Several signs point to a big “yes” to that question.
Reservations Are Booking Up Earlier
There is no doubt that the summer of 2023 is positioned to be a big one. Reservations at campgrounds are being booked out further in advance than ever before. According to The Dyrt’s 2023 Camping report, “booking a campsite is three times harder than it was pre-pandemic.” Additionally, this report also found that “80 million Americans went camping last year and those campsites were nearly twice as scarce as they were in 2021.”
The Decade for RV Sales
The RV industry was supercharged in growth both before and throughout the pandemic. Over the last few years, more people than ever before have discovered the joys of RV camping and have purchased a rig for themselves. In December 2020, the industry saw a 46.8 percent increase in RV shipments compared to December 2019, 2021 as a whole saw the number of total RV shipments increase by an astounding 39.5 percent compared to 2019. And 2022 saw the third-best year on record for RV sales. An RVIA survey published in Jan of 2023 also found that “among RV’ers, which is defined as people who have taken a trip in an RV they rent, own, or borrow in the past 12 months, 50 percent plan to buy an RV in the next year. This is up 14 percent from last year.” With three of the best years on record all coming back-to-back, more people than ever are ready to hit the open road and discover America’s backyard.
Baby Boomers Are Back
After almost 90 percent of the Baby Boomer generation stopped traveling during the pandemic, being able to take trips, especially camping, has been both exhilarating and comforting for the older generations looking for some normalcy after such a long time stuck inside. This is especially noteworthy as 66 percent of RV owners are in the 55+ age group. With social distancing and other regulations all but gone, visitors of all ages are again hitting the open roads, ready to taste some adventure and enjoy Mother Nature’s tranquil beauty.
More Than Baby Boomers
Not only are the baby boomers coming out in masses, but there is also a surge from the younger generations as well. The survey from RVIA published Jan of 2023 found that “The highest interest in RVing overall comes from the younger age groups. Forty-nine percent of Generation Z and 48 percent of Millennials plan to take an RV trip in the next year. Their purchase intent is also higher, with 41 percent of Generation Z and 35 percent of Millennials planning to buy an RV in the next year.”
Increasing popularity Of Work From The Road
Work-from-home has never been more alluring. With advances in internet technology and the ability to work remotely, RV’ers, in particular, have seen the potential of remote work to free them from office cubicles and city commutes. With more than 67 million people planning to take an RV trip this year, and advanced internet access now available in many RV Parks (and many parts of nature), it’s easy to see why people are taking advantage of the opportunity for remote work. The freedom that comes with RV living combined with a potentially steady source of income is a powerful combination for those who want to escape their daily routines. The benefits of this lifestyle reach far beyond just convenience: mental health improvements from increased flexibility, more time with family, and increased access to new markets are just a few of the many perks.
With the increased demand stemming from so many factors, it’s easy to see why people of all ages and interests are planning their trips earlier than ever before. If you’re looking to experience the joys of RV living, you’ll definitely want to plan early and reserve those camping spots as soon as possible.
Need to buy or sell an RV?
If you’re on top of this trend and are already an RV’er, chances are good you might be looking to upgrade your current model. Maybe you need more room, or maybe less? Perhaps you are ready to jump into the exciting world of RV’ing for the first time and need some guidance on what type would be best for you. At Motor Home Finders, we can check off any and all of those boxes for you. Whether you want to select a new RV from our hand-picked and ever-changing inventory or want to sell your RV outright to set off on a different kind of adventure, we can help. Call us today!