At the Nat. Assoc. of RV Parks & Campgrounds ( ARVC) convention in Raliegh, NC Nov 5-9 2017 this was a hot topic. Every other park operator we spoke to reported increased occupancy with many days even months of 100% by reservation ( ours is one). These camps are primarily those near destinations or with themes, events and activities near a large city.
Several educational seminars were offered and well attended for new owners, expansion planners, rehab hopefuls.
the standout I attended was presented by past pres. of ARVC David Gorin of Gorin & Cohen & associates concerning this very topic Mr. Gorin spoke at length about not only the # s of RVs being built but also of their use. While 9 mil. units is a bench figure, it only addresses DOT registered units, so those many other units are still out there being used in a stationary way. They still occupy a campsite.
His research indicates average useage of registered RV s of about 50 days/ yr, up from the low 40s 10yrs ago. The largest demographic of those utilizing their unit longer were the retiring or near so Baby Boomers, followed by Millenials gen Xers &Yers.
Sales of new units to age groups by percentage is growing toward starter units ( towables) which leans the model to believe the younger gens. are more willing and prepared to plan, reseve well ahead for their time. They also seek out camps with higher amenity to entertain children and maintain connectivity. Work away from home is the growth factor fueling many of younger than retirees travel plans. The old Baby Boomers and their parents tactic of winging it are nearly gone. So is cheap.
Campsite # s are paleing in comparison to usage. New campsite construction as reported by state DOH licensing to the fed. DOC. are not keeping 1/2 the pace of useage. Simply put Public parks are restricted by funding and available land, Private camps by cost of land and regulation. In my state, in a destination area we have seen 3 parks close in recent years , to become a business park, an outlet mall, and headquarters for the power company. The land was worth more than as a camp.
As a camp owner, this is a golden time. To build new now at the peak of the market would be a fools errand
