According to an ADAC survey, camping continues to grow in popularity in Germany. 25% of Germans aged 16 and over (about 17 million) belong to the camping target group, up 4 percentage points from 2023. Among 16–39-year-olds, the share rose from 35% to 39% over three years.
Nearly half of camping vacations are taken in motorhomes, camper vans, or mini-campers; 18% book mobile homes, 17% tents, and 16% caravans. Germany remains the most popular destination (54%), followed by Europe (41%). The average budget is 910 euros per adult and 410 euros per child up to 14 years per week. 29% have already used alternative overnight options such as farms or wineries.
The average daily budget per adult rose from 90 to 102 euros. Due to heat and forest fires, travelers are increasingly choosing cooler destinations such as Scandinavia, Scotland, and Canada, and shifting travel dates. In Thuringia, Campingplatz Saalthal-Alter was named the best campsite of 2026. Campsites are the most popular (81%), but 20% of respondents have slept in the wild, which is prohibited in Germany and punishable by fines.