Motorhome boom in Germany: record overnight stays and rising registrations

Caravan Salon 2026 will take place from August 28 to September 6 in Düsseldorf. The fair features over 750 exhibitors covering all segments from compact models to premium class. Organizers note growing demand for mobile travel. The event includes themed areas such as off-road, starter world, and DIY section.

According to the NRW state database, 3,739 motorhomes were registered in the Hochsauerland district as of 1 January 2026, an increase of 215 from the previous year. Across North Rhine-Westphalia, total motorhome registrations reached 211,800, up 7.0% from 1 January 2025. The motorhome density in NRW stood at 118 per 10,000 residents, below the national average of 125. Growth was recorded in all districts and independent cities except Mönchengladbach, which saw a 3.8% decline.

According to the state statistical office and the Federal Motor Transport Authority, around 211,800 motorhomes were registered in North Rhine-Westphalia at the beginning of the year. This is 7.0% more than a year earlier and 35.7% more than in 2022. On average, one motorhome is owned per 85 residents, which is below the national average of one per 80 residents. The highest density is in the district of Coesfeld, where nearly every 50th resident owns a motorhome.

According to the state statistical office and the Federal Motor Transport Authority, around 211,800 motorhomes were registered in North Rhine-Westphalia at the beginning of 2026. This is 7.0% more than a year earlier and 35.7% more than in 2022. On average, one motorhome exists for every 85 residents of the state, which is below the national average of one per 80 residents. The highest density is in the district of Coesfeld, where nearly every 50th resident owns a motorhome.

According to the state statistical office and the Federal Motor Transport Authority, around 211,800 motorhomes were registered in North Rhine-Westphalia at the beginning of 2026. This is 7.0% more than a year earlier and 35.7% more than in 2022. On average, one motorhome is owned per 85 residents in the state, which is below the national average of one per 80 residents. The highest density is in the Coesfeld district, where nearly one in 50 residents owns a motorhome.

According to IT.NRW, 211,800 motorhomes were registered in North Rhine-Westphalia as of January 1, 2026, an increase of 7.0% compared to the previous year. Since 2022, the motorhome fleet has grown by 35.7%. The motorhome density was 118 per 10,000 residents, below the national average of 125. The district of Coesfeld had the highest density (197 per 10,000), while Gelsenkirchen had the lowest (56).

Demand for camping in Berlin and Brandenburg remains high. This benefits not only local campsites but also caravan dealers and companies that convert vehicles into mobile homes. Maximilian Groß, owner of Campingplatz Himmelreich, notes that during the summer months they must generate enough revenue to cover salaries and annual turnover while constantly innovating. Steffi Henning of Nuthetal-Caravan reports that 40 caravans for July and August are already fully booked, and from mid-October customers queue up for rentals.

In Germany, the number of registered motorhomes has more than doubled over the past ten years, exceeding one million. Overnight stays at campsites have increased by a quarter since 2019, reaching record levels. However, popularity has led to problems: during peak season, campsites are often fully booked, and wild camping in forests and on beaches is banned in many countries.

In 2025, Germany recorded nearly 45 million overnight stays at campsites, excluding motorhome parking spots. Despite a 2.6% decline in new motorhome registrations in 2025, the first quarter of 2026 saw a 30.1% increase to 21,105 units. The growth is partly due to the expiration of a special permit for registering 2024 models with Euro 6d standards, forcing dealers to clear inventory.