The Lower Rhine region presents four completely different faces. In spring, the region awakens to new life as the fruit trees blossom and the first cyclists conquer the network of cycle paths. In summer, swimming lakes and long day trips lasting late into the evening beckon. Autumn bathes the forests in golden hues and bestows a tranquility that is hard to find during the peak season. And in winter? Then the Lower Rhine transforms into a serene stage for Christmas markets, wellness retreats, and crisp winter walks.
The question isn't WHETHER you should travel to the Lower Rhine region by campervan. The question is: WHEN does the region best suit your idea of the perfect campervan holiday? In this seasonal guide, we'll show you what to expect in the Lower Rhine region in every season and which of the 23 partner campsites of Lower Rhine Tourism are particularly worthwhile at any given time.
© gymi media GmbH/Niederrhein Tourismus GmbHSpring on the Lower Rhine: When the landscape awakens
The Lower Rhine in spring is a revelation for anyone wanting to escape mass tourism. While other regions are already bursting at the seams in April, here you can still experience genuine tranquility. Temperatures range between 10 and 18 degrees Celsius, ideal for extended bike tours without breaking a sweat. The weather is changeable, but usually dry enough to spend the whole day outdoors.
The blossoming of the fruit trees along the Rhine is particularly enchanting. From the end of March to the beginning of May, the fields between Rees and Emmerich transform into a sea of white and pink blossoms. If you're parked in your campervan on the banks of the Rhine and are awakened in the morning by birdsong while your gaze wanders over blossoming orchards, you'll understand why Lower Rhine enthusiasts rave about this time of year.
Another highlight in spring is the asparagus season , which starts around mid-April and lasts until the end of June. While the Lower Rhine region isn't a classic asparagus-growing area like Brandenburg, there are definitely farms that sell fresh white and green asparagus. On your campervan tour, you can stop at these farm shops, buy fresh asparagus for your kitchen, and also pick up some homemade jams or freshly pressed apple juice.
Cycling in spring has a very special advantage: the paths aren't yet crowded, and you can familiarize yourself with the junction network at your leisure. The Lower Rhine junction network is one of the best in Germany. At each junction, you'll find a number and signs indicating the next points. This allows you to plan your bike tour spontaneously without having to download complicated GPS tracks.
Top 3 campsites for spring
Rees (Ebentalstraße motorhome site): With 46 pitches, this is one of the larger sites directly on the Rhine. It's the perfect starting point for bike tours along the Rhine dike and through the blossoming orchards. The old town of Rees is within walking distance.
Kranenburg (Motorhome parking area at the sports center): 30 pitches in a quiet location with direct access to the Reichswald forest. In spring, you can observe migratory birds and discover the first wildflowers. Perfect for nature lovers seeking peace and quiet.
Geldern (Motorhome site Am Waldfreibad): 64 pitches on grass and gravel, in a quiet location. The outdoor swimming pool usually doesn't open until May, but the lake next to it is already a lovely place for walks in April. Ideal for relaxing days away from the hustle and bustle.
Patrick Gawandtka/Niederrhein Tourismus GmbHSummer on the Lower Rhine: swimming lakes, bike tours and balmy evenings
Summer is peak season in the Lower Rhine region, and for good reason. With temperatures between 20 and 28 degrees Celsius, all the region's advantages come to the fore: long bike rides in the bright evening hours, refreshing lakes right by the campsite, and open-air events in the historic old towns. It stays light until after 9:30 p.m., so you can even go for a short bike ride after dinner.
The lakes are a summer delight for many visitors to the Lower Rhine region. The Holländer See in Geldern is a real gem: sandy beach, children's playground, and the motorhome parking area is just a few meters away. You park your motorhome, grab your swimming gear, and you're at the water in three minutes. The parking area at Lago in Heinsberg is similarly convenient, with the leisure pool right next door. Those who prefer a more natural setting will find a camping park with lake access at Wisseler See in Kalkar, combining motorhome pitches and campsites.
Longer bike rides are also worthwhile in summer. Thanks to the long daylight hours, you can easily cover 50 to 80 kilometers without feeling rushed. A popular circular route leads from Kleve via Goch to Geldern and back again, about 65 kilometers through the heart of the Lower Rhine region. You'll cycle through small villages, past farms, through shady forests, and repeatedly along the typical pollarded tree-lined avenues that give the Lower Rhine its distinctive character.
