Camping in Germany - statistics & facts

Camping has always been a popular type of vacation in Germany. The driving, the independence, the flexibility, being close to nature and outdoor activities, the amount of options the country offers - all contributing factors for happy campers. The COVID-19 pandemic was, perhaps, an unexpected factor. Camping became practical due to the distancing opportunities it offered at the time. Additional considerations join the list these days, whether campers wish to decrease their carbon footprint by not flying or are keen to avoid big crowds, compared to some tourist spots.

Let's go camping

Camping still provides more freedom for German tourists, even if its ongoing popularity requires some advance planning to ensure pitch booking is succesful. Getting to the desirable destination usually involves either driving there with camping equipment or towing a trailer, while staying in an area with lots of nature provides an opportunity for more space between vans. The aforementioned, combined with the independence camping already provides to travelers as such, are both contributing factors in the rise of camping in Germany. As of 2022, almost 12.7 million German travelers preferred a camping vacation for their leisure travel. Numbers had increased compared to previous years, including pre-pandemic. Owning a camper van isn't the only way to make a trip happen, campers can also rent a vehicle.

Camping paradise

Germany has 16 federal states, all with varying landscapes and camping options. Since the 1990s, the number of open campsites in the country has grown, with over 2,800 active in 2020. Among the German states, Bavaria has the most locations for camping, which take advantage of its many famous lake and mountain views, notably the Bavarian Alps. Popular areas include the Baltic Sea coast, Saxon Switzerland in western Germany, and the Black Forest in Baden-Württemberg in the south.
This text provides general information. Statista assumes no liability for the information given being complete or correct. Due to varying update cycles, statistics can display more up-to-date data than referenced in the text.
Published by Statista Research Department, Dec 21, 2023

Key insights

Share of campers in Germany, by gender
56% (male), 44% (female)
Number of overnight stays at campgrounds in Germany
42.27m
Number of international overnight stays on German campsites in Bavaria
842k
Get more insights

Editor’s Picks Current statistics on this topic

Number of people who owned a trailer in Germany from 2019 to 2023 (in millions)

Leisure Travel

Trailer owners in Germany 2019-2023

Number of people in Germany who go camping or caravanning in their spare time from 2019 to 2023, by frequency (in millions)

Sports Participation

Frequency of camping and caravanning in spare time in Germany 2023

Average mileage per day of trailers and camper vans in Germany in 2022 (in kilometers)

Leisure Travel

Trailers and camper vans average mileage per day Germany 2022

Related topics

Recommended

3

Recommended statistics

Overview

7

Overview

Customers

5

Customers

Camper vans

4

Camper vans

Further reportsGet the best reports to understand your industry

Contact

Get in touch with us. We are happy to help.
Statista Locations
Contact Meredith Alda
Meredith Alda
Sales Manager– Contact (United States)
Email
support@statista.com

Mon - Fri, 9am - 6pm (EST)

Contact Yolanda Mega
Yolanda Mega
Operations Manager– Contact (Asia)
Email
asia.support@statista.com

Mon - Fri, 9am - 5pm (SGT)

Contact Kisara Mizuno
Kisara Mizuno
Senior Business Development Manager– Contact (Asia)
Email
asia.support@statista.com

Mon - Fri, 10:00am - 6:00pm (JST)

Contact Lodovica Biagi
Lodovica Biagi
Director of Operations– Contact (Europe)
Email
eu.support@statista.com

Mon - Fri, 9:30am - 5pm (GMT)

Contact Carolina Dulin
Carolina Dulin
Group Director - LATAM– Contact (Latin America)
Email
latam@statista.com

Mon - Fri, 9am - 6pm (EST)

Menu