The U.S. glamping industry is seeing stronger demand, higher rates, and longer guest stays, according to new research unveiled Tuesday morning (Sept. 30) at the Glamping Show Americas 2025.
Average daily rate (ADR) has climbed to $251 per night, up 21% from 2023 and 11% from last year, signaling robust growth even as start-up costs continue to rise.
The panel discussion, Beyond the Data: Unlocking 2025’s Glamping Industry Insights in the USA and What It Means for You, brought together some of the industry’s most recognized voices in research, operations, and development.
Moderated by Steph Curtis-Raleigh, the session featured Scott Bahr of Cairn Consulting Group, Sarah Dusek of Under Canvas and Few and Far, Whitney Scott of Walden Insights, and Todd Wynne-Parry of Aramark.
Presented by Cairn Consulting Group, the report shows that operators are charging more per night while still seeing stronger occupancy. Start-up costs have more than doubled since 2023.
The product mix is also shifting, with a growing share of operators offering both on- and off-grid accommodations while continuing to prioritize private in-suite bathrooms as the most common amenity.
Guest stays are also lengthening, with average visits increasing from 2.2 nights in 2024 to 2.7 nights in 2025.
Couples remain the “primary guest type,” followed closely by families with children, and both groups are helping drive higher revenue through longer bookings.
While nearly half of operators have no minimum-stay requirement, just over half now require two nights or more, with most applying the policy universally rather than selectively on weekends or holidays.
Amenities are also evolving to meet guest expectations. Recreation remains the most widely available offering, both on and off-site, while wellness features such as yoga and massage are emerging as the next wave of additions.
Operators expressed interest in expanding into event hosting, including weddings, retreats, and corporate gatherings. Other amenities such as EV charging, camp stores, and food-and-beverage services are on the radar but remain less common.
Whitney Scott, who previously spent more than a decade with Kampgrounds of America (KOA) before launching Walden Insights, emphasized that amenities are becoming the key drivers of repeat business.
“We kind of built this market around the accommodation,” she said, “But really, as we’ve seen, what drives extended stays, what thrives?” She noted that families, particularly those seeking stays under $250 per night, remain underserved but represent a growing market.
Dusek also reflected on the evolution of glamping since her early days at Under Canvas. “It took us about three years before we eventually landed on our end business model,” she said. Today, she urged operators to see research as a guide rather than a final answer.
The study also offered insights into development trends.
Many properties continue to locate near natural features or state parks, while roughly one-quarter are positioned close to urban centers, giving operators the ability to serve both nature-focused and convenience-driven travelers.
Scott explained how Walden Insights evaluates potential land by analyzing everything from zoning regulations and flood risk to bird migration patterns and dark sky ratings.
“Location is the first thing most tourists pick,” she said, adding that competitive analysis and local infrastructure are just as critical as design decisions.
For glamping owners and developers evaluating glamping expansion, the session underscored both opportunity and responsibility.
With ADR climbing, average stays lengthening, and guest expectations evolving, panelists advised aligning product, pricing, and programming with core markets to ensure repeat appeal.
Glamping Show Americas continues through Oct. 1 at the Arapahoe County Fairgrounds in Aurora, Colorado.
Modern Campground is covering the 2025 Glamping Americas conference, where industry leaders are currently gathered in Colorado to discuss performance, challenges, and opportunities shaping the sector.
Featured image by Brian Searl/Modern Campground