Rise in costs for specific camping locations - Campsite rate hikes noticed in certain locations
Rising Costs for Campers in Thuringia: Higher Personnel and Electricity Expenses Drive Up Overnight Rates
Thuringia, Germany - Campers planning vacations in the region this season may encounter increased expenses for overnight stays at select camping sites. This price hike affects short-term and long-term campers, according to site operators. The surge in operating costs is primarily due to higher personnel expenses and increased electricity costs.
Reinhard Schniz, chairman of the Thuringian Camping Industry Association, emphasizes that camping remains a cost-effective accommodation option compared to other forms, even within Thuringia. According to a recent analysis by the "camping.info" online portal, the average cost for two people per night, including pitch, caravan, electricity, and local tax has increased by approximately 4.2% compared to 2024, amounting to an average of €24.21.
Thuringia remains one of the most budget-friendly federal states for campers—in contrast to Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, home to popular Baltic Sea coast destinations, which charges an average of €33.20, and the nationwide average of €28.86.
One campground representative on Lake Luetschesee near Oberhof explained that attracting and retaining staff is challenging, necessitating increased pay. As a result, overnight stay prices have risen at this site with 150 pitches catering to motorhomes, caravan trailers, and tents.
Meanwhile, Campingplatz Hohenfelden in the Weimar region has also increased its overnight stay costs, with rates depending on the main and low seasons. Here, the main reason for the price hike is also augmented personnel expenses.
At Campingplatz Meyersgrund near Ilmenau, tourist prices remain steady but there are increases for long-term campers. Some sites include showering and electricity as part of a comprehensive package, while others charge extra for these amenities and waste disposal.
Traditional long weekends for Ascension and Pentecost are popular among campers, with many sites fully booked during these periods. The favorable calendar this year has already contributed to a significant visitor turnout at camping sites in Thuringia, with more bookings expected for the holidays.
The camping industry in Thuringia has experienced steady growth in recent years. In 2024, the number of overnight stays increased by 6.1% compared to the preceding year, exceeding 846,000, according to the State Statistical Office. Approximately 314,000 vacationers spent the night on the almost 100 camping and caravan sites in Thuringia, averaging a stay duration of 2.7 days.
The uptick in prices at camping sites can be attributed to various factors, including increased demand for outdoor and nature-based tourism, modernization and upgrades of facilities, limited availability in popular areas, and broader economic factors such as inflation and operational costs.
Given the increase in operational costs, some camping sites in Thuringia might consider introducing community policies that prioritize vocational training programs for their staff, aiming to reduce labor expenses in the long run. Such initiatives could potentially improve the lifestyle and job stability of their employees while maintaining affordable rates for campers.
As campers adopt a shift towards budget-conscious home-and-garden projects or travel plans, they may discover that the savings from their camping expenditures could be channeled towards other vocational training opportunities, fostering personal growth and development beyond their outdoor vacations.
