Data in Kampgrounds of America’s (KOA) Monthly Research Report – October Edition confirm that camping is indeed a year-round activity as the camping season is expected to extend until the colder months, with 8.2 million households planning to camp this winter.
The projected number is a 19% (1.3 million more) increase over the 6.9 million households that camped in winter last year.
“The growth of interest in camping during the colder months points to just how much the industry is growing and changing,” Whitney Scott, chief marketing officer, said in a press release. “We are seeing alternative and more experiential activation of camping – it’s no longer a seasonal activity.”
The increase in winter camping builds on the overall popularity of camping reported in the company’s annual North American Camping Report released in April.
Of October respondents, 37% say they will probably or definitely take a camping trip this winter. All in, 1.3 million more households indicate they plan to winter camp compared to last year. This coincides with one-in-four campers saying they plan to take more trips the remainder of the year when compared to 2021.
Meanwhile, long-term snowbird camping is expected to decrease to 2.2 million households this year versus 2.4 million in 2021. Long-term snowbirds represent 7% of the overall camping market.
“Even though it’s small, the predicted decline in snowbird business is something that we’re actively monitoring,” Scott said.
“We need to consider the services and amenities we provide long-term guests so we can retain current snowbirds and attract new entrants. It’s an opportunity to refine our offerings to expand this market into non-traditional audiences.”
October camping is also strong this year. While 14% of campers indicated that they have taken all of their camping trips for this year, a projected 9.7 million households plan to camp during October.
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 more than 500 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.
Looks like winter camping is gearing up to be as popular as toasty marshmallows! Don’t fret, snowbirds, even if your numbers are taking a slight dip, KOA’s got some cool plans brewing to make your long-term stay even more chirp-worthy! So, who’s ready to cozy up by the campfire this winter and join the camping craze?