RVshare, the largest online community for RV renters and owners, released its 2026 Travel Trend Report, highlighting a growing emphasis on flexible, cost-conscious, and personalized travel.
The report, based on a nationally representative survey of U.S. travelers, underscores evolving consumer preferences that could impact campground and RV park demand in the year ahead.
RVshare’s seventh annual report identifies flexibility, comfort, and value as the primary drivers of travel planning for 2026. The findings reflect a shift toward simpler trips, trusted destinations, and off-season travel.
“Americans are craving travel that’s meaningful but manageable,” RVshare Travel Expert Maddi Bourgerie said in a press release.
“They want the freedom to explore without overcomplicating the planning process or overspending. This year’s trends show a strong appetite for flexibility, trusted destinations, and personalized planning powered by new technology,” Bourgerie added.
According to the press release, RV travel continues to grow as one of the fastest-expanding forms of U.S. travel. Affordability, comfort, and the ability to design trips independently are key motivators for travelers.
More than one-third of surveyed travelers have RV vacations planned for 2026, with Millennials representing the largest demographic segment actively planning trips.
Interest is shifting from heavily trafficked national parks to quieter, lesser-known destinations such as Crater Lake, Black Canyon of the Gunnison, Great Basin, and Canyonlands.
Major 2026 events, including the FIFA World Cup and the 100th anniversary of Route 66, alongside RVshare’s Road Trip of the Year, The Hidden Side of the West, are expected to drive additional interest in scenic RV road trips.
Travelers are also reprioritizing repeat visits to familiar destinations over long-haul, bucket-list travel. International trip interest has dipped from 28% last year to 25% in 2026, while short, manageable trips have risen from 15% to 23%
Affordability influences both timing and destination choice, with 87% of travelers seeking ways to reduce costs. Many are considering off-season trips, shorter getaways, and value-driven destinations.
Strategies to manage budgets include discounted travel packages, rewards programs, AI tools for cost-effective planning, and destination alternatives that mirror popular attractions without higher costs or crowds.
Multi-accommodation trips are also gaining traction, with travelers combining luxury stays with budget-friendly options such as RV rentals or cabins to optimize value.
Pet-inclusive travel is increasingly important, with 71% of pet owners preferring to travel with pets and 16% unwilling to travel otherwise.
AI-driven trip planning is becoming mainstream. Twenty-six percent of travelers plan to use AI in 2026, while another quarter already use it or are exploring adoption. AI assists with destination research, itinerary planning, and uncovering hidden attractions.