Caravan, Campervan & Motorhome Touring in the Black Forest (2026 UK Guide)

Caravan, Campervan & Motorhome Touring in the Black Forest (2026 UK Guide)

The Black Forest (Schwarzwald) in southwest Germany is one of the best European touring destinations for caravans, campervans and motorhomes. With scenic mountain roads, picturesque villages, forest lakes and excellent campsites, it offers a perfect mix of adventure and relaxation.

For UK travellers crossing from Dover to Calais, the Black Forest is reachable in around 7–8 hours of driving, making it an ideal first stop on a European road trip.

This guide explains how to reach the Black Forest, where to stay, what to see, and driving tips for caravans and motorhomes.

Table of Contents

• Why the Black Forest Is Perfect for Touring

• Route from Calais to the Black Forest

• Driving Tips for Caravans & Motorhomes

• Best Black Forest Campsites

• Top Places to Visit

• Visiting Europa Park with a Caravan or Motorhome

• Black Forest Scenic Drives

• Best Time to Visit

• FAQs

• Common Mistakes When Touring the Black Forest

Why the Black Forest Is Perfect for Touring

The Black Forest region sits along Germany’s border with France and Switzerland and is famous for its dense forests, traditional villages and winding mountain roads.

For caravan and motorhome travellers, the region offers several advantages:

• Excellent German road infrastructure

• No motorway tolls in Germany for vehicles under 3.5 tonnes

• Many well-maintained campsites

• Plenty of motorhome stellplätze (dedicated parking areas)

• Scenic driving routes through forests and valleys

Because distances between attractions are relatively short, it is easy to explore the area without long daily drives.

Route from Calais to the Black Forest

Most UK travellers reach the Black Forest via the Channel crossing at Calais.

Typical route:

Calais → Lille → Luxembourg → Strasbourg → Freiburg

Approximate journey details:

Distance: ~620 km

Driving time: 7–8 hours (without long stops)

Highlights along the way include:

• Luxembourg (cheap fuel stop)

• Strasbourg (beautiful historic city)

• Rhine Valley scenery

You can split the journey with an overnight stop near Luxembourg or Strasbourg.

Camping Fuussekaul (Luxembourg)

Distance from Calais

~4 hours 30 minutes

This is one of the best touring campsites in Luxembourg and a favourite stop for caravanners heading into Germany.

Camping Strasbourg

Distance from Calais

~6 hours

This campsite is ideal if you want to combine the overnight stop with exploring Strasbourg, one of Europe’s most beautiful historic cities.

 

Driving Tips for Caravans & Motorhomes

Driving in Germany is generally very straightforward.

Important points to know:

Autobahns

German motorways are excellent quality and wide enough for caravans and motorhomes.

Speed limits for towing vehicles:

• 80 km/h standard towing limit

• 100 km/h possible with approved trailer certification

Scenic Roads

Many of the best Black Forest drives are on smaller forest roads, which are perfectly manageable with caravans but may be slower.

Take your time and enjoy the views.

Fuel Stops

Fuel prices in Luxembourg are often much cheaper than neighbouring countries, making it a popular stop before entering Germany.

Best Campsites in the Black Forest

The Black Forest has a large number of well-equipped campsites suitable for touring vehicles.

Camping Bankenhof (Titisee)

One of the most popular campsites in the region.

Highlights:

• Lake views

• Excellent facilities

• Ideal base for exploring Titisee

Camping Münstertal

Located in a beautiful valley south of Freiburg.

Features:

• Spacious pitches

• Swimming pool

• Hiking routes nearby

Camping Kinzigtal

Great for exploring traditional Black Forest villages.

Advantages:

• Quiet location

• Good access to scenic drives

• Large pitches for caravans and motorhomes

• Swimming Pool

Top Places to Visit

Lake Titisee

Titisee

A beautiful lake surrounded by forest.

Activities include:

• lakeside walks

• pedal boats

• cafés and shops

Triberg Waterfalls

Triberg Waterfalls

Germany’s highest waterfalls and one of the region’s biggest attractions.

