Pitchup.com is forecasting another year of strong momentum for outdoor travel as the booking platform identifies several trends expected to influence camper behavior in 2026.
The company’s outlook follows its biggest summer on record, during which it surpassed one million annual bookings and saw record daily site traffic.
The platform, which lists 6,000 outdoor accommodations across more than 70 countries, reports that travelers are gravitating toward meaningful, nature-focused experiences. Pitchup.com says the data shows clear shifts in traveler priorities, particularly around shorter trips, rural stays, and solo getaways.
According to Dan Yates, founder and managing director of Pitchup.com, recent behavior points to a change in how travelers plan and value time off. “The growth we’re seeing across shorter trips, farm stays, and solo travel shows a real shift in how people approach time away,” Yates says.
Yates adds that flexibility is now influencing traveler decisions more than ever. “Travelers are no longer waiting for the big vacation, they’re taking advantage of small windows of time to reset outdoors, often closer to home,” he explains.
Pitchup.com’s analysis highlights surging interest in several destination types, beginning with emerging regions that offer affordability and natural appeal. Hungary, in particular, experienced a 117% increase in camping bookings in 2025 compared to 2024.
The company also reports that Hungary’s rise reflects growing curiosity about lesser-known European destinations. Campers are choosing locations such as Bükk National Park and Lake Balaton, where campgrounds like Diós Camping and Csongrád Nagyrét Glamping provide access to diverse landscapes.
Farm-based stays also continue to gain traction, supported by strong 2025 booking activity. Pitchup.com notes that two of its five most-booked campgrounds last year were located on working farms, underscoring broader interest in agritourism.
This shift aligns with travelers’ desire for slower-paced, intentional experiences connected to local food, land stewardship, and regenerative practices. Popular examples include Enoturismo María Manuela in Spain and Azienda Agricola Mantenera in Italy.
Another trend shaping the market is the rise of short-notice trips, including same-day bookings. Pitchup.com says 10% of total stays in 2025 were booked for the same day, while domestic bookings increased by 3%.
The company also reports a decrease in average trip length by 4%, with 38% of all trips lasting one night. These patterns suggest camping continues to serve as an affordable and easily accessible option during periods of tighter household budgets.
Solo travel is also climbing, with Pitchup.com recording a 39% year-over-year increase in individuals booking single-person stays. The company attributes this growth to travelers seeking reflection, wellness, and independence outdoors.
Sites such as Thunder Mountain Camp in Arkansas and Orchard Blossum in England are among those attracting guests looking for solitude, scenic settings, or glamping comfort.
Pitchup.com encourages travelers to explore its full range of outdoor accommodations as they plan 2026 trips. The company continues to expand its global inventory of campgrounds, glamping sites, and unique outdoor stays.
Founded in 2009, Pitchup.com now serves 34 million annual users and has processed £500 million in bookings since its inception.
The platform reports that more than 6 million holiday nights were booked through the site in the past twelve months.
Featured image by Pitchup.com