Rise of ‘Glamping’ Among HipCamp’s Predictions for 2025 – RVBusiness – Breaking RV Industry News
EDITOR’S NOTE: Hipcamp, a growing community of good-natured people and the most comprehensive resource for unique outdoor stays, offered the following five predictions for 2025. HipCamp works with landowners to offer tent camping, RV parks, cabins, treehouses, and glamping — everywhere from national parks to blueberry farms. By creating opportunities for landowners to earn money hosting nature lovers, Hipcamp works to support those who care for the land and get more people out under the stars.
1) Glampification of the industry driven by budget-conscious families
- Hipcamp Prediction: Family glamping bookings will double in 2025.
- What: Glamping continues to draw budget-conscious families away from hotels and B&Bs. Amenities and add-ons will become standard for campers as they look for more engaging camp experiences.
- Supporting Hipcamp data:
- Families are the fastest growing segment of the glamping market, with bookings increasing 50% faster than glamping trips without kids.
- 87% YoY increase in searches for luxury amenities
- Hammock rentals growing 77% YoY
- Sauna experiences are growing 71% YoY
2) Mobile apps will drive an increase in same day, on the go bookings
- Hipcamp Prediction: Over 500,000 Hipcampers will book trips via their phones in 2025.
- What: Trip planning moves away from desktop search engines and towards highly personalized mobile offerings. Booking via mobile allows for easier on-the-go decision making and access to curated campsites based on your camping preferences.
- Supporting Hipcamp data:
- With over 1 million app downloads per year, the majority of Hipcamp bookings now take place offline via the Hipcamp mobile app
- Same-day bookings are growing 33% YoY
3) Storms roll in but adventures roll on
- Hipcamp Prediction: Weather insurance uptake will double on Hipcamp in 2025 and become widespread within the industry.
- What: Weather insurance will become a must-have in 2025, increasing camper confidence throughout the year and growing all-season bookings.
- Supporting Hipcamp data:
- Prior to the launch of Hipcamp Weather Guarantee, bad weather was responsible for up to 40% of cancellations.
- Sensible Weather’s research shows 76% of customers feel more confident booking a trip with a Weather Guarantee and 82% continue with their trip even if they receive a refund due to bad weather.
4) Agritourism goes mainstream
- Hipcamp Prediction: More farmers than ever will introduce camping on their land for the first time in 2025
- What: From Santa Barbara, California to New South Wales, Australia, policies that support and protect agritourism activities and farmstays are passing all over the world. With lower barriers to entry and fast growing interest, this will be a key growth area in 2025.
- Supporting Hipcamp data:
- 50% of trips in the US and 75% of trips in AU are currently hosted on working lands.
- Last year Hipcamp saw continued growth in Agritourism activities, including guided farm tours growing 49%, and onsite fossicking & foraging growing 44%.
5) Eyes up, skywatching soars in 2025
- Hipcamp Prediction: Dubbed “Astrotourism,” we predict 60% more campers will book a trip in 2025 specifically to see an astronomical event.
- What: Hipcamp bookings spiked during the 2024 Solar Eclipse. This year, a peak in the sun’s 11-year solar cycle will make 2025 the ‘Year of the Aurora.’ Building on the excitement from last year, we anticipate both new and returning campers will seek out Aurora sightings, indulging in the beauty of the night sky.
- Supporting Hipcamp data:
- Searches with Hipcamp’s Dark Sky Map Layer increase over 300% during meteor showers and astronomical events.
- Last year Hipcamp camp experienced a 52% higher engagement rate on content around Celestial events.
- A Total Lunar Eclipse in March will create an early spike in media attention, fueling momentum for spring and summer bookings.
