A Road Trip to Bohemian Switzerland in a Camper Van

Freedom on four wheels, morning coffee with a view of the rock towers, and falling asleep at night to the sounds of the wilderness. :) Traveling in a camper van has its own incredible charm. But how do you balance the desire for freedom with the fact that you’re heading to the pristine landscapes of the Bohemian Switzerland National Park and the Elbe Sandstone Mountains Protected Landscape Area? It’s possible—and surprisingly easy! You just need to know a few tricks to save yourself some stress on narrow roads, where to park without risking a fine, and how to enjoy the region to the fullest.

Let’s get this out of the way right from the start: camping in the wild is strictly prohibited in both the national park and the Protected Landscape Area. And there’s a good reason for that. Nature is undergoing a fascinating renewal, and wildlife needs its nighttime peace and quiet—not to mention the high risk of wildfires, which have already taken a heavy toll on this landscape more than once. It’s therefore best to base your stay at one of the official campgrounds or at designated “stellplatz“.

To save you the trouble of searching, here’s an overview of places to park:

🏕️ KaravanPark Velký Šenov: advance reservations at +420 722 908 009; basic services available*

🏕️ Kemp Šluknov: reservations on the Camping De Regenboog website. A fully equipped campground, including spaces for RVs.

🏕️ Stellplatz Dymník, Rumburk: basic services available, price 400 CZK/motorhome per night. Reservations and information at Resort Dymník.

🏕️ Stellplatz Vlčí Hora: advance reservations at +420 734 534 655 or on the website. Basic services available.

🏕️ Stellplatz Krásná Lípa: Advance online reservations at the Krásná Lípa city website. Space for up to 7 vehicles; price starting at 350 CZK per night. Basic services available.

🏕️ Camping Solar, Dolní Chřibská: Advance reservations via WhatsApp at +420 777 143 604. For more information, visit the website. Basic services available.

🏕️ Kemp a koupaliště Jetřichovice: a fully equipped campground, including spaces for RVs. Prices start at 350 Kč per campsite.

🏕️ Stellplatz u Zvonečku, Vysoká Lípa: accommodations in the private garden of a guesthouse. For more information, visit the website. Basic services available.

🏕️ Kemp a apartmány Mezní Louka: fully equipped campground, including spaces for RVs. Prices start at 250 CZK per campsite.

🏕️ Kemp U Ferdinanda, Srbská Kamenice: Advance reservations required via the campground’s website. Fully equipped campground, including spaces for RVs. Prices start at 180 CZK per RV site.

🏕️ Trapani House and Camp, Růžová: part of an apartment complex. Reservations at +420 777 137 136.

🏕️ Stání pro karavany, Česká Kamenice: Česká Kamenice: four parking spots near the local swimming pool; reservations on the Kemp Kamenice website. Basic services available.

🏕️ Autokemp Česká brána, Stará Oleška: a fully equipped campground, including spaces for motorhomes. Prices start at 130 CZK per campsite. More information on the website.

🏕️ Kemp Děčín: a fully equipped campground, including spaces for motorhomes. Advance reservations on the Kemp Děčín website.

🏕️ Stellplatz Sněžník: information available by calling +420 602 129 648 and on the website. Prices starting at 150 CZK per parking spot; use the vending machine to reserve a spot—cashless payments only. Basic services available.

🏕️ COUNTRY HOUSE, Tisá: Advance reservations required on the website. Basic services available.

🏕️ Park Ostrov, Tisá: large campground; book in advance on the Hotel Ostrov website. Basic services available.

🏕️ Autokemp Pod Císařem, Tisá: fully equipped campground, including spaces for RVs. Book in advance on the campground’s website.

*sink, restroom, electrical hookup, and in some cases a shower and Wi-Fi.

TIP FOR FREE TRANSPORTATION: If you stay at a participating campground for 2 or more nights, you’re eligible to travel throughout the Bohemian Switzerland region completely free of charge—even if you’re in an RV. The discount applies to tickets issued by Doprava Ústeckého kraje (DÚK). We explain how to get free transportation here. Trains and tourist bus routes will take you directly to the starting points of popular trails and destinations, such as the Jetřichovice Lookout Points or the Tisá Rocks.

Golden Rules for Responsible “Van Lifers” in Bohemian Switzerland

1. Only spend the night where it’s permitted. In other words, use official campgrounds, campsites, and stellplatzes.

2. Fires are only allowed in designated fire pits at campgrounds. Unfortunately, the risk of wildfires is enormous in the summer; when visiting a national park, follow the current “traffic light” system, which indicates the level of fire risk and the associated precautions.

3. Whatever you bring into nature, you must also take it back with you. That should go without saying, but… This also applies to wastewater and the contents of chemical toilets. Emptying the contents of these tanks into nature or into storm drains is strictly prohibited.

4. Take advantage of high-quality regional offerings. Traveling in a motorhome can tempt you to cook only from your own supplies. Try, at least once per visit, to support the local people who live here and create value—brewing authentic beer, roasting coffee, blending herbs into cosmetics, and more. Look for products certified as Regional Product of Bohemian Switzerland.

5. Save space and protect nature: Leave your car at the campground and explore the beauty of the sandstone formations by train, bus, or bike.

Bohemian Switzerland is wild, authentic, and breathtaking. If we approach it with respect, it will reward us with experiences you’ll never forget.