As a busy season comes to an end, things are becoming calmer on many campsites. Now is the time for entrepreneurs and their teams to take a breather and enjoy a holiday themselves. And it is also time to start looking ahead to the 2026 season…
Those who generate bookings and reservations early gain planning security – and retain loyal regular guests who want to secure their preferred pitch for 2026 in good time. Thanks to early bookings, some campsites even receive (down) payments for the next season.
Optimising rental accommodations and longer stays
For campsites dominated by short, spontaneous bookings, early-booking campaigns are hardly suitable. But when pitches or rentals are booked for one, two or more weeks, early bookings can become an important success factor. Early-booking campaigns are also effective for rental accommodations in which significant investment has been made, helping to optimise occupancy, cash flow and profitability.
Many campsites with rental accommodations and professional mobile-home rental companies therefore start early-booking campaigns already at this time. These campaigns are usually a combination of various actions tailored precisely to the needs of the business.
The entire marketing mix should be used to convince guests to book their dream holiday early. Early-booking advantages are highlighted on the campsite’s website, on booking platforms such as PiNCAMP (activate your early-booking offers here as well), in brochures, on social media or (for regular guests) in emails.
It is always clearly communicated until when the early booking must be made for the respective benefits to apply. This increases guests’ motivation.
Frequently used: early-booking discounts
Tiered discounts are ideal to make early-booking offers stand out and to help control occupancy: For off-peak periods with low booking levels, 20% or more early-booking discount is often granted; for mid-season periods, 5% or 10%. The high season is rarely discounted because it usually sells well without any reduction.
Campsites that prefer not to communicate percentage discounts offer “book 7 days, pay only 5” or similar deals for the off-season, or create dedicated early-booking price lists.
Guests want to receive a truly attractive price when they book early. The regular price applicable after the early-booking period must not undercut the early-booking price; otherwise early bookers could become frustrated.
Some large camping parks work with dynamic pricing
Prices vary depending on current demand and availability, usually supported by software. With dynamic pricing, there are no fixed periods during which certain prices apply. Some campsites communicate that the flexible pricing system can lead to lower prices for those who book early.
Prices aren’t everything – what else drives early bookings
• Free cancellation:
Many attract early bookers by allowing free cancellation until 31 December 2025 or 31 January 2026. Holidaymakers can secure their preferred pitch early without any risk. For guests whose employers approve summer holidays only in January, 31 January is particularly appealing.
• Free changes:
Some providers allow early bookings to be changed free of charge until February or March. Another idea implemented by some campsites is a “carefree package”: For an additional fee, guests can secure more flexible conditions, allowing them to cancel or change their booking shortly before arrival at no cost.
Processing early bookings efficiently and with a guest-oriented approach
The downside of some successful early-booking campaigns: The reception, which is already less staffed in autumn and winter, becomes overwhelmed with booking inquiries. This is why what is advantageous for all bookings is especially important here – online bookability relieves the team.
Furthermore, more and more guests expect to view availability and prices online and to book directly. Learn more about simple, secure online bookings here.
