Kampgrounds of America (KOA) unveiled its inaugural Outdoors & Wellness report, highlighting the role of physical and mental wellness in camping. This report, part of KOA’s annual Camping and Outdoor Hospitality Report series, shows that more than nine million camping households plan wellness-focused trips in 2024.
The report reveals that 69% of campers say camping contributes to their emotional well-being. Gen X campers show a higher preference for finding respite in the outdoors, with 76% reporting this benefit, compared to 66% of millennials and Gen Z. Additionally, the desire for a digital detox appeals to 65% of campers, aligning with their goals of slowing down and recharging.
Toby O’Rourke, KOA president and CEO, emphasized that the outdoors helps people de-stress, feel relaxed, become more grounded, and better connect to nature and their loved ones.
“Wellness means more than self-care; it’s being in the moment, seeking out activities that bring joy, and simply connecting to nature,” O’Rourke said.
Among the wellness activities campers are interested in, forest bathing tops the list with 83% of campers expressing interest, followed by water-based activities at 70%. The report also notes that 94% of campers plan to include wellness activities in their trips.
According to a press release, 85% of campers who report that camping helps strengthen family bonds say it contributes to their emotional well-being. This highlights the benefits of camping, fostering personal wellness and stronger relationships with loved ones.
Looking ahead, the trend towards wellness travel suggests a preference for immersive experiences rather than structured group classes or retreats. Campers aim to minimize distractions and maximize time with family and friends, preferring simplicity and spontaneity in their trips.
The report also indicates that wellness travel in the future will focus on activities that resonate with the body and soul, fostering a deeper connection with nature and loved ones. Campers today prefer fewer distractions, less time spent organizing, and more time enjoying spontaneous and simpler experiences.
In the coming weeks, additional reports exploring various topics will be released, providing further insights into the evolving trends in camping and outdoor hospitality.
The interest in wellness-focused camping creates opportunities for RV parks and campgrounds to adapt and offer specialized programs. By embracing these trends, owners and developers can cater to the needs of campers seeking a blend of relaxation, emotional well-being, and deeper connections with nature and loved ones.
For those interested in the complete findings, a full version of the 2024 Outdoors & Wellness Report is available on KOA’s website here.
