The Rise of Glamping - and Evolving Camping Trends in 2024

Like everything else, camping trends evolve and change over time as new products and customs develop. With new trends emerging and reshaping how people experience the great outdoors and with what level of “luxury” they may or may not require for their enjoyment of camping, we’ve taken some time to report updates on the most popular ways of camping today.

One trend that has really flourished in the past few years is glamping. Glamping is a fusion of glamour and camping, making it a more luxurious and comfortable way to connect with nature. Kampgrounds of America (KOA), a Custom Glass Solutions partner, has provided a report on valuable insights into these emerging consumer trends and the evolving preferences of campers.

Glamping: A New Wave in Outdoor Hospitality

KOA’s Camping and Outdoor Hospitality Glamping report highlights the significant growth of glamping in the past five years. According to KOA President and CEO Toby O’Rourke, glamping has not only introduced new campers to the outdoor hospitality space but has also fostered a loyal community of glampers. In 2023, nearly one-third (34%) of new consumers who camp identified as glampers, with around 2.7 million new campers trying glamping. Impressively, 80% of these first-timers expressed their intention to camp or glamp again.

Glampers enjoy various types of accommodations and amenities. A substantial 84% of consumers favored staying at dedicated glamping resorts or full-service campgrounds equipped with amenities like showers, bathrooms, food services, stores and Wi-Fi. Additionally, of that 84%, 24% stayed at outdoor resorts specifically geared towards glamping, and 42% stayed at campgrounds offering both camping and glamping options. Cabins, motor homes and vintage trailers, such as Airstreams, were among the popular choices for glampers, with 29% opting for cabins and 15% for vintage trailers.

Safety and Demographics in Glamping

Safety is a significant motivator for glampers, who tend to be younger than traditional campers. Millennials and Gen Z consumers account for 61% of the glamping demographic. Moreover, more than half (58%) of glampers have children, and 41% are people of color. These groups often seek meditation and mindfulness experiences and prefer locations that offer water-based activities. Glampers also tend to be tech-savvy, frequently using artificial intelligence tools to plan their trips.

Blending Travel Types for Immersive Experiences

KOA’s “Camping Trips and Travel Experience” report reveals that consumers are increasingly seeking to blend different travel types to create more eclectic and immersive experiences. Many campers expressed a desire to share natural experiences with friends and family, emphasizing the importance of slowing down and savoring the moment. This evolving trend is characterized by a mix of seclusion and everyday comforts, with specific natural events, such as eclipses, driving many travel experiences.

Popular activities among campers include enjoying an adult beverage by a campfire, fishing, hiking, scenic drives, bird watching, stargazing and visiting historical sites. The trend towards diverse and elevated experiences, along with advanced travel equipment, has also led to an increase in overlanding and backcountry camping. However, glamping remains the leader for first-time camping experiences, with 32% of campers trying glamping for the first time in 2023.

The Growing Popularity of Winter Camping

While peak camping season travel has seen a slight decline, camping during the shoulder seasons and winter has gained popularity. Approximately one in four active camping households participated in winter camping during the 2023/2024 winter season. This shift indicates a growing interest in year-round camping and the desire for unique seasonal experiences. While some campgrounds may be closed in the winter months, others are open year-round and will offer campsites that are less crowded than the busier summer months – a nice boon for winter enthusiasts!

Traveling with Pets: A Family Affair

RV travel has become a favored option for families, including with their furry companions. According to Go RVing’s Monthly Trend Report, more than 64% of American RVers travel with dogs, reflecting a 24% increase from KOA’s 2012 findings. The Dyrt’s 2024 Camping Report supports this trend, noting that 53.7% of RVers bring their dogs camping, and 5.8% bring their cats. RVers are 20.8% more likely to travel with pets compared to other camping forms, making pet-friendly campgrounds and RV parks increasingly popular.

RV Camping Trends are Always Swinging 

The camping and outdoor hospitality industry is always adapting to meet the differences and elevated expectations of modern consumers. Glamping, with its blend of luxury and nature, has introduced new demographics to camping. As trends like winter camping and pet-friendly travel gain traction, the industry continues to change – ensuring that all campers, whether traditional or glampers, human or animal, are enjoying safe, fun and fulfilling experiences and having opportunities that stimulate their curiosity and desire for adventure.

Keep Your RV Adventure Ready

As an RV owner, your RV should always be ready for the next adventure with top-notch RV glass and RV windshield replacement services. Don’t let a cracked windshield ruin your trip—get it fixed and hit the road with confidence! Contact us today to learn more about our excellent RV glass services and how we can keep your RV in perfect condition. If you already know that your windshield needs some work, use our handy tool to find the nearest approved glass shop who partners with Custom Glass Solutions for your glass repair or replacement project!  Thanks for reading.