Camping prices drop in autumn: Croatia 53% cheaper, Italy most popular

• In Croatia, families save around €39 per night in the low season
• Italy is the most booked autumn destination
• Camping holidays on average 29% cheaper

Following the end of the summer holidays, a significantly more affordable travel period begins for campers in many European holiday destinations. This is shown by a recent analysis from PiNCAMP | The camping company of ADAC, ANWB & TCS. Prices drop particularly sharply in classic summer destinations: In Croatia, the average overnight price for a family drops from €73 in the peak season to €35 in the low season – a difference of 53% or around €39 per night. The seasonal effect is also pronounced in Italy (-38%), Spain (-38%), and France (-36%). Germany (-11%) shows only minor fluctuations.

Croatia: From €73 to €35 per night

In no other of the twelve European countries examined does the price level differ as sharply between high and low season as in Croatia. In July and August, an overnight camping stay for a family costs an average of €73. In the low season, it is only €35. That is 53% or around €39 less per night. For a seven-night stay, the price difference mathematically corresponds to around €270.

The seasonal effect becomes particularly clear in a comparison across countries: Croatia leads with savings of 53% between peak and low season; prices outside peak season also fall significantly in Italy (-38%), Spain (-38%), and France (-36%). Families camp cheapest in the low season in France at an average of €29 per night, followed by Sweden at €31 and Norway at €32.

“Camping in autumn is noticeably cheaper. Anyone who isn’t tied to the summer holidays can save significantly now,” says Uwe Frers, camping expert and CEO of PiNCAMP.

Europe: Camping prices in the low season 2026

Current booking situation: Italy most booked autumn destination

Italy is the most booked international destination for German campers in autumn. 27% of bookings recorded by PiNCAMP for travel in September and October are for Italian campsites. Compared to the previous year, this corresponds to a 20% increase in bookings.

Croatia (21%) and France (16%) are also in high demand, accounting for a significant share of the analyzed booking volume.

Domestic camping trips within Germany account for 18% of bookings.

“In Southern Europe, we see an increasing extension of the camping season. In Germany, campers focus more on short distances and flexible travel. During changeable weather, campsites that offer wellness, thermal, or indoor activities alongside the classic outdoor experience showcase their strengths,” says Uwe Frers.

Short autumn trips are booked around four weeks in advance

Camping trips in September and October last an average of six days based on the analyzed bookings on PiNCAMP. Short stays of less than seven days are planned relatively spontaneously: on average, there are around four weeks between booking and the start of the trip.

This means that even in mid-September, a portion of the autumn demand remains undecided. For flexible campers, the evaluation reveals a clear advantage of the low season: shifting travel dates can yield significant savings, particularly in Southern Europe and along the German coasts.

Methodology

The price data originates from a special evaluation of the PiNCAMP Price Analysis 2026. Price details from around 2,300 campsites in the main holiday countries for German campers were analyzed. The calculation is based on the total price per night for a family of two adults and one child up to ten years old, including a pitch for a motorhome or a caravan with towing vehicle; tent sites were not included.

For the European comparison, Germany, Italy, France, Croatia, the Netherlands, Spain, Austria, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom were considered. July and August are defined as high season in the evaluation. The reported low-season prices refer to the remaining seasonal periods. The prices are seasonal rates reported by campsites and not live offer prices for a specific stay.

For the analysis of booking behavior, PiNCAMP bookings submitted by September 1 for travel by German campers in September and October were evaluated. The mentioned booking shares and changes relate exclusively to the booking volume recorded via PiNCAMP.