Building on Kampgrounds of America, Inc.’s (KOA) annual North American Camping Report released each spring, The KOA Monthly Research Report – November Edition indicates camping remains a popular travel mode amid volatile economic conditions.
According to the report, campers’ and leisure travelers’ plans changed significantly throughout 2022. At least 74% of campers made one or more adjustments to their travel plans, including three-in-ten campers who camped more as they decreased other travel types.
Inflation (38%) and rising gas prices (37%) had the most significant impact on travel during the year thus far, the report said. Other factors, including the Covid-19 pandemic (27%) and difficulty in air travel (17%), had noticeably less impact on leisure travel.
“The dramatic economic changes we have seen this year have affected campers,” said Whitney Scott, KOA chief marketing officer. “What is encouraging, however, is that we have seen a positive outcome for camping overall. People want to get out and explore, and camping provides a great way to do that affordably and easily.”
Of those who camped more often in 2022, 39% said they canceled other planned trips in favor of camping. Another 36% decided to take trips closer to home, allowing them to travel shorter distances. In all, 78% of those who replaced other forms of travel with camping made an adjustment to their camping plans.
Looking ahead to next year, campers indicate they are eager to explore and seek new experiences, the report said. More than one-third (35%) of survey participants said they are looking for an entirely new experience they have not had before. Campers show a zeal for exploring new areas with 34% hoping to travel farther from home.
“KOA’s research shows that people have not only substituted camping to offset economic burdens and uncertainty, but many realize that camping provides an avenue for continued adventure without being burnt out on the travel type itself,” Scott said.
Many campers are already planning for 2023, the report said. As of early November, 11% have some camping booked for the new year. Another 32% said they have started thinking about their travel or will begin planning before the year’s end.
To view the KOA Monthly Research Report – November Edition, past and future editions, and review the research methodology, click here.
