RV Parks and Campgrounds
Industry Profile Report
Dive Deep into the industry with a 25+ page industry report (pdf format) including the following chapters
Industry Overview Current Conditions, Industry Structure, How Firms Operate, Industry Trends, Credit Underwriting & Risks, and Industry Forecast.
Call Preparation Call Prep Questions, Industry Terms, and Weblinks.
Financial Insights Working Capital, Capital Financing, Business Valuation, and Financial Benchmarks.
Industry Profile Excerpts
Industry Overview
The 4,500 RV parks and campgrounds in the US provide sites to accommodate campers and camping equipment, including tents and trailers. Major revenue categories include fees for RV and tent sites and room or unit accommodations. Other sources of revenue include meals, snacks, and beverages; membership fees and dues; other rental fees; and groceries.
Seasonality
Business can be highly seasonal, depending on market-specific dynamics and weather conditions.
Dependence On RV Ownership
RV ownership trends can affect demand for stays in RV parks.
Industry size & Structure
The average RV park and campground company operates out of a single location, employs 4-5 workers, and generates about $1-2 million annually.
- The RV park and campground industry consists of about 4,500 firms that operate 4,900 establishments, employ about 24,000 workers and generate about $7.9 billion annually.
- The industry is fragmented; the top 50 companies account for 27% of industry revenue.
- The industry includes chains, franchises, and independent operators.
- Commercial parks and campgrounds are privately-owned. Public facilities are owned by government entities, such as the National Park Service and USDA National Forest Services.
- Large companies include KOA (Kampgrounds of America), Thousand Trails, and Jellystone Park.
Industry Forecast
RV Parks and Campgrounds Industry Growth
Recent Developments
Dec 5, 2024 - Seasonal Drop in Employment
- Employment by RV parks and recreational camps shrank 3.5% in September compared to a year ago, down 42% from its 2024 peak in July, according to the latest US Bureau of Labor Statistics data. The industry typically sees a big drop in employment ahead of the quieter winter season. Meanwhile, average industry wages rose 2.2% year over year in September to $19.26 per hour, BLS data shows. Revenue at RV parks and campgrounds fell 6.2% in the second quarter compared to a year ago, according to the Census Bureau.
- Enthusiasm for RV travel remains exceptionally strong, trending upward for the fourth consecutive year, according to RVShare’s 2025 Travel Trend Report. The report finds more than half (60%) of people planning to travel next year are considering a road trip or vacation in an RV. The 2025 Trend Report – RVShare’s sixth annual survey – finds Americans are yearning for more intentional travel and captivating experiences – especially when it comes to road trips. Quality is also taking precedence, with nearly two-thirds of travelers planning to allocate their budgets in 2025 toward fewer but more meaningful trips. Nearly half of respondents are planning more leisure trips in 2025, and over half of travelers are planning a trip with family or friends, a 10-point increase from 2024. For Gen Z travelers, viral content on social media is an important source of inspiration, as 58% of these younger travelers look to viral content for travel destinations and trip ideas.
- More than 50 campgrounds and RV parks were among the victims of Hurricane Helene in September, according to the Outdoor Hospitality Industry (OHI), which has established a Disaster Relief Fund to help businesses damaged by the storm. According to OHI, the organization has heard from more than 50 parks in Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida that have been impacted, with RV parks suffering the most severe damage. Mountain Stream RV Park in Marion, N.C., announced on its Facebook page that the park had been totally destroyed. OHI cited at least four cases where the campground is completely gone, noting that for some, it will take extensive rebuilding over multiple months to recover. OHI’s chief strategy officer, David Basler, said the number of RV parks and campgrounds affected is likely higher because power outages are preventing businesses from getting in touch.
- The 10 most scenic RV resorts in the US according to RVC Outdoor Destinations’ latest list published in July include Yosemite RV Resort, Coarsegold, California; Garden of the Gods RV Resort, Colorado Springs; Catherine’s Landing, Hot Springs, Arkansas; Sandusky RV Resort, Sandusky, Ohio; Live Oak Landing, Freeport, Florida; Pigeon Forge Landing RV Resort, Sevierville, Tennessee; Lake Raystown Resort, Pennsylvania; Gulf Shores RV Resort, Alabama; Pine Mountain RV Resort, Georgia; and Medina Highpoint Resort, Medina, Texas. All ten resorts offer Wi-Fi (some for free) and the usual RV park amenities.
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