Campground Industry benchmarks have changed faster than most trip planners expect, and the numbers are telling. Online bookings climbed to 62% of all reservations in 2023 with mobile app demand surging 40%, while peak-season U.S. occupancy still lands at 78% during Memorial to Labor Day. From no shows averaging 5% to glamping cabins filling 85% of capacity, these shift points reveal where travelers are heading and how operators are adapting.
Key Takeaways
- 62% of bookings made online via apps in 2023, up 28% from 2020
- Peak season (Memorial-Labor Day) saw 78% occupancy in U.S. campgrounds 2023
- Weekend stays average 2.3 nights, midweek 4.1 nights in 2023
- 42 million Americans camped at least once in 2023, up 12% from 2022
- 54% of U.S. campers are aged 35-54, with millennials comprising 38%
- Women make up 52% of campers in 2023, leading family trip decisions 71% of time
- There were 17,000 developed campgrounds in the U.S. in 2023, providing 1.8 million sites
- KOA network expanded to 525 campgrounds with 120,000 sites in 2023
- U.S. national forests host 150,000 dispersed campsites alongside 10,000 developed ones
- Campground industry supported 600,000 jobs in U.S. in 2023
- Each campground dollar spent generates $3.70 in local economic activity
- RV industry, including campgrounds, added $80 billion to U.S. GDP in 2023
- In 2023, the U.S. campground industry revenue reached $12.4 billion, marking a 15% increase from 2022
- Global camping market size was valued at $42.3 billion in 2022 and is projected to grow to $81.7 billion by 2030 at a CAGR of 8.6%
- Campground occupancy rates averaged 62% in 2023 across North America, up from 55% in 2021
Online and mobile bookings surged in 2023, with higher occupancy, longer stays, and growing eco and loyalty demand.
Related reading
01 · Category
Booking and Usage Trends22 stats
01
62% of bookings made online via apps in 2023, up 28% from 2020
02
Peak season (Memorial-Labor Day) saw 78% occupancy in U.S. campgrounds 2023
03
Weekend stays average 2.3 nights, midweek 4.1 nights in 2023
04
55% of campers book 1-4 weeks in advance, 25% same-week
05
Mobile app bookings surged 40% to 45% of total reservations in 2023
06
Shoulder season (spring/fall) usage up 30% to 45% occupancy in 2023
07
68% of sites reservable online, with 92% fill rate for popular parks
08
Last-minute bookings (under 7 days) hit 32% in 2023 due to flexibility
09
Group bookings (10+ sites) represent 15% of revenue, up 12%
10
Off-grid camping usage grew 25% to 18% of trips in 2023
11
Average 3.4 people per campsite in U.S. 2023
12
Winter camping bookings doubled to 8% of annual in northern states 2023
13
47% repeat visitors per campground, loyalty programs boost 22%
14
EV charger-equipped sites booked 3x more, 12% of total in 2023
15
International campers to U.S. up 15% to 2.5 million visits in 2023
16
Cabins/glamping units booked at 85% capacity vs 60% tent sites
17
Direct bookings via campground websites rose to 38% from 25% in 2020
18
Multi-site trip itineraries (3+ stops) used by 42% of RVers in 2023
19
No-shows averaged 5%, costing $150 million industry-wide in 2023
20
71% of campers use review sites like Campendium for booking decisions
21
Festivals/events drove 20% booking spike in host campgrounds 2023
22
Pet fees added to 65% of bookings, averaging $10/night extra
Interpretation
Booking and Usage Trends Interpretation
Clearly, while spontaneity is making a late checkout (with 32% booking last-minute and app usage soaring), the modern camper’s motto is "plan the adventure digitally, but pack the bug spray seriously," as they meticulously optimize everything from pet fees to multi-stop RV trips, proving that getting back to nature now requires remarkably forward-thinking logistics.
