29/04/2026
Poland is a growing market.
It has a long caravanning tradition, a well-developed manufacturing environment, and a steadily increasing public interest in motorized RVs
Words Editorial Staff
Picture: Kwidzyn Castle and its landmark five-arched dansker, with a camper van in the foreground
Among the countries of the former Eastern Europe, Poland can boast the strongest caravanning tradition – so much so that local caravan production already existed in the 1960s. But how did this market develop after Poland shifted toward Western ideals starting in 1989, and then joined the European Union in 2004? We asked Dariusz Wawrzyniak, Chairman of the Board of PGC (Polska Grupa Caravaningowa), the Polish Caravanning Association. In the following pages you will find his answers to our questions.
Although the figures are still relatively low compared to other European markets, Poland’s numbers are certainly growing: interest in caravans and motorized RVs is increasing. If we add together sales of new and used vehicles, from 2018 to 2025 the market doubled. Proof of this interest can be seen in the 2,165 new motorized RVs registered in 2025. While in the past it was almost exclusively caravans that attracted Polish customers, in recent years the motorized segment has been growing decisively.
On the manufacturing side, there is a historic producer such as Niewiadów, as well as new players involved in building premium-range motorized RVs. Until not long ago, many Poles went abroad to purchase vehicles, but a sales and service network is now developing rapidly. Rental has not yet become particularly attractive to the local public, while the used-vehicle market is well developed. So, let’s take a closer look at Poland’s RV market.
Spotlight on Poland: with the help of Dariusz Wawrzyniak, Chairman of the Board of PGC (Polska Grupa Caravaningowa), we sought to understand how the Polish market is moving and what development prospects may exist
Aboutcamp BtoB − Camping and caravanning culture in Poland: can we outline a brief historical overview?
Dariusz Wawrzyniak − Camping and caravanning have a long tradition in Poland, but for many years they remained relatively niche. For a long time, camping was mainly associated with tents and simple holiday trips – often remembered from childhood. Over the last 15 years, however, caravanning has become genuinely accessible. Greater vehicle availability, open European markets, better information, and steadily improving infrastructure have all contributed to this shift. As a result, caravanning has evolved from a niche passion into a widely accepted and growing leisure activity, with very promising prospects for the future.
Aboutcamp BtoB − RV production and sales in Poland: what has changed in recent years?
Dariusz Wawrzyniak − The Polish RV market has been growing steadily for as long as it has been monitored systematically. Even after the pandemic boom, there was no collapse – rather, a natural normalization followed by continued growth. Data for 2025 confirm that interest in both motorhomes and caravans remains strong. From my perspective as both a market representative and a user, the biggest change has been the growing maturity of customers: buyers are more aware, better informed, and increasingly focused on layouts, equipment, and long-term usability rather than impulse purchases.
Aboutcamp BtoB − Compared with other European countries, Poland avoided the worst effects of the 2008 crisis. Is this favourable economic situation the main reason for RV market growth?
Dariusz Wawrzyniak − Economic stability and rising incomes have certainly helped, but they are only part of the story. Equally important is the Polish mindset: a strong sense of independence, adaptability, and a desire for freedom. Caravanning fits these values perfectly, offering flexibility and control over travel plans. For many Poles, an RV represents not only a leisure product, but also a lifestyle choice.
Aboutcamp BtoB − Poland: an RV market becoming increasingly relevant on the European scene?
Dariusz Wawrzyniak − Poland is a country of nearly 40 million people, with a steadily growing economy and increasing purchasing power. More and more people can now afford to fulfil dreams often rooted in childhood memories of camping and outdoor holidays. From a European perspective, Poland is a young but fast-developing RV market with significant long-term potential, making it increasingly attractive to manufacturers and brands across Europe.
Aboutcamp BtoB − RV manufacturers in Poland: who are they?
Dariusz Wawrzyniak − Polish RV manufacturers are highly regarded in Europe, particularly for the quality of the workmanship and attention to detail. In the campervan segment, strong and well-recognized brands include Globe-Traveller, Affinity RV, Wavecamper, and Camper4Mountain. At the same time, the first Polish full motorhome brands – Masuria and Hype – are gaining popularity and clearly pursuing ambitions in both the domestic and European markets. It is worth noting that over 95% of Polish RV production is exported, which is the best proof of its competitiveness and quality. Of course, the Niewiadów brand also deserves a mention: it has been delighting caravan enthusiasts for over 50 years. Around 1,200 units are produced annually, of which less than 15% remain in Poland; the rest are exported to EU markets, Japan, and the United Arab Emirates.
Aboutcamp BtoB − Dealers: who sells caravans and motorhomes in Poland today?
