Kampgrounds of America, Inc. (KOA) released its 2023 “Odds and Ends” research report that calls for a “compelling compilation of unconventional and underreported trends” in camping and outdoor travel.

KOA’s 2023 Odds and Ends research report is a compilation of “quirky and intriguing findings” that showcase travel’s diversity and ever-evolving nature. The report avoids traditional data, instead focusing on “unique and surprising elements” that the Association said “paint a vivid picture of travel habits and mindsets.”

Key call-outs include:

  • Pickleball’s Popularity Surge: A significant trend is the rise of pickleball among campers, with over 58 percent of those who play the sport starting in the last three years. This surge is pronounced among younger campers, indicating a shift in outdoor recreational activities.
  • Interest in Outdoor Recreation Careers: During the winter season in 2023, when many workers were anxious about losing jobs and using PTO, as noted by KOA’s monthly reports, 3 in 10 campers expressed interest in pursuing careers in the outdoor recreation industry, signaling a potential shift in professional aspirations influenced by a love of the outdoors.
  • Watch It Before You Go: During the February planning phase, 61 percent of campers admitted that popular TV shows, including White Lotus or Yellowstone, slightly influenced their travel decisions for 2023. The trend highlights the persuasive power of media in shaping travel trends and preferences. In the U.S., 17 percent of campers said that TV shows influenced their travel “A Great Deal,” while only 10 percent of Canadian campers made the same choice.
  • Board Games a Thing for Younger Campers: An overwhelming 93 percent of campers reported playing board games during a camping trip, with 75 percent engaging in the activity sometimes or always—particularly prominent among younger generations, with Gen Z and Millennials most likely to turn to board games for entertainment during travel.
  • Comfort Camping, Please: Preferences emerged with clarity this spring regarding favored camping gear. Campers were fond of comfort, with 18 percent noting a chair as their essential gear, surpassing a sleeping bag (14 percent). KOA’s findings showed that waterproofing is the most important consideration (42 percent) for outdoor gear, taking precedence over comfort (33 percent).

“When we search for macro trends every month, many intriguing pieces of data inevitably fall by the wayside in our quest to tell the most impactful stories,” said Whitney Scott, SVP of corporate strategy, KOA. “The Odds and Ends report gives a voice to the data that never made the first cut but is equally important in understanding the diverse tapestry of our travel community.”

For the retailers and brands serving the active outdoor lifestyle market, the KOA report could provide some hints on brand extensions, new items for retailers to stock with their camping gear or marketing programs that could drive new business.

To access the KOA 2023 Odds and Ends report, go here.

Image courtesy of KOA