Since 2019, there’s been a change in travel culture in Europe with a significant increase in the proportion of campervan and motorhome owners who now prefer to book campsites in advance (rather than arriving without a reservation), according to surveys by Campercontact, the app and website directory of over 41,000 places in 58 countries for motorhomes to stay.

In the same survey of attitudes to pre-booking campsites in 2019, Campercontact found the demand for bookable sites was significantly lower compared to now.

Strong increase in bookings across Europe

Five years ago, only 41% of Dutch motorhome owners had ever booked a site in advance compared to 61% in 2024. There was also a clear shift in Italy (from 43% in 2019 to 67% today), but the biggest jump was in Germany (from 36% to 74%), probably reflecting its recent record sales of campervans and motorhomes.  

Only the British were accustomed to pre-booking in 2019 (72%) which has remained the highest and most consistent with 74% today, unlike France with the lowest scores of 32% and 50%, respectively. 

The number one irritation for motorhome owners surveyed in all countries was arriving at a campsite and finding it is full. 

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Additional bookings through Campercontact

"This increase in the number of motorhome enthusiasts booking their pitches in advance reflects a changing travel culture," says Lars Smit, Commercial Director at Campercontact. "At Campercontact, along with our community, we aim to provide trustworthy information to travelers so they can rely on it for their planning. On the other hand, we assist campsites, motorhome sites, and overarching organizations in Europe with receiving bookings throughout the year.”

Linking booking system with Campercontact

Do you have a motorhome site or campsite and already use a property management system (PMS)? And would you like to display your spots on our platform? Then contact us, as we can easily link your system. Users book directly through Campercontact and you simply manage your bookings through your own system.