Whether you are opening a new campground or revamping an existing business, these top campground trends for 2025 will help you appeal to guests and increase revenue. Camper demographics continue to shift, with more people embracing campgrounds as a way to disconnect, destress and make special memories.
As more people reserve campsites, the demand for quality campgrounds will also continue to increase. Learn more about the changing camper demographic and what top camping market trends you need to know to succeed as a campground owner in 2025. Becoming a KOA franchisee can help you capture more campers’ attention and grow your business over the next year.
Who Is Camping in 2025?
According to projections from Statista, the number of campers is expected to reach 80.88 million by 2029. In the United States, where camping is becoming increasingly popular, camping revenue is estimated to exceed $27 billion in 2025.
One of the fastest-growing groups of campers is millennials looking for budget-friendly vacations and memory-making activities. For this demographic, camping is the perfect way to disconnect from the digital world, get some space from global politics and rest away from the ongoing grind of work.
Other growing camping demographics include baby boomers and Gen Zers. According to a recent report from The Dyrt, four out of five campers plan to camp in or around a national park in 2025. Many campers surveyed are also returning to national parks they have visited before, showing that many campgrounds are attracting past guests.
What Is Trending at Campgrounds in 2025?
Campground industry trends reveal a desire for nostalgia, simplicity and memorable experiences while getting in touch with nature. Learn more about these seven notable 2025 camping trends and how to incorporate them into your campground for future success.
1. Nostalgia
Many campers in 2025 are looking for reminders of their childhood, when life was more fun and less stressful. They may be hoping to recreate a past family camping trip or to make new memories for their kids similar to their favorite childhood moments.
Nostalgia is a feeling that is personal to each camper. However, there are practical steps you can take as a campground owner to attract campers in pursuit of nostalgia. Here are a few ideas to consider:
- Use vintage marketing: Incorporate a retro look and feel into your social media and marketing messages.
- Highlight your campground’s history: Talk about local history so campers feel connected to the past.
- Host nostalgic-themed weekends: Plan events like scavenger hunts and movie nights that are retro-themed.
The word “nostalgia” comes from two Greek words, which mean “return home” and “pain.” Ultimately, homesickness for the past is something campers bring with them. However, you can help campers reconnect with the past by offering the setting and support they need to recreate favorite childhood memories with friends and family.
2. Simplicity
Another trend for 2025 is simplicity, or slowing down and enjoying everyday moments in life. On a camping trip, people generally focus on basics like food, shelter and community. Work is not the primary factor for managing their time or energy, which gives them the freedom to notice nature and connect with each other.
A huge part of this trend is the ability to live in the real world, disconnected from cellphones and social media. Most campers want access to Wi-Fi for safety reasons. However, there is less reason to reach for a phone when people do not need to hear from work and are busy with outdoor fun like roasting marshmallows and swimming.
3. Instagrammability
Although many campers use their vacations to disconnect from the internet, influencers and social media users sometimes go camping to create social media content. It is ironic that many social media users love content about being detached from their phones and exploring nature! There are several ways you can appeal to influencers and social media users at your campground:
- Create photogenic moments: Make the campground beautiful and build cute signage or backdrops.
- Share special scenery: Let influencers know about stunning views near your campground by posting online.
- Post photos of food: Delicious culinary camping experiences are trending and attracting campers right now.
Building near a scenic location is important for attracting influencers. The benefit of attracting influencers to your campground is that they may do free press for you by posting photos to build their own business. The more they share your campground, the more people will become aware of what you have to offer.
4. Comfort
Another trend for campers in 2025 is comfort. While some people enjoy the rustic side of camping, others prefer very comfortable sleeping arrangements. If rain or snow hits, it is nice for campers to know they can still enjoy their experience and make treasured memories.
One way to attract more campers in 2025 is by offering different kinds of lodging and campsites. For example, some campers are still primarily interested in tent camping. They enjoy the simplicity of sleeping on the ground and living outside during their entire camping experience.
However, people looking for comfort may want cabins with extra amenities like personal showers, kitchenettes and firepits. Comfortable lodging makes camping easier, especially for parents with young kids or older adults. Deluxe Cabins are also great for attracting group campers for events like family reunions, bachelor parties and multigenerational camping trips.
The most versatile campgrounds are RV campgrounds, which can have many types of design plans and layout options depending on your needs. RV campers bring their lodging with them, but they still love other amenities such as patios, overhead coverings and pet-friendly areas. You can also provide full or partial hookups that allow campers to connect their RVs to running water and electricity.
5. Sustainability
When campers spend time in nature, the need for sustainable and eco-friendly choices becomes more relevant than ever. Modern campers appreciate seeing recycling bins and composting options at campgrounds. They are aligned with a mission of sustainability because they love nature and want to enjoy healthy natural environments for many years.
Campground owners can improve their reputations by prioritizing eco-friendly practices that align with campers’ values. It is important to have a waste-management plan and include reminders throughout the campground on how to properly dispose of trash. Other eco-friendly practices include offering educational materials and sustainable products in the camp store.
Become a KOA and Reach More Campers in 2025
Interested in purchasing, building or improving a campground? When you become a KOA franchisee, you can deliver an incredible experience to campers and give your campground the boost it needs for success. KOA prides itself on:
- Camper growth: Tap into KOA’s loyal customer base and reach more campers than ever.
- Revenue growth: Learn a thoughtful, strategic approach to growth.
- Operational excellence: Get support, tools and up-to-date resources.
- KOA family: Become a campground owner with support from the KOA brand.
Becoming a KOA franchisee can help you balance risk and reward, giving you an edge as a campground owner with an established reputation that campers already know and trust. Interested in learning more? Request more information today on how you can join the KOA family!
