Camping Market Trends and Statistics 2026

The global camping and caravanning market was valued at $81.36 billion in 2025 and is expected to rise to $86.52 billion in 2026.¹ Projections indicate the market will reach $114.35 billion by 2030. From 2026 to 2030, the market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 7.2%.

Who goes camping? Campers by generation

Millennials (born 1981-1996) and Gen Z (born 1997-2012) are major contributors to the camping market.

Their preference for unique, outdoor experiences has led to increased participation in camping.

• In KOA's annual survey of US and Canadian households, conducted by Cairn Consulting Group, Gen Zers and millennials made up 61% of new campers in 2024.⁷ In 2025, millennials accounted for 29% of camping households and Gen Zers for 13%, down from 31% and 22% in 2024, as money pressures cut Gen Z camping.²

How popular is glamping?

Glamping, or "glamorous camping", continues to gain popularity as a comfortable alternative to traditional camping.

• In 2022, cabins and glamping made up 21% of all camping, about 12.3 million households.²
• That share rose to 24% in 2023 (about 12.9 million households)², even as tents and RVs lost ground, a sign of rising demand for more comfortable, experience-focused outdoor stays.
• Although glamping dipped slightly to 12.60 million households in 2024, it stayed well ahead of RV camping, which saw a sharp drop to 9.98 million.⁷
• In 2025, cabins and glamping made up 29% of all camping, up from 24% in 2024, and over 15 million households went glamping.²

Do campers want Wi-Fi at campsites?

The integration of technology at campsites is becoming increasingly important.

• When Wi-Fi is available, campers add an average of 5.2 extra camping nights a year, down from 6.8 in 2024, and RVers add 9.3 nights.² Nearly half of campers (47%) say Wi-Fi is very important, rising to 50% of new campers and 70% of those who work while camping. Campsites are responding to this demand by offering Wi-Fi and improving technological infrastructure.
• Additionally, digital platforms for booking campsites and navigating camping routes are gaining traction, contributing to the growth of the camping market.

Eco-Friendly Camping

The trend towards eco-friendly camping is growing, driven by increased environmental awareness. Campers are adopting sustainable practices, such as reducing plastic waste and minimising energy use.

• Many campsites, especially in Europe and North America, are offering eco-friendly options, such as solar-powered facilities and waste recycling systems, to attract environmentally conscious travellers.

How many people go camping each year?

Camping has settled well above pre-pandemic levels: the number of active camping households in 2025 was nearly identical to 2024².

• In 2025, approximately 52.2 million households participated in camping trips in North America², with RV travel emerging as a popular choice due to its flexibility and comfort.

Off-grid and dispersed camping statistics

Remote and off-grid camping is growing in popularity as campers seek solitude and a deeper connection with nature.

• In 2025, 21% of camper nights were spent on public or privately owned land other than a campsite, compared with 34% in national, state or provincial parks and about 3 in 10 at private campsites or glamping resorts².
• Free camping is mainstream: 59.8% of campers surveyed for The Dyrt's 2026 Camping Report camped for free at least once in 2025, and 79.1% of those went dispersed camping on public land such as national forests and BLM areas⁸.
• Cost-saving behaviour is a key driver, as campers increasingly turn to “boondocking” and dispersed camping to avoid paid campsites, particularly under inflationary pressure.

How many people camp in US national parks?

National parks continue to be major destinations among campers.

• In 2025, total recreational visits to 63 US National Parks totalled 93.89 million⁹. Campers accounted for 6.29 million overnight stays that year, counting tent, RV, backcountry and concessioner camping¹⁰.
• Tent camping was the most popular type of camping in the US National Parks with 2.32 million tent campers in 2025, followed by RV camping with 1.61 million RV campers¹⁰.

RV camping statistics

RV parks and campsites continue to be the primary choice for camping enthusiasts.

• RV camping remains popular, especially in North America, where 9.91 million households went RVing in 2025, level with 2024 (9.98 million) but below the 2022 peak of 15.2 million.²

The ability to travel comfortably and visit multiple locations has made RV camping appealing for families and long-term campers.

• In 2025, 342,220 RV shipments were recorded.⁴

Holiday parks and vacation camps

Recreational and vacation camps, from children's summer camps to adult retreats and family resorts, are a market of their own, and North America is the largest¹¹.

• Vacation camps are becoming popular among families and youth groups, offering organised activities such as hiking, fishing, and educational programmes that cater to various interests.
• In 2022/23, the UK holiday park and campsite sector generated £12.2 billion in visitor expenditure, contributing £7.2 billion in Gross Value Added (GVA) to the UK economy.¹²
• In 2024, 55.9 million Americans went camping (car, backyard and RV camping), the third most popular outdoor activity after hiking and fishing, as outdoor recreation reached a record 181.1 million participants¹³.
• The Recreational and Vacation Camp market was valued at an estimated $50.93 billion in 2025 and is projected to grow to around $64.99 billion by 2030, registering a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of over 5% during the forecast period of 2025-2030¹¹.