US: Luxury outdoor stays have reached a milestone, with glamping options such as yurts, domes, and treehouses now matching tents as campers’ top accommodation choice in the US, according to the 2025 State of Outdoor Hospitality Report from RMS.
Based on insights from more than 550 campers nationwide, the study shows that 29 per cent of respondents now select glamping as their first-choice stay, a five-point increase over 2024 and the first time the category has equaled tents.
The report also highlights changing demographics and booking behaviour. Nearly one-third of Gen Z campers prefer glamping, Millennials continue to favour tents, and Gen X and Baby Boomers lean toward RVs.
Across all groups, 64 per cent of campers book directly via campground websites, with the majority doing so on mobile. Quick confirmations also matter, with 61 per cent rating timely emails or texts as “extremely important.”
Financial pressures and concerns about reduced government staffing in national parks are influencing camping plans. Forty-five percent of respondents say economic uncertainty may limit trips in the coming year, while 43 per cent worry about how staffing cuts will affect the national park experience.
Adam Seskis, CEO of RMS, said the findings show that expectations have shifted permanently: “The fact that glamping has now matched traditional camping as a top accommodation choice is a clear sign that comfort and convenience are no longer just nice-to-haves, they’re now expected.”
The report also offers operators strategies for growth, from simplifying mobile booking and adding thoughtful extras to keeping pricing transparent and flexible.
The full 2025 State of Outdoor Hospitality Report can be downloaded at rmscloud.com.
Highlights:
- RMS has released its 2025 State of Outdoor Hospitality Report, revealing that glamping has equaled tents as the top accommodation choice for US campers.
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Glamping has attracted 29 per cent of first-choice bookings, rising five points over 2024 and driven largely by Gen Z travellers.
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The report has shown that 64 per cent of campers now book directly via campground websites, with most using mobile devices.
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Financial pressures and concerns about national park staffing have influenced travel plans, with nearly half of respondents reconsidering future trips.
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RMS has advised operators to prioritise mobile booking, transparent pricing, and thoughtful extras to meet evolving guest expectations.
Author: shorttermrentalz.com
published 2025-09-04 11:33:42
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