On the eve of the new camping season, camping specialist ACSI and trade associations Camping and Caravan Industry (KCI) and BOVAG conclude that Dutch campsites received 8.6% more guests last year than in 2024. This year there will be even more camping, according to research.
BOVAG, KCI and ACSI kicked off the new camping season on Friday, March 20 and analyzed data from the Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS). According to those figures, Dutch campsites received more than 5.6 million guests in 2025, up from nearly 5.2 million the year before. As in 2024, 65% involved campers from their own country (nearly 3.7 million), while just under 2 million foreign camping guests were welcomed. In total, vacationers spent 26.8 million nights at campgrounds, or 2.3% more than in 2024. The spring of 2025 (April, May and June) recorded over 15% more guests and 6% more overnight stays, and the last 3 months of the year saw a 9% increase in the number of campers and a whopping 23% more overnight stays.
Netherlands favorite
More than 8,500 Dutch campers indicated early this year in the annual Camping Intention Survey conducted by camping specialist ACSI that they intend to camp more often and for longer in 2026. Last year, families intended to go camping an average of almost 2.5 times and spend a total of more than 28 days there. This year, families plan to go camping an average of 3 times for as many as 39 days. Campers without children spend more than 2 months camping; last year almost 63 days and this year more than 64 days. Campers with children logically go camping most often in July and August, while those without children travel mostly in May, June and September. The Netherlands is a favorite for both groups, followed by France and Germany.
Roel Reineman, president of KCI: "That interest in camping continues to increase is also reflected in the sales figures of new caravans and motorhomes. Demand for motorhomes is on the rise throughout Europe, while the Netherlands was the only country where sales of new caravans also increased last year compared to 2024. We now count a record 637,000 caravans and motorhomes in the Netherlands, 11,000 more than a year ago."
Ramon van Reine, CEO of camping specialist ACSI: "After top year 2025, campsites in the Netherlands and the rest of Europe can start preparing for another record season. Since the corona pandemic and partly due to the geopolitical tensions in the world, the enthusiasm for camping and for destinations closer to home is increasing. Moreover, more and more people are camping year-round and shorter trips in spring and fall are in demand in addition to the traditional high season."
Marjolijn Wegkamp, president of BOVAG Caravan and Motorhome Companies: "2025 guaranteed record sales and campers anno now have more and more to choose from. Meanwhile, some 15,000 used caravans and motorhomes have also changed hands this year: the industry is therefore gearing up for a wonderful camping season."
