Kampgrounds of America, Inc. (KOA) Releases 2026 Camping & Outdoor Hospitality Report
Kampgrounds of America, Inc. (KOA) recently released their 2026 Camping & Outdoor Hospitality Report. The report highlights significant shifts in camping trends, driven by younger generations and evolving traveler preferences.
Key Findings:
Participation & Trends
- Over 52 million North American households camped in 2025, holding steady from 2024 and well above pre-pandemic levels
- Camping has become more casual — frequent campers (3+ times/year) are down 10 points since 2019, while once-a-year campers have surged
- Glamping now accounts for 29% of all camping and over 15 million households tried it in 2025
Who’s Camping
- Baby Boomers are making a comeback — 25% of new campers in 2025 were Boomers, up nearly 10 points from 2024
- Gen Z participation declined, primarily due to financial barriers
- Camper diversity fell to its lowest level since 2018
Economics
- Campers spent $66 billion in local communities in 2025, a 67% rise over five years
- Financial concerns are the #1 barrier to camping, especially for younger generations
- New campers in 2025 skew lower-income, broadening the demographic base
Wellness & Community
- 77% of U.S. campers say simply being in nature is enough — no structured programming needed
- 75% view campgrounds as meaningful “third places” for social connection outside home and work
Looking Ahead to 2026
- 31% of campers plan to take more trips and nights in 2026
- Major events like the Route 66 Centennial and FIFA World Cup are expected to boost outdoor travel
- Road trips, historic sites, and small towns are top travel interests
These findings point to an outdoor hospitality sector that is broadening its appeal, where more casual participation, rising demand for glamping and flexible experiences, and significant economic contributions are reshaping how campgrounds attract and serve a range of travelers.
To read the full 2026 KOA annual report along with KOA’s reports from past years, please click here.
If you’d like to learn more about what 2026 holds for the outdoor hospitality industry or to discuss your plans, reach out to our team here.