If you are interested in glamping – or “glamorous camping” – you’re not alone by a long shot. The phenomenon is growing among North American leisure travelers, according to the 2019 North American Glamping Report.

The report, which represents the first-of-its-kind look at the North American glamping market and is supported by Kampgrounds of America, Inc. (KOA), reveals that 30% of North American travelers say they have taken a glamping trip, which is self-defined, over the past two years, according to a news release.

Research results shown in the North American Glamping Report say the growing popularity of glamping is being fueled by high levels of participation among young and diverse leisure travelers, including young families and high-frequency travelers (those who take 10+ trips per year).

Additionally, glamping is appealing to experienced travelers who are on the hunt for new, unusual travel opportunities. And based on the interest of Gen X, Millennial and ethnically diverse travelers, glamping is well-positioned for even more growth in the future.

“We’ve been tracking glamping as an emerging travel trend for the past several years as we’ve seen growing demand for different types of glamping experiences, and Deluxe Cabins in particular, at our KOA campgrounds across North America,” said Toby O’Rourke, President and CEO of KOA in the news release. “The results of this new research reinforce that North American travelers are seeking different ways to experience the outdoors, even if they aren’t traditional campers. One of the most interesting findings in the report was how the self-definitions of glamping varied among travelers, indicating that there’s interest in a variety of glamping experiences. This presents opportunities for those in the outdoor industry to innovate and create the types of glamping experiences today’s traveler seeks.”

Travelers report cabins (64%), followed by tree houses (58%) and tiny homes (55%), are the accommodations best fitting their definition of glamping. Travelers also want services and amenities reminiscent to that of hotels or resorts when they glamp, including Wi-Fi, a full kitchen and private restrooms, along with linen service and the availability of social activities, on-site and among local attractions, the news release said.

Additional key findings of the inaugural 2019 North American Glamping Report include:

A Look at Who’s Fueling the Growth of Glamping

  • Sixty percent of leisure travelers who indicated they had glamped in the past two years represent the millennial or Gen Z generations.
  • Of travelers who glamp, 42% are non-white. The highest representation among non-white groups is by African Americans (15% of travelers who glamp), followed by Hispanic (12%) and Asian (9%) travelers.
  • Forty-five percent of travelers who glamp are couples with children.

Why Travelers are Turning to Glamping Experiences

  • Sixty-seven percent of travelers believe glamping is a unique vacation opportunity.
  • Also, the same percentage of travelers (67%) who are interested in glamping say their interest comes from a desire for a unique outdoors experience. They also say they want their glamping experience to encompass services and amenities that aren’t available with traditional camping (63%).

How Travelers Prefer to Glamp

  • As different glamping experiences and accommodations open across the U.S. and Canada, research from the North American Glamping Report reinforce there is not a single, defined way to glamp.
  • Twenty-seven percent of travelers prefer a family-friendly glamping atmosphere. However, travelers have mixed feelings when it comes to a laid-back and quiet-only atmosphere versus an atmosphere offering a mix of social and private opportunities (21% of interest in each option).

The Future of the Glamping Market

  • The interest in future glamping trips is highest among leisure travelers who have already tried glamping at least once – 77% of travelers who have glamped before say they are interested in glamping again.
  • Demographically, 66% of Gen X and 61% of millennial travelers have expressed the greatest interest in taking a glamping trip in the future.
  • Families with children also have high interest in future glamping trips, at 68%. Travelers across all ethnicities expressed a high interest in future glamping.

Source: Kampgrounds of America, Inc.