If you’re a camper, you may be wondering how long ago this style of camping began to be enjoyed. Therefore, we would like to show you in the following lines the tradition and history of camping over the years.

What is the history of the campsite in the beginning?

Although people lived in caravans even before that, the history of camping can be said to begin in 1885. In that year, a luxury caravan was built for the British doctor William Gordon Stables, who was already retired by that time, but wanted to continue writing and to be able to move from place to place.

From that year onwards, horse-drawn caravans became more and more common. However, the outbreak of World War I changed everything. Horses were used for the war and this way of life, which had already become popular, came to an end.

Going back in time, the first motorhome as such was created in 1880. It was designed by the company Panhard & Levassor and was intended to deliver goods. The person carrying out this work could take his own mobile home with him, which was powered by a steam engine.

Also in 1906, another historic milestone took place in England, when the first cyclists’ campsite was established in England. At the same time, a society called “The Camping Club” was founded.

Although we could continue to focus on the international history of the caravan, we are going to see how camping was introduced in our country, but we can already tell you that it was much slower.

When does the history of camping begin in our country?

As is the case with many other things, camping came to Spain late and did not catch on as it did in other countries. For example, in the United States it has been common for decades to live in caravans or motorhomes. Although it is starting to become popular in our country, these are still exceptional cases.

The first campers in Spain started in the 1950s. At that time some families camped in the mountains and on the Spanish coasts from spring until the end of the summer.

It was in those years that camping trips began to be organised for young people. The Canadian-style tent began to be used, and soon an element that made a difference appeared. We are referring to the sleeping bag. It was the key to making camping life more bearable.

It was during the 1950s and 1960s that the first campsites began to be established in our country. At first it was just a piece of land where tents could be pitched. Then, little by little, different services were added. It was slow, especially in comparison with the way campsites were developing on the European continent.

Industrialisation gradually took off in our country and in the 1960s the first tent trailers and caravans began to appear. The first ones were a real revolution. The reason is that it is very easy to mount the tent on the trailer. Not to mention how easy it is to transport.

Although at the beginning all caravans and motorhomes came from outside our country, however, due to the success of this system, several Spanish companies began to manufacture this type of vehicle.

Why is camping slow to catch on in our country?

Camping is slow to catch on in our country because it is associated with people who cannot afford to go on holiday in any other way. However, in other countries as close to us as France, the opposite is true: having a caravan is a symbol of a good economic situation.

Moreover, in central European countries, many retired people invest a large part of their savings in order to own a motorhome in which they can travel the world and even live part of the year in warmer areas.

In the 1970s, motorhomes began to become popular in Spain, new models were introduced and more and more people saw the advantage of this form of holidaying. Since then, they have improved a lot and they achieve higher speeds on the road. It no longer takes so long to reach the destination.

Quality tents with a wide range of services also began to appear. In addition, campsites are gradually turning into small resorts where you can enjoy a wide range of comforts.

You can find in the best campsites not only plots where you can pitch your tent or leave your caravan, but also bungalows and all the services you can imagine. Restaurants, swimming pools, toilets, areas where you can wash your dishes, entertainment…

And much more, especially at Camping Villamar. Now that you know the history of the campsite over the years, you’re sure to be looking forward to your next holiday with us.