As the sun rises over mountains, lakes, and stunning landscapes, a unique trend is sweeping through the outdoor recreation scene. A striking 57% of outdoor enthusiasts are choosing to swap their traditional camping trips for either energizing day trips or the comfort of alternative accommodations. This is the focal point of the latest MC Camper Compass report titled “New Opportunities: Converting Day Trips To Stay Trips.”
In an eye-opening investigation, the report explores why these avid explorers are choosing not to camp overnight. Even though the passion for outdoor activities such as scenic drives, hiking, and sightseeing remains high, participants are opting for excursions that do not include sleeping under the stars. Tubing, canoeing, and kayaking are favored by those who prefer the light of day to the charm of an evening campfire, highlighting varied preferences based on comfort and convenience.
Scott Bahr, president of Cairn Consulting Group, underscores the importance of understanding this shift, stating, “Our data reveals a compelling opportunity within these behavioral patterns; if campgrounds can merge the appeal of day trips with the joy of overnight stays, they can redefine the guest experience and fuel growth in attendance.”
The narrative further flourishes as it delves into strategies for transformation. By offering comforts almost too good to refuse—like discounted rates, flexible timings, and event hosting—campgrounds can kindle the interest of the day tripper, potentially turning a fleeting encounter with nature into a memorable extended stay.
Brian Searl, founder and CEO of Modern Campground, echoes this sentiment: “We can invite our guests to rediscover the magic of a campsite under the stars, where the blend of adventure and rest can be both spontaneous and enriching.”
The MCCC report gives campgrounds powerful tools to play a more pivotal role in shaping travel decisions. It suggests a focus on comfort and spontaneous booking options to inspire confidence and sway day visitors into contemplating lengthier stays.
Insights reveal that higher-income groups, particularly millennials, drive the day tripping trend, while overnighters are more Gen Z and family-oriented. With a strategic shift in messaging tailored to these demographics, campgrounds can cast a broader net, inviting an array of visitors to experience the wonder of an overnight adventure.
As this research reaches out, campgrounds are encouraged to grasp this opportunity to bolster their appeal and rethink the dynamics of hosting in the leisure travel sector.
For those interested in a deeper dive into this study, the full report can be downloaded at https://moderncampground.com/mc-camper-compass-september-2024.
Have questions or need more information? Reach out to Brian Searl, founder & CEO of Modern Campground at [email protected], and he can help.
About MC Camper Compass
The MC Camper Compass is a monthly report series launched in July of 2024 by Modern Campground and Cairn Consulting Group. Each edition delves into important research about campers and guests of outdoor hospitality businesses such as campgrounds, RV parks, and glamping resorts, providing data-driven insights and practical guidance for campground operators. The series aims to empower the industry with actionable information to enhance guest experiences, drive revenue, and foster innovation.
About Modern Campground
Founded in 2021, Modern Campground is the go-to news source for the outdoor hospitality industry. We focus on delivering relevant news for RV park and campground owners, glamping resort owners, their teams, and industry suppliers. Our content includes curated news from around the world, organized by location for easy navigation. We also feature original articles written by our team and industry leaders. Our goal is to provide valuable insights, encourage you to subscribe to our newsletters, and be your trusted resource for staying informed about trends that impact your business.
About Cairn Consulting Group
Cairn Consulting Group specializes in market research aimed at facilitating data-driven decision-making. They focus on illuminating the market through guided research, connecting critical data points, and providing actionable insights. Their services include primary market research with an emphasis on quantitative and qualitative analysis. Additional offerings are research study design, questionnaire development, buyer persona development, customer journey design, discrete choice modeling, and various forms of analysis such as MaxDiff and pricing development research.