The Fourth of July tradition of camping continues its momentum in 2023, with the number of camping households mirroring the previous year’s statistics, despite prevailing concerns about weather and overcrowding, according to the latest Kampgrounds of America, Inc. (KOA) Monthly Research Report.
The report, an essential instrument for discerning patterns and identifying key trends in the camping industry, reveals that over 21.5 million households set up camp over the Independence Day holiday.
This steady number, however, masks an undercurrent of change, with over half (56%) of campers electing to postpone their trips until later in the summer or fall.
Whitney Scott, senior vice president of strategy at KOA, emphasized the necessity to address these shifting patterns.
She said, “We must examine challenges campers may be facing even as we’re seeing high participation.” A reminder for private campground owners and operators to remain adaptable and responsive to evolving camper needs and preferences.
Weather emerged as a key player influencing these behavioral shifts. The report disclosed that 62% of respondents altered their plans due to weather concerns. This shift manifested in various ways, with 22% choosing different camping locations and another 18% tweaking the nature of their trips. Moreover, 22% of campers decided to scrap their camping plans entirely when faced with unfavorable weather.
Overcrowding, another issue, took center stage in the camping discussions, with more than 70% of campers expressing awareness of this concern in either 2022, 2023, or both years. Interestingly, a majority of those aware (73%) heard about overcrowding through word-of-mouth, with fewer (39%) reporting first-hand experience.
Scott acknowledged this sentiment, suggesting that overcrowding perceptions need to be addressed, even if it’s more hearsay than reality.
Private campground owners and operators can leverage this insight to scrutinize their space and capacity planning, ensuring they continue to offer memorable camping experiences without the specter of overcrowding.
Among other findings, the KOA report unveiled that 57% of campers took their dogs along for their outdoor adventures.
When probed about the advantages of camping with pets, campers confirmed that it elevated their overall happiness (53%) and relaxation (50%). Almost half of the pet-camping enthusiasts identified their furry companions as integral to their camping experience.
This trend presents another opportunity for campground operators to consider, possibly enhancing their facilities to cater more to four-legged guests, thereby adding value to their service offerings.
Despite the challenges of changing weather patterns and overcrowding, the resilience of the camping industry remains intact, with July Fourth camping enduring as a cherished tradition.