Study: Saxony Is Growing as a Camping Destination, but There Is Still Room for Improvement

As a camping destination, Saxony has excellent conditions, but there is room for improvement in terms of its recognition as a travel destination and the quality of its offerings: This is the conclusion of a market and potential study commissioned by the Ministry of Tourism and the State Tourism Association. 

Significant Growth in Camping Overnight Stays

Tourism Minister Barbara Klepsch (CDU) referred to the sector as a “small giant with great potential” when presenting the study’s findings: The industry has grown significantly in Saxony in recent years. Between 2014 and 2024, the number of camping overnight stays rose by 76.6 percent to around 1.1 million. Although camping still accounts for just over five percent of all overnight stays in Saxony, its growth rate is well above the average. 

Upper Lusatia and Saxon Switzerland are popular destinations, each with 13 campgrounds and accounting for one-third of overnight stays. The Leipzig area, also with 13 campgrounds, accounts for eight percent of overnight stays. Added to this is the Vogtland region, which is particularly popular among long-term campers. 

Saxony Lacks Recognition as a Camping Destination

Between September 2025 and February 2026, experts from the consulting firm dwif-Consulting GmbH analyzed the Saxon camping market as part of the study. A key finding of the analysis: With its diverse natural environment, landscapes, peace and relaxation, as well as comparatively affordable prices, Saxony is indeed a very attractive camping destination.

However, it lacks visibility in the nationwide competition. In a Germany-wide survey of more than 2,000 campers, only about eight percent expressed interest in a trip to the Free State. 

Investments in Facilities Needed

There is also room for improvement among Saxony’s 124 campgrounds and 312 RV sites. More than half of the facilities reported an investment backlog in the study, for example regarding restroom facilities or accessibility. Necessary modernizations are reportedly hampered, among other things, by complex and lengthy approval processes. 

Saxony has a good, solid foundation for camping, but there is still room for improvement, Klepsch concluded. However, to fully realize this potential, greater investment is needed in digitalization and in the quality of the campgrounds. Efforts must also be made to market Saxony as a camping destination. Hospitality in Saxony, on the other hand, is a major asset.