If you think campground neighbors look different these days, you’re not imagining it. The 2019 RVer census survey by Escapees RV Club spotlights fascinating changes in recreational vehicle ownership and lifestyle.
Why Wait for Retirement? Younger Nomads Reflected in 2019 RVer Census Survey
Grandma and grandpa, move over. Today’s RVers are getting younger and more diverse than ever. The annual RV Census conducted by Escapees RV Club reflects the shifting look of modern RVers.
- Of 7800 survey respondents, 43% are under 65, the usual age of retirement
- 25% work while on the road, with 58% of them working remotely at least part-time
- 3% travel with their children
- 2% travel with a same-sex companion
“Considering how many RVers began traveling in their 40s-50s, it’s no surprise that this same age group is on the rise among today’s RVing community,” writes Escapees RV Club.
“Though larger industry research indicates this age group represents a smaller percentage of all RVers, data also shows that their numbers are climbing. It is refreshing to see growth in this demographic as it is young RVers who will continue to sustain this lifestyle as the older generations hang up their keys.”
Infographic by Escapees RV Club
This Escapees RV Club census is a closer look at the habits of today’s recreational vehicle owners. It is one way in which club leaders can actively fight for the rights of all RVers. Ongoing advocacy efforts include overnight parking law challenges, changing state residency requirements, health insurance access and more.
“This census is one way that we ensure we are considering the needs and goals of all RVers as we undertake those challenges,” say authors of the report.
The club ran the 2019 RVer Census Survey between November 30, 2018 to April 12, 2019. It was open to the RV community at large, although most survey respondents were Escapees RV Club members.
Additional RV Owner Research Backs Up Findings
The club census is similar to the KOA North American Camping Report, however this more extensive survey takes a wider look at all campers, from tenters to RVers and everything in-between.
The two surveys, however, reach similar conclusions after gathering recent data. “The future of camping is strong, as evidenced by the steady participation of younger millennial and Gen X campers since the first report in 2015 (62 percent in 2015; 77 percent in 2018),” sa KOA report authors. “Even the youngest of the youngest group of campers surveyed (Gen Z) report they intend to camp as adults (90 percent).”
Other interesting findings in the KOA Report include:
- The percentage of new campers from multicultural groups (51
percent) outpaced the percentage of new caucasian campers (49 percent) - About 8% of campers are same sex couples
- Campers want Internet connectivity. When they find it, they camp (an average of six more days a year.
“The different ways people camp have evolved greatly over the years,” the KOA report states. “But why they camp has never really changed – it’s the basic human desire to connect with the outdoors, and with each other.”
Escapees representatives agree. “What do these changes mean? They mean the RV lifestyle is healthy and growing. They mean there are more RVs on the road now than ever before, a claim backed up by data from RV Industry Association (RVIA). They also indicate that a wider variety of people now enjoy RVing.”
Rene Agredano and her husband, Jim Nelson, became full-time RVers in 2007 and have been touring the country ever since. In her blog, Rene chronicles the ins and outs of the full-timing life and brings readers along to meet the fascinating people and amazing places they visit on the road. Her road trip adventures are chronicled in her blog at LiveWorkDream.com.
It’s a great start. I wish this census had included the percentage of Military Vets & the branches they represent. Maybe that demographic can be added to next year’s census? I’ll start it off; female vet, Army, full timing less than a yr so far, class A, solo w/service dog & in that early 50’s range…
My wife and I both own companies…..the real lack of decent internet keeps us from traveling more as we MUST have decent internet to stay in touch with our respective companies. We have the WiFi Ranger Elite and the AT&T Blackhawk, but still find ourselves not able to communicate with our offices. When will campgrounds understand that good (more than 10mbps) is a requirement for many of us. I’d sure pay for that availability.
Interesting information, we have just recently started traveling more in our camper and have upgraded to a bigger one. When we go we travel with pets. The biggest problem encountered so far is trying to find remote work that is legit.
Interesting survey results. I wonder if the popularity of the tiny house movement has any influence on younger people getting into RVing?