Your opportunity: Rent out a motorhome pitch and benefit from the wanderlust of others

Stell dir vor, dein ungenutzter Stellplatz könnte der Ausgangspunkt für unvergessliche Abenteuer werden! Indem du deinen Wohnmobilstellplatz vermietest, öffnest du Reisenden die Tür zu neuen Erlebnissen und kannst gleichzeitig eine attraktive Einkommensquelle erschließen. Egal, ob es sich um einen Platz für ein Wohnmobil oder einen Wohnwagen handelt – die Möglichkeiten sind vielfältig. Erfahre hier, wie du auf Plattformen wie Campcruisers ungenutzte Stellflächen auf deinem Grundstück als Wohnmobilstellplatz vermieten und damit eine Einnahmequelle für ein kleines, aber feines zusätzliches Einkommen erschließen kannst.

1. why the private rental of motorhome pitches is so popular

The demand for private motorhome pitches has been increasing for years. With the growing popularity of leisure vehicles and the trend towards travelling close to nature, many of the 3,000 or so commercial campsites in Germany are overcrowded, especially in the summer months, which is no wonder considering that one in five Germans is now a camper target group. According to ADAC studies booking rates are often 90 % or higher in the high season, which increases the need for additional parking spaces. This has resulted in an increasing demand for private parking spaces.

While the coronavirus pandemic has increased interest in travelling individually, campers are looking for places that are away from the hustle and bustle and offer experiences close to nature. With the Letting a parking space you can not only fulfil these needs, but also benefit from the wanderlust of others.

2. advantages of renting a motorhome pitch

Renting a motorhome pitch privately offers you and your guests numerous advantages:

2.1 Additional income

A pitch on your property can be an attractive source of income. Especially in popular tourist regions or urban areas, campers are prepared to pay a fair price for secure and well-located pitches.

2.2 Additional income from services

If you run a farm shop, winery or café, you can invite your guests to take advantage of additional offers. A wine tasting, regional products or a cosy dinner can round off the experience and increase your revenue.

2.3 Social interaction

Many campers are sociable people who are interested in their surroundings and their hosts. The encounters can be enriching and offer you new perspectives on life and travelling. For example, many landlords report how inspiring it can be to hear the stories and travel plans of their guests.

3. how to optimally prepare your private motorhome pitch

Before you rent out your pitch to motorhome and caravanning enthusiasts, you should fulfil a few basic requirements to make it attractive and functional:

3.1 Sufficient space

1. Plan at least 5×10 metres for your private motorhome pitch. This way, your guests can set up an awning in front of the motorhome after their arrival, for example, or sit down in front of the vehicle with their camping table and a few chairs in summer to enjoy the evening.
2. For caravans, make sure that the towing vehicle also has sufficient space - either directly next to the caravan or in a separate car park on the property or nearby.

3.2 Soil properties

1. Level and stable surface: Materials such as gravel, pebbles or tarmac offer good stability. What camper wants to fall out of bed in the middle of the night or hang their head in the air?
2. Drainage: Ensure good water drainage to avoid puddles and mud.

3.3 Additional infrastructure

1. Power and water connectionsThese are among the most popular amenities. You are not obliged to provide your camping guests with an electricity or water connection, as many campers nowadays can manage without an external power supply for several days and are therefore largely self-sufficient. Nevertheless, your guests will be happy about this little "luxury".
2. Lighting: A well-lit environment increases safety.
3. Sanitary facilities: A simple toilet or shower can significantly increase the comfort of your private motorhome pitch, but of course you are not obliged to do this if you only allow campers to stay on your property for a short time. Please bear in mind that you cannot simply erect sanitary buildings or similar on your own initiative. Such projects usually have to be agreed with the building authority and can result in severe fines or penalties if they have not been authorised in advance.

4 Legal aspects and authorisations

The short-term rental of a private motorhome parking space is possible without any problems in most cases, but may also be subject to legal requirements depending on the municipality and federal state. Unfortunately, we cannot and must not give you any conclusive legal advice, but only encourage you to study the following sources of information and take a few tips to heart:

1. Camping regulations of the federal states:
   In the camping ordinances of the individual federal states you will find important regulations concerning the short-term letting of a private pitch to campers. Not all federal states have such a regulation, and some federal states are more or less restrictive with regard to the regulations.
   
   Baden-Württemberg Camping Ordinance
   Camping Ordinance Bavaria
   North Rhine-Westphalia Camping Ordinance
   Lower Saxony Camping Ordinance
   
   Further regulations can be found on the corresponding pages of the state governments.
   
2. Building law: Check whether a licence is required from the local authority and also find out whether there are any other possible restrictions on renting out a motorhome pitch on your property. This applies in particular if your property is located in a nature conservation or water protection area, which could prevent you from renting it out.
   
3. Taxes: Income from letting, like all other income, must be declared to the tax office and taxed. In most cases, the income is regarded as income from agriculture and forestry, but again, we are not tax advisors and are not authorised to advise you on this issue. However, your tax advisor will be able to help you with this.
   
4. Insurance: If campers come to harm on your property or cause damage themselves, for example by hitting your garden fence with their motorhome, you may be in a lot of trouble if you are not insured for such damage. So check with your insurance company or your trusted broker what options are available to cover any personal liability risks and the risk of damage to your property. 

5. tips on pricing

A well thought-out pricing strategy and a professional presentation will help you to successfully rent out your motorhome pitch:

5.1 Pricing - Renting out a private motorhome pitch at a reasonable price

1. Market analysis: Look for similar offers in your region. You can also find a huge range of private pitches in the relevant Facebook groups, some of which have more than 200,000 members. Here you can also chat with other Landlords of motorhome pitches before you start renting out a private pitch for motorhomes.
2. Additional costs: Take into account any costs for the maintenance of your pitch and, if applicable, the additional costs for electricity and water if you want to supply your guests with these. 
3. Seasonal prices: You can charge higher prices in the high season than in the freezing cold winter (provided your pitch is not directly on the ski slope). The prices on the market also depend on the location of your pitch. While you may be able to charge 15 to 20 euros per night for a simple pitch, you can also charge 50 to 60 euros for an attractive top pitch with a perfect view. As with property, the same applies here: Location, location and more location.

5.2 Marketing & advertising your pitch

1. Use platforms: A platform like Campcruisers helps you to gain reach, especially as Campcruisers offers your potential guests not only pitches, but also and especially motorhomes and caravans for rent. Anyone who rents a vehicle usually also needs attractive pitches along their road trip, so you can reach a target group at Campcruisers that could rent your campervan pitch.
2. Attractive photos: High-quality photos and videos make your pitch attractive. It is important that the images are authentic so that your guests really find what you promise them. Transparency and honesty are key here and ensure that guests rate the motorhome pitch you are renting out to them positively. 
3. Detailed descriptions: Inform potential guests about the facilities, location and special highlights. It is also important that you set clear rules for your space. If your guests are allowed to party on your pitch and that's fine with you: no problem. However, if you have neighbours who call the police every time they hear a noise, your camping holiday will quickly turn into a nightmare, not only for your guests but also for you. With a clear description and clear rules, you can ensure that you fulfil your guests' expectations - and vice versa. 

6. conclusion: seize the opportunity and rent out your motorhome pitch successfully

The Renting a motorhome pitch offers you the opportunity to utilise unused space and benefit from the increasing demand. With the right preparation, an appealing presentation and a well thought-out offer, you can create a solid source of income and at the same time offer travellers a special place for their adventures.