Kampgrounds of America’s (KOA) Monthly Research Report finds nearly 40% of campers are ready to travel again, while three-in-10 say fluctuating gas prices will not change their plans.
The KOA Monthly Research Report – April Edition indicates 38% of campers who have not traveled for a year or more plan to take at least one camping trip in 2021. However, increasing gas prices are a consideration for campers, with 71% saying fluctuations in fuel costs will impact their camping decisions to some degree.
Campers report, for the most part, they plan to keep hitting the road even if increasing gas prices alter their plans. Thirty-two percent of respondents said they plan to keep camping trips closer to home. A quarter of respondents indicated they will take fewer trips but stay longer at their destinations, or take fewer trips overall (24%). However, 29% of campers report changing gas prices will not change their camping plans.
“It is encouraging that even with gas prices reaching record highs, many campers are still planning to get out and explore,” said Whitney Scott, chief marketing officer of KOA. “The flexibility of camping is a real advantage to travelers; by choosing destinations nearby or altering road trip stops a camping trip can mitigate fuel costs in ways other types of travel cannot.”
While rising fuel costs affect RVing, 46% of respondents said they are very or somewhat likely to purchase a new RV in 2022. However, about 10% of RV owners said they would consider selling their RV if gas prices remain high.
Thirty-eight percent of campers say they plan to take at least one camping trip after not doing so for a year or more. The same percentage said they would travel or camp this year even if gas prices increase.
“Fuel prices are a big consideration, but we cannot underestimate the desire to travel,” Scott said. “Between those who have not traveled due to the pandemic and avid campers making plans regardless of gas prices, travelers are eager. We are not just seeing this in our research, but in our reservation data.”
To view the full findings of the KOA Monthly Research Report past and future editions, and review the research methodology, click here.
