Teltting gains ground as holidaymakers seek freedom and flexibility

Leisure campers are turning to tents as caravan pitches sell out across Finland this week, with operators reporting brisk demand despite a slow start to summer.

Yyteri Resort & Camping in Pori, one of the country’s busiest sites, has exhausted its caravan slots, yet tent sites remain available, manager Mia Korpinen told Yle.

“Every now and then something becomes trendy, and right now it looks like young people and families are camping a lot,” Korpinen said. “Tents are easy to set up, cheap and independent—you can move freely and travel light.”

Across southern and central Finland, sites in Helsinki, Oulu, Keuruu and Pori have reported heavy traffic this week as holidaymakers adjust plans to the weather. A cool, rainy start to June kept numbers low, but sunshine brought crowds within days.

“Early summer was tough everywhere. As soon as the sun came out, so did the people,” Korpinen said.

She added that bookings this year are being made with shorter notice and customers routinely ask about cancellation terms, leaving a back door open in case plans change.

Seasoned tent camper Kalle Järvinen from Tampere spends 20–30 nights a year under canvas. He pitched at Yyteri this week to attend Pori Jazz and said weather remains the main driver of his choices.

“With a tent you can go anywhere a motorhome can’t reach and pick your spot almost freely,” Järvinen said.

Even among motorhome owners, high fuel prices have not dampened enthusiasm. Teijo Penttinen, who drove from Sweden to Finland via Hankasalmi and Tuuri, secured an electric hook-up at Yyteri despite tight availability.

“We knew prices were up, but it didn’t change our plans,” Penttinen said.

First-time caravanner Jarmo Rauvola, on the road for the second time, said curiosity—not cost—is guiding his travels.

“As long as my wife can join, we’ll probably head to Lapland and northern Norway,” Rauvola said. “It’s a new hobby, so the expenses can’t be allowed to spoil the fun.”