Increased preference for indoor camping during the peak summer months uncovers surprising demographic
In the heart of Bonn, Germany, a unique trend is emerging, transforming the traditional camping experience into a comfortable, indoor adventure. Thomas Lenz, spokesperson for Bonn Basecamp, refers to this novelty as "dry camping".
One of the latest guests to embrace this trend is Paul Starrach, a passionate camper from Giessen, who received an indoor camping holiday as a 70th birthday gift from his partner Renate Rothenbaecher. The indoor camping craze is not limited to seasoned campers; Roxane Boucq and Apolline Bauer, two young French women, are trying indoor camping for the first time, with Roxane having some previous camping experience in a tent.
The indoor camping scene at Bonn Basecamp is bustling with activity. People are seen sitting outside at small folding tables, eating, drinking, and chatting, while others are striking up conversations in a corner. A woman is seen carrying a towel and toiletries bag towards the washing and toilet facilities. The sun is shining outside, adding to the festive atmosphere.
Couples are also indoor camping, seeking a unique experience away from the usual hotel stays. Simon Wombwell and Anne Taylor, who hail from near Bristol, UK, are enjoying an indoor camping holiday at Bonn Basecamp. They had a negative experience with real camping in the wild, but the indoor camping facilities at Bonn Basecamp, complete with artificial grass, showers, and communal toilets, offer a more comfortable and authentic experience.
The indoor camping options at Bonn Basecamp are diverse, ranging from retro caravans to US Airstream travel trailers, decommissioned railway sleeping cars, and an old Swiss mountain gondola. Old caravans strengthen the nostalgic feeling in seniors, making indoor camping an attractive option for a variety of age groups.
The rise of indoor camping is a reflection of a broader consumer interest in accessible, comfortable, and novel camping experiences. This trend is evident in the growing popularity of glamping and hybrid outdoor-indoor experiences. The global treehouse glamping market, which offers luxury amenities such as comfortable beds, indoor washrooms, Wi-Fi, and air conditioning, is projected to grow significantly, reaching an estimated USD 473.2 million by 2030.
Events like the "Adult Indoor Summer Camp 2025" in St. Louis demonstrate interest in indoor camp-like experiences for socializing and wellness, indicating that indoor camping is also developing as a lifestyle and recreational activity beyond traditional outdoor camping.
Thomas Lenz explains that many guests at Bonn Basecamp aren't real campers but want the camping experience without the associated hardships. This trend is likely to continue growing as market investments and consumer interest increase, offering a unique twist to the age-old camping tradition.
Paul Starrach, intrigued by the novel concept of dry camping, chose to explore it during his home-and-garden themed 70th birthday getaway at Bonn Basecamp. On the other hand, Roxane Boucq and Apolline Bauer, two French women new to the camping scene, decided to delve into this trend for their first indoor camping experience, inspired by its rising popularity.
