In Italy, travellers with tents, motorhomes, campervans and caravans can choose among several types of accommodation, each with its own rules, services and style. Here is a complete overview of the main options and how they differ from one another.
Campsite
A campsite is an authorised and fully regulated accommodation facility designed to welcome all types of setups: tents, motorhomes, campervans, caravans and bungalows.
It offers a wide range of mandatory services and an organised structure with reception, staff, common areas and an official classification.
Stays are paid and can be short or long.
Mandatory services in campsites
Campsites must provide:
- separate male/female restrooms
- hot showers
- potable water points
- grey and black water disposal
- adequate lighting in common areas
- proper waste management
- reception with minimum opening hours
- legal guest registration
- minimum accessibility for people with disabilities
- daily cleaning of facilities and common areas
They are the most complete option for travellers looking for full services and comfort.
Farm Camping (Agricampeggio)
A farm campsite is located within an active farm and is part of its agritourism activity.
It can welcome tents, motorhomes, campervans and caravans, but with a limited number of pitches.
Regulations vary, but most regions allow between 20 and 30 pitches maximum.
Mandatory services in farm camping
They must provide basic services similar to small campsites:
- toilets
- showers (hot water often required)
- sinks or water points
- lighting in common areas
- waste management
- fire safety equipment
- grey/black water service area (mandatory in many regions)
- guest registration
The key difference compared to standard campsites is their small size, rural atmosphere and close connection to the farm.
Camper stop
Camper stops are designated spaces for short stays of motorhomes, campervans and self-contained caravans.
Tents are not allowed.
They may be municipal or privately managed, free or paid, and they do not offer the full services of a campsite.
Typical services in camper stops
They generally include:
- potable water refill
- grey water disposal
- black water / chemical toilet disposal
- waste management
- basic lighting
They are intended for 24/48/72-hour stops without camping behaviour.
Wild Parking (Sosta Libera)
Wild parking means stopping on public land with a recreational vehicle while respecting Italian road regulations.
It is allowed only for self-contained vehicles (no tents).
A stop is considered legal when the vehicle:
- stays within its footprint
- does not open awnings
- does not place tables, chairs or levelling blocks
- does not discharge any water or waste
Local regulations may restrict or prohibit wild parking, and no services are provided.
Agricamper Model (24-hour free rural stopovers on farms)
Agricamper is not a campsite, not a farm campsite and not an RV area.
It is a form of free rural hospitality reserved exclusively for self-contained motorhomes, campervans and caravans.
Tents are not allowed.
A host farm provides a suitable space where travellers can park autonomously, without mandatory services. It is not an accommodation facility.
Key features
- free stopovers for up to 24 hours
- access for self-contained recreational vehicles only
- no mandatory services for the farm
- simple, authentic rural hospitality
- booking required through the Agricamper app
- does not replace campsites or RV service areas
The aim is to promote slow, respectful travel and direct encounters between travellers and farmers.
Summary of the main differences
- Campsites: open to all vehicles, full services, the most complete option.
- Farm camping: smaller rural campsites with similar basic services.
- Camper stops: technical stopover areas for self-contained motorhomes and caravans.
- Wild parking: parking on public land within road rules, with no services.
- Agricamper: free 24-hour rural stopovers on farms, for self-contained vehicles only, without campsite-style services.
