Research published by the UK Caravan and Camping Alliance shows that hygiene, comfort and privacy have become just as important as price in camping tourism.

According to the findings, 69% of campers are willing to pay a higher fee to stay at a campsite offering private bathroom facilities. United Kingdom, February 2024 –

According to the Pitching the Value 2024 report published by the UK Caravan and Camping Alliance, 69% of people who have recently taken a camping or caravanning holiday, or who are considering one in the future, say they would be willing to pay more for a campsite with private bathroom facilities.

The findings show that campers want to enjoy a holiday close to nature without giving up personal space, hygiene and ease of use.

Private toilets and showers located directly on or next to the camping pitch are becoming an important deciding factor, particularly for guests who prefer not to use shared sanitary facilities.

Private Bathrooms Rank Ahead of Other Premium Camping Options The willingness to pay more for private bathroom facilities was higher than for other premium accommodation options.

• According to the research: 69% would pay more for a campsite with private bathroom facilities.
• 55% would pay more to stay in a luxury caravan.
• 54% would pay more for an unusual glamping accommodation.

These figures show that private toilets and showers are not regarded as a minor additional service. Private sanitary facilities emerged as the premium feature generating the highest willingness to pay, ranking ahead of luxury caravans and glamping accommodation.

New Campers with Higher Incomes Are Looking for More Comfort The report also indicates that a new group of higher-income customers entered the camping market following the pandemic.

• Among those who started camping during the pandemic, 37% had an annual household income of more than £50,000.
• Among people who camped or caravanned before the pandemic, the proportion in the same income group was 21%.
• This change suggests that campsites are no longer serving only guests looking for an affordable holiday.
• They are also attracting customers who want to stay close to nature without giving up the level of comfort they are accustomed to.

Private bathrooms, showers and toilets directly meet the expectations of this new customer profile.

According to the Mintel data referenced in the report, the number of camping and caravanning trips in the United Kingdom reached approximately 16.7 million in 2022, while the value of the domestic camping and caravanning market increased by 25% over a five-year period.

Demand for premium camping options also remained strong during this period. The findings show that providing private toilets and showers is not only a way to improve guest satisfaction. It can also help campsite operators create premium pitches that can be offered at higher prices.

The fact that 69% of campers are willing to pay more indicates that investments in private sanitary facilities may increase both the service quality and revenue potential of campsites.

Source: UK Caravan and Camping Alliance, Pitching the Value – 2024 Economic Benefit Report. The willingness-to-pay figures are based on the Camping and Caravanning UK, Mintel 2023 research.