Outdoor Hospitality News

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Camping in Transition: Tracking the Rise of Alternative Camping & RVing

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The February 2025 MC Hospitality Highlights report provides an in-depth look at evolving trends in outdoor hospitality, focusing on shifting camper behaviors and preferences. Notably, vehicle-based camping, including car camping and rooftop tents, has seen significant growth as travelers seek more flexible and cost-effective ways to experience the outdoors. This shift aligns with a broader trend of campers prioritizing affordability and adaptability in their accommodations, particularly in response to fluctuating travel costs.

Economic factors, such as gas prices and the Travel Price Index (TPI), continue to play a significant role in shaping camper behavior. The report, titled “Camping in Transition: Tracking the Rise of Alternative Camping & RVing”, highlights a strong relationship between rising travel costs and increased interest in budget-conscious options like dispersed camping, boondocking, and all-inclusive stays. Additionally, alternative RVing methods, including overlanding and off-grid camping, have remained popular, further reinforcing the trend toward affordability and independence in outdoor travel.

Beyond lodging preferences, interest in immersive outdoor experiences is also evolving. While traditional activities like hiking have shown a decline, nature-centric experiences such as forest bathing and foraging are gaining popularity. This suggests a shift in consumer preferences toward mindful, slower-paced interactions with nature rather than high-adrenaline adventures. As the outdoor hospitality industry adapts, campground operators have an opportunity to introduce new programming and amenities to cater to these interests.

To support campground owners in applying these insights, this report includes a section of actionable recommendations that can help enhance offerings, attract new guests, and increase profitability. From adjusting infrastructure to accommodate vehicle-based camping to developing immersive experiences and cost-effective packages, these strategies can position campgrounds for long-term success.

 

Key Insights

  • Evolving Consumer Preferences: Camping participation is increasingly driven by flexibility, cost-efficiency, and immersive outdoor experiences. This shift reflects a growing interest in non-traditional camping styles, such as car camping, rooftop tents, and overlanding, as well as a resurgence in nature-centric activities like forest bathing and foraging.
  • Economic Sensitivity: The Travel Price Index (TPI) and gas prices strongly influence camping preferences. Rising travel costs are motivating campers to explore more economical options, such as free or dispersed camping, all-inclusive stays, and cost-effective vehicle-based camping setups.
  • Technology-Driven Accessibility: Advances in gear and accessories have expanded access to off-grid and alternative camping options. This trend has sustained the growth of dispersed camping and overlanding, even as other trends, like vanlife, show signs of decline post-pandemic.
  • Stagnation and Decline in Traditional Camping Forms: Tent camping and hiking have remained relatively stable, with only minor fluctuations in interest. In contrast, activities like backpacking have faced a gradual decline, underscoring the need to innovate and adapt offerings in these areas.
  • Desire for Immersive and Meaningful Outdoor Interactions: Guests are seeking deeper connections with nature, as evidenced by the increasing popularity of forest bathing and foraging. This indicates a shift from high-adrenaline activities to more reflective, purposeful engagements with the natural environment.