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Industry reference

Camping and RV Travel Statistics: 2026 Snapshot

A sourced collection of current camping and outdoor hospitality figures for park owners, travel writers, and anyone tracking where guest demand is moving.

Last updated September 9, 2026. Figures are labeled by the year or plan period they describe.

The short version

Camping is a large, active travel market.

The clearest message in the latest data is that demand is not limited to one kind of stay. Travelers are looking for family-friendly trips, affordable options, restoration, and a wider range of accommodations. For independent parks, clear information and a stay that matches the guest's reason for traveling matter.

2025

52M+

North American households camped

Camping participation in 2025 exceeded pre-pandemic levels, according to KOA.

Source: KOA Camping & Outdoor Hospitality Report, April 14, 2026

2025

$66B

Local community spending tied to outdoor hospitality

KOA reports this was a $5 billion increase from 2024.

Source: KOA Camping & Outdoor Hospitality Report, April 14, 2026

2025

$200+

Average daily spend per person, excluding accommodations

The figure reflects day-to-day spending around the camping trip.

Source: KOA Camping & Outdoor Hospitality Report, April 14, 2026

2025

35%

Adults who call camping the easiest way to travel with children

A useful signal for parks serving family trips and multigenerational stays.

Source: KOA Camping & Outdoor Hospitality Report, April 14, 2026

2025

35%

Adults who call camping the most affordable travel option

Price remains part of the camping value proposition for many travelers.

Source: KOA Camping & Outdoor Hospitality Report, April 14, 2026

2025

49%

Campers who intentionally book trips to improve mental wellbeing

The finding points to the value travelers place on restoration and time outdoors.

Source: KOA Camping & Outdoor Hospitality Report, April 14, 2026

2025

50%

Campers who prioritize experiences that help them recharge

A quiet, uncomplicated stay can be part of the product, not an afterthought.

Source: KOA Camping & Outdoor Hospitality Report, April 14, 2026

2025

29%

Share of camping experiences that were glamping

Glamping continues to broaden the ways travelers enter the outdoor hospitality market.

Source: KOA Camping & Outdoor Hospitality Report, April 14, 2026

2026 report

31%

New campers who chose glamping accommodations

For many first-time campers, glamping is an entry point to the outdoors.

Source: KOA Camping & Outdoor Hospitality Report, April 14, 2026

2026 plans

31%

Campers planning to spend more nights outdoors

The comparison is against their 2025 camping activity.

Source: KOA Camping & Outdoor Hospitality Report, April 14, 2026

Methodology and sources

How to use these figures

This page summarizes the 2026 Camping & Outdoor Hospitality Report from Kampgrounds of America. The report was released April 14, 2026 and covers the U.S. and Canadian camping markets. Its main survey included 4,088 completed household surveys, with 2,834 in the United States and 1,254 in Canada.

“North American” figures include both countries. Percentages describe respondents in the report and should be read as survey findings, not a prediction for every traveler or every park.

Cite this page

Nomad Living. Camping and RV Travel Statistics: 2026 Snapshot. Updated September 9, 2026. https://scheving.com/camping-statistics