Camping holidays are back, with prices remaining affordable despite price rises
Federconsumatori’s National Observatory: 3.5 per cent growth in the summer of 2026 compared with 2025
Camping holidays are back in fashion. Whether it’s due to the price rises affecting hotels and holiday flats – ‘in the summer of 2026, prices rose by 3.5 per cent compared with 2025’ – or the desire for an outdoor and alternative experience, camping has once again topped the list of Italians’ preferences in recent years. This is highlighted by a study carried out by Federconsumatori’s National Observatory, which also discusses the growth of this sector.
The study
“Lower costs, combined with a desire to reconnect with nature and spend time in the great outdoors,” the ONF points out, “are helping campsites enjoy a new upswing in bookings, which are up by more than 5.6 per cent this year.”
As for holiday plans, according to the observatory’s estimates, between cutbacks and cancellations, 44 per cent of Italians will be taking a holiday. Of these, the majority – 54.8% – will opt for a ‘short’ break of 3–5 days, staying with friends and relatives.
Moderate price rises at campsites
Even those going camping, however, will have to contend with price rises, though these will remain modest. The average increase is 2.6 per cent. Within this context, the highest increase relates to admission fees for children, for whom accompanying adults will have to pay a 5 per cent higher ticket price. Specifically, for two children, the price has risen from €134.40 last year to €141.34 this year.
So, here’s an estimate of the costs and expenses. The example is based on a family of two adults and two children. To spend a week camping at a seaside resort, including the pitch, entrance fees, meals and beach facilities, they will spend €1,621.55 in high season – 2.8 per cent more than in 2025.
