European camping in 2026: Croatia and Italy at the top of the price list
The average price of an overnight stay in the most popular camping destinations has exceeded the €40 mark for the first time, while demand for more luxurious infrastructure and digital services is also on the rise.
European camping market in the 2026 season. entering with moderate, but stable price growth of an average of 3.5 percent. Although at first glance it seems like a slight increase in price, a deeper analysis by the portal camping.info At over 20,000 locations, an interesting shift in dynamics is evident. Traditional camping destinations, once synonymous with affordable holidays, are now positioning themselves as premium destinations where quality and location command a significant price.
Leaders in expensiveness and new standards of comfort
This year, Croatia has taken the leading position as the most expensive European camping destination, with an average overnight stay price of €41.26 for two people. Immediately following are Italy, Switzerland, and Austria, with the alpine-Mediterranean countries collectively breaking the psychological barrier of €40.
This trend of rising prices is not solely a result of inflation, but reflects a change in guest expectations. The modern camper no longer just seeks a piece of land and an electricity hook-up; the industry is seeing huge investments in facility modernisation, real-time booking system digitalisation, and a general nâng cao level of comfort. It is precisely the high labour costs and infrastructure investments that are the key reasons why prices in popular coastal regions continue to rise.
Differences within the market and the potential of the East
Germany is an interesting example, with prices around €30 placing it in the middle of the European rankings, yet it reports an above-average price increase of almost 5 percent. Within the country, vast discrepancies are visible – while Hamburg reaches prices of €44 due to limited capacity and urban appeal, regions like Saarland offer accommodation at almost half the price.
For travellers seeking more budget-friendly options, the focus is significantly shifting towards Southeast Europe. Albania and Turkey remain notably affordable with prices ranging between 14 and 15 euros, while Poland and Romania stay firmly below the 20-euro mark. This data suggests that some tourist traffic could spill over towards these fast-growing markets, particularly among younger audiences and “overlanding” enthusiasts for whom luxury infrastructure is not a primary factor.
The booking is made as a response to the occupancy
Despite price increases, camping remains more competitively priced than hotel accommodation, as evidenced by the continuous growth in the number of newly registered campers and touring caravans. The market is adapting through greater price transparency on online portals, which encourages stronger competition among campsites.
Experts also note an increasingly pronounced trend of early booking. Due to high demand during the peak season, guests no longer wait until the last moment but book pitches months in advance to secure their desired spot and take advantage of discounts. For industry professionals, this is a clear signal that flexibility and capacity management are becoming key tools for maintaining profitability in the years to come.
