IFOP Study 2025: camping maintains a strong reputation and attracts 8 out of 10 French people

Synonymous with conviviality and excellent value for money, camping holidays continue to be especially popular among the French, particularly with families who have children under the age of 14 and with lower-income households, who make up the core users of this type of vacation. According to the study “The French and outdoor hospitality in the face of economic pressures”, carried out by IFOP on behalf of the Fédération Nationale de l’Hôtellerie de Plein Air(FNHPA), camping enjoys a positive image among 79% of respondents, with 22% rating it as very positive.

“In France, camping has become an almost generational tradition: those who discovered it as children tend to continue choosing it as adults,” said Jérôme Fourquet, Director of IFOP’s Opinion Department, noting that 75% of campers surveyed had experienced outdoor holidays as children – either with their parents (59%) or at summer camps (36%).

Camping offers the best value for money

Now more than ever, camping also acts as a buffer against the economic crisis, thanks to its affordable rates and its broad, diverse range of offerings that can suit every need and budget. It’s no surprise then that, according to the IFOP survey, the top reason for choosing camping is financial: for 61% of respondents, value for money is the main advantage of an outdoor holiday, allowing large families and those with fewer resources to still enjoy time away.

Additionally, consumers are adopting effective money-saving strategies: booking in the low season, taking advantage of special offers, choosing pitches over rental accommodations, shortening the length of their stay, or reducing the number of trips taken per year. These measures allow holidaymakers to enjoy favorable conditions without sacrificing the services and comfort that a camping experience can offer. According to the survey, 9 out of 10 campers have implemented at least one of these strategies to be able to go on vacation, despite their declining purchasing power, further proof that camping can fit every budget, a belief shared by nearly all respondents (91%).

Beyond financial reasons, there are many other factors that drive people to choose this type of vacation: human interaction and a sense of community (37%), proximity to nature (32%), the quality of infrastructure, especially pools and sports facilities (30%), accommodation that offers all the comforts of home (23%), and organized entertainment and activities (14%). Equally appreciated is the possibility of all-inclusive packages (accommodation, activities, entertainment) (14%), while for another 14%, it’s simply a matter of habit, camping has become a tradition worth repeating. To a lesser extent, ecological concerns or a desire to rediscover local areas also influence the decision, with both reasons selected by 9% of respondents.

Proximity to the sea and sport and cultural activities influence destination choice

Once the vacation budget is set, how do French holidaymakers choose among the various options? Looking at the criteria that guide campers in their choice of destination, nearly half of those surveyed said proximity to the sea or a beach was their top priority (47%), followed by the desire for comfortable accommodation (45%) and the availability of a swimming pool or water park (43%).

Increasingly important are also the opportunity to engage in sports and participate in artistic or cultural activities, which together form a key selection factor for 36% of campers. Sports, in particular, are hugely popular, with 91% of campers engaging in at least one sport during their vacation. Camping offer thus play a central role in influencing where people choose to stay and, in many cases, they also provide the opportunity to try new experiences—particularly cultural visits, water sports, and hiking.