2025 RV and Camping Trends: Our Take On Reports from RVshare and The Dyrt

What this episode covers

The 2025 camping season is shaping up to be an interesting one, with new trends and insights emerging from two of the most respected reports in the industry: RVshare's Travel Trend Report 2025 and The Dyrt's 2025 Camping Report. These reports aim to predict where RV and camping trends travel headed in the coming year. One of the biggest takeaways? RVing and camping remain as popular as ever, but the way people travel and plan their trips is evolving. From shifting demographics and flexible work travel to campground booking challenges and the rise of passion-driven adventures, these reports provide valuable insights for anyone planning a camping trip in 2025. In this week’s RV Atlas podcast episode, Jeremy and Stephanie discuss many of the key RV and camping trends from these reports and explore what they mean for actual campers and RVers. Who is Camping in 2025? A Shift in Demographics One of the most eye-catching trends in the RVshare Travel Trend Report is the continued rise of younger generations in the RVing space. While RVing was once associated primarily with retirees, that perception is changing quickly. Last year, everyone was saying “the Boomers are back!” But this year didn’t show that trend continuing.  76% of Millennials (ages 29-44) say they are interested in RV travel this year, making them the largest age group of RV travelers. 67% of Gen Z (ages 13-28) also express interest in taking an RV trip, showing a strong demand among younger adventurers. Gen X (ages 45-60) remains steady at 67%, while only 29% of Boomers (ages 61-70) plan to take an RV trip—a significant drop compared to past years. These numbers indicate a major generational shift in RV and camping trends, with younger travelers embracing RVing and outdoor adventure. Millennials are in the prime family-travel years, and many see RVing as an affordable way to vacation with kids. Meanwhile, Gen Z is showing strong interest in road-tripping and the RV lifestyle, but in a way that fits their unique travel style—shorter trips, experience-driven adventures, and solo or small-group travel. Fewer Trips, Higher Budgets: The “Splurgecation” Trend The RVshare report highlights a key shift in how people are spending their travel dollars. Many travelers are planning fewer trips in 2025, but they’re spending more money per trip to make those vacations more special. 63% of travelers say they will take fewer trips in 2025 but spend more per trip. More travelers are focusing on one big annual RV trip rather than frequent weekend getaways. Campers are willing to splurge on upgraded experiences, premium campgrounds, and adventure activities like ziplining, guided tours, and fine dining. This trend reflects how travelers are prioritizing quality over quantity when it comes to their vacations. Instead of packing in multiple small trips, they’re focusing on bucket-list destinations and memorable experiences—whether that means staying at a high-end RV resort, booking a scenic boondocking site, or planning a month-long cross-country road trip. Passion-Driven Travel: RVing for Experiences, Not Just Destinations One of the most interesting trends highlighted in RVshare's report is the rise of passion-driven travel. Instead of simply picking a destination like Yellowstone or the Grand Canyon, more travelers are choosing trips based on their interests and hobbies. Popular themes include: Baseball Stadium Tours – RVers mapping out road trips to visit multiple Major League Baseball parks. Food and Drink Trips – Exploring regional cuisine, breweries, or distilleries along an RV route. Historical Sightseeing – Visiting Civil War battlefields, presidential landmarks, or famous film locations.