Bas van of the Stichting Vrije Recreatie (SVR) has been active in the camping industry since 1987 and has seen camping change significantly over nearly four decades. In the run-up to the Kampeer & Caravan Jaarbeurs 2026, we spoke with him about developments in the camping industry, what today’s campers are looking for, and why, in his view, freedom, simplicity, and personal contact are more important than ever.
Why is the Kampeer & Caravan Jaarbeurs important to the camping industry?
The Camping & Caravan Jaarbeurs is particularly important to me because it’s where the entire camping world comes together. Manufacturers, business owners, organizations, and, of course, campers themselves all meet here. You see new camping gear and innovations, but above all, you get a sense of what’s on campers’ minds.
I think the latter is just as important. The camping industry can only remain successful if we continue to listen closely to what campers want. An event like Kampeer & Caravan Jaarbeurs is the perfect place where supply and demand—as well as ideas and experiences—come together.
What’s more, camping takes center stage for a few days every year. That’s good for our entire industry and remains essential.
What developments are you currently seeing in the camping industry that excite you?
What excites me most is that camping is still incredibly popular and that new generations are discovering it too. People have an ever-growing need for freedom, nature, peace, and space. At the same time, there are a tremendous number of innovations in camping equipment. Caravans, RVs, folding trailers, and tents are becoming smarter, more comfortable, and more sustainable.
But perhaps what excites me the most is the renewed appreciation for simplicity. A vacation doesn’t always have to be bigger, more luxurious, or more expensive. At SVR, we’ve noticed that it’s precisely the personal attention and small-scale nature of our operations that are greatly appreciated.
In a society where people are increasingly focused on themselves and their privacy, something special happens at a small campground. People strike up conversations with one another again, children bond, and the campground owner gets to know his guests. I think that social aspect of camping is just as important as all the technical innovations.
Fortunately, the annual growth we see—both in the number of affiliated campgrounds and among our donors—shows that a great many people feel the same way.
In your opinion, what is today’s camper looking for in camping gear or a camping vacation?
Freedom. In my opinion, that remains the essence of camping.
Of course, campers want comfort, and we’re seeing camping gear become increasingly comprehensive. But ultimately, people want to be able to decide for themselves where they go, how long they stay, and how they spend their vacation.
When it comes to camping vacations themselves, I also see a clear need for peace and quiet, space, nature, and personal interaction. Not everyone wants a vacation park with dozens of amenities. There’s a large group of people who are actually happiest with a nice campsite, clean restrooms, a friendly campground owner, and peace and quiet on the grounds in the evening.
Affordability is also playing an increasingly important role, in my view. Camping is becoming more expensive. That’s precisely why we need to ensure that traditional camping—with your own tent, trailer, trailer tent, or RV—remains accessible to people on a tighter budget.
A camping vacation should not become a luxury product.
Which edition of Kampeer & Caravan Jaarbeurs has left the biggest impression on you, and why?
Of course, there have been many editions over the years, and each one has had its own atmosphere and developments. What stands out to me most is how, over the years, you can follow the evolution of camping at Kampeer & Caravan Jaarbeurs . I’ve been personally involved with SVR since 1987 and have missed very few editions. That strikes me every year.
We’ve gone from relatively simple caravans and tents to the enormous selection available today of RVs, caravans, folding trailers, roof tents, and all kinds of innovative camping concepts. At the same time, one thing has never changed: people’s enthusiasm for camping.
On a personal level, there’s one moment that will always stay with me. I was standing at the SVR booth when a young family with two little girls, about three and five years old , came up to the counter. They asked when Fien and Teun would be coming back. I told them honestly: “Oh, that’s too bad—they were just here and have gone home now.”
The result: two children crying at the front desk—they were so sad that they wouldn’t see Fien and Teun again. I hadn’t expected this to affect such young children so deeply or to have such an impact. Luckily, I still had some free passes to Fien and Teun’s park, so I was able to salvage the situation a little with those.
What are you personally most looking forward to at the 2026 edition?
Of course, I’m curious about new camping gear and innovations. I always enjoy seeing what manufacturers have come up with and which developments might ultimately be of interest to our SVR campers.
But personally, I’m especially looking forward to the connections I’ll make. I’ve been involved with SVR since 1987 and have come to know a great many people in the camping world. That’s why an event like this is also a place where you can run into old acquaintances, meet new people, and talk with business owners and campers about what’s going on.
Fortunately, we have no shortage of attention. Many donors stop by for a chat, and of course, every year we try to get new people excited about our club and encourage them to become donors. Fortunately, we’re very successful at that every year.
And I’m especially curious about the younger visitors. If we manage to get a new generation excited about camping, we won’t have much to worry about when it comes to the future of our industry.
Describe Kampeer & Caravan Jaarbeurs in three words
Meet, discover, enjoy camping.
Meet SVR at Kampeer & Caravan Jaarbeurs
Want to learn more about Stichting Vrije Recreatie or get inspired for your next camping vacation? From September 30 through October 4, 2026, you’ll find SVR at Kampeer & Caravan Jaarbeurs in Hall 9.
Discover the best campsites, the latest camping gear and accessories, meet other camping enthusiasts, and get plenty of inspiration for your next camping adventure.
