The European campsite sector is undergoing a remarkable transformation, rapidly emerging as a new hotspot for investors and establishing itself as an attractive asset class within the real estate market. A confluence of record demand—especially from younger travelers—increased financial backing, and evolving business models is fueling a boom. Total planned investment in the sector is projected to reach €750 million by 2031, marking the campsite business as one of the fastest-growing opportunities in hospitality and tourism real estate.
Major Investors Move In: €750 Million in Campsite Deals Projected
Fueled by shifting consumer preferences and improved profitability, large investment funds are pouring in unprecedented capital. By 2025, international investors had already finalized deals worth over €200 million, with forecasts indicating this figure will skyrocket to €750 million over the next six years, experts say.
Among the most significant transactions, the sale of Alannia Resorts—valued at around €200 million—stands out. Acquired by European Camping Group, owned by Pai Partners and ADiA, Alannia later transferred ownership to Swiss Life Asset Managers France, employing a PropCo–OpCo model to separate asset ownership from operations. Other notable moves include Amavi Capital’s €10 million capital increase to support HolaCamp’s growth, and an uptick in “boutique” campsite purchases in northern Spain.
Sector Maturity: Professionalisation and New Financial Players
The influx of institutional investors is accelerating the professionalisation of the campsite sector. Consultancy firm EY highlights that the sector is entering a sustained period of expansion, where “integrated platforms supported by institutional capital and more sophisticated financial structures will drive the next cycle of growth.” In fact, large operators are quickly scaling; HolaCamp’s portfolio grew from 4 properties in 2023 to 13, Wecamp expanded from 7 to 16 since 2022, and Taiga launched with five establishments in 2024 and reached eight within a year.
Financial institutions are responding, with Banco Santander granting a €52.3 million growth line to Wecamp and a €21 million agreement to HolaCamp via Santander’s Smart Fund, underscoring the increasing “appetite for financing diversified portfolios.”
Demand and Profitability Hit Record Highs
A key driver for this investment surge is record demand for outdoor accommodation, particularly among younger travelers. Between January and September 2025, overnight stays at campsites rose by 3.3%. If this pace continues, nearly 50 million stays are expected by year-end—a result outpacing the hotel and traditional lodging sector by 26 percentage points since the pandemic.
Southern Spain’s regions—Andalusia, Catalonia, and Valencia—capture about 75% of this activity, though inland destinations like Castilla y León (up 19%) and Galicia (up 13%) are also seeing rapid growth. This helps bridge the historical gap between coastal and inland sites and diversifies the sector’s offering.
Premium Segment and Returns on the Rise
Returns for campsite investments are proven especially lucrative in the premium segment. Bungalow prices have climbed by 1.8% over 2024, and “glamping” (glamorous camping) offerings have seen tariffs grow by up to 15% in the low season. During the 2025 high season, the average daily rate (ADR) for bungalows ranged from €111 to €182, for tents from €107 to €168, and for plots from €25 to €33—highlighting the potential for attractive margins.
Despite a surge in operator sophistication and multi-property management, supply remains relatively stable. The number of campsites in Spain has inched up just 1% to 1,270, with about 765,000 beds—a scenario that creates a favorable market for investors as supply struggles to keep pace with demand. According to an EY-Parthenon analysis, Spain and Portugal combined offer 1,494 units, representing 83% of the total market.
The Experience Shift: Millennials and Gen Z Drive Change
The sector’s popularity reflects a lasting shift in traveler preferences. Since the pandemic, travelers—especially Millennials and Gen Z—are placing outdoor, authentic experiences among their top three priorities. Nearly 49% of young Americans surveyed said they prioritize unique nature experiences, further confirming the enduring appeal of campsites and glamping resorts.
Outlook: Sector Set for Sustained Expansion
With a structural undersupply, robust financial backing, and a surge in traveler demand for authentic, outdoor experiences, the campsite sector is set for a multi-year boom. Market watchers predict that professionalized platforms, institutional capital, and innovative management structures will define its expansion.
For investors and property developers looking for the best real estate bets in the new decade, Europe’s campsites offer an unmatched growth trajectory—and, for the first time, a chance to be part of an industry where profits and nature go hand in hand.
