Summer and camping are two words that go well together. But if you end up at a campsite that doesn’t quite measure up, your dream holiday can turn into a real tragedy.
According to SCR Swedish Camping, marketing company and industry organization for Swedish campsites, Sweden’s camping facilities had over 16.6 million guest nights last year. According to their research, around half of all overnight tourists in Sweden stay at one of the country’s campsites.
And this year it looks like it will become more and more popular to camp this summer.
– Despite a cold spring and a slightly late start, the interest is very strong and the booking situation is better this year in many places compared to last year, says Martin JuhosCEO of SCR, in a press release.
Are you one of those planning to spend your holiday at the campsite this summer? News24 has researched which campsites have received the worst Google reviews from guests for this year.
READ MORE: Sleeping in a motorhome while traveling – is it illegal?
Worst campsites: “WARNING”
Borka cottage village and camping in Hudiksvall has received a rating of 2.8 stars out of a possible five and comes in joint last place. On their website they write that they offer cozy cottages by the sea, a nice beach cafe and the possibility to rent pedal boats and kayaks.
But judging by the guests’ reviews on Google, not all guests are completely satisfied.
“WARNING Really nice little camp. But incredibly unfriendly owners who scared the kids.”, one guest wrote in a review giving the campsite one out of five stars.
Kent Johnsonwho runs the business, says there are risks with Google’s review tool.
– Some people who leave reviews have not even lived here, he says Hudiksvall’s Newspaper.
Although some guests seem to have gotten into a dispute with the campsite’s owner, other guests still found their stay to be a pleasant experience.
“A small oasis. Nice places on the grass, toilets and showers clean and tidy, there is also a washing machine. Swimming from the jetty and a small, simple restaurant. Well worth a visit.”, wrote a satisfied guest in a review and gave five stars.
DO NOT MISS: Vacation? In that case, home insurance does not apply
Shared last place: “DO NOT GO HERE”
In joint last place is also Norrköping’s campsite, which also received 2.8 stars. According to NT Norrköping’s campsite was named Sweden’s worst campsite last year. And judging by the reviews, there are also dissatisfied guests this year.
“DO NOT GO HERE. BETTER SLEEP ON THE STREET,” writes a guest in one of the reviews.
But not everyone agrees and says that Norrköping camping is not as bad as everyone claims.
“What a beautiful location, beautiful clean facilities and super nice owners and staff. Highly recommended,” wrote a satisfied customer at the end of June.
Robin Wickenberg who leases Norrköping camping from the municipality, also believes that there is a certain problem with Google’s reviews for camping owners.
The risk is that the person leaving a Google review has not even visited the campsite. But that they in turn can lead to lead to more negative reviews, he says in an interview with Motorhome & caravan.
News24 have talked to Bertil Persson, which is responsible for SCR’s own classification. He believes that while their surveys are based on an established set of regulations, customer reviews are subjective. Therefore, they should be interpreted as such.
– While our surveys are based on objectivity, guest reviews are completely subjective, says Bertil Persson.
READ MORE: The unwritten rule of the campsite – follow it or get scolded
10 worst campsites according to guests
According to statistics from Google Reviews, these campsites have received the lowest average rating for the summer. The highest possible grade is five.
Source: Google Reviews
READ MORE:
How fast can a motorhome drive? Here is the answer
6 things you must have in the car in the summer: “Important”