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Plan your camper trip from Rovaniemi – find your ideal camper in minutes

Road Genius compares campervan rentals across Finland so you can choose the right vehicle for your Arctic Circle road trip. Rovaniemi, the capital of Lapland, is the main hub. Many international visitors also start in Helsinki or Oulu and drive north on the E75 highway. Summer brings the Midnight Sun, winter brings polar night and snow—plan your trip dates carefully.

Best Time for a Camping Trip

Period Avg High °F / °C Good time?
Dec–Feb (Mid-winter) 14 °F / -10 °C Mostly no—very cold, limited daylight
Mar–Apr (Late winter) 28 °F / -2 °C Maybe—northern lights visible, still snow
May–Jun 54–64 °F / 12–18 °C Yes—snow melted, few insects in May
Jul–Aug 64–70 °F / 18–21 °C Yes—warmest weather, midnight sun
Sep–Oct 37–50 °F / 3–10 °C Yes—autumn colors, fewer crowds
Nov 23 °F / -5 °C Mostly no—difficult road conditions, short days

Driving Rules

  • Headlights must be on 24 hours a day all year long.
  • Speed limit in rural areas is 80 km/h (50 mph). On major highways the speed limit is 100 km/h (62 mph). Speed cameras are common.
  • Winter tires are required 1 Nov–31 Mar or when roads are icy.
  • Reindeer cross roads frequently, especially north of the city. Slow down to 60 km/h and keep a safe distance.
  • Gas stations can be 100 km (62 mi) apart. Keep your fuel tank at least half full when driving outside the city.
  • There are no toll roads. You do not pay extra fees for highways or bridges.
  • City center parking is metered from 08:00–18:00. Overnight street parking is allowed outside marked restricted zones.

Camping Spots

Place Facilities Pros Cons
Santa Claus Holiday Village RV Area Full hook-ups Next to Arctic Circle line, shops nearby, open year-round Very popular, book 2+ months ahead in summer
Ounaskoski Camping (city center) Water+Electric Walking distance to restaurants and museums, riverside sauna Limited spaces, maximum vehicle length 10 m
Napapiirin RV Park Full hook-ups Quiet forest location 10 km north, good view for northern lights No public transport, must book online
Vikaköngäs Rest Area (free) None Beautiful rapids view, toilets, covered fire pit, 1 night allowed under Everyman's Right law No drinking water, small vehicles only
Forest camping under "Everyman's Right" law None Free, quiet, legal if 150 m from houses and for 1 night only No services, must clean up completely

Fuel, Water, Waste

  • ABC Rovaniemi and Neste E75 stations: 24-hour fuel, free fresh water taps, chemical toilet dump station.
  • Ounaskoski Camping sells fresh water and allows gray water disposal for a small fee even if you are not staying there.
  • Many municipal recycling points accept sorted glass, metal and cardboard. Look for the "Ekopiste" sign.

Important Information

  • Finland's "Everyman's Right" law (jokamiehenoikeus) allows you to camp one night on public land if you stay out of sight of houses and leave no trace.
  • Mosquitoes are worst in late June and July. Bring insect repellent and window screens.
  • Midnight Sun lasts from early June to early July. Use blackout curtains if you need darkness to sleep.
  • Emergency number is 112 throughout the country. Operators speak English.
  • Reindeer collisions happen often from May to October. Insurance usually covers damage but you must report any collision to police immediately.
  • In winter temperatures can drop below -30 °C (-22 °F). Make sure engine coolant is rated to -40 °C. Carry a block-heater cable if your motorhome has this feature.