How to find a stealth camping spot in Europe

I tested the popular camping app Park4Night.

Here's 5 tips that will make your trip that much easier.

My girlfriend and I were on a work-related trip to Lübeck, which is about 4 hours from our home in Aarhus, Denmark. Obviously, we used the opportunity to sleep in our Tesla Model Y using our Camper Platform. We ended up staying out for two nights, and it was so nice to wake up in nature and incidentally skip the hotel bill.

Where do we park for the night?

When traveling abroad it can be tricky to find the right spot to sleep. That's why I've become fond of using the app Park4Night. Opening the app you are presented with a map featuring most available spots in your area. Using the app is pretty intuitive - tap the icons and all the information should be there. I have, however, learned a few lessons about choosing the right spot, so let's get into it! 

1) The toilet situation

This is essential. Some spots have no sanitation available at all. This is especially the case for smaller, private, and naturally beautiful rest sites. This might be fine for me if I'm just staying for one night, but my girlfriend has other requirements. On the other end of the spectrum, are dedicated camping sites. These usually require a fee. Sometimes being close to a café, gas station can be enough. Regardless, think about what kind of toilet situation you're comfortable with. The same also somewhat true regarding access to trash bins, showers, and coffee. 

2) The best places are often free

Parking in dedicated camping site is easy, but it's costly in the long run and can be noisy and crowded. Taking the extra time to find a parking spot is often worth it. On our way home from Lübeck we parked right on the beach in southern Jutland. It was next to a tiny ferry, and there was a very nice public toilet building. There were only a few other people and we were not disturbed by any noises during the night. We started the following day with a walk on the beach. All in all, all it cost was 5 minutes of research and a small detour from the highway. 

3) Use Google Maps to scout

Park4Night is excellent for finding camping spots, but what it lacks completely is what Google Maps excels at: Satellite images and Street View. I never drive towards a camping spot without taking at look on Maps first. First of all, the satellite view let's me know if I'm close to any obvious noisy areas like major roads, and gives a cursory glance at the area. If I like it, I always check out the Street View of the site, if available. It's so nice knowing roughly what it will look like before committing to go there and it feels a lot safer.

4) Always read the reviews

One feature of Park4Night that is easily overlooked is the reviews. There's a star rating, but often I find the written review much more insightful. Other campers diligently share their experience with the place, which is often really useful information. If a camping site has a bit flaw or has closed, reviews will let you know more often than not. Just be mindful that not every problem shared by other campers applies to sleeping in a Tesla. There's a decent amount of irrelevant information from those who prefer auto campers. 

5) Camping without camping

Lastly, let me tell you how to do the impossible:  camping without camping. 

Most countries have rules on camping, and it's often only allowed in designated spots, or there will be signs in many places telling people not to do it. Free-camping is restricted. But what is not restricted, is to sleep in your car for one night. This can be done pretty much anywhere you can park - especially if you travel in a regular car rather than an auto camper. 

Thanks for reading along. If you have a Tesla and want to travel comfortably in it, do consider checking out our Camper Platform and other products.

- Johan Borbye, May 2026