Camping is more popular than ever, with Gen Z leading the charge. According to Kampgrounds of America’s 2025 Camping and Outdoor Hospitality Report, younger generations are driving the growth of camping, with 61% of new campers last year being Gen Z or millennials. The report also found that camping spending is on the rise, reaching $61 billion in 2024, with Gen Z campers spending more daily than any other generation. This trend is significant, as it shows that younger generations are willing to spend more on their camping trips. Gen Z campers are not just looking for an affordable way to travel; they’re also willing to splurge on experiences and amenities. According to Toby O’Rourke, CEO and president of KOA, North America’s largest network of privately-owned campgrounds, “Definitely, the growth is being driven by those younger generations.”
The Rise of Glamping
Glamping is a type of camping that involves more elevated experiences with unique accommodations. It’s a trend that’s gaining popularity among Gen Z campers, and KOA is focusing on upgrading its existing locations with more glamping options. For instance, KOA has a glamping resort in Maine, the Terramor Outdoor Resort, near Acadia National Park. The resort features 64 canvas tents with electricity and wifi, a portable heater, and a noise machine. This type of accommodation is perfect for Gen Z campers who want to experience the great outdoors without sacrificing comfort. The rise of glamping is driven by the desire for unique and luxurious experiences. Gen Z campers are willing to pay more for experiences that offer a high level of quality and comfort.
Gen Z Campers: A New Breed
Gen Z campers are a new breed of camper that’s driving the growth of the camping industry. They’re younger, more tech-savvy, and more willing to spend money on experiences. According to O’Rourke, Gen Z campers are willing to spend more on their camping trips than any other generation. They’re also more likely to rent gear for activities or spend more on food and experiences in the local community. For example, KOA found that Gen Z campers spent an average of $266 per day on their camping trips, compared to $134 for baby boomers.
A Cost-Effective Option
Camping is a cost-effective option for many travelers. According to O’Rourke, 72% of campers consider it a cost-effective way to travel. This is because camping allows travelers to stay closer to home or take shorter stays, which can be more budget-friendly. KOA is also making camping more accessible by offering upgrades and modernization. For instance, the company is focusing on adding more glamping options and specialty patio sites for RVs.
A Shift in Travel Preferences
The travel industry is shifting towards more affordable vacations, with many Americans opting for road trips or national parks. According to travel industry experts, many Americans will change their plans rather than cancel a trip altogether, opting for more affordable options. The rise of camping is also driven by the desire for unique and luxurious experiences.
A New Era for Camping
The camping industry is undergoing a transformation, driven by the growing popularity of Gen Z campers. KOA is leading the way, offering more glamping options and modernizing its existing locations. According to O’Rourke, “They see high value in stays at campgrounds over how far their dollar goes at a resort or hotels even.” This shift in travel preferences is a new era for camping, one that’s driven by the growing popularity of Gen Z campers. In this new era, camping is more than just a budget-friendly option; it’s a luxury experience that offers a unique and unforgettable experience.
| Year | Camping Spending |
|---|---|
| 2024 | $61 billion |
| 2023 | $55 billion |
| 2022 | $51 billion |
The camping industry is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by the growing popularity of Gen Z campers. According to O’Rourke, “That’s what I put a lot of my time into thinking about because otherwise if it’s difficult, they’re not going to do it anymore.” She’s focused on addressing pain points or the aspects of camping that make it too difficult for someone to try for the first time or stick with. KOA is committed to making camping more accessible and enjoyable for all generations.
“I’m always focused on addressing pain points or the aspects of camping that make it too difficult for someone to try for the first time or stick with,” said Toby O’Rourke, CEO and president of KOA.
The camping industry is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by the growing popularity of Gen Z campers. According to O’Rourke, KOA is committed to making camping more accessible and enjoyable for all generations. The company is focused on upgrading existing locations with more glamping or specialty patio sites for RVs. KOA’s commitment to making camping more accessible and enjoyable is driven by a desire to meet the demands and expectations of the current camper and the changing camper. Definitions:
Glamping refers to a type of camping that involves more elevated experiences with unique accommodations. It can refer to a large, fancy tent with a real bed, a tiny cabin, or something unique like a treehouse or yurt.
Camping is a type of travel that involves staying in a tent or a campsite in the wilderness. It can involve a range of activities, including hiking, fishing, and wildlife watching.
KOA stands for Kampgrounds of America, a network of privately-owned campgrounds in North America.
Gen Z refers to people born between 1997 and 2012. This generation is known for being tech-savvy and willing to spend money on experiences.
A glamping resort is a type of resort that offers glamping options, such as luxury tents or cabins, in addition to other amenities.
A specialty patio site is a type of campsite that offers a unique or luxurious experience, such as a private patio or a fire pit.
An RV stands for Recreational Vehicle. It’s a type of vehicle that is designed for camping and offers a range of amenities, including a bed, kitchen, and bathroom.
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