Baden-Württemberg's camping industry is poised for a record-breaking year, with camping enthusiasts flocking to popular regions like the Black Forest and Lake Constance. Kurt Bonath, chairman of the State Association of the Camping Industry in Baden-Württemberg, reported that many campground operators described 2024 as their best year ever. The sector anticipates setting new records if favorable conditions persist through autumn and winter, building on strong performance during holiday periods with significantly better weather than in previous years.
Camping remains one of the most successful tourism segments in the region, characterized by continuously rising overnight stays. The state currently has 387 camping operations recorded in official statistics, including thirteen 5-star sites and thirty-one 4-star facilities. Approximately 80% of all guests come from within Germany, indicating strong domestic demand. The summer months from June to August continue to be the peak season, generating the highest number of overnight stays on camping grounds.
The offseason, typically defined as periods outside school holidays and public holidays, presents both challenges and opportunities for the industry. Many campgrounds are less crowded during these times and often offer lower prices. However, operators are increasingly extending their seasons by adding amenities such as saunas and indoor swimming pools, attracting guests who arrive earlier in spring and stay later into autumn, sometimes through November. This strategic focus on season extension represents a significant opportunity for improved occupancy rates throughout the year.
The trend toward resort-style camping reflects growing guest preferences for having activities and services readily available on-site. While many existing campgrounds in the region are too small to accommodate comprehensive resort facilities, industry leaders emphasize the importance of collaboration with local destinations and external service providers. The camping association notes that tourist camping generates more revenue and economic activity than long-term seasonal camping, bringing additional benefits to local gastronomy and infrastructure while creating more vibrant community environments.
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