Page last updated: 27 May 2025
How many people go RV camping in Canada?
Over 6 million people go RV camping in Canada each year.
- 6.3 million people went RV camping in Canada in 2023, a decrease of 7.4% from 2022 (6.8 million).
- It’s estimated that the number of new campers increased by 30% during the pandemic, as travellers looked for self-contained options.
How many RVs are there in Canada?
There are around 2.2 million RV-owning households, 14% of all Canadian households, as of 2024.
- RV ownership in Canada grew by 22% between 2010 and 2020.
- There were 53,000 new RVs sold in Canada in 2021 due to a demand surge after the pandemic.
RV Retail Sales and Service Taxes by Province/Territory
Distribution of RV sales and service taxes gives an overview of the popularity of RVs across Canadian provinces.
- Ontario leads as the RV hub of Canada
- A substantial number of vehicles are also sold and serviced in Alberta and Quebec
RV Camping Spending Statistics and Trends
RV campers spend around $1,500 to $2,000 per household per year on RV trips.
- The average spending has increased by 116% from $60 per night in 2010 to $130 per night in 2022.
- Non-travel RV costs for maintenance, insurance and storage can cost RV-owning households around $1,700 per year.
Economic Impact of RV Camping
- RV tourism generated $10.3 billion in direct spending in 2022.
- The combined RV and camping industry generated $20 billion in economic activity and created 141,400 jobs.
- The industry contributed $16.2 billion in GDP and $1.9 billion in tax revenue.
| Economic Indicator | Amount (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Total Industry Value | $20B |
| RV-Specific Spending | $10.3B |
| Jobs Supported | 141,400 |
| Tax Revenue Contribution | $1.9B |
How Do RV Costs Compare to Traditional Travel?
RV vacations are around 16-71% cheaper than traditional travel (flights, hotels, restaurants):
- RV vs. hotels: 37% cheaper
- RV vs. flights + hotels: 48-71% cheaper
- Motorhome vs. hotels: 16% cheaper
RV Camping Demographics: Who goes RVing in Canada?
Age Groups
- 44% of all Canadian RVers were under 35 in 2023.
- 56% of first-time campers in recent years have been millennials according to Statistics Canada Travel Survey Data.
- 28% of RVers do seasonal or long-term camping, spending extended time in warm weather areas.
Gender
- 51% of Canadian RVers are men and 49% are women, indicating nearly equal gender participation.
Income
- The average household income of an RVer is $62,000.
- 16% of RVers earn over $100,000 and 10% earn under $30,000.
- 31% of campers are families with kids, making family-friendly RV parks popular.
Travel Preferences
- The average trip length for international freedom campers is 46 days. This exceeds the 17.6-day average for all international tourists.
- Travel Type Preferences:
- Short trips (<200 km): 50%
- Long trips (200+ km): 25%
- Extended stays (multiple weeks): 25%
- Camping Preferences:
- Free camping: 60%
- Paid holiday parks: 40%
- Campers prefer remote and natural places but also go to free sites,designated campsites and holiday parks.
Top RV Camping Destinations in Canada
Most Popular RV Camping Spots in Canada
- Some of the most popular camping sites (e.g. Riverside Park, Scott’s Campground) are located near Niagara Falls. These campgrounds can attract up to 12 million visitors annually combined.
- Banff National Park is also popular, with over 4.28 million visitors in 2024, a 7% increase from 2019. Popular spots are Tunnel Mountain and Two Jack Lakeside.
- Jasper National Park is also well-known with 2.5 million visitors per year.
Canada Travel Resources
How many RV campgrounds are there in Canada?
- There are 2,347 private campgrounds in Canada.
- Over 1,000 public parks allow RV camping.
- Parks Canada operates campgrounds in over 40 national parks.
Are there free RV camping options in Canada?
- 89% of Canada is Crown land where free camping is allowed in many areas.
- Retailers like Walmart and Canadian Tire may permit overnight parking.
- Municipal visitor centers and small towns offer free or low-cost RV parking.
What are the average RV park fees?
- Public campgrounds: $25-$40 per night (provincial parks).
- Private campgrounds: $40-$90 per night (full-service RV resorts).
- Luxury RV parks in tourist areas: Up to $100+ per night.
RV Camping Trends in 2025
- Off-grid and sustainable RVing: Solar panels, lithium batteries, eco-friendly setups.
- Remote work from RVs: Work-from-anywhere setups, boosted Wi-Fi services.
- Luxury & glamping RVs: Premium campgrounds with full amenities.
- Rise of younger RV travelers: Millennials and Gen Z make up 44% of all campers.