The need for connection is poised to be the defining trend of 2026 for the outdoor hospitality industry, according to the newly released Campspot 2026 Travel Trend Report.
Released by the outdoor marketplace and software provider Campspot, the report identifies the Together-Trip as the year’s “defining travel trend,” with guests seeking shared experiences and community over solitude.
This reframing of camping serves as a cultural response to what the report notes are rising levels of disconnection and loneliness.
Based on a survey of more than 1,600 U.S. travelers, the findings highlight a growing demand for spaces that support spontaneous interaction and a sense of belonging among family, friends, or strangers.
“Campers in 2026 aren’t just looking to unplug. They’re looking to feel like they belong,” Jeff Bettin, general manager, marketplace at Campspot, said in a press release.
Bettin added, “Campgrounds have always been natural gathering spaces. Now they’re standing out as some of the few places where genuine community still thrives.”
The trend moves away from vacations built around specific itineraries or indulgence and instead prioritizes “shared experiences, intergenerational bonding, and spontaneous acts of kindness.”
“The trend reflects a larger desire to move away from divisive or digital interactions toward deeper, real-world conversations. It’s a cultural correction that places human connection at the center of how people want to travel,” the press release adds.
A substantial 82% of travelers also stated a desire for connection will shape their 2026 travel plans, and 75% wish for a stronger sense of community in their daily lives.
Eighty-five percent of travelers report regularly meeting new people while camping, with an average of four new friends made from camping alone.
Furthermore, 73% have experienced an act of kindness from a fellow camper, and 92% have paid it forward. 83% of respondents said they feel like a better version of themselves at a campground.
In a separate survey, Campspot campground owners and operators indicated they are actively supporting this trend. Eighty-five percent of operators also say they intentionally create opportunities for guest interaction.
Additionally, 78% of operators offer features such as communal fire pits, holiday celebrations, or community dinners to encourage connection.
The push for connection-focused experiences has been observable over the past year and a half, with 44% of operators noting a rise in guest interest during the last 18 months.
“Guests are coming for the campground,” said Carolin Fuller, director of consumer marketing at Campspot. “But as we’ve always known, they’re staying, and coming back, for the people they meet and the memories they make.”
Campspot created a supplement exclusively for campgrounds to help operators put the trends into action, and operators can download the copy here to learn how to apply the insights to the 2026 strategy: signup.campspot.com/2026-camping-trends-outlook-campground-owners.