Kampgrounds of America (KOA) reports 80 percent more camper check-ins this Memorial Day Weekend compared with last year, when uncertainty ruled because of COVID-19. Even more than that, check-ins for the KOA system were up more than 14 percent over the holiday in 2019, which was an all-time record-setting weekend.
“To say that campers – both new and returning – are eager to get back out to camp is an understatement,” said KOA President and CEO Toby O’Rourke. “Last year, we had our best fall on record as restrictions were lifted and people started to explore and travel. That trend is not only continuing but growing as we look at Memorial Day and the summer.”
Looking forward, KOA’s advanced deposits are up 95 percent and 60.7 percent over 2020 and 2019, respectively. This growing demand has led KOA to add improved search functionality to KOA.com that allows guests to see availability when booking online.
While campsites are booking fast on weekends and holidays, campers should still be able to find great sites in whatever region they may be searching, O’Rourke said.
“Our research and system numbers make it clear that camping is surging,” said O’Rourke. “It’s critical that KOA.com provides campers the tools and ease of use they need to find a quality site easily across our campgrounds.”
Thus far for the year, KOA’s short-term nights are up 80 percent over 2020. When compared to 2019, a record year after nine consecutive years of growth, the KOA system reports an 18.5 percent growth in short-term camper nights.
