At the start of 2026, several areas within the Camping-Car Park network have implemented significant changes to the tourist tax applied to motorhome stays. The tax, now calculated as a flat rate for two people, has been combined with departmental and regional levies in some municipalities, resulting in increases that in some cases exceed 100%.
This adjustment has drawn attention from motorhome owners, particularly because billing continues to be calculated per vehicle rather than per occupant, in contrast to traditional campsites.
Data from a recent review of Camping-Car Park areas indicates that the average flat rate has risen from €13.88 in 2025 to €14.83 in 2026. Many users have observed that nightly rates rarely fall below €12, even during the low season.
The tourist tax, which varies by municipality, is often integrated into the overall price of a stay, but changes to its calculation have led to disparities across the network. In some locations, such as Bapaume or Privas, the tax was previously applied only once per vehicle, while in others, such as Sarreguemines or Saint-Étienne, it was applied twice.
In Argelès-sur-Mer, for example, the tourist tax rose from €0.82 per vehicle in 2025 to €1.72 in 2026, representing an increase of 110%. Additional levies, including a departmental tax of 10% and a regional tax of 34%, apply on top of this amount. Overall, high-season overnight stays can reach €17.23, according to Le Monde du Camping.car.
According to Camping-Car Park’s press officer, “If a customer calls to report that he is travelling alone, Camping-Car Park can charge him a single tourist tax. On the other hand, when several people are present in the vehicle, they must indicate the exact number in order to be billed accordingly.”
However, the company notes that, at present, booking systems and payment terminals do not allow users to enter the number of occupants, as accounts are linked to vehicles rather than individuals.
For operators in the outdoor hospitality industry, these changes underscore the complexity of aligning tax collection with service pricing. Transparent billing systems that reflect actual occupancy, as used in traditional campsites, may improve customer satisfaction and reduce complaints about perceived overcharging.
The Ministry of the Economy notes that municipal tourist taxes fund local tourism development and can be calculated per person or per accommodation.
Additional departmental or regional taxes may also apply, further affecting total costs. For operators considering partnerships with motorhome service areas, understanding local tax frameworks is essential to manage pricing strategies and communicate costs clearly to guests.