Rise in Fees at Select Campgrounds - Rise in fees at certain camping sites
Campsite Prices Climb Across Thuringia Amid Operational Cost Increases
Campers visiting Thuringia this season may face heightened expenses for overnight stays and auxiliary costs on some sites, with the state joining a nationwide trend of rising campsite prices. This price increase also applies to long-term campers, as operators have reported.
The escalation in operational costs serves as the primary reason for the hike. Specifically, higher labor and electricity expenses are driving the majority of the costs, according to campsite operators.
Despite the price increase, camping in Thuringia remains a budget-friendly vacation choice compared to other accommodation types. Reinhard Schniz, chairman of the Thuringian Camping Association, affirmed that camping remains a cheaper option, both domestically and internationally.
Data from the "camping.info" portal indicates a 4.2 percent increase in average costs for two guests, including pitch, caravan, electricity, and local tax, when compared to 2024. The average cost is now 24.21 euros. Compared to other states, Thuringia emerges as one of the more economical destinations for campers, with Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania's average rate standing at 33.20 euros and the German average at 28.86 euros.
Short-staffing and elevated wages are issues troubling the hospitality sector nationwide. A spokesperson from the Lütschesee campsite near Oberhof lamented, "It's hard to get staff." Consequently, overnight prices have been augmented across the site with 150 pitches for motorhomes, caravan trailers, and tents. Similar circumstances are prevalent at the Hohenfelden campsite in the Weimar region, where overnight costs too have seen an increase this year.
At the Meyersgrund campsite near Ilmenau, prices for tourists have remained steady for now, but there are increases for long-term campers. Each campsite configures its pricing differently, with some bundling showering, electricity, and waste disposal into a comprehensive package, while others charging extra for these services.
The forthcoming Ascension and Pentecost weekends have typically been popular with campers, and this year is no exception. "We're fully booked," said co-owner Manuela Zanker of Meyersgrund. Good attendance has been reported due to a favorable calendar, with relatively late Easter and the 1st of May combined with a bridge day contributing to the influx. Bookings for the holiday seasons have also seen a positive response, according to Schniz.
In 2024, Thuringia observed an 6.1 percent increase in overnight stays compared to the previous year, surpassing 846,000, as reported by the Thuringian Statistical Office. About 314,000 vacationers opted for camping accommodation on the nearly 100 campsites and caravan parks, staying an average of 2.7 days.
In addition to Thuringia, campsites across Germany have seen price hikes, with several key factors driving the trend:
- Rising operational costs, primarily energy and utility expenses, as well as labor costs due to staffing challenges
- Modernization, comfort, and upgrades to campground facilities and services
- Enhanced demand for outdoor and nature-based experiences
- General inflation and supply chain issues affecting various sectors
- Sustainability and regulatory measures for investment in eco-friendly infrastructure and compliance with new environmental and safety standards
- The Thuringian Camping Association, with Reinhard Schniz at its helm, affirmed that despite the price increase in campsite costs, camping remains an economical choice for both lifestyle pursuits and home-and-garden escapes.
- As part of the nationwide trend, some Thuringian campsites, such as those at Lütschesee and Hohenfelden, have implemented community policy changes, including vocational training programs for their staff, in an effort to address staffing shortages and combat soaring operational costs.
