Small campsites in France are progressively disappearing: in the last 20 years, about 400 campsites with fewer than 60 pitches have permanently closed their doors, totaling 1,500 closures since 2000. This alarming trend has not gone unnoticed by Nicolas Dayot, president of the FNHPA (Fédération Nationale de l’Hôtellerie de Plein Air), who has long been committed to finding solutions to halt this decline, which threatens to strip France of its status as Europe’s leader in outdoor hospitality.
In response to this challenge, the National Plan for the Preservation of Small Campsites was presented at a conference in June by the FNHPA, with the support of the Banque des Territoires. The plan emphasizes the need to revitalize modest structures – those with low accommodation capacity and a poor star rating – which represent an increasingly unprofitable economic model.
How to take concrete action
The Study on the future of small campsites, conducted by David Paquet, manager of the consulting firm Alliances, and Éric Legros, president of the regional federation of outdoor hospitality in Grand Est and head of the FNHPA’s public-private partnership working group, offers concrete action points.
Based on a sample of about 50 small campsites, the study highlights the crucial role that market positioning plays in the economic success of these outdoor accommodations. The data confirm that those who clearly position themselves in the market, with a unique offer or sometimes with two or three types of rental options, manage to stand out from competitors, thereby maintaining market presence and fostering development.
To ensure the survival and growth of a small campsite, it is equally important to have at least 40% of the accommodation available as rentals. This is the minimum threshold identified by the study by Paquet and Legros, which would allow the operator to cover staff costs and continue investing in the development of the campsite. Additionally, having a strong offer of equipment and services for customers, continuous investment over the years, and adequate marketing and sales strategies are essential.
Positive examples of relaunches were showcased in two videos during the conference. In the first video, the experience of Lucile and Richard Abegg was presented; they focused on the eco-responsible positioning of the “Le Rêve” campsite in Lot, which they took over in 2018 (now classified as 3-star with 60 pitches). Through specific actions (waste reduction, recycling, solar lighting, permaculture, and sourcing local products), the new owners achieved their goal of reducing the environmental impact of the business, closing 2023 with a turnover of €196,000 (compared to €103,000 under the previous management in 2017).
Another success story is that of Christophe Starosta, owner of the “Le Nid dans les Bruyères” (Aisne) and “Le Cœur de la Forêt” (Oise) campsites, who focused on the unique positioning of the unconventional campsite. Starosta created atypical accommodations (such as a Hobbit house), using ecological materials and integrating them into the local landscape.
One Million Euros for relaunch projects
The conference concluded with the signing of a partnership agreement between the FNHPA and the Banque des Territoires, which outlines financial support for the relaunch of small campsites: one million euros will be allocated over two years to support 60 repositioning or reopening projects. François Gerst, head of tourism investments at the Banque des Territoires, explained that about €15,000 will be allocated per study (the average cost is estimated at €20,000), while the remaining amount will be covered by the project promoter. The first selection of candidates will close on August 31, with a second round set to begin in the autumn.
Photo by Robert Hofmann
Revolution Compact: the outdoor automatic laundry kiosk