STAYING AHEAD
OF THE CURVE
A decade ago, when Kampgrounds of America, Inc.
(KOA) began surveying campers in North America, no
one could have predicted how much the landscape of
outdoor travel would change. While camping has
always been a popular activity enjoyed by millions of
outdoor enthusiasts, in the past decade, it has emerged
as much more than a way to get outside. Through our
research, and engagement with campers, we’ve seen
camping evolve from simply being considered an
outdoor activity to becoming a formidable segment
of the travel marketplace.
KOA’s rst survey in 2014 revealed the potential for
growth within the camping market. Over the next
several years, this growth actualized as more people
sought experiences in the great outdoors. As the
market grew, so did the oerings. Campgrounds added
new accommodation types, creating more ways to
explore. RV sites modernized amenities, from decked-
out patios to private pet enclosures. The rise of
glamping, a segment largely unknown in 2014, opened
the great outdoors to a whole new set of travelers.
Then, there was a pandemic. Something
unimaginable when our research began, COVID-19
left indelible marks on the last decade. As other
travel sectors stalled, camping surged, accelerating
growth exponentially. Travelers who would never
consider themselves campers found their way outdoors,
discovering a new travel option. Through this dramatic,
unexpected growth, Kampgrounds of America,
Inc.’s research broadened to include all travelers,
understanding the need to look holistically at outdoor
hospitality as more immersive experiences began
allowing deeper connections to place and people.
This year, we’re further expanding our research to show
the changes over the last decade and bringing greater
focus to the future of camping and outdoor hospitality.
KOA is celebrating a decade of industry-leading
reporting by introducing a new series of reports. Each
will oer a deeper look into all aspects of the outdoor
hospitality industry.
Despite all of the changes over the last 1O years,
one thing remains constant: even more people
see the importance of connecting with nature.
Heeding the call, outdoor hospitality oers countless
ways for a broad range of travelers to have one-of-a-
kind experiences with those that matter most.
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