Kampgrounds of America, Inc. (KOA) has recently released its Monthly Research Report for January 2023, which offers insight into the past year of camping.
As per KOA’s press release, the report highlighted that camping exceeded a record 2021 by 1.5 million households.
The report underscored that camping is more vital than ever amidst economic and life stressors.
This surge in popularity is attributed to various factors, including the ongoing stressors of the pandemic and economic uncertainty, as well as the desire for a healthier lifestyle and improved mental well-being.
According to the report, 30% of campers in 2022 were new to the activity, joining in 2021 or 2022. While 13% shared that they began camping as a direct result of COVID-19, 17% cited other reasons for choosing to camp for the first time.
In 2022, 11% of camping households were new campers. In all, 41% of camping households in 2022 were relatively new to camping as a form of leisure travel, having camped for the first time over the last three years.
“Over the past several years, we have seen dramatic increases in new campers,” said Whitney Scott, senior vice president of strategy at Kampgrounds of America, Inc.
“People are looking for modes of travel that fit their lifestyle and improve their daily lives. Camping provides that for a growing number of travelers, and we don’t see that slowing down,” Scott added.
The popularity of camping is expected to continue, with 74% of households that camped in 2022 indicating that they plan to include camping in their future travel plans.
Mental health is a key factor in the continued success of camping, with 6 in 10 campers sharing that it helps improve their mental well-being. Additionally, 54% say camping induces anxiety compared to other forms of travel.
The report also highlighted the shift in economic factors, with 64% of campers camping more or replacing other types of travel with camping during the last year due to its affordability and viability during uncertain times.
In terms of accommodation, most campers (54%) preferred to tent as their primary camping accommodation, while 26% and 17% utilized RVs or cabin accommodations, respectively. The report also revealed that campers tried new experiences in 2022, including glamping (21%), snowbirding (21%), and staying at a private campground (20%).
KOA’s monthly research report paints a bright picture for the future of camping, with more and more people seeking the benefits of this leisure activity.
ABOUT KAMPGROUNDS OF AMERICA
Kampgrounds of America, Inc. has been the definitive leader in outdoor hospitality for more than 60 years. 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-public campgrounds, consists of more than 500 franchised and owned campgrounds. With unrivaled brand visibility, KOA also 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. Literally meaning ‘Love of Land,” the brand focuses on delivering a refined and upscale outdoor experience. For more information, visit KOA.com and TerramorOutdoorResort.com.
The surging popularity of camping indicates a strong craving for adventure and a respite from the everyday grind. It’s imperative for travelers to contemplate the environmental impact and embrace sustainable practices to safeguard nature for future generations. What measures can we take to reduce our impact while relishing the great outdoors?