Who needs a pricey apartment when you can live full-time on a campground? Turns out, more and more people in Germany are ditching the high rents and opting for a more “rustic” lifestyle on campgrounds, and let’s just say—living here has its perks.
Meet Manfred Moser, a 70-year-old man who calls a humble 1975 motorhome parked by Lake Starnberg his home. He’s been living in his cozy 100-square-meter lot in Ambach, about 40 kilometers southwest of Munich, for the last 15 years. Forget fancy city living—Manfred’s paradise comes with a front-row seat to sunsets over the lake and a silver Mercedes SL 350 parked right by his “castle.” His rent? A cool €2,300 ($3,100) a year, including gas and electricity. Manfred’s not here because he’s broke, mind you—he’s here because he wants to be. “I couldn’t afford this otherwise,” he jokes, pointing to his luxury car.
Inside his motorhome, it’s snug and charming, with blankets piled on the cozy seating area, dark wood paneling, and a row of wheat beer glasses above the bed. Sure, the bathroom is a bit of a walk, but hey—who’s complaining when your backyard is a lake?
Why Campgrounds Are Turning Into Permanent Communities
Manfred isn’t alone. More and more people are finding that campgrounds are the perfect spot to live without the financial burden of city life. It’s not just about saving money—it’s about lifestyle. Campgrounds are transforming from seasonal getaways to full-time residences, offering a sense of community and tranquility that’s becoming hard to find in the hustle and bustle of urban life.
Leo Ingenlath, head of the Association of Recreational and Camping Enterprises in North Rhine-Westphalia, says more campers are moving in full-time than ever before. Changes in German laws now allow people to register their campground address as their primary residence without needing certification from a landlord. So, basically, campgrounds are becoming the new “hidden gems” of affordable living.
While technically, campgrounds are still considered recreational spaces and not residential areas, many have adjusted to this new trend. Some campgrounds are even proudly advertising the option to make them your full-time home. The postal service in Germany, no less, has caught wind of this and now offers tips for those looking to live at a campground year-round.
One of the biggest campground communities is the Freizeit-Oase Altfeld, located just outside Kamp-Lintfort. It spans 220,000 square meters and is home to over 300 residents, many of whom are over 50 years old, though families live there too. With a restaurant, a swimming pool, and even a daycare center, this place looks more like a village than a campsite. It’s the kind of place where kids parade with lanterns on St. Martin’s Day and everyone’s gearing up for a communal New Year’s Eve party.
Nature, Community, and the Perfect Place to Live Out Your Retirement
Dietmar Harsveldt, who owns this campground (and six others), is something of a local hero. People come for the peace, security, and the tight-knit community vibe. No worries about violence, just nature and a great group of neighbors. Harsveldt, who says he “prevents depression” with his campgrounds, has seen a rise in people moving in full-time. People are trading their big city apartments for a simpler life, and they’re loving it.
Ingrid Spei, who moved to the campground with her husband in February, says they wanted to get away from city life. After selling their two apartments in Duisburg, they bought a mobile home for €60,000 and now live on a 250-square-meter lot for just €430 a month (with utilities included). It’s affordable, cozy, and, most importantly, peaceful.
Small Homes, Big Charm
Mobile homes, popular at places like the Oasis Altfeld, are tiny but perfectly functional. They look like mini suburban houses and are surrounded by little gardens and quirky personal touches. Ingrid and Dieter’s home is painted matte green and adorned with a porcelain dog in the front yard. Inside, it’s compact but comfy, with a sofa, a flat-screen TV, a bathroom, and a kitchenette. It’s 40 square meters of pure joy. And no, they’re not planning on leaving anytime soon. The couple’s neighbors are so friendly that when Dieter had to go to the hospital, someone just drove him there. Try getting that kind of neighborly love in the city!
Living on the Edge: The Growing Trend of Affordable Campground Living
Horst Opaschowski, a future trends researcher, says campgrounds are becoming “emotional places of retreat with a rural appeal.” As rent and utility costs continue to climb, many people—especially those on limited incomes—are flocking to these campgrounds to escape the financial strain. “There, people don’t notice as much that they’re actually getting poorer,” he says. So, while some may see it as a way to cut costs, for many, it’s a way to live life more freely.
A Haven for Everyone
Dietmar Harsveldt, ever the champion of his community, sees his campgrounds as a lifeline for the middle class, as well as for people on social welfare. Take Harald Forst, for example. A former East German refugee, Harald bought a little 25-square-meter cabin with his last savings. Welfare covers part of the rent, and his little cabin is the nicest public housing he’s ever had. With a garden full of flowers and a beloved cat, Harald says, “Here I can live a little, even though I have nothing.” And that’s the magic of living on a campground—it’s not just affordable; it’s a community where people take care of each other.
So, whether you’re downsizing, escaping city life, or simply looking for a change, Germany’s campgrounds are offering a new kind of living. It’s cheaper, it’s cozy, and if you’re lucky, you might just find your own personal paradise right next to a lake.
