The Kampgrounds of America, Inc. (KOA) Monthly Research Report – February 2023 Edition found more than 2 million households camped in January, up 43% from the camping households in January 2022.
An additional 26% have booked some or all of their 2023 camping trips, and 86% are deliberating or have chosen their 2023 camping destinations.
The association forecasts are many as 15 million households planning spring camping trips, including 31% planning spring break camping trips and 19% planning Easter camping trips.
“It can be easy to think of camping as a summer activity, but, in reality, more and more campers are eager to explore no matter the time of year,” said Whitney Scott, senior vice president of strategy at KOA. “We are seeing this increased desire for new adventures bringing campers out year-round.”
As consumers plan, KOA said new experiences are fueling their upcoming travels. Nearly 40% want to try something truly unique that they have never done before.
“We need to understand and acknowledge that external factors are having psychological impacts on consumers, which, in turn, affects leisure travel,” Scott said. “The good news is that camping is an easy way to get away without a large commitment and our data points to its resiliency during downturns.”
Among the other February report findings were the influence of TV shows on travel behavior. A total of 40% of consumers said shows such as “Yellowstone,” set in Montana, and “White Lotus,” set in tourist destinations such as Hawaii and Italy, impact their travel behavior.
Also, cross-border travel between Canada and the U.S. could rise in 2023. Although some Americans need more information before finalizing their plans, 54% said they may cross the border for travel this year. Canadians were more enthusiastic, KOA found, with 77% saying the same.
