More than 7.4 million Americans plan to take an RV trip over Labor Day Weekend, marking an increase from 2024, according to the newly released Fall Travel Intention Survey* from the RV Industry Association (RVIA).  As consumers seek affordability, comfort and outdoor access, RVing is touted to “provide the freedom to travel wherever and whenever they choose.”

“RV travel continues to offer comfort, affordability and a direct connection to the outdoors that make it stand out as the premier way to experience autumn across America,” said RVIA spokesperson Monika Geraci. “From scenic road trips to national and state park adventures, and from beach getaways to leaf-peeping in the Northeast, RVers can enjoy so many ways to explore just beyond their door.”

Survey Key Findings

  • 60 percent of respondents cited the affordability of RV travel as a top reason they plan to take an RV trip this fall. Enjoying the RV lifestyle and escaping the “busyness of life” rounded out the top three reasons given.
  • 32 percent of leisure travelers will use AI tools for trip planning, but trip planning websites, social media and app-based services will also continue to play an integral role.
  • 46 percent of RVers plan to take a road trip this fall as their main destination, with national and state parks, coastal spots, festivals, fairs, and concerts and theme parks not far behind. The Northeast also made its mark as a top destination for RVers to visit.
  • 47 percent of respondents cited economic uncertainty as a reason to travel by RV this fall, up from 33 percent.
  • Millennials and Gen Z show the greatest year-over-year increase in RV purchase interest, up 16 percent year-over-year.
  • Most RVers plan to stay within a 4– to 7-hour drive from home.
  • 72 percent of RVers plan to bring their pets along on fall RV trips.
  • More RVers than this time last year are planning to work remotely while RVing this fall.

The RV Industry Association represents the $140 billion RV industry, encompassing over 500 companies that produce the majority of RVs manufactured in the U.S. and many others worldwide.

*Cairn Consulting conducted 1,606 surveys in July for the RV Industry Association, capturing a representative snapshot of U.S. leisure travelers’ fall plans. The results have a margin of error of +/- 2.74 percentage points. Leisure travelers are defined as those who have taken a leisure trip in the past year.