New Experiences Are Driving Growth In Camping

NACR

Annual Camper Households

New campers are being driven to the camping lifestyle by a proliferation of new types of camping.

2014
Bar chart showing that in 2014 there were 32,039,540 camper households.
2015
Bar chart showing that in 2015 there were 34,884.360 camper households.
2016
Bar chart showing that in 2016 there were 37,116,606 camper households.
2017
Bar chart showing that in 2017 there were 38,558,000 camper households.
2018
Bar chart showing that in 2018 there were 39,228,000 camper households.
2019
Bar chart showing that in 2019 there were 41,968,000 camper households.

Glamping (glamorous, upscale camping), while a relatively recent trend, accounted for more than 9 million camping trips in 2019. In fact, one third of existing campers say they intend to take at glamping trip in 2020.

One out of 10 leisure travelers who don’t identify themselves as campers reported taking a glamping trip in 2019, and 44% said they intend to take a glamping trip in the future.

New Ways to Camp

Interest in glamping isn’t the only growth factor for camping. New ways to camp, including Van Life, full service Deluxe Cabins, peer-to-peer recreational vehicle rentals and the proliferation of lighter, less expensive RVs, have all added to the increase.

  • Tried first time in 2019
  • Interested in for 2020
Take a road trip that includes camping
Take a road trip that includes camping bar chart, 24% tried for the first time in 2019, and 34% are interested in it for 2020.
“Glamping” experience, you stay in unique accommodations with enhanced services and amenities
Glamping experience, you stay in unique accommodations with enhanced services and amenities bar chart, 22% tried for the first time in 2019, and 33% are interested in it for 2020.
A backcountry/backpacking experience, no services/amenities, you are completely self-sustaining
A backcountry/backpacking experience, no services/amenities, you are completely self-sustaining bar chart, 18% tried for the first time in 2019, and 25% are interested in it for 2020.
An RVing experience where you travel in an RV from destination-to-destination
An RVing experience where you travel in an RV from destination-to-destination bar chart, 15% tried for the first time in 2019, and 32% are interested in it for 2020.
An “overlanding” experience, traveling in an off-road vehicle on back roads, no services/amenities
An “overlanding” experience, traveling in an off-road vehicle on back roads, no services/amenities bar chart, 14% tried for the first time in 2019, and 22% are interested in it for 2020.
Live the “van life”
Live the van life bar chart, 9% tried for the first time in 2019, and 15% are interested in it for 2020.
Become a full-time RVer
Become a full-time RVer bar chart, 9% tried for the first time in 2019, and 15% are interested in it for 2020.

Interest in unique camping accommodations is high (56%), and another 56% have a strong desire for a “different” kind of camping vacation.

Travelers’ Views Toward Glamping and Unique Vacation Experiences (% “Agree”)

Glamping provides a unique outdoors experience
Bar chart showing that 67% of travelers agree that glamping provides a unique outdoors experience.
Having services and amenities that aren’t available with camping
Bar chart showing that 63% of travelers agree that glamping offers services and amenities that aren’t available with camping.
Wanting to stay in unique accommodation
Bar chart showing that 56% of travelers want to stay in unique accommodation.
Want a new or different kind of vacation
Bar chart showing that 56% of travelers want a new or different kind of vacation.

Media

The links below are provided should you need to contact a member of the KOA Media Relations Team (use the Media Contact link), download printable photos or graphs from the 2019 North American Camper Report (use the KOA Pressroom link), or desire additional information or facts about Kampgrounds of America (use the KOA Fact Sheets link).

Media Contact
KOA Pressroom
KOA Fact Sheets