Caravan or motorhome?

We solve the dilemma!

February 17, 2025

Caravan or motorhome?

We solve the dilemma!

2025.02.17.

lakókocsi vagy lakóautó Thermal Camping Zalakaros

Would you like to get away from it all and experience something unusual? Then a camping adventure is for you!

Once you’ve found your place at Thermal Camping Zalakaros,there’s only one thing missing: your most important travel companion. But we’re not talking about family, friends or pets, we’re talking about that special vehicle that will be your home in the great outdoors.

 

 

Which would you choose? Caravan or motorhome? One is more comfortable, the other more flexible, but one thing is for sure, with these vehicles, you’re not just on holiday, you’re living a freer lifestyle.

Here are the most important considerations for your decision!

 

lakókocsi Zalakaros Thermal Camping

 

Caravan

A camping experience with maximum comfort

If you’re planning a longer holiday in one place, love the classic camping atmosphere and want a fixed base to relax in, then a caravan is for you!

It’s comfortable and spacious for several people, and once you’re settled in, you’re free to explore the area by car. It is ideal for those who enjoy frequent trips, as they don’t need to pack up and set everything up before each departure, unlike with a motorhome.

The Zalakaros area offers plenty to explore, so you can discover new landscapes every day. Within half an hour’s drive you can reach the Water Buffalo Reserve in Kápolnapuszta, and the picturesque nature reserve of Lake Kis-Balaton, where you can even go on a canoe trip.

A caravan is also a more economical option, as they are generally cheaper than a motorhome and have lower maintenance costs. If you’re on holiday with family or friends, or even if your pets are coming with you, it’s the adventure of a lifetime.

There are also types of caravans with private showers and toilets, and sinks. If you are coming to Zalakaros with one of these, choose one of our comfort pitches, where the price of the camping pitch includes water, sewage and electricity connections.

Comfort caravan pitches at the campsite →

A caravan trip is something the whole family can enjoy. Kids can play, parents can relax and in the evening you can end the day with a campfire, a cookout or a barbecue.

 

The pros and cons of caravans

Pros

  • Ideal for longer holidays – When camping, it provides a stable base for a classic camping experience.
  • More economical – Cheaper, lower maintenance costs, better value in the long run.
  • For families, friends – More adaptable with a front porch.
  • The freedom of having a car – You can leave your caravan at the campsite, and you are more flexible to explore the area by car.

Cons

  • It’s harder to get around. It can be challenging to park, reverse and manoeuvre.
  • Upon arrival, you need to level it, which may take some time.

 

 

Motorhome

Active lifestyle, relaxing close to nature

 

A motorhome is a practical choice for sports, racing or if you like short weekend trips, as it’s easier to get around than a car towing a caravan.

 

The advantage of a motorhome is that you can get to your destination faster, with smaller models going up to 130 km/h and larger ones up to 110 km/h. Of course, always obey the speed limits! They are basically a more flexible solution for roads. However, larger motorhomes are more difficult to park and are not always easy to drive on steep, bumpy roads, but this is also true for a caravan.

If you’re looking for a compact, easy-to-use vehicle in the city, ideal for short trips and an active lifestyle, a Camper Van is a good option. These smaller motorhomes are flexible and can fit in a normal parking space, making them ideal for sightseeing. They are typically comfortable for two adults and two small children, but are also perfect for couples.

More flexible than a large motorhome, it adapts to any adventure!

If you’re a fan of an active lifestyle, make sure you include one of the biggest road cycling events of the year in your plans! The Mapei Tour de Zalakaros will take place between 21-22.06.2025.

For those constantly on the move, who prefer waking up in one place one day and another the next, a motorhome is undoubtedly the perfect companion. Even with a globetrotting mindset, it’s nice to take a break every now and then.

 

Thermal Camping Zalakaros is an ideal stop on a longer trip. Here you can recharge before you move on. A tranquil, green oasis next to a European-standard spa.

 

The pros and cons of motorhomes

Pros

  • Easy handling – No towing, easier to park, ideal for beginners.
  • Flexible travel – Less packing, practical for longer journeys with several short stops.
  • A better driving experience – More stable, faster, and performs well on motorways and in mountainous terrain.
  • Perfect for sports and active lifestyles – You can easily transport your equipment and relax right after your workout.

Cons

  • It is less suitable for sightseeing or touring the area than a caravan, which you can leave at the campsite and use your car freely.
  • Height restrictions can pose challenges for traffic, as in some areas, motorhomes may not be safe to pass through.

 

Buying or renting?

Have you decided whether the caravan or motorhome lifestyle suits you better? Then all you need is the perfect vehicle! If you don’t own one, it doesn’t mean that such an adventure is out of reach. Many people regularly rent caravans and motorhomes for their holidays.

 

What is worth considering before making a decision?

  • Travel habits: for occasional use, renting is better.
  • Number of passengers: consider the size and equipment required.
  • Storage: space for your own motorhome or caravan must be provided.
  • Costs: buying may be beneficial in the long term, but maintenance and upkeep costs must be taken into account.

 

If you want to get out into nature for a couple of holidays or just a few long weekends a year, renting is a good choice.

 

This way you don’t have to worry about storage, maintenance and other costs. You can also try out different sizes and types of caravans or motorhomes before you commit to buying your own.

But if you travel frequently, like freedom and a motorhome or caravan lifestyle, it may be more economical to buy one. Having your own vehicle makes it easier to go on a spontaneous trip and in the long run, the costs can even be lower than with regular rental.

 

Owning a caravan or motorhome often leads to a more active lifestyle. Think about it, whenever you feel like it, you can just roll down to Zalakaros, go for a hike and a swim.

What licence do I need?

Most motorhomes (under 3.5 tonnes) can be driven with a category B licence, no separate motorhome licence is required. If the total weight of the trailer or vehicle combination exceeds this, category C is required. There is no special licence for caravans, because they must be towed, not driven. However, if the trailer is larger, weight limits must be observed.

 

For caravans

  • Category B: If the caravan does not exceed 750 kg gross vehicle weight.
  • Category B+E: If the caravan weighs more than 750 kg or the total weight of the car is over 3.5 tonnes.

 

For motorhomes

  • Category B: You can drive a motorhome up to 3.5 tonnes.
  • Category C1 or C: If the total weight exceeds 3.5 tonnes.

 

Ready for the adventure?

Family holiday? Hiking? A sporting event? Racing? A few days’ stopover on a long journey? Once you’ve found the vehicle that suits you best, there’s nothing stopping you from taking off on your holiday! Book a spacious pitch at Thermal Camping Zalakaros and enjoy every moment of the caravan or motorhome experience.

With just a few clicks you can secure your accommodation, which you can pay for by credit card and debit card. The beautiful green surroundings of the campsite and the tranquillity of nature await you!