If you ask 10 campground owners what trends they’re noticing right now, at least half of them will probably lead with extended-stay camping. Merriam-Webster and the Oxford English Dictionary don’t define the term, yet. However, most sources say it’s when you spend at least one month camping in one spot. Due to the high cost of living, more employers allowing remote work, and Americans’ growing affinity for being outdoors—active camping households have surged by 68% according to KOA’s 2024 Annual Camping & Outdoor Hospitality Report—this style of camping has never been so appealing. Of course, it requires a time commitment, and you’ll have to find someone to check your mail or ask the post office to hold it. But there’s a good chance you’ll have no regrets. You might even love it so much you sell your house and become a full-time RVer. From saving a significant amount of money to reaping some serious psychological benefits, here are four of the top reasons to plan an extended stay camping trip.
1. Extended-stay Camping Can Save You Money
Much like buying toilet paper in bulk at Costco results in a lower price per roll, extended stay camping is a great way to save money. Campgrounds are motivated to host extended-stay campers for many reasons, so they’re often willing to offer a discount to campers looking to stay longer than just a few nights. For example, the monthly rate at South Carolina’s Charlotte / Fort Mill KOA Journey is just $1,800 or $60 per night. That’s a savings of nearly $30 per night. Extended-stay camping can also make you money if you decide to rent your home out while you’re gone. And of course, if your rig is parked in one spot, you’re probably not spending a lot on fuel.
2. You Are Less Likely to Suffer Travel Fatigue
While humans were historically nomadic, these days, most people take comfort in routines. As fun as it is, moving around requires substantial mental energy (in addition to physical energy). In fact, research shows that athletes who travel may be more susceptible to illness and injury. While they’re usually suffering from jet lag, camping, too, can take its toll on you if you move around too much. Regardless of whether you’re 8 years old or 80, it’s easier to relax and enjoy your day when you don’t have to spend time and energy acclimating to a new environment.
3. Extended-stay Camping Encourages a Sense of Community
Humans are social creatures, and studies show that even introverts benefit from repeated interactions with familiar faces. When you commit to a campground or destination for a longer period of time, you are giving yourself the gift of getting to know those around you beyond basic pleasantries exchanged in passing. Simply having dinner with your neighbor, hosting a weekly game of pinochle, or watching your kiddos become friends with the campground hosts’ kiddos can have some serious positive impacts on your health. According to the National Institutes of Health, “a positive sense of community is associated with a reduced reporting of depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms.”
4. Extended-stay Camping is a Great Test Run for Full-Time RVing
While some full-time folks quit the suburbs cold turkey and jump right into full-time RV life, others need to take a test run. After all, living on the road, in a smaller space, isn’t for everyone. The best way to find out if full-time RVing is for you is to give it a try via extended-stay camping. Keep a journal to see how you feel after day one, week one, and so on. It’s also smart to keep a record of your expenses. Many people assume living in an RV is cheaper than living in a traditional home, and it often is, but there are definitely exceptions.
Try an Extended-Stay at KOA
Ready to try a long-term camping trip? Consider booking an extended RV stay at a KOA campground. With campgrounds across North America, you’ll find great options, from warm winter destinations to cozy summer retreats.
Katie Jackson is a writer and media specialist based in Montana’s Big Sky Country. Living and working everywhere from New York to Nicaragua, Katie is no stranger to adventure. When she’s not traveling the world (or writing about it!) she’s busy chasing after a Leonberger named Zeus. Follow Katie’s travels on Instagram @katietalkstravel.
