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Global: Two-thirds of campers plan to take more camping trips over the next year, while online search has overtaken word of mouth as the leading way to discover outdoor accommodation, according to research from RMS.
The 2026 State of the Outdoor Accommodation Report found that 66 per cent of respondents plan to camp more over the next year, up eight percentage points from 2025.
A further 86 per cent identified as lifelong or returning campers.
For the first time in RMS’s annual report, online search has overtaken word of mouth as the most common way campers discover places to stay. Almost 64 per cent use online search, compared with 60 per cent who rely on recommendations from friends and family.
The findings also show that AI is beginning to influence the planning process, with 14 per cent using tools such as ChatGPT or CampChimp to research trips.
Among those using AI, 40 per cent turn to the technology to find lower rates, while 32 per cent use it to create personalised itineraries and recommendations.
The booking experience remains another important factor, with nearly 85 per cent of campers saying they are more likely to book when they can select their exact site in advance.
Adam Seskis, CEO of RMS, said: “Camping remains incredibly resilient, but guest expectations are evolving quickly. Travellers still want the escape, connection and sense of adventure that make outdoor hospitality so appealing, but they now expect greater convenience and confidence when researching and booking a stay.
“For operators, the opportunity is to remove friction at every stage of the journey. That means making properties easy to find online, giving guests clear and accurate information, offering a simple booking experience, and investing in technology and infrastructure that genuinely improve the stay.”
Technology is also becoming more noticeable during the stay. Around 67 per cent of respondents said they notice when campgrounds invest in new technology, while 40 per cent expect properties to have updated systems supporting the guest experience.
Online booking, advance site selection, digital check-in, mobile-friendly maps and reliable Wi-Fi were among the technologies highlighted by RMS.
Sustainability also remains a priority, with 88 per cent saying it matters when choosing where to stay and almost half rating it as very or extremely important.
The research was based on responses from 1,500 campers across the United States, United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand.
Highlights
- 66 per cent of campers plan to camp more in the coming year
- 64 per cent discover campsites through online search
- 14 per cent use AI tools to research trips
- 85 per cent are more likely to book when they can select their exact site
- 88 per cent consider sustainability when choosing where to stay
