In its Annual State of the Industry Report, RMS North America examined Millennials and Gen Z  camping behaviors and preferences focused on their technology use.

Millennials and Gen Z are characterized by their relationship with technology, and with Millennials making up the largest segment of campers and more Gen Zs camping every year, their technology preferences could shape the industry.

RMS North America conducted independent research on campers ages 18-to-41 to collect the findings.

“The younger generations of outdoor enthusiasts will significantly impact the future of camping and RVing, as well as the development and operation of these outdoor properties,” stated Frederic Dominioni, chief revenue officer, RMS North America. “As an industry, we’ve withstood many shifts in the last three years; however, we now find ourselves at an exciting turning point. It’s time to mobilize a new generation of campers and RVers, learn to provide more personalized, digital-first experiences while maintaining the same ‘Great Outdoors’ sentiment people yearn for.”

Beyond generational technology use, the report details the most popular type of camping, the estimated frequency of future camping and the factors that influence campsite bookings.

  • 85 percent of survey respondents said they would like to see more technology at campgrounds;
  • 16 percent of respondents tried camping for the first time within the past three years; amajority had camped previously and planned to continue;
  • Glamping is the most popular form of camping (36 percent), followed by tent camping (35 percent), with Millennials preferring tent camping and Gen Z glamping; and
  • Millennials and Gen Z both take a tech-centric approach to booking a campsite and communicating with staff, with direct booking reservations on a campground website being the most popular method (63 percent).

“Overall, our research suggests a strong desire for more technology in camping, but within certain limits,” continued Dominioni. “For campground and RV park owners, this means walking a line between offering modern conveniences and efficiency while preserving the nature-centered experience. At RMS, this means we’re tasked with equipping our industry partners with the tools they need to succeed – but in a way that takes campers’ individuality into consideration.”

RMS North America is a provider of cloud-based reservation and property management systems to the hospitality industry.

To read the full report, go here.