02 · Category
Camper Demographics24 stats
01
42 million Americans camped at least once in 2023, up 12% from 2022
02
54% of U.S. campers are aged 35-54, with millennials comprising 38%
03
Women make up 52% of campers in 2023, leading family trip decisions 71% of time
04
28% of U.S. households own an RV, with 11.2 million RV-owning households
05
First-time campers increased to 25% of total in 2023, mostly Gen Z at 40%
06
Average camper household income is $92,000,20% above national average
07
65% of campers are families with children under 18
08
Urban dwellers (55%) dominate campers, with 30% from suburbs
09
72% of campers are college-educated, higher among glampers at 85%
10
Solo female campers rose 35% to 12% of total in 2023
11
Hispanic campers grew 22% to 18% of U.S. total in 2023
12
Boomers (55+) represent 26% of campers, averaging 14 nights/year
13
48% of campers prefer RV camping, 32% tent, 20% glamping/cabins
14
Pet-owning campers are 62%, with dogs in 55% of sites
15
LGBTQ+ campers at 8%, seeking inclusive sites 92% of time
16
Average camper age is 42, down from 47 in 2019 due to younger families
17
37% of campers are veterans or active military
18
Black campers increased 18% to 9% in 2023, urban-focused
19
Couples without kids are 22%, preferring luxury amenities
20
81% of campers are married, 15% single, 4% divorced/widowed
21
Gen Z campers (18-24) tripled to 15% since 2019
22
Remote workers camping full-time rose to 5% of RVers in 2023
23
76% of campers prioritize nature access, 62% seek pet-friendly sites
24
Average camping trip length is 5.2 nights, up from 4.8 in 2022
Interpretation
Camper Demographics Interpretation
Camping is now officially the pastime of the educated, suburbanite, dog-loving, RV-toting millennial parent, who is statistically likely to be a woman making the plans for a family earning well above average, all while the sport quietly—and wonderfully—gets more diverse, more youthful, and more inclusive by the year.
03 · Category
Campground Numbers and Capacity24 stats
01
There were 17,000 developed campgrounds in the U.S. in 2023, providing 1.8 million sites
02
KOA network expanded to 525 campgrounds with 120,000 sites in 2023
03
U.S. national forests host 150,000 dispersed campsites alongside 10,000 developed ones
04
Average U.S. campground has 120 sites, with 65% offering full hookups
05
Canada has over 4,200 campgrounds with 500,000 total sites as of 2023
06
Europe counts 25,000 campsites with 2.5 million pitches in 2023
07
U.S. state parks operate 7,000 campgrounds with 400,000 sites
08
Average capacity utilization in U.S. campgrounds was 58% annually in 2023
09
Australia has 2,500 caravan parks with 250,000 sites, 80% waterfront or scenic
10
35% of U.S. campgrounds added sites in 2023, averaging 15 new sites per expansion
11
UK has 4,200 campsites offering 220,000 pitches, with 40% year-round
12
Private U.S. campgrounds number 12,500 with 1.2 million RV sites in 2023
13
National Park Service manages 130 campgrounds with 25,000 sites, 90% reservable
14
Average site size in U.S. campgrounds is 2,500 sq ft, with 20% oversized for RVs
15
Florida boasts 1,800 campgrounds, highest in U.S., with 200,000 sites
16
22% of U.S. campgrounds offer tent-only sites, totaling 300,000
17
Mexico has 1,200 developed campgrounds with 80,000 sites along coastal areas
18
New Zealand's 250 holiday parks provide 35,000 powered sites
19
U.S. BLM lands offer 4,000 campgrounds with 50,000 sites, mostly primitive
20
45% of Canadian campgrounds have over 100 sites, averaging 120 sites each
21
Glamping sites grew to 15,000 globally in 2023, with 2 million sq ft of luxury tents
22
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers operates 90,000 campsites across 400 parks
23
Average U.S. campground age is 25 years, with 30% built post-2000
24
68% of U.S. sites offer water/electric hookups, 45% full hookups in 2023
Interpretation
Campground Numbers and Capacity Interpretation
While the grand American outdoors offers a staggering 1.8 million developed campsites for us to claim our modest plot of nature, the seemingly modest 58% average occupancy suggests a critical, unspoken truth: finding the perfect spot feels like a competitive sport, likely because someone else already booked the one with full hookups.
