Germany’s camping sector recorded nearly 45 million overnight stays in 2025, marking its fourth consecutive record year and reinforcing its position within the country’s tourism economy.
According to industry data, campsite operators achieved approximately 44.7 million overnight stays, reflecting a 4.2 percent increase compared to 2024. The gains contrast with more modest or declining results in other accommodation categories and highlight a continued shift in traveler preferences.
Figures for 2025 show that the hotel sector, including hotels, inns, and guesthouses, experienced a 0.4 percent decline in overnight stays year-on-year. Holiday accommodation providers reported a marginal increase of 0.2 percent.
Growth in the camping segment offset losses in these categories, contributing to overall stability in Germany’s overnight accommodation market.
Compared with 2019, the last full year before pandemic-related travel restrictions, campsite overnight stays have risen by nearly 25 percent. Over a longer horizon, the sector has more than doubled its volume, increasing from 18 million overnight stays in 2000 to 44.7 million in 2025.
Industry observers point to structural changes in travel behavior since the pandemic, with flexibility, independence, and proximity to nature influencing booking decisions.
A notable driver of 2025 performance was extended seasonal demand, according to Aviation Direct. December 2025 alone recorded an 18.5 percent increase in overnight stays compared with December 2024.
Operators attribute this to investments in winterized infrastructure, expanded service offerings, and the growth of rental accommodations that appeal to guests seeking short breaks during festive periods such as Christmas and New Year’s Eve.
The ability to operate year-round has supported revenue diversification and workforce retention beyond the traditional summer peak.
Regional data indicates that Bavaria led the market with 8.63 million overnight stays in 2025, followed by Lower Saxony with 6.37 million and Baden-Württemberg with 5.76 million. While established destinations maintained strong volumes, percentage growth was highest in states less traditionally associated with camping.
Saarland reported a 26.7 percent increase, while North Rhine-Westphalia and Rhineland-Palatinate posted gains of 13.2 percent and 13 percent, respectively. The geographic spread suggests that demand is broadening and that secondary markets are gaining traction.
Domestic travelers accounted for nearly 40 million of total overnight stays in 2025, underlining the importance of Germany’s internal tourism base. International visitors contributed 4.74 million overnight stays, indicating growing foreign interest in Germany’s campsite network and diverse landscapes.
The accommodation mix within campsites has also diversified. In addition to traditional pitches, many operators now offer rental units, private sanitary facilities, wellness amenities, and on-site dining.
This product differentiation has expanded the target audience and enabled operators to compete with more traditional lodging formats while maintaining the flexibility associated with camping.
Quality assurance mechanisms are also shaping competition. For 2026, the camping.info Award was determined based on more than 120,000 guest reviews.
German campsites ranked prominently in the European comparison, with Campingpark Kühlungsborn in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania placing second in the Europe-wide ranking. Such recognition can influence booking decisions and provide benchmarking opportunities for operators.
Looking ahead to 2026, industry forecasts indicate continued demand growth, supported by digital booking platforms that provide real-time availability and direct reservation capabilities.
However, capacity constraints during peak periods remain a concern. For business owners in the outdoor hospitality sector, the 2025 data underscores the commercial importance of season extension strategies, digital distribution, regional positioning, and quality certification as competitive differentiators in an increasingly professionalized market.