RVIA: 44 Million Americans Plan to Go RVing this Summer – RVBusiness – Breaking RV Industry News
As the summer travel season approaches, new data from the RV Industry Association’s (RVIA) latest Summer Travel Intentions Survey shows that 44 million Americans plan to travel by RV — demonstrating RVing’s continued strength as a preferred vacation option for millions of leisure travelers, according to an RVIA News & Insights report.
The survey aims to provide an understanding of and opportunities surrounding how leisure travelers (those defined as U.S. residents having taken a leisure trip in the past 12 months) will travel this summer and if they intend to use an RV. The respondents reflect a diverse representation of the U.S. with key demographics including age, gender, ethnicity, and income level.
When are they traveling?
Off-holiday travel times will see the biggest numbers with travelers seeking lighter crowds and more flexibility. Major holidays like Memorial Day and July 4th remain travel anchors (61 million and 54 million travelers, respectively) and will continue to see an influx of visitors.
Who’s traveling?
RV travel enthusiasm remains strong across the board, with 92% of current RV owners and 88% of RV-intending travelers planning trips this summer.
Millennials (83%) and Gen Z (81%) are the most enthusiastic age groups, showing the highest intent to travel by RV — highlighting a continued generational shift in RV interest and ownership.
RV owners aren’t limiting their adventures to just one or two weekends, either. Many plan to travel during major summer holidays like Memorial Day and Labor Day, as well as take additional trips throughout the season, reinforcing RVing’s flexibility and long-term vacation appeal.
Where are they traveling?
Shorter trips, as defined as within seven hours driving distance from home, will be the most popular favoring long weekends and regional getaways. National parks, campgrounds, and visits to see family and friends are top destinations for this year’s summer travelers.
Other important highlights:
- Road trips are king: 42% of all planned trips this summer will be road trips—highlighting broad interest in the travel style that RVing makes even more appealing.
- Younger generations are leading the charge: Millennials (40%) are the most likely to purchase an RV in the next year, while Gen Z (45%) and Millennials (42%) are the top online searchers for RV travel information.
- Remote work and learning are shaping plans: Both activities saw year-over-year increases in the RV space, particularly among Gen Z and Millennial travelers.
This survey was conducted in April 2025 among U.S. leisure travelers with plans between Memorial Day weekend (May 26) and Labor Day (Sept. 1).
*Commissioned by the RV Industry Association and conducted by Cairn Consulting, 1,700 surveys were completed by a statistically balanced cross section of U.S. leisure travelers. The survey results have an associated margin of error of +/- 2.74 percentage points. Leisure travelers are defined as any U.S. residents who has taken some type of leisure trip in the past 12 months.
