RV Resorts are Looking to Capitalize on Surge of Campers

RV parks are rebranding as resorts as they add more amenities. Though camping is far from a new phenomenon, its uptick in popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic helped introduce it to many first-time campers, which boosted participation to higher levels. One of the most popular pastimes in North America, camping has the added benefit for travelers of also being one of the most affordable and accessible vacation options.

As camping continues to grow in popularity, campgrounds and RV resorts continue to add more amenities that have attracted interest from guests old and new. These new amenities and accommodations allow for an RV resort to compete with hotels for leisure demand in warmer weather seasons.

Popularity of Campground Resorts

According to the 2023 North American Camping Report sponsored by Kampgrounds of America, Inc. (KOA), the number of first-time camper households totaled 6.4 million in 2022, down from 9.1 million in 2021. The year 2020 saw a staggering increase of 274% over the 2.7 million households in 2019. In addition, active U.S. camping households (meaning households that identify as campers) grew to 93.8 million in 2021, an increase of 9% over 86.1 million households in 2020. In 2022, the number slightly dropped to 92 million. The number of households who camped at least once annually was 58.4 million in 2022, up from 56.9 million in 2021. Camping accounted for 32% of all leisure trips taken in 2022, with more than half of travelers (60%) including camping in some or all of their travel.

According to the Recreational Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA) 2022 Annual Report, as revealed in its 2022 RVs Move America Economic Impact Study, the industry contributes about $140 billion to the U.S. economy, supports nearly 680,000 jobs, contributes $48 billion in wages, and pays more than $13.6 billion in federal, state, and local taxes. Over just the past three years, this represents a 23% increase in economic output. RVIA notes that the median age of new buyers purchasing in the last two years has dropped to only 33 years old.

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