RV usage continues to be a driving force in the camping and outdoor hospitality sector as consumers lean toward cost-effective ways to travel.
Kampgrounds of America, Inc. (KOA) released its 2025 camping and outdoor hospitality report revealing insights about the future of RVing.
The report shows RV ownership and rental patterns are evolving, with growing interest in the convenience of RVs, despite economic concerns and generational shifts in preferences.
In 2022, RV usage hit an all-time high, with nearly 15 million households using an RV for camping.
In 2024, the total more closely resembled pre-pandemic numbers with nearly 10 million households RVing. Approximately 73% were RV owners, an increase of approximately 200,000 compared to 2019. The report said 80% of RV owners are planning to camp in 2025.
KOA predicts RV ownership is projected to rise slightly in 2025. According to the report, 1 in 5 non-RV consumers who camp is considering purchasing an RV. The consumers most likely to buy are those who work remotely while on the road.
The KOA report showed RV rentals are also projected to rise slightly in 2025. As an alternative for consumers who are not ready to commit to ownership, 39% of consumers who camp are interested in renting an RV in 2025.
However, the report said economic concerns have greatly affected interest in renting RVs. Since the beginning of the year, the number of people interested in renting an RV has dropped by 14%, with only 30% of non-RV consumers who camp planning to rent an RV in 2025.
Millennials and Gen X show the highest interest in renting an RV, while Boomers and Gen Z are less likely to do so. Costs to rent (44%) and knowledge of how to operate (38%) continue to be the biggest barriers to rent.
Despite the challenges, 22% of current RVers are planning to upgrade to a new or different RV, suggesting a healthy cycle of ownership and continued innovation within the RV industry.
The report shows generational trends also play a role in the shift of camping preferences. Boomers, once the most reliable group of consumers, are now prioritizing accessibility, while Gen Z consumers are driving demand for greater comfort and convenience.
In Canada, the RV market shows slightly different patterns. 57% of Canadian RV consumers who camp plan to camp at provincial campgrounds rather than private campgrounds. Additionally, 64% of Canadian RVers are concerned about the impact of rising gas prices on their ability to travel.
The report also noted 55% of solo campers use an RV. The report said interest in RV rentals is equally strong in Canada, with 52% of Canadians and 43% of Americans expressing interest in renting an RV in 2025.
