Camping in Hungary

Camping in Hungary is the best, and the trip goes far more smoothly if you sort out the boring parts first: tolls, driving rules, money and bookings. Get those right and the rest is lakes, thermal water, vineyards and mountain views.

Tolls and routes for camping in Hungary

Planning a road trip? Tolls are the first thing to understand, because they hit you before you reach the border.

You will have to pay an additional 10 EUR toll for tunnels and pass roads to or from Austria, such as the Brenner motorway or the Tauern. A toll is required even if you enter through the Czech Republic (about 12 EUR) and then Slovakia (12 EUR). On top of that, you pay about 15 EUR per week for a vignette on Hungarian roads.

A vignette is simply a prepaid permit for using a country's motorways. Tunnel and pass tolls are separate charges, so a vignette does not cover them. It is a common mistake to assume one payment covers a whole multi-country route. If you want the background on the system, the Wikipedia page on the Hungarian forint is useful for money, but for tolls always check the official road operator for each country before you travel, since the rules and prices can change.

You can enter Hungary from Germany via Austria. Depending on where you are starting, though, it might be faster to enter through the Czech Republic, then Slovakia. Be aware that motorway tolls are charged in Austria, the Czech Republic and Slovakia, so compare the full route cost and not just the kilometres. Travelling is a great way to meet new people, and a slower route through a different country can be part of the appeal. If Austria is on your list anyway, our guide to Plansee camping in Austria shows what a stop along the way can look like.

Traffic rules and driving characteristics

In Hungary, you can drive up to 90 km/h outside of the city and 50 km/h within it. On motorways and expressways, 110 km/h is allowed. In front of level crossings, you can only drive at 30 km/h in the city or 40 km/h in the extra-urban zone. The speed limit is 5 km/h in the places where the signs say so, so read them rather than relying on habit from home.

A few additional characteristics catch visitors out:

• Even during daylight, it is mandatory to drive in a dipped light on motorways or out of town. Parking lights are required to be turned on at night if public lighting is insufficient.
• Yellow zigzag or interrupted lines of yellow on the ground are used to identify parking and stopping restrictions.
• If you cannot pay the fine immediately, the police can confiscate your car and registration certificate.

The last point deserves respect. Carrying a camper or loaded car means you are more exposed if something is seized, because your accommodation and luggage go with it. Dipped headlights are a habit worth forming at the border, and a quick look at the kerb markings before you leave the van in a town is cheap insurance. If you are new to road-based trips, our notes on what car camping involves and our car camping tips cover the general side of living out of a vehicle.

Hungarian currency and card payments

Did you know you pay in Hungary in forint instead of euros (HUF/Ft), as you would here? Now you know. The exchange rate is subject to change. At the moment (15 May 2023), 1 Euro is equal to 370 Forint. Treat that figure as a snapshot only and check a live rate before you go.

In Budapest, the capital of Hungary, there are many exchange offices. Compare them before handing over cash, as rates and fees vary from counter to counter. If you are withdrawing cash or using your credit card to pay, make sure you do it in Hungarian currency. Otherwise, you could lose money on the conversion.

The reason is dynamic currency conversion. When a terminal or ATM offers to charge you in euros, the operator picks the rate, and it is rarely in your favour. Choosing forint lets your own bank handle the conversion. Contact your bank for more information about card payments and withdrawals of cash abroad, including any foreign transaction fees. I would also keep a modest amount of local cash for small campsite shops and tolls at the odd smaller site.

Reservations and the wild camping ban

Some may be surprised to learn that Hungary is not a secret tip for camping enthusiasts. Book early to avoid unpleasant surprises, especially during summer's high season. Sites near Lake Balaton, the thermal baths and Budapest tend to fill first, and a camper pitch with power and water is a scarcer thing than a small tent plot.

Wild camping in Hungary is not allowed. You and your camper cannot set up camp on public roads, parking lots or private property. That rules out the quiet lay-by or the farm gate, and a night in a car park can end in a fine or a knock on the window.

The good news is that the rule is easier to live with than it sounds. You will find many campsites in Hungary that are so close to nature that it is almost impossible to tell that you're not camping in the middle of nowhere. If you are weighing up how many nights to book, our piece on how long a camping trip should be may help you decide how to split time between lakeside, city and countryside.

Lake Balaton and wellness stays

Want to wake up with breathtaking views? Here is a look at campsites and campers located near some of Europe's most beautiful spots, starting with the water.

Lake Balaton, in Hungary, is one of its most popular tourist destinations. The blue water is a great reason for many water sports enthusiasts to visit the lake every year. You have a wide range of campsites to choose from, as they are all located around the largest inland water body in Central Europe; the Lake Balaton article gives a good overview of its geography. You can choose to stay at the Sello campsite, or the St. Ilona campsite is quieter, if you want to be a little further from the crowds.

