What campers need to know about the 2023 KOA Camping Report.
KOA has released the 2023 edition of its North American Camping & Outdoor Hospitality Report, based on an annual survey that examines the camping behavior of numerous campers. KOA specializes in camping and strives to meet the changing needs of different types of campers.
For the past nine years, KOA has conducted a survey each year and published the results in an annual report. This report provides many useful insights into the latest camping trends and activities. The 2023 Camping Report contains some key findings of particular interest to campers, especially in terms of what they can expect in the coming camping seasons.
But while campers will find the report’s information interesting, stakeholders in the increasingly competitive camping industry will be watching the reported trends very closely. Their reaction to the reported trends will definitely impact the way we travel and recreate in our RVs. Here are the key findings that RVers in particular should pay attention to.
RV camping is still more popular than ever before
In 2022, 92 million Americans and Canadians described themselves as campers, including 15 million RV campers. That’s an increase of nearly 1,000,000. Remarkably, 58 million people camped at least once last year.
Another notable finding is that 6.4 million campers will be camping for the very first time in 2022. Camping continues to be an important component of the leisure travel market, accounting for 32% of leisure travel in the U.S. and Canada.
Campers spend more money
In 2021, campers spent more than $52 billion in local communities. That’s $8 billion more than the year before.
Last year, campers spent an average of $19 per day on recreational trips, and that number will increase in 2021. This has a significant impact on the local economy. It’s also worth noting that the campers who spent the most in 2021 were glamping vacationers.
Campers want new experiences
The desire for new experiences is really driving outdoor hospitality these days, with 80% of campers wanting to try something new in their camping experiences. This can be new ways of camping or outdoor activities aimed at getting to know nature in a new way.
However, 40% of campers said they want to travel to experience natural events such as meteor showers or solar eclipses. It is also noteworthy that 36% of campers want to include food tourism and culinary experiences in their trips.
Campground amenities are important
61% of campers want amenities beyond the campground. Examples of amenities campers would like to see more of include glamping accommodations, food and beverage, entertainment, and recreational opportunities.
Camping remains a priority for campers
Camping is an important recreational activity for many people. That may be because camping remains economically affordable for most people, even in times of economic downturn.
Given the poor economy, 38% of campers are willing to forgo other vacation activities to go camping. 80% of survey respondents said they would give up other recreational activities to camp more.
Most RVers (56%) plan to do as much or more RV camping in the event of an economic downturn. 33% of RVers say they will use their RV more, and 23% said they would use their RV the same amount as before. This is significant and shows the economic resilience of outdoor hospitality.
What’s important to campers?
This year’s camping report found that in addition to trying new camping experiences, there are four other factors that are important to people.
1. Wi-Fi availability
50% of Canadian campers and 40% of US campers work while camping. It’s no surprise, then, that Wi-Fi availability is a key factor in where and how often people go camping. According to the report, 40% of campers say WiFi availability influences whether or not they go camping.
2. accessibility
40% of campers indicated that they have difficulty walking or climbing stairs. Therefore, accessibility is very important when planning campsite facilities, such as washrooms or laundry facilities. However, it is interesting to note that one-third of campers consider camping to be more accessible than other activities.
3. outdoor activities & recreation
Outdoor recreation activities continued to be important to campers in 2022. Fishing, hiking, kayaking, and canoeing topped the list of preferred outdoor recreation activities.
4. socializing with others
Camping is seen as a way to forge closer family bonds. It is also seen as a path to emotional well-being, with relaxing by the fire with good food and an adult beverage being one of the most important camping activities for many. Interestingly, those who camp with family members are most likely to indicate that camping is a relaxing activity.
For 54% of campers, camping plays an important role in passing on family traditions to the next generation. 56% of campers think it is important to introduce the younger generation to camping and nature.
Learn more about the report
KOA’s 2023 Camping Report shows that camping is robust and resilient, even in times of economic downturn. Camping is growing in popularity. More people than ever see it as a way to relax, unwind and connect with family, friends and nature.
The downside is that campgrounds are getting more crowded and reservations at national, state and provincial parks are harder to come by than ever. But for every downside, there’s a bright side. And it’s so rosy and shiny that it holds promise for many campers. It’s very likely that campgrounds will respond positively to the report’s findings.
The increasing popularity of camping could prompt campgrounds to create more campsites and amenities to attract campers. It is also expected that the significant number of campers with mobility impairments will be more accessible.
For the full 2023 KOA camping report, visit the KOA website at KOA.com.