The Kampgrounds of America, Inc. (KOA) Monthly Research Report – July 2023 Edition reports that more than 21.5 million households camped over the 4th of July holiday, a number on par with 2022. Despite healthy camping incidence, however, most campers (56%) share that they have been postponing trips to later in the summer or fall. Among all leisure travelers, 32% have postponed trips.
“We must examine challenges campers may be facing even as we’re seeing high participation,” Whitney Scott, senior vice president of strategy at Kampgrounds of America, Inc. “We know that campers are an enthusiastic group that will adjust their plans to continue camping, whether that means shifting dates or picking different locations. We’re looking at what leads to those shifts to better serve our guests.”
Most campers surveyed say that weather conditions have led them to adjust their camping plans. Sixty-two percent have altered their plans due to weather, with 22% changing where they camp and 18% revising the nature of their trip. Another 22% of campers admit that weather has led them to cancel their camping.
The July edition of the Kampgrounds of America, Inc. (KOA) Monthly Research Report also assesses concerns with campground overcrowding. More than 70% of campers note overcrowding in either 2022, 2023, or both. Of those that speak about overcrowding, 73% learned about it via word-of-mouth rather than first-hand experience (39%).
“Campers are sharing that overcrowding is affecting them,” Scott said. “However, some of this might be more chatter than reality. That said, whether real or perceived, we must examine space and capacity with a critical lens to continue providing the best experience for campers across the industry.”
Additional findings of KOA’s July Report include that 57% of campers camp with their dog. When asked how camping with a pet benefits them, campers note that it increases their overall happiness (53%) and helps them be more relaxed (50%). Nearly half of those who camp with pets say they are a critical part of the camping experience.
To view the full findings of the KOA Monthly Research Report – July 2023 Edition, past and future editions, and review the research methodology, visit the KOA Press Room.
Kampgrounds of America, Inc. (KOA) is the world’s largest system of open-to-the-public campgrounds with 500+ locations across the U.S. and Canada united under the mission of “connecting people to the outdoors and each other.” The industry leader in outdoor hospitality, KOA’s family of campground brands – KOA Journey, KOA Holiday and KOA Resort – offer sites and amenities designed for every type of camping experience. In addition to unrivaled brand visibility, KOA offers campground owners unparalleled support, marketing, and technology. The company’s proprietary reservation software, K2, delivers campgrounds a completive advantage within the market. Founded in 1962 in Billings, Mont. and celebrated its 60th anniversary in 2022, KOA now serves more than a million camping families each year, who rely on the standards of excellence and unique outdoor adventures for which KOA is known. For more information, visit KOA.com.
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