Camping Market Trends and Statistics 2025

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. 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%.

Millennial and Gen Z Influence

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 North America, 27% of campers in 2024 were Gen Zers and 34% were millennials. This trend continues as younger generations seek outdoor adventures and embrace camping as a cost-effective travel option.

Rise of Glamping

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

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• In 2022, cabins and glamping accounted for 12.28, already representing a notable share of overnight stays.
• This segment grew significantly in 2023 to 13.73, even as tent and RV usage declined, indicating rising demand for more comfortable, experience-focused outdoor stays.
• Although there was a slight dip to 12.60 in 2024, glamping remained consistently stronger than RV camping, which saw a sharp drop to 9.98.

Technology Integration

The integration of technology in campgrounds is becoming increasingly important.

• In 2024, nearly 80% of campers in North America considered internet access essential to camp more often. Campgrounds 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 toward 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 campgrounds, 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.

Tourism Boost

Tourism has played a crucial role in the growth of the camping market, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic when international travel was restricted.

• In 2024, approximately 88 million households participated in camping trips in North America, with RV travel emerging as a popular choice due to its flexibility and comfort.
• In Canada, national parks saw a surge in domestic visitors, as many residents chose to explore local attractions.

Popularity of Remote and Off-Grid Camping

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

• Off-grid camping made up a notable share in 2024, with 8% of nights in backcountry areas and 21% on non-campground land, showing strong demand for alternative camping options.
• An additional 4% of nights were classified as street camping (2024), highlighting that some “off-grid” activity may include non-recreational or vehicle-dependent overnight stays.
• Participation in off-grid experiences is growing rapidly, with first-time backcountry camping increasing from 17% to 31% in 2024.
• Cost-saving behavior is a key driver, as campers increasingly turn to “boondocking” and dispersed camping to avoid paid campsites, particularly under inflationary pressure.
• Desire for simpler, more meaningful experiences is another major motivation, with 26% of campers in 2024 seeking to reconnect with family traditions, such as campfires and storytelling.

Popularity of National Parks

National parks continue to be major destinations among campers.

• In 2025, total recreational visits to 63 U.S. National Parks totalled 93.89 million. Of those, more than 6.29 million visitors chose to camp.
• Tent camping was the most popular type of camping in the U.S. National Parks with 2.32 million tent campers in 2025, followed by RV camping with 1.61 million RV campers.

Baby Boomer - Born 1946-1964

Camping - Any occasion when you spent at least one night outside of your primary residence and stayed in accommodations such as a tent, trailer, RV, or vehicle or cabin/cottage at a campground.

Car camping - Those who travel and sleep in their vehicles (versus other types of accommodation, including RVs).

Camping households - Those who identify as campers.

Dispersed Camping - The term used for camping anywhere in the National Forest outside of a designated campground. Dispersed camping means no services such as trash removal, and little or no facilities which may or may not include tables and firepits.

Generation X (Gen X) - Born 1965-1980

Generation Z (Gen Z) - Born 1997-2012

Glamping - Defined as staying in unique accommodations with enhanced services and amenities.

Incidence - For camping incidence, this figure is calculated by dividing the total number of households with at least one person who camps divided by the total number of eligible households.

Millennial - Born 1981-1996

Overlanding - An "overlanding" experience is where you travel in an off-road vehicle, taking back roads, no services/amenities, you are completely self-sustaining and the purpose is the journey.

Peer-to-Peer RV Rental - A rental that occurs between a private RV owner and a renter. Generally, this is facilitated by a designated marketplace.

Public Land Camping - Staying at a public campground in a national park, state park, municipal campground, national forest campground, national forest land, BLM land, or designated wilderness areas.

RV - Includes type A, B, or C motorhomes, travel trailers, fifth-wheels, pick-up campers, pop-up trailers, and small van campers.

RVing Experience (used in new camping experiences) - Where you travel in an RV from destination to destination.

Silent/Mature - Born prior to 1946

Van Life - Defined as a form of adventure tourism that involves a van that is livable and self-sustained.