Culturally, summer also has a lot to offer. Summer festivals, concerts, and markets regularly take place in the historic town centers of Goch, Kleve, and Kempen. You should check the current event calendar from Niederrhein Tourism before your trip so you don't miss any highlights.
One thing you should know, though: Summer is also the time when campsites are busiest. Especially during the summer holidays in North Rhine-Westphalia (usually mid-July to the end of August), popular sites book up quickly. If you're traveling spontaneously, you should head for smaller, less well-known campsites during this time or come in the off-season.
Top 3 campsites for the summer
Geldern (Motorhome site Am Holländer See): 50 pitches directly on the lake with a sandy beach, water and waste disposal facilities, electricity hook-up and Wi-Fi. In summer, THE place to go for families with children. Advance booking is highly recommended!
Heinsberg (Heinsberg am Lago motorhome site): 44 pitches on grass and gravel, leisure pool next door, good for bad weather days. Dog-friendly and equipped with all essential connections.
Brüggen (Heide Resort Brüggen): A combination of motorhome pitches and a campsite in a beautiful natural setting. Perfect for those seeking the typical camping atmosphere with a sense of community. Swimming pool, toilets, showers, Wi-Fi: everything is there.
Andreas Baum/Niederrhein Tourismus GmbHAutumn on the Lower Rhine: Golden tranquility and intense colors
Autumn is the underrated season on the Lower Rhine. While campsites are packed in summer, a welcome tranquility settles in from September onwards. Temperatures remain a pleasant 12 to 20 degrees Celsius in September and October, perfect for extended bike tours without the summer heat. From November onwards it gets cooler, but it is precisely then that the Lower Rhine reveals its most atmospheric side: fog over the fields, hoarfrost on the pollarded trees, and crisp autumn air.
The autumn foliage in the forests around Brüggen, Niederkrüchten, and in the Reichswald near Kranenburg is spectacular. If you're parked in your campervan at one of the campsites near the woods and gaze out at the misty landscape in the morning as the trees turn vibrant shades of yellow and orange, you'll experience the Lower Rhine at its most picturesque. For photographers, autumn is the best time of year: golden light, long shadows, and dramatic cloud formations.
Autumn is also the season for culinary routes . Many farms are now selling pumpkins in all varieties, fresh apples, and homemade cider. Some farm shops also offer pumpkin soup and freshly baked apple pie – a perfect stop on a bike tour. Those who enjoy being outdoors can even pick mushrooms in some areas (check beforehand where it's permitted!).
A spectacular natural phenomenon awaits you at the end of September and beginning of October: the crane migration . Thousands of cranes rest in the fields between Geldern and Goch before continuing their journey south. With a bit of luck, you can observe these magnificent birds up close – an unforgettable experience that many motorhome owners make a special effort to witness.
The great advantage of autumn lies in the peace and quiet and the prices . Most pitches are only a fraction occupied, so you have plenty of space and privacy. Many operators offer cheaper rates in the off-season. If you're also traveling as a digital nomad and looking for a quiet spot with Wi-Fi, autumn on the Lower Rhine is perfect: 13 of the 23 partner pitches offer Wi-Fi, and you practically have the place to yourself.
Top 3 campsites for autumn
Niederkrüchten (Camping Lelefeld or Camping Graskamp): Both campsites are situated amidst nature with direct access to autumnal forests. Camping Graskamp has 15 campsites and 11 motorhome pitches, offers toilets, showers, water and waste disposal, electricity, Wi-Fi, and is wheelchair accessible. Perfect for those seeking peace and quiet.
Grefrath (Niers-Perle-Oedt motorhome site): A small, authentic site with 7 pitches. Here you can experience the Lower Rhine away from the tourist crowds. Electricity hook-up, dog-friendly and very cozy.
Kempen (Kempen Motorhome Park at Aqua-sol): 29 pitches with direct access to the thermal baths. When the days get cooler, a visit to the thermal baths after a bike tour through autumnal landscapes is a special treat.