Campgrounds in Germany: From Vacation Spots to Full-Time Living
Who needs a pricey apartment when you can live full-time on a campground? Turns out, more and more people in Germany are ditching the high rents and opting for a more “rustic” lifestyle on campgrounds, and let’s just say—living here has its perks.
Meet Manfred Moser, a 70-year-old man who calls a humble 1975 motorhome parked by Lake Starnberg his home. He’s been living in his cozy 100-square-meter lot in Ambach, about 40 kilometers southwest of Munich, for the last 15 years. Forget fancy city living—Manfred’s paradise comes with a front-row seat to sunsets over the lake and a silver Mercedes SL 350 parked right by his “castle.” His rent? A cool €2,300 ($3,100) a year, including gas and electricity. Manfred’s not here because he’s broke, mind you—he’s here because he wants to be. “I couldn’t afford this otherwise,” he jokes, pointing to his luxury car.
Inside his motorhome, it’s snug and charming, with blankets piled on the cozy seating area, dark wood paneling, and a row of wheat beer glasses above the bed. Sure, the bathroom is a bit of a walk, but hey—who’s complaining when your backyard is a lake?
Why Campgrounds Are Turning Into Permanent Communities
Manfred isn’t alone. More and more people are finding that campgrounds are the perfect spot to live without the financial burden of city life. It’s not just about saving money—it’s about lifestyle. Campgrounds are transforming from seasonal getaways to full-time residences, offering a sense of community and tranquility that’s becoming hard to find in the hustle and bustle of urban life.
Leo Ingenlath, head of the Association of Recreational and Camping Enterprises in North Rhine-Westphalia, says more campers are moving in full-time than ever before. Changes in German laws now allow people to register their campground address as their primary residence without needing certification from a landlord. So, basically, campgrounds are becoming the new “hidden gems” of affordable living.
While technically, campgrounds are still considered recreational spaces and not residential areas, many have adjusted to this new trend. Some campgrounds are even proudly advertising the option to make them your full-time home. The postal service in Germany, no less, has caught wind of this and now offers tips for those looking to live at a campground year-round.
One of the biggest campground communities is the Freizeit-Oase Altfeld, located just outside Kamp-Lintfort. It spans 220,000 square meters and is home to over 300 residents, many of whom are over 50 years old, though families live there too. With a restaurant, a swimming pool, and even a daycare center, this place looks more like a village than a campsite. It’s the kind of place where kids parade with lanterns on St. Martin’s Day and everyone’s gearing up for a communal New Year’s Eve party.
Nature, Community, and the Perfect Place to Live Out Your Retirement
Dietmar Harsveldt, who owns this campground (and six others), is something of a local hero. People come for the peace, security, and the tight-knit community vibe. No worries about violence, just nature and a great group of neighbors. Harsveldt, who says he “prevents depression” with his campgrounds, has seen a rise in people moving in full-time. People are trading their big city apartments for a simpler life, and they’re loving it.
Ingrid Spei, who moved to the campground with her husband in February, says they wanted to get away from city life. After selling their two apartments in Duisburg, they bought a mobile home for €60,000 and now live on a 250-square-meter lot for just €430 a month (with utilities included). It’s affordable, cozy, and, most importantly, peaceful.
Small Homes, Big Charm
Mobile homes, popular at places like the Oasis Altfeld, are tiny but perfectly functional. They look like mini suburban houses and are surrounded by little gardens and quirky personal touches. Ingrid and Dieter’s home is painted matte green and adorned with a porcelain dog in the front yard. Inside, it’s compact but comfy, with a sofa, a flat-screen TV, a bathroom, and a kitchenette. It’s 40 square meters of pure joy. And no, they’re not planning on leaving anytime soon. The couple’s neighbors are so friendly that when Dieter had to go to the hospital, someone just drove him there. Try getting that kind of neighborly love in the city!
Living on the Edge: The Growing Trend of Affordable Campground Living
Horst Opaschowski, a future trends researcher, says campgrounds are becoming “emotional places of retreat with a rural appeal.” As rent and utility costs continue to climb, many people—especially those on limited incomes—are flocking to these campgrounds to escape the financial strain. “There, people don’t notice as much that they’re actually getting poorer,” he says. So, while some may see it as a way to cut costs, for many, it’s a way to live life more freely.
A Haven for Everyone
Dietmar Harsveldt, ever the champion of his community, sees his campgrounds as a lifeline for the middle class, as well as for people on social welfare. Take Harald Forst, for example. A former East German refugee, Harald bought a little 25-square-meter cabin with his last savings. Welfare covers part of the rent, and his little cabin is the nicest public housing he’s ever had. With a garden full of flowers and a beloved cat, Harald says, “Here I can live a little, even though I have nothing.” And that’s the magic of living on a campground—it’s not just affordable; it’s a community where people take care of each other.
So, whether you’re downsizing, escaping city life, or simply looking for a change, Germany’s campgrounds are offering a new kind of living. It’s cheaper, it’s cozy, and if you’re lucky, you might just find your own personal paradise right next to a lake.