Kampgrounds of America (KOA) unveiled new monthly data predicting a growing increase in summer camping and high activity around the Fourth of July holiday.
The June edition of the KOA Monthly Research Report found 48% of campers plan to get out and camp this summer, including 19.8 million people that intend to take trips over Fourth of July. Following the company’s annual North American Camping Report released in April, ongoing monthly research points a sustained interest in the camping lifestyle.
“As more states and provinces have loosened restrictions and more campers are vaccinated, we are at an inflection point for camping growth,” KOA President and CEO Toby O’Rourke said. “People are continuing to turn to the outdoors for their vacations, and are especially interested in national parks. We are pleased to see camping continue to thrive as other vacation options are starting to resume.”
With nearly half of all camping households planning to take a trip this summer, KOA projected more than 53 million households will camp in 2021. That number is up more than 480,000 from the company’s May projections.
This summer, KOA stated 76% of campers are most likely to spend their vacations at a national park, with 73% trekking to state parks and 70% hitting privately-owned campgrounds. Top stated for summer trips include California, New York, Pennsylvania and Texas.
KOA stated the Fourth of July outlook is “healthy,” with 19.8 million households anticipated a holiday camping trip. Most plan to camp for the long weekend – 33% – while 31% plan to add one or two additional days.
“Camping and July Fourth go hand-in-hand.” O’Rourke said. “Last year, campers started to cautiously venture out over this summer holiday, but this year we have already started to see high camper activity, which indicates a healthy camping season. As camping continues to be considered as the safest form of travel, we believe this is going to be an incredible summer and year for camping.”
Other key camping industry indicators tracked by KOA include participating, incidences, future intents and preferred camping styles.
Those interested can view the full June edition findings here.
