Kampgrounds of America, Inc. (KOA) released its Camper Profiles report, the sixth installment of the Camping and Outdoor Hospitality Report
The report explores the changing camping landscape and its evolving demographic makeup, and finds a substantial growth of 68% of active camping households in the last decade, due to the outdoor hospitality industry expanding to include a range of accommodations, amenities and experiences — attracting a wide range of new campers.
The Average Camper
- Many campers begin their outdoor experiences before the age of 18 (60%), fostering a lifelong love for nature. Typically, they embark on 1-2 camping trips per year (65%), spending an average of 6.7 nights camping annually.
- Primary goals of the average camper are to slow down and enjoy the moment (57%) and seek unique camping experiences such as witnessing natural events (50%).
“By understanding the many different types of campers and their motivations, operators can enhance the outdoor hospitality experience to foster a more inclusive and enjoyable environment,” said Toby O’Rourke, KOA president and CEO. “The outdoor hospitality industry has grown substantially in the past decade, welcoming experienced and new campers. We are encouraged by the data shown in the report and excited to welcome more people out to connect with nature.
The New Camper
- Compared to the average camper, new campers are made up of a more diverse population, with 52% being Gen X and Boomers.
- 54% of campers frequently begin their outdoor stays at a campground or outdoor resort with abundant services and amenities, with 48% considering Wi-Fi the most important amenity at a campground.
Campers by Generation
- Younger campers are drawn to adventure-based experiences, seeking new and exciting ways to connect with nature. In contrast, older generations prefer leisurely activities and comfortable accommodations, sticking to familiar camping methods.
- Millennial campers prioritize spending quality time with family and friends, often opting for family-friendly camping trips in state parks or glamping resorts.
- Gen X campers frequently choose RVs or cabins that offer both comfort and the opportunity to explore local areas and small towns.
- Boomers and Silent Generation campers often prefer the comfort and convenience of RV camping, exploring national parks and scenic routes. They value the leisurely pace of RV camping, allowing them to slow down and enjoy their surroundings.
The results of the most recent iteration of the North American Camping and Outdoor Hospitality Report are based on a total of 4,100 surveys completed among a random sample of U.S. (2,900) and Canadian (1,200) households. All surveys were completed only via an outbound solicitation sent to a randomly selected cross-section of U.S. and Canadian households. To calculate overall incidence, the sample of respondents was statistically balanced to ensure that the results are in line with overall population figures for age, gender and ethnicity. Some results may not add to 100% due to rounding.