Kampgrounds of America (KOA) has released its Camping & Outdoor Hospitality Report analyzing the outdoor hospital industry, travel trends, camper demographics and generational shifts. The biggest takeaway: The sector has grown significantly in five years, with nearly 11 million households camping in 2024 compared to 2019.
Many campers are returning to this favorite pastime after participating in other forms of travel, according to the report, and an influx of new campers is expected to hit the scene in 2025. The report also offers key insights into today’s traveler, with consideration of recent political and economic changes.Â
The rising numbers are likely to impact the RV storage industry as well. New and returning campers are inclined to look into purchasing RVs, either as first-time buyers or those looking to upgrade current rigs. In tough economic times, Americans often turn to camping to fulfill travel urges–as opposed to traveling to further destinations that incur flight, rental car and lodging expenses.
According to the KOA report, 72% of campers consider it a cost-effective travel option:
In addition, 57% of campers traveled 100 miles or less to get to their camping destination:
The report also spotlights the number of households owning RVs as well as those intending to purchase them in the future:
To download the full report, visit here.