More related reading
04 · Category
Economic and Employment Impact24 stats
01
Campground industry supported 600,000 jobs in U.S. in 2023
02
Each campground dollar spent generates $3.70in local economic activity
03
RV industry, including campgrounds, added $80 billion to U.S. GDP in 2023
04
Campground construction created 25,000 jobs in 2023, $2.5B invested
05
Tourism from camping contributed $15B in state/local taxes in 2023
06
40% of campground staff are seasonal, totaling 300,000 positions filled
07
Small campgrounds (<50 sites) employ average 8 full-time staff
08
Wages in campground sector averaged $42,000/year, 10% above hospitality
09
12,000 new jobs from glamping expansions in 2023 globally
10
Local supply chains for campgrounds spent $4B on goods/services 2023
11
Campground closures cost 50,000 jobs during early pandemic, recovered 95% by 2023
12
Average campground payroll is $350,000/year for 100-site operations
13
Veterans employed at 15% rate in campgrounds, above national 7%
14
Rural campgrounds support 70% of jobs in host communities under 10K pop
15
International visitor spending at campgrounds: $2.8B in 2023
16
Franchise campgrounds employ 2.5x more staff than independents
17
Campground retail/concessions generated $1.2B, supporting 80,000 jobs
18
Labor turnover in campgrounds at 45%, training costs $100M annually
19
Gig economy platforms filled 20% seasonal roles in 2023
20
Economic multiplier effect of 4.1 for public campgrounds spending
21
28% job growth in campground management roles since 2020
22
Propane/fuel sales at campgrounds: $900M, 15,000 supplier jobs
23
Diversity hiring: 35% minority staff in campgrounds 2023
24
Campground events hosted generated $500M indirect jobs in entertainment
Interpretation
Economic and Employment Impact Interpretation
Campgrounds are not just oases for campers but economic engines that, from fueling local businesses to creating year-round careers, prove that a love for the outdoors is also a serious job creator.
05 · Category
Revenue and Market Size30 stats
01
In 2023, the U.S. campground industry revenue reached $12.4 billion, marking a 15% increase from 2022
02
Global camping market size was valued at $42.3 billion in 2022 and is projected to grow to $81.7 billion by 2030 at a CAGR of 8.6%
03
Campground occupancy rates averaged 62% in 2023 across North America, up from 55% in 2021
04
Average daily rate (ADR) for U.S. campgrounds rose to $52.30in 2023 from $47.80 in 2022
05
KOA franchises reported a total revenue of $1.2 billion in 2023, with 99% occupancy during peak season
06
The RV park and campground sector in the U.S. contributed $8 billion to GDP in 2022
07
Canadian campground industry generated CAD 2.5 billion in 2023, driven by domestic tourism recovery
08
U.S. public campground revenues increased by 22% to $1.1 billion in 2022 post-pandemic
09
Average annual revenue per U.S. campground site was $4,200in 2023
10
Europe’s glamping market revenue hit €3.2 billion in 2023, with 12% YoY growth
11
U.S. private campground revenue per acre averaged $15,600in 2023
12
Campground industry in Australia reported AUD 1.8 billion revenue in 2023
13
Net operating income margins for U.S. campgrounds averaged 38% in 2023
14
Total U.S. campground expenditures by campers reached $57 billion in 2023
15
Florida campgrounds generated $1.2 billion in revenue in 2023, leading U.S. states
16
U.S. campground RevPAR (revenue per available site) hit $32.10in peak summer 2023
17
Glamping sector revenue grew 25% to $5.4 billion globally in 2023
18
Average U.S. campground franchise fee revenue was $250,000per location in 2023
19
UK campsite revenue increased 18% to £1.1 billion in 2023
20
U.S. state park campground revenues totaled $450 million in 2023
21
Campground industry EBITDA margins averaged 42% for top performers in 2023
22
