The demand for RV parks and family campgrounds has sustained its upward trajectory over the last half-decade. The Recreational Vehicle Industry Association estimates that there are nearly 34.6 million RV enthusiasts in the nation, including RV renters.
As an RV park franchise owner that provides memorable experiences to groups of people each week, it’s essential to keep up with the camping industry trends. Here are five RV park trends that may shape your business.
1. An Influx of Younger, Tech-Savvy Campers
Modern stress and a desire to disconnect from hybrid work routines keep bringing new travelers to the outdoor hospitality sector. However, the demographic profile has drastically shifted. Millennial and Gen Z travelers now drive the majority of new caping activity, with 61% of first-time campers under the age of 40. Furthermore, the median age of RV owners has dropped steadily to 49 years old, and first-time owners account for 36% of the market. For your campsite business, you may pick up these new entrants to the camping world through spurring development at your RV park. Develop expansion strategies with your franchisor to build more amenities and campsites to accommodate the RV newbies.
2. Diversity in the Campground
More Americans are realizing that camping is not exclusive to a specific group or type of people. Adoption of RVing by minorities has been on the uptrend, creating more diversity in the campgrounds. A Survey by KOA Kampgrounds also shows that millennials are quickly adopting camping, making up 56% of the total participants. Diverse camper groups mean you may have to rethink your marketing strategies. You may need to refocus your target audience to bring in more campers to your RV park.
3. Connectivity
Avid camping enthusiasts have embraced working and schooling on the road this year. As the globe continues to grapple with the pandemic, it is essential to ensure that campers in your campgrounds can send the occasional mail and receive calls. You may need to strike a balance between providing a rustic feel in the campground and the necessity of connectivity in your RV park. That been said, most campers still feel that trip should be about disconnecting with the modern world and reconnecting with nature.
4. Online Booking
The process of buying a campground franchise also involves checking ways to streamline your operations while improving customer satisfaction. More campgrounds are turning towards technology to solve most of their problems, including the booking and check-in processes. Apps and website prompt allow campers to place reservations to specific campsite spots. Embracing the trend will make it convenient for your RVers to check available slots and book before they arrive.
5. RV Resorts Vs. Rustic Campgrounds
The last decade has seen an increase in the construction of over-the-top RV resorts with amenities such as swimming pools, spas, waterslides, yoga, and many more. Some campers may prefer this kind of camping, while others prefer the more rustic camping experiences. Though your business model, you may find new ways to focus on the right RV experience, targeting a specific campers’ group.
Owning family campgrounds is an excellent way to invest in real estate. Following up with camping trends makes it easier to remain relevant within the industry. You can ride on the trending waves to increase the number of campers in your RV park.
