn’t miss an evening hike to Knuten and a bicycle ride to Tungenesset while you’re here.
Melbu Båthavn, Vesterålen
Offers a convenient spot for motorhome parking if you’re taking the ferry from Vesterålen to Fiskebøl in Lofoten. It provides stunning views towards the Lofotfjellene mountains, giving you a sneak-peek preview of what lies ahead. The site is well-equipped with essential amenities, including electricity, water, and waste disposal facilities, as well as showers in the marina service building.
Eidet Sjøcamp, Vesterålen
There comes a moment in every motorhome trip when you must do some basic housekeeping, like laundry. Preferably somewhere, where people are not lining up for a single washing machine. In Eidet Sjøcamp we found a perfect place to do just that. It’s an intimate small place at the end of a road that you could hardly call a campsite as it can accommodate only some 10 campers in total. Just the way we like it. Mentioning the magnificent views would be somewhat redundant by now.
UL Solvending, Kjerringvik, Vesterålen
I’m ending this list with a place that perfectly sums up the essence of what I love most about motorhome travel: When you end up at a place that was completely out of your radar and by coincidence find a quiet little spot just for yourself only because you looked at a map and decided to turn left instead of right at some point. The view says it all.
Find the locations of all the camping spots in the map below. Also, don’t miss 5 Must-Experience Camping Spots in Fjordland.
Travel-Sehnsucht 