Family memories often emerge among campfires, outdoor adventures and road trips stemming from camping experiences. Kampgrounds of America (KOA) examined family camping in its Families & Kids report.
The report concludes that one in five families who camp choose to RV. Nearly half of camping families (48%) are more likely to seek an RV experience this year compared with non-family campers (33%). Nearly a quarter of consumers (24%) said they would consider buying an RV this year.
Between 2020 and 2023, 118.2 million total families camped, and 16.2 million family campers were new to camping. The report unveiled that three-fourths of family campers believe the activity strengthens family bonds.
More than a third (34%) of family campers took three or more camping trips in 2023, compared with 23% of all campers. More than half (54%) intend to camp more this year compared with 2023, as opposed to 40% of all other consumers.
KOA President and CEO Toby O’Rourke said, “This report highlights that the future of camping and outdoor hospitality rests with our youth. Children who camp with their families are far more likely to continue camping as adults, making it crucial to engage them in outdoor activities now to ensure a vibrant, enduring camping culture for generations to come.”
Millennials make up 46% of family camping households. From 2019 to 2023, Asian family camping participation increased by 30%. White families account for 38% of the new consumers who camp compared with 62% of all other consumers who camp.
More than one-third (37%) of grandparents take their grandchildren on at least one camping trip without their parents. Nearly three in 10 Gen Z campers and two in 10 millennials take trips with their parents or grandparents. Black and Hispanic households are most likely to partake in multi-generational camping.
To view the full report, click here.
