Rising expectations for comfort, privacy and hygiene in the European camping sector are accelerating the shift from central toilet and shower buildings to private sanitary units installed directly on individual camping pitches.

According to an article published by Pretwerk, campers increasingly prefer not to queue for showers, walk to shared sanitary buildings at night or use heavily occupied communal facilities.

The growing importance of hygiene, particularly since the pandemic, has further strengthened demand for private toilet and shower solutions dedicated to individual pitches.

Erik Verwaaijen of CampPlus predicts that private sanitary units could become a standard service within the camping industry over the next 5 to 10 years, while the number of shared sanitary buildings gradually declines.

The article also highlights that private sanitary units do more than improve guest comfort. They can also provide campsite operators with an attractive additional revenue model.

Campsites can charge an extra nightly fee for access to a private toilet and shower.

According to the figures mentioned in the article, this surcharge can range from €7.50 to €35 per night. Thanks to this additional income, the investment may, in some cases, be recovered within one year.

Michel Hermans, manager of Camping Westerbergen, explains that private sanitary facilities may require a higher initial investment than shared sanitary buildings, but they can generate higher nightly rates and stronger occupancy.

Based on the campsite’s experience, a pitch equipped with a private sanitary unit is rented for approximately 30 more days per year than a standard camping pitch.

Camping Westerbergen introduced 46 new pitches with private sanitary facilities, and their reservation performance exceeded expectations. Demand has continued to grow strongly, leading the campsite to consider replacing another central sanitary building with private units.

In the longer term, the campsite aims to move entirely towards a private sanitary model. RCN Het Toppershoedje is another campsite that has used private sanitary units for many years. According to the park management, guests value having their own toilet and shower and are willing to pay extra for this service.

Once the initial investment has been recovered, pitches with private sanitary facilities generate more revenue than standard camping pitches. The article identifies three major trends within the sector:

Premium campsites are increasingly replacing central sanitary buildings with private sanitary units. More spacious units with separate toilet and shower areas are expected to gain a larger market share.

Additional features, including refrigerators and other campsite amenities, are increasingly being integrated into private sanitary units. These developments show that private toilet and shower units are no longer simply optional luxury facilities.

For campers, they provide hygiene, privacy and convenience. For campsite operators, they offer higher occupancy, longer rental periods and the opportunity to create premium-priced camping pitches.

Source: Pretwerk, Centrale sanitairgebouwen steeds vaker vervangen door privé sanitair op de camping, 21 August 2023. The article is based on information provided by CampPlus and operational experiences shared by the management teams of Camping Westerbergen and RCN Het Toppershoedje.

Private Sanitary Units Are Beginning to Replace Central Facilities at Campsites