Forget hotels and crowded resorts; with over 83 million Americans now camping each year and glamping bookings surging globally, the great outdoors has become the ultimate vacation hotspot, backed by a booming $31 billion domestic industry.
Key Takeaways
- In 2023, the U.S. outdoor hospitality industry generated $31 billion in revenue from camping and RV parks alone
- Global glamping market size reached $5.8 billion in 2022 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 15.2% through 2030
- RV park occupancy rates averaged 65% in 2023, up 5% from 2022, driven by domestic travel
- 57% of U.S. millennials prefer outdoor hospitality over hotels for vacations
- 42 million Americans aged 18-34 camped at least once in 2023
- Female participation in camping reached 49% of total campers in 2023, up from 44% in 2019
- Average profit margin for U.S. campgrounds was 28% in 2023
- RV park operating expenses averaged 62% of revenue, primarily labor and utilities
- Premium site nightly rates averaged $85 in 2023, up 9% YoY
- Southeast U.S. campgrounds had 72% occupancy vs. national 65% in 2023
- California state parks recorded 7.2 million camper nights in 2023
- Florida RV parks generated $2.1 billion revenue, leading U.S. states in 2023
- 75% of U.S. campgrounds adopted solar power by end of 2023
- Water conservation measures reduced usage by 22% at participating sites in 2023
- Zero-waste initiatives in glamping resorts achieved 65% diversion rate 2023
The outdoor hospitality industry is booming as revenue and interest in nature-based travel surge.
Consumer Behavior
- 57% of U.S. millennials prefer outdoor hospitality over hotels for vacations
- 42 million Americans aged 18-34 camped at least once in 2023
- Female participation in camping reached 49% of total campers in 2023, up from 44% in 2019
- 68% of Gen Z travelers book outdoor stays via apps like Hipcamp
- Families with children under 18 account for 55% of campground bookings
- 73% of campers prioritize Wi-Fi access at sites in 2023 surveys
- Solo female travelers in glamping increased 28% YoY in 2023
- 62% of U.S. households own camping gear, with average spend $450/year
- Pet-friendly site demand: 81% of campers travel with pets in 2023
- 39% of campers are first-timers post-2020, mostly urban dwellers
- Average length of stay at RV parks: 5.2 nights in 2023
- 76% of campers seek experiential activities like hiking on-site
- LGBTQ+ camper segment grew to 12% of total in 2023
- 51% of high-income households ($100k+) choose glamping annually
- Repeat campers loyalty rate: 67% return to same campground within 2 years
- 44% of campers influenced by social media influencers in booking decisions
- Off-grid camping preference: 29% among millennials in 2023
- Group bookings (6+ people) represent 23% of reservations in 2023
- 65% of campers aged 35-54 book 3+ months in advance
- Eco-conscious consumers: 58% willing to pay 20% premium for sustainable sites
- Weekend warriors (Fri-Sun stays) comprise 72% of visits
- Digital nomads using RV parks: 15% growth to 2.5 million in 2023
- 49% of Hispanic Americans camped in 2023, highest growth demographic
- Couples without kids: 31% of glamping market share
- Average camper age: 42 years in 2023, skewing younger by 3 years since 2019
- 71% of campers value proximity to nature over amenities
- Nightly rate sensitivity: 54% book under $50/site
- 67% of U.S. campers are college-educated
- Seasonal preference: 82% camp May-September
- Average annual campground spend per household: $1,200 in 2023
Consumer Behavior Interpretation
The modern campground has become a surprisingly democratic and digitally savvy village where a Wi-Fi connected, college-educated, pet-loving millennial family might grill next to a solo female glamper while a group of friends plans their hike via influencer recommendation, all proof that the call of the wild now comes with a strong signal and a booking app.