Dariusz Wawrzyniak − The Polish market is served mainly by specialized caravanning dealers who focus exclusively on RVs rather than passenger cars or trucks. These companies have built strong expertise, service facilities, and customer relationships over many years. Geographically, sales are fairly well distributed, although in northern Poland – especially near the Hel Peninsula – caravans tend to be more popular. The best place to see the full spectrum of the market, from luxury to budget models, is at industry fairs such as Caravans Salon Poland in Poznań (on October 15-18, 2026), where the entire sector is represented.
Aboutcamp BtoB − What influence did foreign dealers have in the past, and what influence do they have today?
Dariusz Wawrzyniak − In recent years, many Polish customers chose to buy vehicles abroad, particularly in Germany. In 2024-2025, foreign dealers significantly lowered prices to reduce stock and ease financing pressures, as supply exceeded demand after the pandemic. For Polish buyers, this often meant only a short-term financial advantage. In practice, inspections and servicing frequently required returning to the foreign seller, because service availability in Poland – despite existing dealer networks – was often limited in terms of lead times. This experience has clearly highlighted the importance of strong local after-sales support.
Aboutcamp BtoB − Caravans and motorhomes: what differences are there in new-vehicle sales?
Dariusz Wawrzyniak − In Poland, we monitor registration data for caravans and motorhomes without formally separating campervans as a distinct statistical category. However, if you look at brand rankings for new registrations of motorized RVs, it is easy to see that Volkswagen has held the leading position for years. This clearly reflects the strength of the campervan segment, since Volkswagen offers campervans rather than traditional coachbuilt motorhomes.
Aboutcamp BtoB − Is there a used-vehicle market? How is it structured?
Dariusz Wawrzyniak − Yes, the used RV market is well developed and plays a very important role. Vehicles are offered on online platforms by both private owners and professional dealers. Dealer listings often include vehicles from rental fleets or units taken in as trade-ins when customers purchase new RVs. Imports represent a significant share of the Polish used-vehicle market, which is clearly visible in first-registration statistics for used caravans and motorhomes.
Aboutcamp BtoB − In Poland, who buys an RV?
Dariusz Wawrzyniak − The customer profile in Poland is very diverse. Buyers include families, active professionals, entrepreneurs, and people who value flexibility and frequent travel. Unlike in some Western European countries, retirees do not yet dominate the market, mainly due to purchasing power – although caravans and used vehicles are increasingly popular in this group. Overall, caravanning in Poland is strongly associated with an active lifestyle.
Aboutcamp BtoB − Selling is not enough – adequate after-sales support is also required: is this provided?
Dariusz Wawrzyniak − After-sales service in Poland is currently at a good level, although during the high season waiting times can be longer. That is why I always advise buyers to check whether the seller operates an authorized service centre. It is no secret that service priority and response times are often closely linked to whether the vehicle was purchased from that dealer.
Aboutcamp BtoB − Is the rental sector well developed?
Dariusz Wawrzyniak − During the pandemic boom, dozens of rental companies entered the Polish market, but only a small number have survived. Caravanning is a passion, and without genuine commitment it is very difficult to run a sustainable business. Those who expected quick profits are no longer active. We always recommend using rental companies associated with our organization or those operating directly through dealers, as this typically offers greater reliability and customer satisfaction. I also strongly encourage people to rent an RV before buying one, to see whether this style of travel truly suits them and which layout and equipment best match their needs.
Aboutcamp BtoB − “RV in use”: how many caravans and motorhomes are there in Poland today?
Dariusz Wawrzyniak − According to the report published by our organization, the number of caravans and motorhomes in Poland is growing steadily. Each year, more people choose caravanning as their preferred form of leisure. This confirms that caravanning is no longer a niche activity, but a stable and expanding segment of the tourism market.
Aboutcamp BtoB − Growth and infrastructure: what is the situation in Poland?
Dariusz Wawrzyniak − Caravanning tourism has recently gained clear recognition from public authorities in Poland. A very good example is the establishment of a parliamentary group dedicated to caravanning tourism, where key challenges facing the sector are discussed. In recent years, we have also seen rising interest and investment by local governments in campsites and camper service points. Poland is a beautiful country, and the number of year-round campsites is steadily increasing, including four-star facilities – the highest certification level in Poland. Infrastructure development is progressing and increasingly aligned with market needs.
Aboutcamp BtoB − Are there any consequences for the Polish RV market as a result of the Russia/Ukraine war?
Dariusz Wawrzyniak − The war has affected consumer sentiment and operating costs, but it has not halted the long-term growth of the Polish RV market. For many people, a recreational vehicle has become a symbol of independence and safe, flexible travel – which, in the long run, has reinforced interest in caravanning rather than reduced it.
The “Polska Grupa Caravaningowa, PGC” was founded on the initiative of numerous industry members, including vehicle dealers, manufacturers of special camping vehicles, exhibitors, representatives of camping equipment rental companies, and media. Its activities focus on the needs of the caravanning and camping sector in Poland. Members of the Polish Caravanning Group Association include small, medium, and large companies, as well as private individuals.
Here are the organization’s main objectives:
