Kampgrounds of America (KOA) believes that camping will continue to be popular even during volatile economic times. In the July edition of the KOA Monthly Research Report, the camping industry giant forecasts that 15.93 million households will camp this month.
According to a press release, the number is similar to that of last year’s. Some campers, however, admit changing plans due to economic factors.
Still, KOA assured that the camping outlook has remained robust throughout the first half of the year, as noted in the annual North American Camping Report released in April.
“This year is very different than 2021, and we’re encouraged that people are still turning to camping as a vacation option,” said Whitney Scott, chief marketing officer of Kampgrounds of America, said in the press release.
“Even amidst uncertainty from external factors, campers are proving the importance of the activity as they make plans. People are finding ways to camp because it’s a part of their lifestyle.”
While lower gas prices are less of a concern compared to previous months, shifting economic considerations have caused 77% of camping households to adjust their camping plans. Campers are now taking trips closer to home, taking fewer camping trips, or staying in locations longer. In the past 30 days, 12% said they canceled some of their camping plans.
It is also notable that other travel is also affected by financial concerns, with 35% of campers indicating they have or plan to replace another vacation option with a camping trip in 2022.
“Travelers have multiple factors impacting travel decisions, whether economic or the instability of air travel,” Scott said. “Knowing this, we continue to innovate our offerings to attract that business and provide superior outdoor experiences.”
Camping is a popular pastime in America, but this year, some campers are choosing to stay home. According to KOA’s recent survey, the top reasons for not camping are financial reasons, difficulty finding a site, and not having vacation time. Gas prices, which have dropped slightly, fell as a reason for not camping.
The July Monthly Research Report also shared how far in advance campers are booking, with 20% indicating that they reserve their campsites three to five months in advance. Similar amounts said they prefer to book one month (18%) or six to twelve months (18%) in advance.
To view the full findings of the KOA Monthly Research Report – July Edition, past and future editions, and review the research methodology, visit the KOA Press Room.
About Kampgrounds of America
Kampgrounds of America, Inc. (KOA), currently celebrating its 60th year of operations, is the definitive leader in outdoor hospitality. United under the mission of “connecting people to the outdoors and each other,” the company consists of two unique brands: KOA and Terramor Outdoor Resorts.
KOA, the world’s largest system of privately owned, open to the public campgrounds, consists of over 525 franchised and owned campgrounds. With unrivaled brand visibility, KOA offers campground owners and operators unparalleled support in campground education, design, recruitment, marketing and technology.
Terramor Outdoor Resorts, a glamping venture, opened its first flagship property in Bar Harbor, Maine in 2020. Translated to “Love of Land,” the brand focuses on delivering a refined and upscale outdoor experience.
For more information, visit KOA.com and TerramorOutdoorResort.com.
About Cairn Consulting Group
Cairn Consulting Group is a market research firm with extensive experience in the hospitality and services industries. For the past several years, Cairn Consulting Group has worked with organizations in both indoor and outdoor hospitality, including the gaming/casino areas, food services/restaurant space, accommodations, travel/tourism, and the products and services that are a part of the hospitality industry. The organization also serves clients in branding/brand positioning efforts, evaluating consumer behavior, public opinion & policy, and product development.
It’s incredibly thrilling to see that camping remains a beloved choice for vacations, offering a rejuvenating escape from crowded tourist spots. The North American Camping Report by KOA shows that campers are embracing new trends like glamping and sustainable camping, shaping a lively camping culture. This trend reflects a growing desire for outdoor experiences that prioritize connection with nature, making camping an enticing choice for those seeking adventure and tranquility.