13 million Germans say: "Our favorite way to go on vacation is camping." This was the result of a study conducted in 2022. Whether in a motorhome, caravan or camper van - Germans love camping vacations! In this article, you can find out the reasons why many people prefer camping and exciting facts about German travel behavior.
Why is a camping vacation so popular?
Many holidaymakers see the advantages of camping as being flexible, affordable and sustainable. Safety also plays an important role, which is why many people prefer camping vacations.
According to a survey of Germans interested in caravanning, the following reasons also explain why camping vacations are so popular:
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🤩 Self-determination
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🤩 Independence
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🤩 Staying in the great outdoors
With so much freedom and individuality when traveling, it's no wonder that camping tourism is booming.
What is important to Germans when camping?
Apart from independence, comfort and safety are particularly important.
Which age group is most popular for camping?
According to a survey, the average European camper is 39 years old, lives in a three-person household and is employed.
Do women or men prefer camping?
Men prefer camping to women. This result should come as no surprise to most people. But the gap is not as big as you might think. In 2022, 56 percent of German campers were men. This means that the demand for camping fun is also very high among women at 44 percent.
Who do Germans prefer to spend their camping vacation with?
Campers are sociable people who prefer to share the great feeling of camping with their partner or family. According to our survey, traveling alone is not much fun.
Plan your camping vacation well in advance or go spontaneously?
Very few Germans plan their vacation six months in advance. Most people plan their trip a maximum of one month in advance. This means that German holidaymakers are more spontaneous than you might think.
How many camping vacations a year?
The call for freedom and nature attracts 45 percent of campers to go on vacation three to four times a year. A further 43.3 percent go camping two to three times a year.
When in the year do Germans prefer to go camping?
The months of June, July and August are particularly inviting for camping vacations, as most people want sun, beach and sea.
Average camping stay
A quick weekend getaway and escape from the stresses of everyday life is fantastic with short camping vacations. No wonder that the majority(40.6 percent of 1898 respondents) like to use a few days off for a camping vacation.
23.8 percent also like to travel for longer than 3 weeks in a caravan, motorhome or camper.
What are the prices for overnight stays at campsites in Europe?
A statistic reveals where the price was hot and where it was rather nice. Campers spent the most expensive nights in Switzerland and Italy. The average overnight price here was 54 euros/night. In contrast, the cheapest campsites were to be found in Sweden and Germany. There, campers paid an average of just under 35 euros/night.
How many campsites are there in Germany?
There are 2,862 campsites in Germany with a total of 209,103 pitches on offer. Most of the campsites are in the federal states of Bavaria, Lower Saxony and Baden-Württemberg.
Which pitch do camping vacationers prefer?
At 40.5 percent, wild camping is the most popular among German campers. This is followed by public campsites with 28.1 percent. And 23.4 percent prefer individual pitches.
How do Germans prefer to travel?
70.8 percent of our respondents prefer to travel by camper van. A further 14.2 percent prefer motorhomes and 7 percent prefer overlanders.
How much money has been invested in the travel vehicle so far (purchase & expansion)?
Most people spend between 10,000 and 30,000 euros on their touring vehicle.
What impact has Corona had on caravanning?
The coronavirus crisis has given a strong boost to camping tourism. Between camping veterans, there were also many who rediscovered camping for themselves. In 2021, 25,000 caravans and 82,000 motorhomes were newly registered in Germany alone.
Camping hygiene: what do statistics reveal?
We were interested to find out about hygiene among camping holidaymakers and asked:
How do you feel about personal hygiene when camping?
Of the 1215 campers surveyed, 56 percent said that they don't take personal hygiene very seriously when camping. In contrast, 44 percent have the same hygiene program as at home.
Do you like using sanitary facilities on campsites?
55.8 percent prefer to use their own sanitary facilities rather than the sanitary facilities on campsites.
How do you rate sanitary facilities on campsites in general?
Most answers were in the satisfactory to poor range. 48.3 percent gave a three and 41.2 percent a four. This once again explains why many people value their own sanitary facilities for more comfort and well-being.
What would holidaymakers no longer want to do without when camping?
91.8 percent of our customers never want to travel without BOXIO again. That makes us very happy, because we wanted to offer a practical solution for "daily business on the road" and, as you report back, we've succeeded. 🙂
Destinations 2023 statistics: Where will you go on your next camping vacation?
Most (1475 of those surveyed) will be camping in other European countries in 2023, with 629 people opting for camping in Germany. And 361 will stay in the region. This means that they will travel a maximum of 200 kilometers for their camping vacation. 104 people are drawn to camping in the wider world.
Did you already know? 💡: Campsites on the Adriatic or the Upper Italian lakes and campsites in Istria are always popular destinations. Find more tips on finding a pitch with your camper here.
Sustainable camping - the result of a study
Sustainability will remain an important topic in 2023. According to a study by the Institute for Energy and Environmental Research Heidelberg (ifeu), camping can score points for the environment. However, whether camping is more sustainable than other forms of vacation depends on various factors that each camper can influence to a large extent.
How sustainable your camping vacation is is up to you. We give you tips on sustainable camping.
Conclusion from the statistics and trends in camping tourism
Camping has been a trend for many years.
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Affordable & sustainable camping,
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independent & self-determined travel,
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as well as the proximity to nature
make camping an increasingly popular form of vacation. In addition, more people have taken the opportunity to try out caravanning during the coronavirus pandemic and discovered the fun of it.
The need to travel in 2023 is extremely high. This increases the anticipation of upcoming camping vacations all the more!
FAQ camping statistics
How to behave on the campsite?
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Say hello
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Be open
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Respect the privacy of others
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Only drive across the campsite at walking pace
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Keep the campsite and sanitary facilities clean
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Do not make noise after 10 pm
Who camps the most?
In Germany, most campers per capita come from Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.
What is camping behavior?
Camping behavior refers to all behaviors that are usually associated with camping and go beyond simply spending the night in a car or motorhome. Camping behavior includes: Setting up tables and chairs, extending awnings, doing laundry, barbecuing and cooking in the camper.
Is sleeping in the car camping?
In order to restore fitness to drive, sleeping in the car at rest areas etc. for one night only is tolerated. Camping behavior should be avoided.
Why does camping make us so happy?
Camping grounds us. Instead of the constant sensory overload and mass consumption, everything is reduced to what is important. This clears the mind, promotes gratitude and appreciation and is relaxing.
How many Germans go camping?
13 million Germans enjoy camping vacations.
Is camping healthy?
Yes, scientists have been able to prove that camping improves sleep quality. The reasons for this are: more fresh air, an active vacation style and a better day-night rhythm.
Why do people go camping?
There are many reasons. For example:
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To experience self-sufficient adventures,
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take a cheap vacation,
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always have your home with you,
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relax in the great outdoors,
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for children, camping is better than staying in a hotel,
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an uncomplicated atmosphere on the campsite,
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Reflecting on what really counts in life.
What is so special about camping?
Being close to nature is what makes camping special.
