Research by Kampeermeneer: Small campsites are extremely popular, but campers are concerned

Research: Small campsites are extremely popular, but campers are concerned

LEEUWARDEN – As the Caravana camping fair kicks off next Wednesday, campers will be admiring campers, trailer tents and caravans and making camping plans for 2026, the recently published results of The Big Small Camping Survey from Campingman.

The survey, conducted in July and August 2025 among 5.311 campers, shows that small campsites are incredibly popular, ChatGPT is still losing ground to the old camping guide, and that the rise of campers and glamping is raising concerns among campers.

Small campsites are extremely popular, especially in the Netherlands and France, even outside the season

Campers at small campsites are mainly couples (57%) and families (33%) and are taking an increasing number of camping trips per year. 55% of the campers surveyed go on camping holidays three or more times a year. And 56% think they will go to small campsites even more often next year, while 33% will remain the same number of holidays or are still undecided. It is striking that more than 50% consciously camp outside the high season.

The Netherlands is in the top three of favorite holiday destinations for 74% of campers at small campsites. Followed by France (55%) and our eastern neighbors Germany (29%).

Campers are looking for nature, peace, space and clean sanitary facilities

The popularity of small campsites is mainly due to their location in nature, peace and quiet, the personal approach and, not surprisingly, the small scale. 52% of campers prefer to visit nature campsites or natural camping sites, while farm campsites are only number one for 10% of campers.

In terms of facilities, the basics should be in order, according to the campers surveyed. 97% expect clean and good sanitary facilities and hot showers. 84% want paper in the toiletThat this isn't always well-organized is evident from the biggest annoyance at small campsites. 86% of respondents actually complain about dirty sanitary facilities. Small campsites aren't just for basic campers, as evidenced by the fact that 15% now expect private sanitary facilities, and a restaurant is a requirement for 32%.

ChatGPT and TikTok lose out to the old trusted camping guide

Google remains dominant for finding small campsites, but online niche guides for small campsites are clearly used more often than large platforms. Guides like Natuurkampeerterreinen, SVR, Kampeermeneer, and ACSI Klein & Fijn are more popular than general camping websites.

ChatGPT plays with 5,5% a modest role for the time being and TikTok is also hardly used in the search for suitable small campsites. However, it is still used 21% of those surveyed a physical camping guide.

Atmosphere under pressure due to glamping and campers
The research shows that 83% of campers choose a small campsite for the "natural environment" and 72% for the "peace and quiet." These are by far the top two reasons, even among campers. But it's precisely this atmosphere and tranquility that are under threat due to the rise of campers and glamping.

54% see the rise of glamping as a threat to the atmosphere at campsites, "because the feeling of nature and the atmosphere changes." 28% indicate that this also applies to the growing number of campers at small campsites. Frequently mentioned responses include:

• “With a row of identical glamping tents or chalets, it feels like a holiday park.”
• “Sometimes you look at a white wall of campers.”
• “The noise of those sliding doors is bloody annoying.”

Advice from campers: stay small and be yourself

The rise of glamping and campervans offers small campsites opportunities to increase their profits in a niche where margins are slim. The survey asked participants for their advice to small campsites, and the consensus was: Stay small, personal, and maintain your atmosphere.

The responses also show that campers believe glamping and campervans don't necessarily compromise the atmosphere. "If the campervans aren't all neatly lined up or in a parking lot, but rather nicely spread out in green spaces, it's a completely different story," or "It makes quite a difference whether you're looking out at a cheerful gypsy caravan or four white mobile homes." So, for small campsites, it's certainly possible to accommodate all types of campers while maintaining the main reason for choosing small campsites.

About the research

Summary of research: The Big Small Camping Survey on Kampeermener.nl.
Research report: download the results on Kampeermener.nl.
Royalty free images:

Camping gentleman
Kampeermeneer.nl is the online camping magazine for and by campers who love cozy camping at small campsites nestled in nature in the Netherlands and Europe. On the platform, veteran camper Tjerk Romkema and 10 camping editors share camping tips, camping gear, and camping tips.

The Big Small Camping Survey 2026
The 2026 Large Small Campsite Survey was conducted in July and August 2025 on kampmeneer.nl. A total of 5311 campers completed the questionnaire. The full report is available. download on Kampeermener.nl.

Note to editors – not for publication
More results and figures are available from the editor
The attached photos and graphs can be used royalty-free.

For questions or interviews:

Tjerk Romkema
Campingman Media
info@kampeermeneer.nl | 06-46343246