Over the past 10 years, active campers have increased by 68%, adding an additional 21.6 million households. According to the most recent KOA North American Camping & Outdoor Hospitality Report, 26% of campers were from the boomer generation in 2023, a 19-point increase over 2022. Boomers also make up 22% of new campers.
This is backed up by findings from the Go RVing website and the RV Industry Association’s research. The study also indicates that 30% of Go RVing’s known site traffic are people 55 and older.
Additionally, 34% of Baby Boomer/Silent Generation leisure travelers are planning an RV trip in the next year according to the association’s latest travel intentions survey.
“We saw huge growth in Baby Boomers camping in 2023. Twenty-two percent of the new campers were Baby Boomers,” explained Toby O’Rourke, President and CEO of Kampgrounds of America. “I think as we look back, when we started doing this research 10 years ago, Baby Boomers were a very prevalent part of camping, and then as we went through the pandemic, a lot of those people were staying home probably out of fears, over health risks. Now they’re coming back out and camping.”
The Baby Boomers’ eager return to travel and adventure is echoed by travel insurance company Seven Corners, which finds that what many baby boomers seek is authenticity, novelty and human connection.
Additionally, a report from Hilton finds that, although Baby Boomers recognize the benefit of technology, they value the human aspect of hospitality.
- Baby Boomers are more than twice as likely to say “the human factor” of hospitality makes the travel experience rather than that technology helps reduce travel stress.
- Boomers also agree that service is paramount.
Understanding and catering to the increasing trend of Baby Boomers returning to travel is crucial for businesses in the industry, as their preferences for authenticity, human connection and high-quality service can significantly shape our strategies and offerings.
The RV and camping industry is well suited to provide authentic connections and experiences between family, friends and the great outdoors, increasing our appeal to consumers across all generations.
Toy Storage Nation advocates for development of Class A RV and boat storage facilities that provide the safest and most secure environment for outdoor-recreation enthusiasts to store their expensive, oversized toys, such as travel-trailers, campers, boats, ATVs, jet skis, etc.
“Industry experts believe toy storage is where the self-storage industry was 20 to 30 years ago, meaning that this niche is expected to boom in the coming years,” says Toy Storage Nation President Amy Bix. “We are the only organization in the country providing comprehensive tools–via our website and workshops–for developers, owners, operators and investors to advance their success in toy storage.”
