Rising travel costs, economic uncertainty and demand for flexible vacation options are driving continued interest in RV travel this summer, with 37 million Americans expected to take RV trips, according to the RV Industry Association’s (RVIA) Summer Travel Survey.
The survey found that travelers are increasingly prioritizing road trips, closer-to-home destinations and vacations that offer greater control over spending and scheduling.
Outdoor-focused destinations, including national parks, beaches, scenic routes and campgrounds, ranked among the top travel choices for RV travelers this summer.
According to the survey, 92% of current RV owners plan to take at least one RV trip during the summer travel season.
The findings also showed increased participation around major summer travel holidays, with Memorial Day travel projected to reach 73.6 million travelers and Fourth of July travel expected to draw 82 million travelers.
Affordability continues to be a major factor influencing RV travel decisions. The survey found that 58% of leisure travelers said they are interested in taking an RV trip because it offers a more affordable way to travel.
Many respondents also said ongoing economic pressures make RV travel more appealing because it provides greater flexibility and control over vacation expenses.
Road trips remained one of the strongest motivations for RV travel, with 36% of travelers saying they are interested in RVing because they enjoy road trips. Comfort and convenience also ranked among the leading reasons travelers are considering RV vacations this year.
The survey also highlighted growing interest among younger travelers. Millennials and Generation Z respondents reported the highest engagement with RV trip planning, online RV research and future RV ownership consideration.
Millennials reported an 82% intent to travel by RV this summer, while 81% of Generation Z respondents said the same.
Pet-friendly travel also continues to influence summer vacation decisions. More than 55% of travelers surveyed said they plan to bring pets with them on vacation this summer, reinforcing RV travel’s appeal for households traveling with animals.
The RV rental market is also expected to remain active this summer. Approximately 3 million households are projected to rent an RV, reflecting continued interest from travelers exploring the RV lifestyle before making a purchase decision.
Remote work while traveling also showed continued growth. The survey found that 49% of travelers plan to work remotely from an RV this summer, up from 46% last summer. Another 41% said they are considering remote work travel options this year.
“Travelers are looking for vacations that give them greater control over both their budgets and experiences, and RVing delivers that flexibility,” Monika Geraci, spokesperson for the RVIA, said in a News and Insights report of RVIA.
“Whether families are exploring national parks, planning a Route 66 road trip ahead of the highway’s centennial, or looking ahead to major events like America’s 250th anniversary celebrations and the 2026 FIFA World Cup, RV travel gives people the freedom to travel comfortably, bring along pets and family members, and experience destinations on their own terms,” Geraci added.
The survey was commissioned by the RVIA and conducted by Cairn Consulting. Researchers completed 1,602 surveys in April among a statistically balanced cross section of United States leisure travelers. The survey reported a margin of error of plus or minus 2.74 percentage points.