Spontaneous, but with certainty
Ask any motorhomer when they've mapped out their next trip, and you'll often get the same answer: we'll figure it out when we get there. Setting off on a whim is part of the motorhome DNA.
Yet spontaneous doesn't have to mean unprepared. Analysis of thousands of bookings shows that more than half of all motorhomers arrive within two days of making their booking. Nearly one in five books on the day of arrival itself.
How far in advance do motorhomers book?
The breakdown of bookings by lead time paints a very clear picture:
- Same day: 19.9%
- 1 day in advance: 23%
- 2 days in advance: 11%
- 3–7 days in advance: 19.5%
- More than a week in advance: 26.6%
73.8% of all bookings come in within one week before arrival. This has a concrete consequence for you as a location manager: make sure your availability calendar is always up to date. Anyone who doesn't risks missing a large group of spontaneous bookings — every single day.
Who's actually travelling?
The most common traveller composition is simple: two adults. This applies to no fewer than 66.5% of all bookings. Next up is the same couple — but with a dog. Nearly one in five bookings involves a couple with a pet.
This means that dog-friendly facilities — such as a fenced exercise area or clear pet policies on your profile — can have a direct impact on the number of bookings you receive.
How long do motorhomers stay?
The average length of stay is 2.1 nights. That's short — but it reflects the flexible travel style of the motorhomer: not a long fixed holiday, but multiple short stops along the way.
Nearly three quarters of all bookings are for 1 or 2 nights. The passing traveller is the norm, not the exception. Locations along popular motorhome routes benefit most from this — so make sure your spot is easy to find at the moment motorhomers make a decision on the road.
What is the average spend?
Across all bookings, the average spend is €66.66 per booking. This includes accommodation costs, additional charges such as tourist tax, and any administration fees. With an average stay of 2.1 nights, that works out to a nightly rate of around €31 per booking.
What does this mean for your location?
The data reveals a target group that travels spontaneously but still wants certainty. Motorhomers book last minute — but they do book. They often travel as a couple, sometimes with a dog, and stay an average of two nights. That calls for a different approach than the traditional campsite guest who reserves weeks in advance.
In practical terms, this means:
- Keep your calendar up to date — every day counts, even off-season.
- Ensure a smooth last-minute experience — think self check-in or clear arrival instructions.
- State your pet policy clearly — nearly 1 in 5 guests travels with a dog.
- Make your location easy to find at the right moment — motorhomers decide on the go.
How does Campercontact's booking module work?
In this video, we explain how Campercontact's booking module works.
Want to receive bookings too?
There are two ways to connect with Campercontact — depending on how much control you want to keep.
1. Direct bookings
The guest pays immediately and the booking is confirmed straight away. No manual approvals, no back-and-forth emails. For the motorhomer, this provides the certainty they're looking for; for you, it means less administration.
Already using your own booking system? No problem. Campercontact offers many options to connect with existing systems, so prices and availability are always accurate in real time. When a booking is made via Campercontact, we forward it directly to your PMS — without you having to do a thing.
2. Bookings on request
Prefer to stay in control of who comes to your site? With the 'booking on request' option, a guest can submit a reservation request, after which you as the manager decide whether to approve or decline the booking.
Ready to get started?
The motorhomer is ready. The question is: are you? You decide when you're available, how many pitches you open up, and what rates you charge. Campercontact handles the rest: payments, confirmations, and communication with the guest.
