The 2024 Camping and Hospitality Report, crafted by Cairn Consulting Group and sponsored by Kampgrounds of America, Inc. (KOA), marks a decade of thorough research into North America’s camping trends. This year’s report offers a comprehensive look at the evolution and future projections of camping and outdoor hospitality, reflecting significant shifts in camper demographics and preferences.
In reviewing the report, Park Vendor Review focused on the most pivotal findings and trends relevant to RV park and campground owners.
The report is based on data from 4,100 surveys completed across U.S. and Canadian households. This data is statistically balanced to align with the population regarding age, gender, and ethnicity, ensuring the results accurately reflect broader camping and outdoor hospitality trends.
The past decade has seen a notable increase in the diversity of campers. The number of camping households has surged by 23%, with a remarkable 68% increase in active camping households—those who have camped in the past year. Notably, the demographic makeup of campers has shifted, with 39% now non-white, compared to 23% ten years ago. This diversification underscores the need for campground owners to cater to a broader range of cultural preferences and experiences.
Glamping has emerged as a significant trend, moving from a niche offering to a mainstream option within the camping industry. Over the past five years, glamping has attracted 15.6 million new participants. For campground owners, this indicates a lucrative opportunity to expand or enhance luxury camping services to attract both seasoned campers and new entrants looking for comfort combined with the outdoor experience.
Owners and managers can search the Park Vendor Review database for a wide variety of vendors that provide unique accomodations for glamping guests.
As camping demographics and preferences evolve, so does the expectation for amenities and services. There has been a notable increase in the demand for technology integration, such as Wi-Fi access and advanced booking systems. Campground managers can attract a broader audience by integrating more sophisticated service offerings, including digital tools for trip planning and on-site amenities that enhance the camping experience.
Click here to download a free copy of Park Vendor Review's Reservation Buyer's Guide.
A new trend in "Blended Travel" has taken hold, where 80% of campers in 2023 combined camping with other forms of travel, such as staying in hotels or vacation rentals. This shift suggests that campgrounds offering packages or partnerships with other travel services may better meet the evolving needs of today’s campers, providing flexibility and variety in travel planning.
To hear how one campground owner partners with local vendors and tour companies, listen to this episode of Campground Confidential.
An interesting development noted in the report is the resurgence of Baby Boomers in the camping landscape. While this demographic showed a relative decline in camping participation over the past few years, recent data indicates a rebound, with more Boomers returning to or starting camping. This trend is likely driven by retirees looking for cost-effective and flexible travel options that allow them to enjoy nature and leisure at their own pace. Campground owners might consider this shift by offering more accessible accommodations and amenities that cater to the needs of older adults, such as enhanced medical facilities, more comfortable lodging options, and leisure activities suitable for this age group.
The report predicts continued growth and evolution in the camping sector, driven by changes in camper expectations and the expanding role of outdoor experiences in leisure travel. Campground owners are advised to consider these trends and adapt to remain competitive and attractive to a broadening customer base.
The 2024 Camping and Hospitality Report provides critical insights that can help campground owners and managers stay ahead of significant trends in the industry. For those seeking to delve deeper into the full array of data and projections, the detailed report is available for download here.
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