Camping cost escalation observed at certain sites - Rises in fees observed at specific camping sites
Camping Site Price Hikes in Thuringia Caused by Operating Costs
Campers in Thuringia are facing price increases for overnight stays and additional costs on some sites this season. This surge is applicable to both short-term and long-term campers, according to site operators. The rise in prices is primarily due to increased operating costs for site operators, with higher personnel and electricity costs chief among these.
Despite the price increase, holidays on camping sites remain comparatively economical compared to other types of accommodation, both within and outside Thuringia, asserts Reinhard Schniz, chairman of the Thuringian Camping Industry Association.
Recently, the "camping.info" portal reported that the average cost for two people, including pitch, caravan, electricity, and local tax in Thuringia has risen by around 4.2 percent compared to 2024 this year. The average price is 24.21 euros, making Thuringia one of the most budget-friendly states for campers in Germany. For comparison, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, known for its Baltic Sea coast, stands at 33.20 euros, while the national average is 28.86 euros.
Some campsite operators attribute the personnel cost hikes to hiring and retention challenges. A spokesperson from the Lütschesee camping site near Oberhof admits that maintaining staff is difficult, and fair compensation is necessary to ensure continued employment. As a result, overnight prices have been raised for this site catering to motorhomes, caravan trailers, and tents.
Similarly, Nadin Frey, the managing director of the Hohenfelden camping site in the Weimar region, notes increased personnel costs as the primary factor behind the price rise for this year's overnight stays. These costs are differentiated according to main and low seasons.
At the Meyersgrund camping site near Ilmenau, prices for tourists have remained constant as of now, but long-term camper rates have seen an increase. Moreover, pricing varies across sites, with some bundling showering and electricity costs, while others bill these services separately.
Popular weekends like Ascension and Pentecost are traditionally in high demand among campers, and the trend continues this year, with some sites already fully booked according to co-owner Manuela Zanker of Meyersgrund. The favorable calendar, with a relatively late Easter and the combinable 1st May public holiday, has brought good visitor numbers to the sites, boosting the booking situation for the holiday season.
The camping industry has seen steady growth in recent years, with a 6.1 percent increase in overnight stays in Thuringia compared to the previous year in 2024, reaching over 846,000. Nearly 314,000 vacationers spent their nights on the almost 100 camping and caravan sites, averaging a 2.7-day stay.
- To mitigate the rising costs associated with the camping industry, some local communities might consider implementing a policy that supports vocational training for campground staff, thus reducing personnel costs and maintaining affordable prices for campers.
- For those interested in a budget-friendly lifestyle, one could consider traveling to Thuringia for home-and-garden inspired vacation activities, such as camping, during off-peak seasons to save on costs associated with overnight stays and take advantage of vocational training opportunities within the local camping community.