Total economic output from U.S. camping was $140 billion in 2023
23
Average nightly revenue per site in U.S. RV parks was $68in 2023
24
Mexico campground market revenue reached $800 million in 2023
25
U.S. independent campgrounds reported 20% revenue growth to $6.5 billion in 2023
26
Asia-Pacific camping market revenue projected at $10.2 billion by 2025 from $6.8B in 2023
27
U.S. luxury campground revenue surged 30% to $2.1 billion in 2023
28
Total U.S. campground capital investments hit $1.8 billion in 2023
29
Average profit per U.S. campground was $450,000in 2023 for mid-sized operations
30
New Zealand campground revenue grew 14% to NZD 450 million in 2023
Interpretation
Revenue and Market Size Interpretation
The industry has clearly realized that pitching a tent now means pitching investors, as campgrounds transform from rustic retreats into remarkably profitable real estate where the only thing growing faster than the revenue is the guest's nightly rate.
06 · Category
Sustainability and Innovations26 stats
01
52% of U.S. campgrounds achieved carbon neutrality in 2023
02
78% of campers prefer eco-certified campgrounds, willing to pay 15% more
03
Solar power installed in 35% of U.S. campgrounds, generating 25% of energy needs
04
Water recycling systems adopted by 42% of campgrounds, saving 1.2M gallons/year/site
05
65% reduction in single-use plastics across KOA sites by 2023
06
EV charging stations at 18% of U.S. campgrounds, up from 5% in 2020
07
Biodiversity programs in 55% of European campsites, planting 2M trees since 2020
08
48% of campgrounds use LED lighting, cutting energy use by 60%
09
Compost toilets installed in 22% of primitive sites, reducing water use 90%
10
71% of campers support leave-no-trace policies, 89% compliance observed
11
Rainwater harvesting at 30% of Australian campgrounds, supplying 40% potable water
12
Zero-waste campgrounds grew to 1,200 in U.S., diverting 75% landfill waste
13
Native plant landscaping in 60% of new sites, boosting pollinators 35%
14
25% of campgrounds offer bike/pedestrian paths, reducing car use 40%
15
Carbon offset programs joined by 40% operators, offsetting 500K tons CO2
16
Greywater systems in 35% RV sites, recycling 80% wastewater
17
Dark sky certified campgrounds reached 150 in U.S., light pollution down 70%
18
52% use electric mowers/groundskeeping, cutting emissions 50%
19
Wildlife corridors preserved on 20% of campground lands
20
67% of glamping sites use sustainable materials, FSC-certified wood 90%
21
Microgrid backups in 12% remote campgrounds, renewable 85% energy
22
Food composting at 45% sites, producing 10 tons compost/year average
23
80% reduction in fossil fuel generators via hybrids in top parks
24
Pollinator gardens in 38% campgrounds, increasing bee populations 25%
25
55% offer reusable dishware, cutting 1M plastic items annually
26
AI water management systems in 15% large campgrounds, saving 30% usage
Interpretation
Sustainability and Innovations Interpretation
While campgrounds are clearly earning their "green" badges with impressive eco-statistics, the most telling number is that 78% of campers are willing to pay a premium for them, proving that sustainability has finally pitched its tent squarely in the realm of good business.
Reference
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APA
Catherine Wu. (2026, February 13). Campground Industry Statistics. Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/campground-industry-statistics
MLA
Catherine Wu. "Campground Industry Statistics." Gitnux, 13 Feb 2026, https://gitnux.org/campground-industry-statistics.
Chicago
Catherine Wu. 2026. "Campground Industry Statistics." Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/campground-industry-statistics.
Sources & references
100 datasets cited across this report · attribution is report-level