Short, spontaneous getaways dubbed “Pop-Up Escapes” are emerging as a trend shaping traveler behavior this summer, according to new data from Campspot and Pilot.
With 91% of travelers opting for local camping trips rather than international vacations—and as gas prices remain steady—outdoor hospitality businesses are positioned to capitalize on this growing preference for convenient and nearby escapes.
A recent survey by Campspot and Pilot, involving nearly 2,000 travelers, highlights the strong demand for brief, flexible travel, typically lasting one to three nights within driving distance.
Notably, 90% of respondents indicated interest in taking a pop-up escape this summer, and 88% are already planning such trips.
Camping emerged as the preferred trip option, chosen by 65% of respondents, underscoring the critical role campgrounds and RV parks can play in meeting this rising demand. Private campgrounds and glamping resorts accounted for 31% of all camping nights in 2024.
“The rise of pop-up escapes represents a powerful shift in traveler behavior and a clear opportunity for the camping industry,” said Jeff Bettin, general manager, Marketplace at Campspot.
“As more Americans turn away from traditional, high-cost vacations in favor of short, affordable getaways closer to home, campgrounds are uniquely positioned to meet that demand with the access, flexibility, and authenticity travelers are craving,” Bettin added.
The rising popularity of pop-up escapes is particularly strong among younger travelers. Millennials (75%) and Gen Z (73%) lead in planning these spontaneous trips, showcasing a shift towards accessible, affordable, and experiential travel options.
Still, demand for short getaways is robust across all demographics.
According to Campspot’s 2025 Trend Outlook, 63% of Gen X and 42% of Boomers also plan to increase their short-trip travel this summer, creating extensive opportunities for campground operators to cater to a diverse guest base, including families, retirees, couples, and solo adventurers.
“This shift is bringing new demographics into the fold and expanding the role of camping in the broader travel landscape. While some may view this as a seasonal spike, we see it as a meaningful growth opportunity, and are supporting parks through both data-driven insights and our upcoming Summer Escape Sale,” Bettin said.
The trend toward pop-up escapes is strongly connected to natural environments, particularly those near water, with 58% of travelers most often choosing lakes or beaches for their short-term escapes.
Findings from Kampgrounds of America’s (KOA) 2025 Camping & Outdoor Hospitality Report align with this preference, where 57% of campers and 53% of leisure travelers cited walking on a beach or relaxing near water as beneficial to their overall well-being.
Other preferred destinations of pop-up escapees are mountains or national parks (51%) and charming small towns (48%). Operators located near these attractions are uniquely positioned to capitalize on this trend, showcasing their sites as ideal short-trip destinations.
Affordability is also a key factor, with 76% of respondents aiming to spend less than $500 per trip. According to Campsot, 46% identify affordable travel options as their primary motivator for choosing short getaways.
However, destination appeal still tops the list for many, with 54% citing the specific location as their most significant motivator.
The flexibility of travel planning is also essential, as 69% of road trippers prefer spontaneous or loosely structured itineraries, opting to embrace the freedom of going with the flow and letting adventures unfold naturally.
Additionally, Campspot’s data reveals a nostalgic appeal among travelers: over half of respondents said they would sacrifice a week’s salary to relive childhood camping memories, presenting opportunities for businesses to create offerings that evoke meaningful experiences from guests’ pasts.
The appeal of pop-up escapes is further amplified by their perceived wellness benefits.
According to survey findings, 78% of travelers reported experiencing reduced stress after just two nights of camping, and 35% felt immediate relaxation once their journey began.
These findings reflect growing concerns around stress, as 82% of travelers admit to regularly feeling stressed or overwhelmed in 2025. Getting away from the stress and burnout of daily life is the second leading factor influencing summer travel plans.
An increased desire to spend time outdoors and rising costs or economic uncertainty are the first and third leading factors, paving the way for campground and RV park operators to leverage these insights by highlighting relaxation, mental wellness, and stress relief in their marketing strategies.
To actively respond to rising interest, Campspot is launching its Summer Escape Sale from June 16–22, offering discounts of up to 40% at hundreds of participating campgrounds, RV resorts, and glamping properties.
As the trend continues to gain traction, campground and glamping resort operators who adapt quickly by enhancing their flexibility, promoting local appeal, and catering to travelers’ wellness and nostalgic motivations are poised for success in this shifting travel landscape.
To learn more about Campspot and Pilot’s latest survey, visit campspot.com/about/pop-up-escape.
Featured image by Campspot