Rise in cost for certain camping sites - Rise in Campground Fees at Specific Locations
Rising Costs for Camping Vacations in Thuringia
Campsite visitors in Thuringia are encountering higher expenses for overnight stays and additional costs during the ongoing season. This trend applies to some long-term campers as well, according to reports from campsite operators to dpa.
The increased operational costs for campsite operators, primarily due to higher personnel costs and escalating electricity charges, are the primary causes of these price hikes. Reinhard Schniz, chairman of the Thuringian Camping Industry Association, stated in an interview that a vacation on a campsite remains a cost-effective option compared to other accommodations in Thuringia.
Recent findings from the "camping.info" online portal reveal that the average cost for two people, including pitch, caravan, electricity, and local tax in Thuringia has risen by approximately 4.2 percent compared to 2024. On average, campers pay 24.21 euros per night. Thuringia ranks as one of the more affordable federal states for campers, with Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania at 33.20 euros and the German average at 28.86 euros.
"It's difficult to find staff," said a representative from a campsite near Oberhof. To retain employees, they need to be paid appropriately, leading to increased overnight stay prices for sites like the one offering 150 pitches for motorhomes, caravan trailers, and tents. On the Hohenfelden campsite (Weimarer Land), prices for overnight stays have also risen in 2024, with costs varying depending on the main and low seasons.
At the Meyersgrund campsite near Ilmenau, prices for tourists have remained constant so far, but there are increases for long-term campers. The pricing can differ significantly from site to site, with some sites including showering and electricity in a complete package, while others charge extra for showering, electricity, and waste disposal.
Popular long weekends, such as the Ascension and Pentecost holidays, tend to be fully booked. Manuela Zanker, co-owner of the Meyersgrund campsite, confirmed that the sites are fully booked for the upcoming holidays. The convenient calendar, with relatively late Easter and the possibility of combining the 1st of May with a bridge day in pleasant spring weather, has already brought strong visitor numbers to the sites. "The booking situation for the holidays is also good," Schniz added.
The increased interest in camping vacations, coupled with broader economic factors and the tourism context, have contributed to the overall demand for domestic tourism and the rise in camping prices in Thuringia. Rising labor and service expenses, infrastructure improvements, seasonal and environmental factors, and event-driven demand are key drivers of the higher costs for campsite accommodations [1][4].
- The community policy should consider the increasing costs of vocational training for staff at campsites in Thuringia, as higher wages are a major factor contributing to the rise in camping prices.
- To maintain a cost-effective lifestyle, home-and-garden enthusiasts might consider investing in a small camper van for weekend travel, given the affordable prices of campsites in Thuringia compared to other accommodations, despite the recent price hikes.
