RV Camping Statistics 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 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

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 RVersearn 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.

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.