Dusseldorf Caravan Salon: The Greatest Motorhome show on earth

If you have never visited the Caravan Salon motorhome show in Dusseldorf, then perhaps it is time to make that pilgrimage. It is the launch show for the whole European camping industry. From concept vehicles and caravans to the new designs, anything, everything and everyone is at Dusseldorf. We have been numerous times in the last 19 years and it never fails to impress.

It is worth noting that the show is massive, much bigger than any outdoor or NEC motorhome/caravan shows you have been to in the UK. The 17 halls (yes, 17!) are around a central outdoor area full of food vendors. The outdoor area is a useful cut through, and a good place to take 5 minutes and enjoy the weather.

The best thing about the show is that there is camping on site, known as the Caravan Centre. Not just a small amount of camping, a massive grassy camp with toilets, showers, food and bar area and a motorhome Service Point. Shuttle busses run to the show throughout the day, or you can walk. This camping area creates a festival like experience with campers BBQing, sunbathing and enjoying themselves. It is worth going just to stay at the campsite!

8 Top Tips Camping at Caravan Centre Dusseldorf

On the show website, www.caravan-salon.com, look for the Caravan Centre section. This is where you pre-book your stay. However, you do need to buy your show tickets first.

Stays are limited to 48hrs, 7pm-7pm. Therefore plan to arrive as close to 7pm as you can and before 10pm, and join the que.

The parking for the exhibition centre is not within the low-emission zone, so you do not need a low emission sticker. In 2024 we did it without one and did not entre the low emission zone, but if you qualify for a sticker, it is better to have one. See our blog on German Low Emission Zones, and the map of the low emission zone for Dusseldorf: www.duesseldorf.de/kfz/feinstaub

The Service Point (open 8am-9pm) is on the left near the entrance. If you need to service leave the que and do this before parking. Your WC can be walked to the Service Point but this is the only drive over drain. Otherwise it is peaceful during the day to drive around the block and service.

Your camping reservation will be checked and you will be directed to parking, where you will parallel park alongside trees.

Quiet time onsite is between 10pm to 7am, but be warned the planes will be flying over from 6am!

Busses run from the Caravan Centre to the show from 8.30am-7.30pm. The journey takes about 5 minutes.

If you're wanting to stay in Germany for a while, the Reise Mobil Bord Atlas may come in handy for local Aires.

5 Top Tips for Visiting the Caravan Salon Dusseldorf

The 2025 Caravan Salon Dusseldorf runs from 29 August to the 7 September 2025. Book your tickets at www.caravan-salon.com

This is a really big show, divided into halls: Motorhomes & Caravans, Campervans, Premium vehicles, Travel and nature, Equipment and Outdoor, Accessories and components. Decide what you really want to see.

If you don't like crowds, you can pay extra and book on the 1st day.

If you need any mobility aides, take them with you and use them. A limited number of wheelchairs can be rented from the first aid station in the North entrance, it is advisable to book them in advance.

Take a bag for clothing and leaflets and a water bottle. It can get very warm during the day and cooler in the evenings.

What else can you do?

Visit Dusseldorf. This is a lively city with the historic centre 5km. There are several ways you can get there:

Walk or cycle through the show to the river Rhine. There is a path along the river that can be followed 5km into Dusseldorf.

Catch the bus from the Caravan Salon into town. This takes about 25mins. Make sure you check when the last one returns.

Catch the tram U. Use the main station, D-MERKUR SPIEL-ARENA/Messe Nord. If there are events at the arena (see below) the trams can be excessively busy. This takes about 25mins. Make sure you check when the last one returns.

2 other attractions to explore nearby

Adjacent to the exhibition is the Merkur Spiel-Arena that hosts sport and concerts www.merkur-spiel-arena.de

On the other side of the exhibition site is a large park with an Aquazoo. The Aquazoo has natural history and aquarium exhibits. aquazoo-duesseldorf.de

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