Farm Camping: Sustainable Travel Done Right!

Farm holidays are great! Camping holidays are too. Luckily, you can combine both! We'll tell you everything you need to know about farm camping, how to find a pitch, and how to behave once you're there. Ready?

For anyone who loves traveling by campervan and wants to escape the hustle and bustle, farm camping is perfect. Holiday farms offer a place to settle in, time to yourself, and all the possibilities of a rural getaway.

It's the ideal spot to spend relaxing days with kids, your dog, or friends.

There are so many different pitches you can visit across Europe, but what exactly is farm camping? We'll tell you about the benefits and share some tips.

What is Farm Camping?

When you go farm camping, or camping at another sustainable business, you get a pitch surrounded by untouched nature and decades of tradition. You typically travel in your own campervan or car and set up your tent on the holiday farm.

At the farm, you're free to explore, pet and feed animals, shop at the farm stand, or even lend a hand with chores. Activities like Nordic walking courses, campfire barbecues, torchlight hikes, carriage rides, riding lessons, or fishing competitions are often offered too.

Experience camping in the countryside and benefit from connecting with the local people. Whether in Austria, Croatia, Italy, or Slovenia – there are so many wonderful places you can visit with a pitch on farms and wineries.

Why Should You Try Farm Camping?

When you camp on a farm, winery, or apiary, you get to experience sustainable travel firsthand. Holiday farms often sell fresh, local products, giving you the chance to try traditional foods and drinks.

Plus, you can treat yourself to a hearty farm breakfast at the holiday farm. Often, you can even book half or full board, where traditional farm recipes are served.

Farms also offer plenty of activities for all holiday guests. It's ideal if you're looking for a holiday with that special something. Whether it's riding lessons, wine and cheese seminars, alpaca feeding, an apiary tour, a fishing course, farm Olympics, or carriage rides – there's sure to be something for everyone.

Some businesses are more specialized in tourism and also offer sauna areas, providing even more relaxation.

Farm camping is also a fantastic option for kids. They'll have plenty to explore. I'm sure the children will make new animal friends within minutes.

What Camping Facilities Are Available on Holiday Farms?

For camping pitches on farms, farmers provide both natural grass pitches and hardened surfaces like gravel or asphalt. You usually arrive in your own campervan. However, some pitches also offer the option to travel by car and rent tents, sleeping bags, pillows, blankets, dishes, and a gas stove on-site.

Holiday farms have grassy areas and paved pitches for tents and all types of campervans, as well as often having sanitary facilities where campers can wash, shower, and change.

These sanitary areas also house toilets, as campers often prefer them to their own onboard toilets. Of course, there are water hookups for filling your motorhome with fresh water and wastewater hookups for emptying grey water tanks and full camping toilets.

Additionally, electrical hookups are available for charging electronic devices.

Holiday farms often provide washing machines and dryers, as well as a drying room for hanging wet clothes. Often, there are even places that provide an iron and ironing board.

You'll also usually find a changing table for babies and a separate room with internet access. Even fully equipped kitchens for preparing small meals and vending machines are part of the camping facilities on holiday farms.

To make new contacts and enjoy togetherness, there are common rooms with a TV, music system, various games, and a reading corner.

In the farm shop, you'll find delicious, home-grown and homemade products like milk, eggs, sausage, meat, cheese, bread, and jam – ideal for campers who want to stock up on supplies.

It's not uncommon to find in-house wellness oases with saunas, steam baths, solariums, or hot tubs. Sometimes, there's even a fitness room on the farm where campers can enjoy an active workout circuit.

However, it's best to read the exact information for your desired location before you start your trip. That way, you'll know exactly what camping facilities are available to you.

Which Campervan is Suitable for a Farm Holiday?

Whether it's a fully-equipped motorhome or a compact campervan, farm camping is suitable for any camping vehicle.

However, some farms don't have sanitary facilities with showers or aren't winterized. Make sure you read the pitch descriptions carefully and that your campervan is suitable for the conditions.

In winter, a farm might not let you stay if you don't have a built-in toilet. A call or message to the host can give you the necessary reassurance.

How Do I Find Farms and Other Sustainable Businesses with Pitches?

Preparation is key. If you're taking a camping trip with a myvanture campervan or motorhome, you can add the SchauaufsLand membership directly when booking.

How does SchauaufsLand work?

On the home screen, you'll see a map with many small listings. If you click on a listing from a sustainable business, you'll get all the necessary information: contact details, general information, pictures, visitor comments, and a rating.

What other options do I have for finding a pitch?

Alternatively, there's Park4Night and Google Maps, both of which you can download as free apps. Here you'll also find a map with many pitches and their corresponding information.

Make sure you read the information for these Google Maps and Park4Night pitches very carefully. Sometimes, you might be directed to a parking lot right next to the highway.

If you meet other campers on your trip, you can ask them for insider tips. Maybe someone knows a special farm campsite nearby.

How Should I Behave When Farm Camping?

Generally, while you are a guest, the farm's business operations must continue. Therefore, you should definitely observe a few important rules.

Pitch

You should never camp on agricultural land such as fields, driveways, or private farmyards. If you are assigned a specific pitch, you should park there. Never park on private property without the owner's permission. This can not only lead to hefty fines but can also harm the camping community.

Waste & Wastewater

When you leave your pitch, you should never leave trash or waste behind. If the ground is soft, tire marks could create unevenness. Prevent such damage by placing wedges or boards under your wheels.

Never dispose of your wastewater or the contents of your toilet cassette in lakes or rivers; only use designated disposal points.

Leave a Good Impression

If you're allowed to camp with farmers or private individuals, it shouldn't just be clean. Show your gratitude with a small gesture. There are numerous small souvenirs or tasty delicacies you can buy directly at the farm. Leave a good impression. Not every farmer has had good experiences with travelers. The next camper will thank you for it.

Conclusion: Farm Camping

If you're looking for a camping experience that's more than just a campsite in the middle of nature, then try farm camping. Here you'll find numerous activities, and it's the perfect place to spend relaxing days.