Nearby attractions:

• cuckoo clock workshops

• traditional Black Forest cake cafés

Freiburg Minster

Freiburg

A lively university city with a historic old town.

Highlights:

• Münster Cathedral

• markets and cafés

• gateway to the Black Forest mountains

Visiting Europa Park with a Caravan or Motorhome

If you’re travelling with family, Europa Park is one of Europe’s best theme parks and sits just outside the Black Forest.

It offers excellent facilities for touring vehicles.

Options include:

Europa Park Camp Resort

Europa-Park: Germany's largest theme park

Europa Park

Purpose-built campsite with:

• caravan pitches

• campervan spaces

• themed accommodation

Nearby Campsites

If the park campsite is full, there are several alternatives within 20–30 minutes.

This makes the Black Forest a perfect base for a short theme park trip combined with nature touring.

Campsites Near Europa-Park (Caravans, Campervans & Motorhomes)

Campsite	Location	Distance to Europa-Park	Suitable for	Website
Europa-Park Camp Resort	Rust	5 minutes	Caravan, Campervan, Motorhome	https://www.europapark.de/en/accommodation/camping
Campingplatz am Rhein	Rust	10 minutes	Caravan, Campervan	https://www.campingplatz-am-rhein.de
Camping Herbolzheim	Herbolzheim	10 minutes	Caravan, Campervan, Motorhome	https://www.camping-herbolzheim.de
Camping Kenzingen	Kenzingen	15 minutes	Caravan, Campervan, Motorhome	https://www.camping-kenzingen.de
Campingplatz Schwarzwaldhorn	Kappel-Grafenhausen	5 minutes	Caravan, Campervan, Motorhome	https://www.camping-schwarzwaldhorn.de
Campingplatz Rusterhof	Rust	5 minutes	Caravan, Campervan	https://www.rusterhof.de

Black Forest Scenic Drives

One of the best ways to explore the region is by following the famous scenic routes.

Schwarzwaldhochstraße (Black Forest High Road)

One of Germany’s most scenic mountain roads.

Highlights include:

• panoramic viewpoints

• forest hiking trails

• traditional mountain inns

Black Forest Clock Route

Perfect for travellers interested in traditional craftsmanship.

Stops include:

• cuckoo clock workshops

• traditional villages

• museums

Best Time to Visit

The Black Forest is beautiful throughout the year.

Spring and Summer

Ideal for:

• hiking

• cycling

• lake activities

Autumn

A fantastic time to visit thanks to:

• colourful forests

• quieter campsites

• wine festivals

Winter

Snow transforms the region into a winter wonderland with skiing and Christmas markets.

FAQs

Is the Black Forest suitable for caravans?

Yes. Roads are generally excellent and campsites are designed to accommodate touring caravans and motorhomes.

Are there toll roads in the Black Forest?

No. Germany does not charge motorway tolls for vehicles under 3.5 tonnes.

How far is the Black Forest from Calais?

Most routes take 7–8 hours of driving, depending on stops and traffic.

Are there motorhome parking areas?

Yes. Germany has many stellplätze, which are dedicated parking areas for motorhomes.

Common Mistakes When Touring the Black Forest

Driving Too Fast Through Scenic Routes

Many visitors treat the Black Forest like a motorway journey.

The best experiences come from slow scenic drives and small village stops.

Not Booking Campsites in Summer

Popular campsites near Titisee and Freiburg can fill up quickly in peak season.

Booking ahead is recommended.

Missing Smaller Villages

Many travellers only visit major towns.

Some of the most beautiful spots are small traditional villages hidden in the forest valleys.

Related European Touring Guides

If you’re planning a longer European road trip, these guides may also help:

• Brenner Pass Motorhome & Caravan Guide

• Mont Blanc Tunnel Touring Guide

• Mosel Valley Touring Guide

• European Toll Guide for Caravans & Motorhomes

• European Packing List

These guides can help you plan longer European adventures with your caravan, campervan or motorhome.