The outdoor hospitality sector has navigated real challenges: economic pressures, shifting travel patterns, and
the need to remain relevant across generations. But the through-line is clear: the desire to connect with nature, to
slow down, and to build lasting memories remains not just resilient, but central to how people define meaningful
experiences.
For operators who understand and serve these evolving needs, the outlook is distinctly positive. Camping is not
just surviving—it is becoming essential.
Nights spent camping have increased slightly year-over-year, and remained fairly consistent since 2014. The
most noticeable increase was driven by RVers, who spent an additional four or more nights camping in 2025.
Optimistically, campers say they plan to travel much longer distances in 2026.
Longer Distances in 2O26
> 200 miles
151 to 200 miles
101 to 150 miles
51 to 100 miles
< 50 miles
25%
19%
19%
14%
14%
34%
24%
14%
12%
25%
Plan to travel in 2026 Traveled in 2025
Average Camping Nights in the Past Year
Backcountry Camper RVer Glamper Car Camper Overlanders
2017 2016 2015 2014 2018 2025 2024 2023
2025 2024 2023 2025 2024 2023 2025 2024 2023 2025 2024 2023 2025 2024 2023
2022 2021 2020 2019
7.3
6.9
6.7
9.4
7.4
9.6 9.5
8.0
7.6
8.0 7.9
7.6
6.9
7.1
6.3
10.2
7.5
11.7
6.4
6.8
7.2
5.7
6.8
6.2
8.3
7.7
6.6
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