Outdoor travel demand remains strong in 2026, with campers increasingly using online search, digital booking tools and artificial intelligence to research and plan stays, according to the 2026 State of the Outdoor Accommodation Report from RMS.
The report, released Sept. 16, is based on responses from 1,500 campers across the U.S., U.K., Australia and New Zealand. It found that 66% plan to camp more during the coming year, an increase of eight percentage points from last year, while 86% identify as lifelong or returning campers.
Online search has surpassed word of mouth as the leading method campers use to discover campsites. Nearly 64% of respondents use online search, compared with 60% who rely on recommendations from friends and family.
The shift toward digital discovery also extends to reservations. Nearly 85% of campers said they are more likely to book when they can select their exact site in advance, according to the report.
AI is also beginning to play a role in trip planning. Fourteen percent of campers now use AI tools such as ChatGPT or CampChimp during trip research.
Among those using AI, 40% use the technology to find the lowest rates, while 32% use it for personalized travel planning, including itineraries and recommendations.
“Camping remains incredibly resilient, but guest expectations are evolving quickly,” Adam Seskis, CEO at RMS, said in a press release. “Travelers still want the escape, connection and sense of adventure that make outdoor hospitality so appealing, but they now expect greater convenience and confidence when researching and booking a stay.”
Sustainability also factors into campground selection, with 88% of campers saying environmental considerations matter when deciding where to stay. Nearly half rated sustainability as very or extremely important.
Technology remains relevant after guests arrive. Sixty-seven percent of campers said they notice when campgrounds invest in new technology, while 40% expect properties to have updated systems supporting their overall stay.
The report identified online booking, advanced campsite selection, digital check-in, mobile-friendly maps and reliable Wi-Fi among technologies shaping the guest experience.
“For operators, the opportunity is to remove friction at every stage of the journey,” Seskis said. “That means making properties easy to find online, giving guests clear and accurate information, offering a simple booking experience, and investing in technology and infrastructure that genuinely improve the stay.”
