The Campervan Lifestyle – “Curse or Blessing” for Campsites? Expert Interview Part 1
What defines Vanlife? How important is this target group for campsites? Find the answers here.
Campervans or panel vans, self-converted or fully equipped, are enjoying great popularity. The compact campervans are often also used as everyday vehicles. They are the basis of “Vanlife,” the modern, almost “trendy” lifestyle. Individual travel and being outdoors, but also community and exchange, shape Vanlife.
Many campervan drivers also like to camp freely – not just for kite or windsurfing at the seaside. They also stay, where permitted, in nature elsewhere – to chill, hike, go mountain biking, or explore landscapes (or cities). Some have even moved their home base or remote workspace into their campervan.
Who is the typical Vanlifer? Do Vanlifers also stay at classic campsites?
We asked a campervan expert who would know. Peter Draeger, founder, content creator, and host of the Vans & Friends community, is himself a passionate Vanlifer. He speaks at trade show lounges and events with hundreds of like-minded people, gives platforms to van entrepreneurs, and runs the Vans & Friends podcast.
PiNCAMP: Hello Peter, can you describe the typical Vanlifer for us?
Peter Draeger: A few years ago, that was still easy. By now, the spectrum has become very diverse. Still, I think the type can be described with several attributes: freedom-loving, mobile, curious, liberal, nature-loving, community-oriented – and sometimes also avoiding the community. But above all: in search of adventures and stories.
PiNCAMP: Do campervan enthusiasts stay loyal to the segment for decades? Or do they switch between camping and vacation styles?
Peter Draeger: I think they come back. In younger years, the urge to explore the world is stronger than staying in one place for long. That’s when very mobile vehicles that can go almost anywhere make the most sense. With a family and children, that changes. All of a sudden, caravans or larger motorhomes become an option. People stay longer in one place. But the true fans return to Vanlife – at the latest when their kids start vacationing without their parents.
PiNCAMP: Why do many Vanlifers tend to avoid traditional campsites?
Peter Draeger: In part, it’s due to persistent prejudices – about how campsites are organized and about other campers. Like the cliché of the “beer-drinking camper guarding his pitch from under the awning and commenting on everything.” I don’t know if it was ever really like that. Today, there are so many sites that prove they can offer an incredibly attractive experience for all types of campers – including Vanlifers. In the end, even Vanlife fans need to think less in boxes and more often give campsites a chance.
PiNCAMP: How do economic crises affect this specific market segment – not just regarding the purchase of campervans, but also vacation behavior?
Peter Draeger: Interestingly, Vanlife marketing often targets younger age groups. But when you look at who’s actually at the events, older target groups are at least equally represented. The older ones often have a higher income, are well established in their jobs and lives, and are economically stable. I currently see little impact from crises here. Of course, even in this type of vehicle and vacation behavior, there are people going through financially tough times who have to cut back. But the same is true for other forms of vacation. Fundamentally, I think the camping form of travel is very robust. Where else can you tailor your vacation so well to your budget? Whether it’s in the choice of vehicle, destination, or how long, how simple, or how luxurious you travel. In short: With camping, anything is possible!
Read in Part 2 of the interview how campsites can attract and retain Vanlifers as guests!