Financial Performance
- Average profit margin for U.S. campgrounds was 28% in 2023
- RV park operating expenses averaged 62% of revenue, primarily labor and utilities
- Premium site nightly rates averaged $85 in 2023, up 9% YoY
- Campground EBITDA margins reached 35% for top-quartile operators in 2023
- Utility costs per site: $4,200 annually in 2023 for full-hookup RV sites
- Revenue per available site (RevPAS) for glamping: $250/night in 2023
- Labor costs consumed 32% of total expenses in campgrounds 2023
- Average acquisition cost for RV parks: $1.2 million per 50 sites in 2023
- Marketing ROI for digital ads in outdoor hospitality: 4.2x in 2023
- Insurance premiums for campgrounds rose 15% to $12,000 average in 2023
- Yield management increased occupancy by 8%, boosting revenue 12% in 2023 pilots
- Maintenance capex per site: $2,500/year in 2023 for mid-tier parks
- Ancillary revenue (stores, rentals) averaged 22% of total in 2023
- Debt service coverage ratio for financed parks: 1.8x average in 2023
- Seasonal campgrounds had 45% higher margins than year-round in off-peak analysis 2023
- Online booking commissions: 5-8% of revenue, totaling $150 million industry-wide 2023
- Franchise royalty fees: 5% of gross for KOA sites, generating $20 million in 2023
- Energy costs up 18% to $1,800/site due to electrification in 2023
- Profit per employee: $65,000 in high-performing resorts 2023
- Tax incentives saved operators 7% on capex for green upgrades in 2023
- Average cap rate for RV park sales: 7.2% in 2023 transactions
- Revenue growth from add-ons like bike rentals: 15% uplift in 2023
- Bad debt from cancellations: under 2% with insurance in 2023
- ROI on site upgrades: 18 months payback for Wi-Fi installs 2023
Financial Performance Interpretation
Campgrounds are clearly becoming cash campsites, where the modern owner's biggest challenge is smiling through the pain of razor-thin operating margins while somehow still making a profit that would make a hotelier weep with envy.
Market Growth
- In 2023, the U.S. outdoor hospitality industry generated $31 billion in revenue from camping and RV parks alone
- Global glamping market size reached $5.8 billion in 2022 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 15.2% through 2030
- RV park occupancy rates averaged 65% in 2023, up 5% from 2022, driven by domestic travel
- The outdoor hospitality sector saw a 12% increase in new campground developments in North America between 2021 and 2023
- U.S. camping participation grew to 83.3 million campers in 2023, a 4.2% YoY increase
- Campground revenue per site averaged $45,000 annually in 2023 across premium RV resorts
- The adventure tourism segment within outdoor hospitality expanded by 22% globally from 2019 to 2023
- U.S. RV shipments hit 500,112 units in 2023, boosting demand for RV-friendly campgrounds
- Glamping site bookings surged 28% in Europe during summer 2023 compared to 2022
- Total U.S. outdoor recreation economy contributed $639.4 billion to GDP in 2022, with camping at 18%
- North American campground industry valuation reached $8.2 billion in 2023
- Post-pandemic, family camping trips increased by 15% annually through 2023
- Luxury outdoor hospitality resorts saw 20% revenue growth in 2023 due to high-end amenities
- U.S. public campground usage rose 10% in national parks in 2023, totaling 13 million nights
- RV campground expansion projects numbered 450 in the U.S. in 2023
- Global outdoor hospitality market expected to reach $92 billion by 2028 at 9.5% CAGR
- KOA campgrounds reported 14.5% growth in night stays in 2023
- Boutique glamping market in Asia-Pacific grew 18% YoY in 2023
- U.S. private campground revenues hit $6.5 billion in 2023, up 8% from prior year
- Eco-luxury campsites bookings increased 25% worldwide in 2023
- U.S. camper van rentals for outdoor stays rose 30% in 2023
- Campground franchise investments grew 11% in 2023, led by brands like KOA
- International tourists to U.S. campgrounds up 19% in 2023 post-COVID
- Tent camping revenue share was 42% of total outdoor hospitality in 2023
- VRBO outdoor listings grew 16% globally in 2023
- U.S. state park campground occupancy hit 70% average in peak season 2023
- Corporate retreats in outdoor settings increased 22% in 2023
- Mobile glamping units deployments rose 35% in Europe 2023
- U.S. RV resort construction permits issued: 1,200 in 2023
- Overall outdoor hospitality employment grew 7% to 1.2 million jobs in 2023
Market Growth Interpretation
America has collectively decided that roughing it no longer means roughing it, as we’ve upgraded from leaky tents to luxury yurts and billion-dollar RV resorts, proving that the great outdoors is now a very great—and very lucrative—indoor/outdoor hybrid experience.
