Kokkola Camping Meripuisto, a longstanding Finnish holiday site, is preparing for significant redevelopment under new ownership.
Suomi Camping, which took over the site a little over a year ago, has announced plans to replace most of the existing camping cabins, many of which date back several decades. Construction of the new cabins is scheduled to begin in autumn 2026.
Campsite Manager Minna Rättäri confirmed that the upgrades will go beyond just accommodation units, according to a report by Yle.
“Although newer holiday homes do not need to be renewed, the area will face major changes in the coming years,” Rättäri said.
While the exact number of new units and whether they will be suitable for year-round use are yet to be determined, the company is actively evaluating options to meet evolving customer needs.
The City of Kokkola has stipulated that Suomi Camping must invest a minimum of €300,000 in the site over the next five years. Rättäri noted that this figure is only a starting point. “The sum is not enough for anything in our plans, but it will get us started,” she said.
For business owners in the outdoor hospitality industry, this project highlights a trend toward revitalizing legacy campgrounds with upgraded infrastructure to meet modern expectations.
It also reflects a growing focus on flexibility in site design, accommodating both seasonal and year-round guests, as well as different types of travelers, including motorhome users, tent campers, and long-term commuters.
Rättäri, who has been managing the site for just over a year, noted a shift in the campground’s customer base.
“We didn’t know how to prepare for such a large number,” she said, referring to a surprising influx of commuting workers. She added that Kokkola’s proximity to the city center makes it different from Suomi Camping’s other locations.
Despite a decrease in commuter stays as the summer progressed, international visitors, especially German caravanners, remain consistent. “At the moment, we have a lot of German caravans, in particular,” said Rättäri.
Sami Simonen, Business Director at Suomi Camping, reported steady seasonal performance. “We are slightly ahead of last year in bookings. The challenge is still customers’ caution in spending money. This is particularly evident in restaurant services,” he said.
From Midsummer through the start of the school year, domestic holidaymakers make up most of the overnight guests.
However, international visitors, particularly from Europe, dominate once Finnish schools resume. “When the holiday season ends for Finns in mid-August, foreigners will again be the majority of overnight guests,” Rättäri added.
As the campground moves toward a comprehensive redevelopment, other operators in the industry may find value in observing how Suomi Camping balances long-term investment with evolving demand, particularly in mixed-use visitor segments and international markets.