The booming camping market: How the use of tiny houses is changing the tourism industry

At a time when the need for nature experiences is merging with the desire for modern comfort, tiny houses on campsites are experiencing an unprecedented boom. While classic camping tourism in Germany set a new all-time record in 2025 with 44.7 million overnight stays, the industry has transformed itself into a highly diversified experience market by the beginning of 2026. Already today, one in eleven overnight stays in Germany takes place at a campsite. And as camping is constantly changing and camping companies are seizing opportunities to improve their earnings, the following opportunities are emerging for operators and guests:

1. Opportunities for campsite operators: efficiency meets lifestyle

For operators, tiny houses are much more than just a fashionable addition. They are a strategic tool for tapping into new customer groups and increasing profitability.

• Higher margins & year-round use: While traditional pitches for tents or caravans are often seasonal, mini houses allow for year-round rental. A tiny house on a pitch that would otherwise bring in 15 € for a tent can fetch between 80 € and 180 € per night, depending on the amenities.
• Tapping into the ‘non-camper’ market: Tiny houses attract guests who love the atmosphere of a campsite but don't want to forego their own bathroom, kitchen or proper bed. This opens the door to the lucrative ‘glamping’ segment.
• Space efficiency: As tiny houses are often mobile (on wheels or swap bodies), they are subject to simplified approval procedures on campsites in many federal states. They allow for high density while maintaining an exclusive character.

2. Opportunities for guests: pure nature with a ‘home port’ feeling

Today's guests are increasingly looking for ‘slow travel’ and sustainability without sacrificing aesthetics. Campsites offer solutions that meet high standards.

• Maximum comfort in minimum space: A tiny house offers the intimacy of a holiday apartment, but is surrounded by greenery. This provides security (solid walls, lock) and at the same time a social connection to campsite life.
• Sustainable holidays: For eco-conscious travellers, the tiny house is the ideal. The low consumption of resources in construction and operation (heating/electricity) contributes to a ‘green conscience’.
• Flexibility for families and couples: Modern mini houses are space wonders. They often offer sleeping space for up to four people and their own terraces, making them an attractive alternative to expensive hotels.

3. Market data and forecasts (2024–2026)

• Economic indicators: The camping industry in Germany generated gross sales of around 18.5 billion € in 2024. With the number of overnight stays continuing to grow, it can be predicted that the share of rental accommodation (tiny houses, lodges, glamping tents) in the total turnover of campsites will rise to well over 20 per cent by the end of 2026, as the willingness to pay in this segment is significantly higher than for traditional parcel camping.
• Expected turnover per unit: A well-utilised tiny house (approx. 160 days of occupancy) can generate annual revenue of around 21,000 € at an average price of around 130 €. After deducting operating costs and rent, the return on investment is many times higher than that of traditional pitches.

The market has developed as follows over the last two years:

• Guest overnight stays (GERMANY): 42,9 m. (2024) and 45 m. (trend 2026)
• Gross turnover Industry: 20,8 bn and 22,5 bn (trend 2026)
• Average price for a tiny house per night: 90 to 130 € and 110 to 160 €
• return on investment: 4 to 6 years and 3 to 5 years (by optimizatzion)

The tiny house on the campsite is the answer to structural change in tourism. It transforms the campsite into a resort-like nature hotspot. For operators, it is an investment in resilience against weather fluctuations, and for guests, it is the perfect escape from everyday urban life. Another example of cooperation is the fact that the Tiny House Association of Germany has been officially cooperating with the BVCD since 2026.