The economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic can be felt wherever you go. Record numbers of Americans have been quitting their jobs (Bureau of Labor Statistics). While employee wages and salaries increased by 1.5% in the 3rd quarter of 2021 (BLS), this increase is largely negated by the highest inflation rate since 1990 (BLS).
However, while the rest of the world is still reeling from the effects of COVID-19, the camping and outdoor recreation industry has been booming, with a whopping 53% of Americans ages 6 and over having participated in outdoor recreation at least once in 2020—the highest participation rate on record!
COVID-19 Pandemic Camping Demographics
So who exactly has been contributing to this outdoors industry boom during the pandemic? It turns out, we weren’t the only ones asking that question!
- In North America, there were 10.1 million first-time camper households in 2020. (2021 Topline North American Camping Report)
- The number of “active” U.S. households (households that identify themselves as campers) grew by a record 3.9 million households in 2020. (2021 Topline North American Camping Report)
Lifelong Campers in 2020
- 1-in-5 campers above the age of 75 began camping again in 2020 due to COVID-19. (2021 Topline North American Camping Report)
New Campers in 2020
- 60% of new campers in 2020 were non-white. (2021 Topline North American Camping Report)
- In 2020, 58% of new campers were more likely to be female (compared to 49% in 2019). (2021 Special Report: New Outdoor Participant)
- Almost 60% of first-time campers are under the age of 40. (2021 Topline North American Camping Report)
- 41% of first-time campers have a household income of $100k or more. (2021 Special Report: New Outdoor Participant)
- 36% of new campers are more likely to live in urban areas. (2021 Special Report: New Outdoor Participant)
- Households with children comprise 75% of new campers. (2021 Topline North American Camping Report)
- In North America, there were 10.1 million first-time camper households in 2020. (2021 Topline North American Camping Report)
Effects of COVID-19 on the Outdoors Industry
Now that we have a better picture of who is shaping this new camping industry, it’s time to understand how COVID-19 spurred this change.
- A 2021 survey found that about 40% of new outdoor participants took up camping or other outdoor activities as a way to spend time with others. (2021 Special Report: New Outdoor Participant)
- 62% of participants took up new outdoor activities as a way to get exercise, stay healthy, and get out of the house. (2021 Special Report: New Outdoor Participant)
- 37% of participants reported having more leisure time than before the pandemic—another factor that likely contributed to increased outdoor activity. (2021 Special Report: New Outdoor Participant)
COVID-19 Impact on the RV Industry
- RV Ownership has risen 12% since 2019—a statistic that can be attributed COVID-19 concerns while traveling. (2021 Topline North American Camping Report)
- 60% of new RV owners state that they believe an RV is the safest way to travel during the COVID-19 pandemic. (2021 Topline North American Camping Report)
- There were nearly 2,000,000 more camping households in 2020 than in 2019, while cabin camping saw a decrease of 2,000,000 households in that same timeframe. This is likely because people believe there is a greater risk of COVID-19 transmission in cabins.
(2021 Topline North American Camping Report) - In 2020, 66% of new RV owners rated their first camping trip was “Great,” as opposed to renters, of whom 43% rated their first trip as “just okay.” (2021 Topline North American Camping Report)
- 47% of first-time, non-RV campers plan on purchasing an RV in the upcoming year. (2021 Topline North American Camping Report)
- 54% of non-RV owners cite COVID-19 concerns as the main reason they would plan on purchasing an RV. (2021 Topline North American Camping Report)
- Couples with children, GenXers, and millennials are the most likely demographics to rent an RV from a peer-to-peer service. (2021 Topline North American Camping Report)
Time for an Upgrade!
- 60% of current RV worners plan to upgrade or make some kind of change to their RV.
(2021 Topline North American Camping Report) - New RV owners are two times as likely to want to upgrade their RV this year, as opposed to veteran RVers. (2021 Topline North American Camping Report)
- RV owners with children are the most likely group to want to upgrade to a bigger RV or make a change due to COVID-19 concerns. (2021 Topline North American Camping Report)
- One-third of RV owners are considering selling their RV to accommodate an upgrade. (2021 Topline North American Camping Report)
Working from… the RV?
In 2020 and 2021, many people found themselves working remotely during the pandemic. This, too, has likely contributed to an increase in RV camping, as amenities such as internet access and a predictable working environment are now of higher value than ever before:
- In total, 19.8 million households have at least one family member who sometimes or always works while camping. (2021 Topline North American Camping Report)
- In 2020, 32% of first-time campers became full-time RVers. (2021 Topline North American Camping Report).
- 32% of first-time campers worked remotely while camping. (2021 Topline North American Camping Report)
- Another 32% of first-time campers schooled children while camping. (2021 Topline North American Camping Report)
First-time campers are able to spend an average of nine extra days camping when provided internet access, while experienced campers are able to spend an extra six days camping. (2021 Topline North American Camping Report)