Camping in Hungary can also be combined with wellness holidays. Many thermal baths, lakes, and spas have camping facilities nearby or on their premises. The Papa campsite, which has won numerous awards, is situated right next to a spa and thermal bath with the same name. Here you can enjoy a variety of water activities and wellness treatments for both children and adults. The Wellness Park is located between Lake Balaton and the Keszthely Mountains. You can relax in the sauna or enjoy a bubble bath.

You can also enjoy a wellness holiday in Budapest, as there are many well-equipped baths. These include the Rudas bath, Szechenyi bath and Gellert Bath. A soak after a day of driving or hiking is one of the better reasons to pick a campsite next to a spa.

Bukk National Park and Eger's wine country

Bukk National Park has it all. From lush green mountain meadows to sweeping gorges and idyllic rippling falls, as well as numerous caves just waiting for you to explore, this park is a treasure trove of natural beauty. A long hike will allow you to explore the highlights of this densely forested region. Pure nature! Camping is available at the Szilvasvarad campground or in the middle of nature at the Repashuta Forest campsite.

Whatever the country, a long hike in forested hills calls for the basics: water, a map, a charged phone and a plan for getting back before dark. Our camping safety tips run through those habits, and caves in particular deserve caution unless you are on a marked or guided route.

Eger is a charming city in northern Hungary. It offers baroque architecture as well as wine cellars and thermal springs. It's located near Bukki Park and is surrounded by vineyards. Tulipan Campground or other campgrounds are available near the park. Do not miss the unique Salt Hills, created by thermal water combined with lime. Visit Hungary!

In my view, Eger plus Bukk is the best-balanced pairing in the article for anyone who wants both a proper walk and a decent evening meal. Wine cellars and driving do not mix, so plan to walk or use a taxi from the campsite.

Hortobagy National Park and the puszta

Hortobagy Park allows you to explore the iconic puszta terrain, which includes vast grasslands, diverse flora, and wetlands. The park is known for its crane migration. Its highlight, however, is Lake Tisza. You can take a tour in a canoe or enjoy the boardwalk. Cegenydanyad Castle and its park are worth a visit. Dieter's camping and Tiszafured thermal campsite are two nearby campsites that offer a great place to relax near the lake and park.

The puszta is open, flat country, so the weather is the main thing to think about. Shade is scarce, wind carries across the grass, and wetland areas bring insects in warmer months. Pack sun protection, a hat and repellent, and keep a lightweight layer handy for evenings. The Hortobagy National Park entry is a good place to read about the landscape and its wildlife before you arrive.

Bird migration is a seasonal draw, so if cranes are the reason for your visit, ask the campsite when the birds are likely to be around rather than assuming. Quiet movement and binoculars matter more than any gear on the list.

Budapest city break and the Visegrad mountains

The capital of Hungary is a must-see for anyone planning a visit to the country. It is a city full of surprises. The Chain Bridge, which connects Buda (high-altitude) with Pest (flat), and the Danube that meanders throughout the city are just two. Trains can take you to the "Fishermen's Bastion" over the bridge. It is not just an interesting and impressive monument for architecture lovers, but you can also enjoy spectacular views of the city due to the location of the Fishermen's Bastion on the castle hill. You can have a meal in the Great Market Hall after a walk along the Danube, and then visit one of the many Hungarian National Gallery or churches.

You will find several accommodations in and around Budapest for your camper. The Fortuna has its swimming pool and is located just a few minutes from the centre of Budapest. Flamingo is also located about the same distance away from the city. You want to be right in the heart of the action? Camping Arena Budapest can make this happen. Using public transport from a campsite is usually easier than driving a camper into the centre, where parking restrictions apply.

Hungary has both water and mountains. The Visegrad mountains are a popular destination for nature and action lovers. You can hike, bike and enjoy the Danube view from many of the routes. There's nothing better than a relaxing evening spent in the camper, with the Danube as a backdrop. This beautiful idea can be made a reality, and if needed, you can cool off in the pool of your campsite. Domos campground, Pap Sziget campsite, or Gran Camping are all options. We recommend the latter, especially if you're travelling with our Grand(d), California on the road ;).

Book a campsite, pack the camper and get going

Hungary offers a wide range of travel destinations. The possibilities of this country are endless. We hope you can find something that suits you among the many different regions and activities, whether it is water sports, thermal baths, or Hungarian culture.

Before you go, run through the practical list: tolls and vignette sorted for your route, dipped headlights on, forint in your pocket, and a booked pitch for every night in high season. If you are still deciding how to get around, our guide to camping without a car is worth a look, since trains and local transport serve many Hungarian destinations well. We wish you an unforgettable vacation.