A survey recently conducted by RVIA indicates RV travel is rising in popularity in America. The association said this is likely due to multiple major events taking place across the country this spring.
The survey shows 34.6 million Americans plan to travel in an RV this spring, a 23% increase from the spring of 2025.
RVIA said large events such as America’s 250th anniversary, the World Cup, and Route 66’s Centennial may be driving interest this season.
RVIA spokesperson Monika Geraci said travelers prioritize affordability and flexibility, and RVing offers the freedom to explore on their own terms.
“With so many incredible destinations across the country, there has never been a better time to go RVing,” Geraci said. “RV travel allows people to create their own schedule, choose their favorite destinations and share unforgettable experiences just beyond their door.”
The survey found that 73% of current RV owners plan an RV spring trip. Better weather was cited as the top reason consumers are planning a spring RV travel trip, followed by fewer crowds, affordability, a desire to take a road trip and a desire to explore the outdoors.
Over half of respondents (58%) said they planned to visit a national park this spring, the most popular destination type, followed by beaches and coastal destinations.
Over half (51%) said they plan their RV trip to include their pets.
The survey noted an uptick in consumers planning longer RV trips. As affordability concerns have arisen over the past two years, consumers have sought destinations closer to home. This year, consumers planning trips of four to seven hours and eight to 15 hours have increased. RVIA said the findings suggested greater demand for regional road trips and multi-destination travel.
Different generations expressed varying priorities for RV travel. Baby boomers remain active RV travelers, the survey found, and rank travel trailers as their preferred RV. Gen X consumers showed the strongest commitment to buying an RV and traveling with pets.
Millennial consumers were the most likely to say they would travel with children. Gen Z consumers showed the highest engagement with the RV industry and were most likely to rent an RV.
RVIA said 74 million Americans are planning to go RVing over the next year.
The survey was conducted by Cairn Consulting of 1,626 consumers in February, targeting anticipated travel plans this spring by a statistically balanced cross-section of U.S. leisure travelers. Leisure travelers are defined as any U.S. residents who have taken some type of leisure trip in the past 12 months.
