Solo camping in France: a growing trend
Solo travel is no longer a niche activity: 74% of French people have already travelled alone, and 41% plan to do so again within the next 12 months. All generations are involved: young people are looking for authentic encounters and experiences, while adults and seniors appreciate the peace and freedom.
Camping is particularly attractive to these travellers thanks to its flexible pitches, communal areas conducive to socialising and the possibility of booking directly with the campsite managers. On Pitchup.com, the number of campsites booked by solo travellers increased by 43% in 2025, tangible proof that the quest for freedom and nature is appealing to a growing number of French people.
Why choose solo camping?
There are many reasons, and it's much more than just a holiday:
- Total freedom: being able to decide how to spend your days, going for a hike at dawn or staying by the fire all evening.
- Peace and relaxation: let yourself be lulled by the rustling of leaves or the lapping of a stream.
- Meetings and conviviality: campsites offer communal areas and activities where you can chat with other holidaymakers, sometimes around a campfire or over a shared meal.
- Safety and simplicity: direct contact with the managers is reassuring, especially for women travelling alone.
Some travellers prefer lively campsites for the social aspect, while others prefer quiet, natural campsites to reconnect with themselves. Sites close to trails or attractions allow you to combine freedom and activities without ever losing the rhythm you want to set for your stay.
Practical tips for a successful solo holiday
- Prepare minimal but functional equipment: a simple tent, sleeping bag and head torch.
- Choose a strategic location: near the sanitary facilities or common areas, depending on how much you want to socialise.
- Inform a friend or family member of your location and the length of your stay for peace of mind.
- Take advantage of the activities offered by the campsite to explore, meet people or simply go with the flow.
This way, every solo traveller can strike their own balance between solitude and sharing, transforming a simple stay into a memorable experience.
Profiles and trends among solo campers
There is no single profile for solo campers. Young people are looking for authenticity and new encounters, while adults and seniors prefer peace and quiet and freedom. The main motivations are: 52% for freedom, 43% for peace and quiet, and 28% for local exchanges.
Solo camping is therefore an accessible, flexible and rejuvenating choice that combines well-being, nature and conviviality. Walking alone in a field at sunrise, cooking over a wood fire or simply observing nature can become a truly enchanting break from everyday life.