Happy campers: 8.4 million vehicles expected to hit the roads for a UK vacay

• 10.4 million Brits are heading off on a camping holiday this year, an increase of 73% compared to last year  
• 8.4 million cars, caravans and campervans will travel three hours to reach their camp sites
• Car batteries are expected to take a ‘battering’ as Brits rely on them to power crucial camping gear

As many as 10.4 million¹ happy campers are set to take advantage of the sunny UK weather to go camping under the stars, reveals new research from Green Flag. Staycations have surged in recent years, and it appears that camping is growing in popularity, with 73% more Brits² planning a trip this year compared to last.  

As a result, Britain’s roads are expected to be packed this summer with 8.4 million cars, campervans and caravans travelling³ for an average of three hours to reach their chosen camp sites.

While it is exhilarating to be out in nature, camping requires rigorous planning, particularly when it comes to having the essentials. The top concerns for those planning a camping trip include whether their valuables can be kept safe (32%), having enough battery power (30%), and devices running out of power while away (29%).

Charge anxiety is a key worry for many campers. Technology (like phones and tablets) need charging, but when camping so do other essentials required for food preparation and storage, entertainment, and lighting. Vehicle batteries are expected to work hard as the main source of power. Over half of those driving (53%) are planning to use them to charge devices, around a third will use them to power lights (31%) and a quarter will run appliances (26%) from them.

Table 1: Top things people will be using their vehicle batteries for

Source: Green Flag 2025

Packing light can sometimes be challenging when camping. The luxury of having a whole car and no restrictive luggage allowance means people tend to bring everything but the kitchen sink. This mentality is leading to one in five campers (20%) worrying about overloading their cars. As the British weather can be unpredictable, the need to be prepared for all types of weather can make packing light challenging.

While nearly half (47%) of campers plan to fit all their equipment inside their vehicle, roof racks (18%), roof boxes (18%), tent boxes (17%), trailers (16%) and bike racks (12%) are also popular options to help carry the extra load.

Despite being able to add additional storage to vehicles, all car manufacturers provide a limit to the additional weight that can be added to a car, which is why Green Flag is urging people to check their vehicle’s maximum load and avoid going over the limit.

Table 2: Top equipment campers are planning to take on their camping holiday

Source: Green Flag 2025

Damon Jowett, Director of Customer, Roadside and Network at Green Flag, commented: “As the UK enjoys the summer sunshine, it is no surprise that many Brits are planning camping holidays to make the most of the warmer weather. Being organised before setting off on a campaign trip is key to avoid being caught without the essentials. However, it is also important not to overload the car, as this can increase the chances of breaking down.

“Additional storage is a great solution when transporting extra luggage and equipment, but it is vital to take a good look around the vehicle before setting off to ensure that all roof boxes and trailers are properly attached and equipment secured.

“For those who are planning to rely on their car batteries to power everything from camping fridges to travel kettles, it is important to remember that a drained battery can quickly turn an adventure into a headache, leaving you stuck off the beaten track. Where possible, try to use sources other than your vehicle battery to power your devices and appliances.

“Exploring the great outdoors is thrilling, but without the right prep, the trip can quickly turn into a camping calamity.”

Green Flag’s tips for a successful camping holiday:

1.      Check your vehicle in advance: Give your vehicle a 360-degree check to ensure it is road ready. Check the tyre pressure, oil, lights and battery. Check the oil, lights and battery and make sure your tyre pressures are set to the correct pressure for a loaded vehicle. Many manufacturers set a different pressure for when the vehicle is loaded compared to unloaded.

2.      Pack an easily accessible emergency kit: Your vehicle may be packed to the brim, but make sure you have an emergency kit in an easy to reach spot. Alongside a flashlight, include a first aid kit and snacks to keep you going.

3.      Check your load: Know your vehicle’s load limit by checking your car’s manual to ensure you can safely carry the extra load, including passengers and cargo.

4.      Secure your items safely: Use straps, nets, or cargo barriers to keep items from moving inside the car. Double check that your roof racks or boxes are properly fastened.

5.      Pack portable chargers: Avoid your car battery running out by packing portable chargers for energy top ups.

6.      Make sure you can see: While you may have done a perfect job packing your car slotting it all in every gap there is, make sure you leave room to see out your back window.

7.      Practice driving with add ons: Driving with roof boxes, trailers or even bike racks can have an impact on how your vehicle handles, so make sure you practice on roads you are familiar with to get comfortable with the feeling.

8.      Get covered: Ensure you have the appropriate breakdown cover to ensure you are protected in the event of a breakdown situation.

- ENDS –

For further information please contact:

Chelsey Wheeler

Deputy Head of News and Issues

Email: Chelsey.Wheeler@directlinegroup.co.uk

Fleishman Hillard 

Email: DirectLineGroupMedia@Fleishman.com

Notes to editors: 

The research was conducted by Opinium among a sample of 2,000 UK Adults across the UK aged 18+. The data was collected between 27^th June – 1^st July 2025. Opinium Research is a member of the British Polling Council and abides by its rules.   

1.      On a nat rep survey of 2000 UK adults, 382 are planning to or have already been camping this summer. 382 / 2000 * 54196443 (UK adult population) = 10351521 (shorthand 10.4 million)

2.      To determine the year-on-year increase, we have explored how many people have already been camping this year, and those who plan to go (10.4 million figure above) and compared it to those who said they have gone on a campaign trip last year (below).

221 have been on a camping trip last year. 221 / 2000 * 54196443 (UK adult population) = 5988707 (shorthand 6 million)

Percentage increase from 6 to 10.4 = 73%

3.      Overall, 8.4 million plan to take either a car, a campervan, or a car/van towing a campervan

On a nat rep survey of 2000 UK adults, 310 are planning to take either a car, a campervan, or a car/van towing a campervan to go camping. 310 / 2000 * 54196443 (UK adult population) = 8400449 (shorthand 8.4 million)

About Green Flag

With over 50 years' experience, Green Flag provides customers with breakdown cover 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Customers have access to a network of breakdown operators across the UK and mainland Europe (Euro Plus cover required). Green Flag is part of the Aviva Group.

Customers can find out more about Green Flag products or get a quote by calling 0345 246 1557, connecting via the Green Flag Rescue Me Application, or visiting www.greenflag.com.