Campspot, an online marketplace for premier RV resorts, family campgrounds, cabins, glamping options, and more, recently unveiled the anticipated camping trends for 2024, offering valuable insights for campground owners, RV park operators, and businesses in the outdoor hospitality sector.
The data, which revolves around what campers find most relaxing, can serve as a roadmap for businesses looking to enhance their offerings and cater to the evolving demands of campers.
A significant revelation from the study is the therapeutic effect of camping. A staggering 93% of campers reported feeling more relaxed or mentally rejuvenated after their camping excursions compared to other types of trips. This poses an intriguing question for the industry: What is it about camping that offers such profound relaxation?
The concept of “Calm-Cations” has emerged as a dominant theme. With economic uncertainties looming, one-third of campers admitted to feeling stressed or very stressed about the year ahead.
This has led to nearly 70% of them seeking a sense of calm and relaxation in their upcoming trips. For campground owners, this underscores the importance of creating serene environments and promoting the therapeutic aspects of camping.
Water, with its long-acknowledged healing properties, has come to the forefront as a major relaxation catalyst.
A notable 64% of campers stated that proximity to natural water features, such as beaches, rivers, or lakes, significantly enhances their relaxation.
In fact, nearly three out of four campers expressed feeling most at peace when surrounded by a lake landscape. This insight can be a game-changer for businesses, emphasizing the need to highlight and possibly expand waterfront sites and amenities.
Further diving into the elements that contribute to relaxation, being waterfront emerged as the top campsite feature.
It’s closely followed by the allure of an on-site beach. Water recreation amenities, including activities like boating, kayaking, fishing, and paddle boating, are set to be the most sought-after in 2024. A significant 63% of respondents expressed interest in these activities, while half showed enthusiasm for swimming, hot tubs, saunas, pools, and water parks. For RV park operators, this data suggests a potential avenue for expansion or collaboration with local water activity providers.
The American Lung Association’s recent report, which highlighted that one in four people in the U.S. face health-altering air pollution, brings to light another trend.
A whopping 77% of campers believe that fresh air contributes to their relaxation outdoors. This sentiment is echoed by the fact that fresh air was identified as the top general element enhancing relaxation. Campground owners are presented with a unique opportunity here: emphasizing the clean, fresh air of their locations can be a significant selling point.
Views also play a pivotal role in the camping experience. Sixty-three percent of campers are on the lookout for breathtaking views for their 2024 adventures.
Additionally, over half (54%) of the respondents find solace in a clear view of the night sky and stars. Campgrounds with vantage points or clearings that offer unobstructed views of nature can leverage this to attract more campers.
In a digital age, the concept of relaxation has evolved. A surprising 64% of campers feel most at ease with high-speed internet availability, akin to their home or workplace setups.
This trend is further supported by the fact that 40% of campers expressed keen interest in tech-based amenities like Wi-Fi or cable TV for their upcoming trips.
A significant 91% desire some form of internet connectivity, with a mere 9% preferring to be completely unplugged. For campground owners and operators, this data underscores the importance of investing in robust internet infrastructure.
One in three campers even went on to say that internet access at a campground plays a role in their relaxation. This revelation challenges the traditional notion of “disconnecting” during camping trips and suggests that modern campers seek a balance between nature and connectivity.
Campspot’s 2024 Camping Trends Outlook offers a treasure trove of insights for the outdoor hospitality industry.
By understanding and adapting to these trends, campground owners, RV park operators, and businesses can not only enhance the camper experience but also ensure sustained growth and success in the years to come.