With major events like America’s 250th anniversary, the World Cup and Route 66’s Centennial this year, RVing remains a top choice for spring travel.
A 23% increase from last spring, more than 34 million Americans plan to take an RV trip according to the newly released Spring Travel Intention Survey from the RV Industry Association (RVIA). As travelers prioritize affordability and flexibility, RVing offers the freedom to explore on their own terms.
“With so many incredible destinations across the country, there’s never been a better time to go RVing,” said Monika Geraci, RV Industry Association spokesperson. “RV travel allows people to create their own schedule, choose their favorite destinations, and share unforgettable experiences just beyond their door. We’re thrilled that more than 34 million Americans plan to take an RV trip this spring.”
Key findings from the survey:
- National Parks and Coastal Destinations Lead Travel Plans – More than half of spring RV travelers plan to visit national parks, making them the most popular destination type, followed closely by beaches and coastal destinations. Private campgrounds and RV resorts are also top accommodation choices for RV travelers.
- Pets Influence Travel Plans and RV Purchases – 51% of leisure travelers plan to travel with their pets this spring, and the ability to bring pets along is a top priority. Survey findings show that pet-friendly travel options can increase consumers’ likelihood of purchasing an RV.
- Outdoor Recreation Drives RV Trips – Top-rated activities for spring RV travelers include hiking, backpacking, and biking, with many travelers using their RV as a basecamp for outdoor adventures.
- Travelers Seek Better Weather and Fewer Crowds – Many spring travelers say they are choosing spring RV trips for better weather, fewer crowds, and the flexibility to travel outside peak Spring Break weeks, highlighting the appeal of shoulder-season travel.
- Travelers Seek Affordable Nostalgia – Travelers considering RV trips cite the joy of road trips, the ability to travel affordably and in comfort, and opportunities to explore the outdoors as top reasons for choosing RV travel.
- Longer Drives Are Rebounding – Interest in longer RV trips is growing, with notable increases in travelers planning drives of four to seven hours and eight to fifteen hours from home, suggesting greater demand for regional road trips and multi-destination travel.
- Generational Trends Highlight Opportunities Across the RV Market –
- Gen Z travelers show the highest engagement with the RV industry and are the most likely to rent an RV, often using rentals as an entry point to the lifestyle and taking the longest trips.
- Millennials demonstrate the strongest commitment to purchasing an RV and are most likely to travel with their children, reinforcing RVing’s role in family travel.
- Gen X travelers also show the strongest commitment to purchasing an RV and prioritize traveling with their pets as a motivator to go RVing.
- Boomers remain active RV travelers but tend to take a longer-term approach to purchases, often indicating a 7–12 month timeline when considering buying an RV. Boomers also rank travel trailers as their preferred RV type—the highest preference among all generations.
- Year-Round Travel Intention Is Strong – 74 million Americans are planning to go RVing in the next year.