© Patrick Gawandtka/Niederrhein Tourismus GmbHWinter on the Lower Rhine: Christmas markets, wellness and quiet beauty
Winter is the quietest time of year on the Lower Rhine. While other motorhome regions fall into hibernation, the Lower Rhine has a special charm, particularly between December and February. Temperatures range between 0 and 8 degrees Celsius; snow is rare, but not impossible. More common is hoarfrost, which transforms the pollarded trees into glittering works of art and creates magical photo opportunities in the mornings.
The Christmas markets are a true highlight of winter. Kleve, Kempen, and Goch transform their historic market squares into atmospheric Christmas wonderlands. The medieval Christmas market in Kempen is particularly charming, while Kleve, with its castle gardens and old town, offers a romantic setting. Driving your campervan directly to the Christmas market has a special appeal: you park at the campsite, stroll through the market, enjoy some mulled wine, and return to your warm campervan instead of having to drive home.
For wellness enthusiasts, winter in the Lower Rhine region is also perfect. The Kempen motorhome park is located directly next to Aqua-sol, a thermal spa with several pools, saunas, and a wellness area. After a short winter hike through the crisp, clear landscape, immersing oneself in the warm thermal baths is a luxury that many motorhome owners appreciate.
Winter hiking in the Lower Rhine region is different from hiking in the Alps, but no less beautiful. The flat landscape allows for relaxed hikes of 10 to 15 kilometers, even in cold weather. The pollarded tree avenues, which form shady tunnels in summer, reveal their bizarre beauty in winter. Those who set out early in the morning can see the hoarfrost glistening before the sun melts it.
Is winter camping possible on the Lower Rhine? The honest answer is: yes, but with limitations. Not all campsites are open year-round, so you should check in advance which sites are available in winter. Your motorhome should be winterized: functioning heating, insulation, and antifreeze for the water pipes are essential. The advantage: absolute peace and quiet, a unique atmosphere, and an authentic Lower Rhine experience far from mass tourism. The disadvantage: some service stations are closed or have limited availability in winter.
Top 3 parking spots for winter
Kempen (Kempen Motorhome Park at Aqua-sol): The thermal baths right next door make this campsite a winter wellness oasis. 29 pitches, water and waste disposal, electricity, dog-friendly.
Kleve (van den Bergh-Straße parking area): 32 spaces in a central location, the Christmas market is within walking distance. Perfect for a weekend trip during Advent.
Uedem (motorhome site on the Bergstrasse): 26 pitches in a quiet location, often open year-round. Water and waste disposal, electricity, Wi-Fi, and wheelchair accessible. Ideal for those who want to experience winter in peace and quiet.
© gymi media GmbH/Niederrhein Tourismus GmbHWhich season suits you best?
Are you a cyclist who loves long day trips? Then summer is the season for you, as you can ride in daylight until 9:30 pm. However, if you want to avoid crowds, spring is the better choice: pleasant temperatures, blooming landscapes, and empty cycle paths.
Are you looking for peace and quiet and do you like having your campsite almost entirely to yourself? Autumn and winter are your seasons. In autumn, you still have pleasant temperatures for outdoor activities, while in winter it becomes truly quiet.
Are you traveling with family and children ? Summer offers the most options: lakes for swimming, playgrounds, warm weather, and long days. But be aware: popular spots can get crowded.
Are you a photography enthusiast ? Autumn with its misty skies and autumnal colors, or winter with its hoarfrost and clear air, are your best friends.
Do you love culture and events ? Winter is full of Christmas markets, while spring offers cultural events to kick off the season. You can find the current event calendar at Niederrhein Tourism .
Are you a gourmet traveler ? Spring (asparagus!) and autumn (pumpkin, apples, cider) are the most exciting seasons from a culinary perspective.
Are you traveling on a small budget ? Autumn and winter often offer off-season prices and significantly more choice of available spaces.
Your Lower Rhine awaits you in every season.
Every season has its own unique charm in the Lower Rhine region. Whether you want to experience the blossoming fruit trees in spring, swim in lakes in summer, enjoy the tranquility of autumn, or sip mulled wine at Christmas markets, the region welcomes you with open arms. The 23 partner campsites of Lower Rhine Tourism offer you the perfect base for your explorations all year round.
Our tip: Try visiting in at least two different seasons. You'll be surprised how different the Lower Rhine region is and how each season holds its own little wonders.
Discover all 23 partner campsites of Niederrhein Tourism now at stellplatz.info
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