The March Kampgrounds of America (KOA) Monthly Research Report says 64% of campers expect to take a camping trip this year. Half of campers indicate they already booked some of their trips.
KOA’s monthly research reports provide snapshots of KOA’s annual North American Camping Report findings, to be released in April.
“Between what campers are telling us and our reservation data, it is clear that camping will be a popular way to travel again this year,” Kampgrounds of America Chief Marketing Officer Whitney Scott said. “Campers and leisure travelers alike are looking to get out and try new things as COVID-19 wanes.”
In February, about 30% of those surveyed for the report said COVID-19 concerns negatively impacted their camping plans. This month, only 19% said they would be unlikely to camp because of the pandemic.
According to the March report, travelers would like to try varied travel experiences in 2022. Of those surveyed, 33% want to take extended road trips, 26% to visit national parks and 20% to hike long trails such as the Appalachian.
One-in-five respondents indicated they had a warm-weather camping trip in mind for spring break. Sixteen percent of Canadian campers plan to spend spring break trips closer to home, KOA stated.
“Even as fuel prices rise, people are still looking to vacation, and camping is an affordable travel option,” Scott said. “Recent fluctuations in gas prices are something we are keeping an eye on but knowing that most campers stay within 100 miles of home, we think the industry will be resilient. We plan to share results around gas prices in our April KOA Research Report.”
