New year, new trends, (and a few old favorites) and new ideas on how to implement them. In 2025, we can expect a diverse range of trends that cater to a variety of adventurers and as an outdoor hospitality business owner, understanding and implementing these trends will help you meet the expectations of today’s guests. Some of these trends will have you thinking, “Did we really need that?” and well, they are dubbed trends for a reason. Here’s what you need to know for the upcoming year.
1. Exploring the Local Spots
Domestic travel in the U.S. is on the rise, with guests seeking to explore hidden gems closer to home. With a focus on “supporting local”, more people are looking for regional getaways and outdoor adventure programs. Staycations not just because they’re easy. (Iges, 2025).
How to Implement: Highlight the unique aspects of your location and really play up why your region is unique, maybe even do a little research to bring attention to a unique piece of history that can create buzz. Consider offering regional discounts or packages that appeal to local or nearby guests, helping them discover the hidden gems in their own backyard.
2. Savoring the Outdoors
2025 will see a rise in culinary-focused camping experiences, where guests can enjoy gourmet meals right outside. From on-site dining experiences to farm-to-table meals, campers are seeking elevated food experiences while enjoying nature (Matador Network, 2025). Glamping and upscale camping resorts like AutoCamp Resorts are already offering chef-driven dining options, creating a luxurious blend of nature and cuisine.
How to Implement: If your campground is near a local food scene, winery, farm (or literally is a winery or farm), consider hosting farm-to-table dinners or wine-pairing events. You could also offer cooking kits for guests to make their own meals, or even invite local chefs to run special cooking classes or pop-up meals on-site.
3. Expanding RV Travel Beyond the Basics
RV travel continues to gain momentum, with 60% of those looking to travel planning a road trip or vacation in an RV. This trend spans generations, especially among Millennials and Gen Z, who appreciate the flexibility of road-tripping in an RV (RVshare, 2025). As an accommodation option, RVs are also becoming more popular for festivals and tailgating events.
How to Implement: As your park might already cater to RV guests, consider expanding your offerings to meet evolving needs. Provide specialized amenities, such as upgraded hookups, enhanced waste disposal, and designated spaces for larger RVs. For those new to RV travel, offering RV rentals or partnering with a trusted rental platform like RVshare can make RV vacations more accessible. RVshare connects travelers with local RV owners, offering a wide selection of rental options, from luxury motorhomes to compact travel trailers, with convenient delivery services directly to your park. These services cater to first-time users and those who prefer not to bring their own vehicle allowing a wider range of guests to experience the RV lifestyle.
4. We’re Camping for the Holidays
Camping isn’t just for vacations anymore, more couples and groups are choosing to celebrate holidays, birthdays, and weddings outdoors. Spending special occasions in nature, (think family reunions or rustic weddings), is becoming even more popular than you thought. (Matador Network, 2025).
How to Implement: If you have a beautiful setting and the infrastructure and staff to pull it off, offer customizable event packages for weddings, birthdays, and other special gatherings. You can provide elevated stays, catering, and event planning services to make the experience as seamless and memorable as possible for guests.
5. Mind Meets Nature
In 2025, outdoor wellness and adventure will blend to meet the growing demand for experiences that restore mental and physical health. Whether it’s a yoga retreat, meditation on a peaceful lake, or after-dark activities like stargazing, guests are seeking ways to go zennnn. (Mindbody Wellness Index, 2025).
How to Implement: Consider incorporating wellness offerings like yoga classes or guided meditation classes. Hosting after-dark experiences like moonlit paddleboarding or nocturnal wildlife watching can provide a unique twist to guests’ outdoor adventures. Just reading these suggestions will lower your blood pressure.
6. Eco-Friendly Accommodation Preference is Only Growing
Eco-conscious guests are increasingly choosing destinations with a focus on sustainability. With Millennials and Gen Z leading the charge, year over year more campers are looking for eco-friendly practices, such as waste reduction, solar-powered facilities, and carbon offset programs (Mindbody Wellness Index, 2025).
How to Implement: Invest in sustainable infrastructure, such as solar lighting, composting toilets, and recycling stations. Advertise your eco-friendly practices and offer guests the opportunity to participate in green initiatives during their stay, such as eco-friendly tours or volunteering opportunities. And if you haven’t already, apply for your park to participate in OHI’s Plan It Green Program to communicate your commitment to green.
7. Embracing the Chill
Cold camping is a trend set to grow in popularity as adventurers look to cool down, even during summer months. This doesn’t mean camping in sub-zero conditions, but rather seeking out parks with cold plunges or cooler climates where temperatures drop at night. (Matador Network, 2025).
How to Implement: Consider adding a spa element to your campground with cold plunge pools, hot tubs, or even outdoor saunas for guests to unwind after a day of hiking or exploring. Highlight these amenities, especially if you’re a cooler, high-altitude location, as part of your promotional efforts to appeal to guests seeking a refreshing (ly freezing) retreat.
8. The Emergence of New Gen Z and Millennial Shifts
The rise of Gen Z and Millennials as primary travel demographics is reshaping the travel industry. These generations value technology-driven experiences whether it’s using app convenience, seeking out virtual tours, or staying in properties with smart amenities, tech is seamlessly integrated into their travel experiences. Beyond technology, Gen Z and Millennials are drawn to authentic, off-the-beaten-path adventures, preferring unique and personal travel experiences that offer deeper connections with nature and local culture. They even love to solo travel. (Iges, 2025).
How to Implement: To cater to this evolving demographic, flexibility is key. Offer easy-to-use booking platforms and promote flexible cancellation policies that align with the often-changing travel plans of younger adventurers. Consider creating personalized packages that speak to specific interests and group activities that cater to solo travelers or small groups, like guided events or outdoor workshops. Tap into their desire for both connection and independence. This gen wants it all and they may just want it last minute.
9. Comfortable Naturist Camping
Naturist camping, or “nude camping,” has seen a dramatic increase, with a 742% surge (wow!) in searches for naturist campgrounds in 2024. This trend is driven by a growing desire to connect with nature in a more primal, body-positive way (Matador Network, 2025). Naturism is about embracing body confidence and the simplicity of being in nature.
How to Implement: If your campground is in a secluded area, consider offering a naturist-friendly space. Ensure that the atmosphere remains comfortable and welcoming by clearly marking areas and providing privacy. This could become a unique selling point for guests looking for a more liberated camping experience.
By tapping into these trends, you can anticipate the needs of today’s guests for the benefit of your park’s bottom line. With so many evolving trends and demographics, play to your strengths but don’t get left behind. RV Parks and Campground will continue to create spaces where guests can connect with the outdoors in new and meaningful ways.
Cited Sources:
Matador Network, 2025. Camping Trends for 2025
RVshare, 2025. RV Travel Trends 2025
Mindbody Wellness Index, 2025. The Wellness-Outdoor Adventure Blend: One of 2025’s Growing Travel Trends
Iges, 2025. U.S. Tourism and Travel Trends 2025
