Camping in Spain has continued to grow in 2025, emerging as one of the country’s strongest-performing accommodation sectors. Once seen primarily as a low-cost option, the industry has gained traction with holidaymakers seeking affordability, sustainability, and flexibility.
This summer, Spanish campsites recorded an average occupancy of 90 percent, according to industry data, underscoring their shift from niche to mainstream.
Hotels still lead in market share, but rising rates in four- and five-star properties have created opportunities for campsites to capture more demand from families, couples, and retirees looking for lower-cost stays closer to nature.
The COVID-19 pandemic first drew new visitors to campsites as travelers looked for open-air alternatives. Five years later, that initial surge has become an enduring preference, with camping evolving into a lifestyle choice for many domestic and international tourists.
Motorhome travel has become a key driver of this shift. Campsite operators report that outside of the July–August peak season, between 60 and 70 percent of arrivals now come in camper vans.
According to InSpain News, this trend has extended the traditional season and increased average lengths of stay to about a week, turning short breaks into full holidays.
Budget pressures remain evident in guest behavior, with campsite owners noting that travelers are spending less on restaurants and organized activities.
Even so, camping continues to stand out as one of the more affordable holiday options. Site prices rose 7 percent this year, a modest increase compared to hotels, where higher costs are pricing some travelers out.
Sustainability has also become a defining factor in the sector’s growth. Operators across Spain are investing in solar energy, water conservation, recycling initiatives, and nature-based programming.
Organic food offerings and environmentally conscious amenities are helping attract younger demographics who value both affordability and low-impact travel.
The Fuentes Blancas municipal campsite in Burgos provides a snapshot of these trends at a regional level.
The site reported an “exceptional year,” with August fully booked and strong demand extending into autumn. Its performance reflects the role of camping in supporting lesser-known inland destinations, not just Spain’s coastal tourism hubs.
The Spanish National Statistics Institute (INE) is expected to release final occupancy figures in November. If current projections hold, 2025 could mark a record year for campsites across the country.
For outdoor hospitality operators, Spain’s experience illustrates how rising hotel costs, shifting travel habits, and sustainability priorities are converging to create opportunities for the camping sector.