Camping fees hit all-time high

September 02, 2018, 08:27:25 am

Labor Day marks the traditional end to the summer camping season. According to data gathered by CampgroundViews.com 2018 will have the highest overnight camping fees ever recorded with average nightly rates for a traditional camping site increasing 6 percent (from 2017) to $31.53. The company gathers data on campgrounds and RV parks in the United States to help campers make better choices about where to camp.

“Even adverse weather out East earlier this season and fires out West late this season have not stopped record numbers of campers from getting outdoors,” stated Mark Koep, founder and CEO of CampgroundViews.com. “Camping, either in a tent or in a RV, is back and this increased demand is allowing park operators to increase rates.”

41.7 million Americans camp every year in the United States¹ creating 56,430 jobs2. With improving economic numbers, the retirement of baby boomers, and millennial families seeking affordable travel options the camping industry is experiencing record growth. RVIA reported July wholesale RV shipments increased 10.9 percent from the previous year and are on pace to set another annual record3. All of this demand is driving overnight camping rates up.

The average nightly rate is moderated by lower increases at publicly operated parks run by public agencies where average rates have increased 2 percent.

“The private campground industry is primarily small family owned operations situated in popular destinations and rural areas, ” added Koep, “It is encouraging to see so many campgrounds finally able to improve their properties and provide affordable family fun for millions of campers.”

According to CampgroundViews.com internal data rates have increased at a faster pace on the “resort” side of the industry with some overnight camping fees exceeding $170 for location and amenity driven RV resorts. On the other end of the scale many publicly operated camping options are available for under $15 per night.

“While the $170 dollar amount creates a big wow don’t let it fool you,” stated Koep. “Only 70 parks out of the 9,583 surveyed exceeded the $100 per night threshold with the most common, or mode, rate at $30 per night.”

CampgroundViews.com data is generated from site users submitting recent rates and includes nightly camping rates for 9,583 RV parks and campgrounds operating within the United States.

SOURCE: CampgroundViews.com press release

In case you want to spend 80+ here are some candidates for you.

Re: Camping fees hit all-time high

Reply #1 – September 02, 2018, 10:09:49 am

I didn't go to national parks a lot until I got my golden age pass and I'm loving the free entry and half price camping. We tour lots of them now. Very few benefits to getting old but that's one for sure.

Re: Camping fees hit all-time high

Reply #2 – September 02, 2018, 08:39:30 pm

Well if I might add..,. I don't think this study includes all the free campgrounds and spots all over the country. Many smaller cities and countries have free camp and hookups at least for one night ie Brush,Co. near I80 is a good example.
I agree fees are going up but there is still many options.

Re: Camping fees hit all-time high

Reply #3 – September 03, 2018, 07:00:05 am

I took it to mean only private campgrounds. Those places we are sometimes forced to use while enroute to a fav place.

Re: Camping fees hit all-time high

Reply #4 – September 06, 2018, 08:14:38 am

Quote from: Don Malpas - September 03, 2018, 07:00:05 am

I took it to mean only private campgrounds. Those places we are sometimes forced to use while enroute to a fav place.

When enroute I use rest stops, Walmart and wide spots in the road. I'm Yankee frugal though or as my wife puts it, cheap.

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September 02, 2018, 08:27:25 am

Reply #1 – September 02, 2018, 10:09:49 am

Reply #2 – September 02, 2018, 08:39:30 pm

Reply #3 – September 03, 2018, 07:00:05 am

Reply #4 – September 06, 2018, 08:14:38 am

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