As spring blossoms across Europe and sunlight hours stretch longer, thousands of holidaymakers have once again embraced life under canvas and wheels, marking a strong start
to the 2026 camping and caravanning season.
According to the latest data, nights spent at camping grounds, recreational vehicle (RV) parks and trailer parks in the European Union soared to 413 million in 2025, underscoring the growing appeal of outdoor travel. While these forms of accommodation accounted for 13.4% of all tourist accommodation nights, their rise over the past decade outpaced traditional lodging options.
Compared with 2015 figures, nights spent at campsites and caravan sites climbed 28.5%, outstripping the 23.4% increase seen in hotel stays and other short‑stay accommodations over the same period. The numbers reflect broader shifts in tourist preferences, with more travelers seeking flexible, nature‑centred and cost‑effective holiday experiences.
Seasonal patterns and peaks
The camping and caravanning season followed a familiar rhythm in 2025. Nearly two‑thirds (67.0%) of all nights—about 277 million—were concentrated in the summer months of June through August. Activity began ramping up in March, peaked sharply in August with 118 million nights recorded, and then tapered off through autumn and winter, ending the year with close to 5 million nights in December.
Where caravan holidays are most popular
France dominated the European landscape for outdoor stays, with an impressive 154 million nights spent at its campsites and caravan parks. This figure represents 37.2% of all camping and caravanning nights across the EU, reaffirming France’s position as a top destination for road‑based and outdoor holidays.
Other countries with strong caravan holiday activity included:
- Spain: 49.8 million nights
- Italy: 49.1 million nights
- Germany: 45.0 million nights
Among the remaining top ten EU destinations, nights spent ranged from 26.8 million in the Netherlands to 7.1 million in Portugal, highlighting the widespread popularity of this travel style across diverse landscapes—from Mediterranean beaches to forested hinterlands.
Why caravan holidays are trending
Experts attribute the rise in caravan and campsite stays to several factors:
- Growing desire for nature‑based tourism: Travelers increasingly prioritise outdoor experiences and fresh air over urban settings.
- Flexibility and mobility: RV and caravan travel allow holidaymakers to explore multiple regions without the constraints of fixed itineraries.
- Cost efficiency: With rising travel costs, caravan holidays offer a comparatively affordable way to enjoy extended breaks.
- Family‑friendly appeal: Many families choose camping for its blend of adventure, social atmosphere and child‑friendly environments.
Looking ahead, industry observers expect the 2026 season to build on this momentum, driven by the continued popularity of outdoor recreation and modern upgrades to campsites and RV facilities across Europe. Photo by Wikimedia commons.