Regional Insights
- Southeast U.S. campgrounds had 72% occupancy vs. national 65% in 2023
- California state parks recorded 7.2 million camper nights in 2023
- Florida RV parks generated $2.1 billion revenue, leading U.S. states in 2023
- Colorado's glamping market grew 25% YoY with 1,500 new sites in 2023
- Texas had 1,800 RV parks, highest density at 14 per 100k residents 2023
- Pacific Northwest occupancy peaked at 78% summer 2023 due to nature tourism
- Midwest campgrounds saw 11% international visitor increase in 2023
- Arizona desert glamping bookings up 32% in winter 2023 snowbird season
- New York state private campgrounds: 420 sites average revenue $1.1M each 2023
- Canadian Rockies campgrounds at 85% capacity July 2023
- Southeast Asia outdoor hospitality market led by Thailand with $1.2B in 2023
- Australia caravan parks hosted 12 million nights, up 9% in 2023
- Michigan's Upper Peninsula had 92% occupancy in fall color season 2023
- Europe: UK glamping sites numbered 5,200 in 2023
- Nevada RV resorts near Vegas: 68% year-round occupancy 2023
- Ontario, Canada: 2,500 campgrounds generated CAD 4.5B in 2023
- South Carolina coastal sites up 18% bookings post-hurricane recovery 2023
- Alps region (France/Italy) mountain glamping grew 21% in 2023
- Oregon coast campgrounds: 1.1 million visitors in 2023
- Mexico Riviera Maya eco-camps: 450 sites at 75% occupancy 2023
- Pennsylvania Amish country RV parks: $450M revenue cluster 2023
- Scandinavia (Norway/Sweden) wilderness camping: 3 million nights 2023
- Utah national parks vicinity sites: 95% peak occupancy 2023
- New Zealand glamping lodges: 1,200 properties, $800M revenue 2023
Regional Insights Interpretation
The data suggests a global pandemic of nature deficiency, with the American South bravely leading the treatment by camping, while everyone from Florida retirees to Alps adventurers is self-medicating with varying degrees of luxury under the open sky.
Sustainability Practices
- 75% of U.S. campgrounds adopted solar power by end of 2023
- Water conservation measures reduced usage by 22% at participating sites in 2023
- Zero-waste initiatives in glamping resorts achieved 65% diversion rate 2023
- EV charging stations at RV parks: 40% penetration by 2023
- Native plant landscaping covered 58% of new developments in 2023
- Carbon offset programs enrolled 72% of KOA campgrounds in 2023
- LED lighting retrofits saved 15% energy costs industry-wide 2023
- Biodiversity monitoring apps used at 35% of sites in 2023
- Compost toilets installed in 28% of primitive sites by 2023
- Rainwater harvesting systems: 45% adoption in arid region parks 2023
- Sustainable seafood sourcing at campground eateries: 62% compliance 2023
- Tree-planting partnerships offset 1.2 million tons CO2 in 2023
- Greywater recycling at 52% of eco-resorts reduced freshwater use 30% 2023
- Dark sky compliance: 41% of sites certified by 2023
- Electric shuttle services replaced gas vehicles at 29% large parks 2023
- Organic waste composting: 67% diversion at family campgrounds 2023
- Solar-powered site lighting: 80% coverage in new builds 2023
- Wildlife corridor preservation integrated in 36% expansions 2023
- Low-flow fixtures saved 1.5 billion gallons water industry-wide 2023
- Green certifications (LEED-like) held by 24% premium properties 2023
- Methane capture from septic systems piloted at 15% sites 2023
- Pollinator gardens at 48% sites boosted local bee populations 2023
- Geothermal heating in 12% northern campgrounds cut fossil fuel use 40% 2023
- Plastic-free policies: 69% of glamping sites by 2023
- Renewable energy share: 32% of total consumption in sector 2023
Sustainability Practices Interpretation
The outdoor hospitality industry is earnestly trying to save the planet so that our great-great-grandchildren will still have a place to park their solar-powered RVs, charge their EVs, and enjoy a guilt-free s'more under a certified dark sky.
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