RVshare, the largest online community for RV owners and renters, is changing how people experience major events. Traditionally popular for camping and road trips, RVshare is seeing a significant rise in rentals for large-scale events like Burning Man, EAA AirVenture, and NASCAR races.
RVshare reports a 120% increase in interest for event-based rentals over the past three months. Notable search spikes have been observed for events such as the Electric Forest Music Festival, Country Jam Music Festival, and Under the Big Sky Fest.
In recent years, hundreds of thousands of nights have been booked specifically for events, highlighting a shift towards RVs as a preferred accommodation for festival and race attendees. Events like Stagecoach Music Festival, Coachella, Burning Man, EAA AirVenture, and the Indianapolis 500 have significantly contributed to this surge.
A recent Camping and Outdoor Hospitality Report from Kampgrounds of America (KOA) revealed that 60% of travelers plan to use their RV for events this year, including music festivals, concerts, athletic events, air shows, and auto races.
Furthermore, the report found that 71% of RVers want an RV delivered and set up for them. This delivery feature is one of the most popular amenities on RVshare, with over 60% of vehicles on the platform currently offering delivery. This option is especially beneficial for event-goers who fly into a destination or prefer not to drive the rental themselves.
Jon Gray, CEO of RVshare, mentioned that event rentals now account for about 15% of their business, a significant increase from less than 5% a few years ago.
He noted that the Daytona 500 in February demonstrated this growing trend, with RV rentals seeing a 61% increase in gross booking value compared to 2022. “This also makes for a lucrative income for owners who are renting their vehicles through RVshare in or around some major events,” Gray said.
According to a press release, rentals have become a substantial source of income for RV owners near large-scale events. Luis Valdez, an RVshare owner, explained that events are a significant revenue source for his RV rental business.
Living near an amphitheater that welcomes RV rentals, his business has become a provider for event attendees. He encourages all RV owners to explore events in their region as potential business opportunities and to market their RVs.
Martijn Scheijbeler, SVP of marketing at RVshare, emphasized the company’s commitment to providing memorable experiences for renters at any destination. He noted that focusing on large events and making RV travel accommodations more accessible is crucial, as it saves time, money, and hassle for renters, allowing them to focus on memorable moments with friends and family.
“Our partnerships and packages with these events allow us to extend that commitment to event-goers all across the U.S. We look forward to bringing this seamless travel planning experience to many upcoming events this fall season including football tailgating parties, Burning Man, Desert Daze, and more,” Scheijbeler explained.
For more information about RVshare, visit rvshare.com.
