BILLINGS, Mont. (Feb. 21, 2024) – Kampgrounds of America, Inc.’s (KOA) latest monthly report showcases a significant uptick in travel bookings for the 2024 season, particularly among Gen Z campers.
The report indicates the continuing trend of integrating road trips with camping, noting a 10% higher preference for road trips over traditional camping activities. This preference highlights a broader enthusiasm for exploration and adventure, with 59% of campers favoring road trips and 49% opting for stationary camping. According to a news release from KOA, “this underscores a deeper integration of road-tripping into the camping experience, reflecting a dynamic approach to travel and adventure.”
Travel demand has surged significantly beyond last year’s figures, with 64% of campers already making reservations for upcoming trips. This proactive booking behavior starkly contrasts with non-camping leisure travelers, of whom only 29% have made similar arrangements. Among these bookings, camping trips are the most popular (54%), followed by hotel stays (46%).
Gen Z campers and individuals who began camping during the COVID-19 pandemic lead the early booking trend. Key motivations for these bookings include family reunions, birthdays, and celebrations during major holidays such as Memorial Day and the 4th of July. This points to a collective desire to use these trips as opportunities to celebrate and deepen connections with loved ones.
“The increase in travel bookings year-over-year isn’t just about the act of traveling,” said Whitney Scott, senior vice president of strategy at Kampgrounds of America, Inc. “It reflects people’s desire to plan for meaningful celebrations and kindle relationships through shared experiences in the great outdoors. It’s heartening that the outdoors is becoming the place to commemorate milestones and strengthen bonds with family and friends.”
The report also notes that a segment of travelers (16%) has or intends to shorten booking windows in 2024, influenced by weather concerns and work schedules. This trend is less evident among RVers, while 25% of those combining camping with other forms of travel are inclined towards last-minute plans. Weather concerns, particularly among Gen Z campers and tent users, have prompted a more cautious approach to planning trip duration and timing.
“Although the intent to shorten booking windows in 2024 is observed within a small group of our campers, it’s crucial to recognize that this trend correlates significantly with the delaying and canceling plans in 2023,” said Scott. “It’s imperative that we stay ahead of these changes to ensure that we continue to meet the needs of our campers and adapt to the shifting landscape of outdoor recreation.”
##RVT1145b
KOA campgrounds are my first choice when we travel and when there is no public campground to stay at. I like KOA’s reservation system and I like the discounts with a paid KOA annual reward program membership and the earned points that further reduce camping fees. We are self-contained campers and stay in sites with full or partial hookups, so not everyone’s experience may be as delightful as ours. However, we think KOA campgrounds are perfect for our travels.
A lot if folks are really down on KOAs. I suppose it is a value thing mostly for them but we are the same as you Split, KOAs have a huge place in our travels on almost all of our Journey’s. Rarely are they part of our destination but are part of our journey to said destination at least 50% of the nights on the road. We have a list of KOAs we avoid, like Pocatello, ID. but also have a list of some we love, Salmon Arm, BC.
Happy trails Split Shaft.
Thank you, RV Travel. 🙂 We have made no reservations for any part of 2024 at any KOA as of yet. We will talk about future 2024 trips in the near future. Safe travels! 🙂