Rise in fees for certain camping spots - Rise in Fees at Certain Camping Sites
Increased Costs for Campsite Stays in Thuringia: Operational Expenses Drive Price Hike
Campers in Thuringia, Germany, are facing higher overnight rates and additional costs at some campsites this season. This trend affects not only short-term visitors but also long-term campers, as reported by campsite operators following a dpa inquiry. The rise in prices is due to increased operating expenses for the campsite operators. Specifically, a surge in personnel costs and elevated electricity bills are cited as the primary factors.
Despite the cost hikes, vacationing at a campsite remains more affordable compared to other accommodations and even abroad within Thuringia, according to Reinhard Schniz, chairman of the Thuringian Camping Industry Association.
As reported by the online portal "camping.info," the average costs for two people including pitch, caravan, electricity, and local tax in Thuringia have risen by around 4.2% this year compared to 2024, amounting to an average of 24.21 euros per night. This places Thuringia among the most cost-effective federal states for campers. For comparison, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania with its popular Baltic Sea coastal destinations charges an average of 33.20 euros, while the national average is 28.86 euros.
Speaking with dpa, a spokesperson for the campground at Lütschesee near Oberhof explained that securing personnel is challenging, and higher wages are necessary to retain staff. As a result, overnight stay prices at the campground with 150 pitches for motorhomes, campers, and tents have been increased this year. Similarly, overnight stays on the campground Hohenfelden (Weimar region) are more expensive this year, with pricing differentiated by peak and off-peak seasons. The main cause behind this, as reported by business manager Nadin Frey, is increased personnel costs.
In contrast, prices for tourists at the Meyersgrund campground near Ilmenau have remained constant, but there are increases for long-term campers. The pricing varies from campground to campground, with some offering all-inclusive packages that bundle showering, electricity, and waste disposal, while others charge separately for these services.
Traditional favorites such as Ascension and Pentecost weekends continue to be popular among campers. "We're completely booked," said co-owner Manuela Zanker of Meyersgrund. The favorable 2025 calendar, with a relatively late Easter and a bridge day on May 1, has already contributed to robust business for campgrounds, according to association chairman Schniz. He also commented positively on the booking situation for holidays.
The number of overnight stays in Thuringia increased by 6.1% compared to the previous year in 2024, to over 846,000, as reported by the Statistical Office of Thuringia. Around 314,000 vacationers stayed on the nearly 100 campsites and caravan parks within the state, with an average stay of 2.7 days.
Although the provided Enrichment Data does not specify the reasons for tent and caravan price increases at campsites in Thuringia, potential contributing factors might include:
- Seasonal demand
- Operational costs
- Economic conditions
- Infrastructure upgrades
- Market trends
To obtain specific information on prices at campsites in Thuringia, it is recommended to contact local campsites directly or to check their websites for detailed pricing information.
- In an effort to manage operational expenses, some Thuringian campsite operators are considering implementing community policies that include vocational training programs for their staff, thereby improving workforce efficiency and reducing personnel costs over the long term.
- To promote sustainable living and self-reliance among campers, local campsite associations in Thuringia are collaborating with home-and-garden and travel organizations to offer vocational training courses focused on creating eco-friendly lifestyles and implementing green practices during camping trips, ultimately enriching the camping experience.
