For years, the camping industry was characterized by extreme seasonal swings: bustling, overcrowded summers followed by empty, dormant winters. Yet, modern campers are no longer hibernating. They are seeking solitude, physical challenge, and a reprieve from the digital grind – all of which are found in abundance during the winter season.
As the holiday season approaches, many people are becoming more mindful of where their money goes – not only in terms of what they purchase, but also in terms of the businesses and individuals with whom they choose to engage.
Mild winters in South Georgia and Florida don’t usually make the national news. But while the Southeast enjoys a reputation for mild winters, the months of December, January, and February bring a unique set of challenges. Temperatures in South Georgia and Florida can swing wildly, with “cold snaps” dropping overnight lows into the 30s.
Air travel smashed records last Thanksgiving – and 2025 is on track to be even bigger. Cirium, an aviation analytics company, reports that bookings made June 20 to October 8 are up compared to 2024 – about 2% for Thanksgiving travel and roughly 1% for Christmas (Cirium, 2025). AAA’s holiday forecast counted almost 80 million travelers over the 2024 Thanksgiving window, and early airline booking data shows this year’s Thanksgiving trips already trending higher than last year, with Christmas week ticking up too (CBS News, 2025). Travelers aren’t just moving – they’re spending. A holiday spending report shows roughly $311 billion flowing into flights and hotels this season, averaging about $2,586 per traveler – nearly $260 more than last year (NerdWallet, 2025).
Solo camping has grown steadily over the past five years, driven by flexibility, personal development, and the freedom to travel without waiting on others (Global Rescue, 2024). The solo camper isn’t just a backpacker. It’s a massive, growing demographic with specific needs and significant spending power. This travel trend in general has gained immense popularity over the last five years, and outdoor space is its new frontier.
From empty sites to year-round revenue, here’s how to capture the new wave of all-weather campers and why smart capital expenditure on facilities is the key to profitability.
Camping is widely perceived as a wallet-friendly way to travel – 72% of campers say it’s the most cost-effective option, and that affordability narrative is a big reason outdoor stays continue to grow in popularity (KOA, 2025). Yet cost isn’t the whole story: participation still reflects socio-economic gaps, with income strongly shaping who gets outside.
Stargazing is having a moment – and your campground can own the night. Clear, crisp evenings in autumn often deliver some of the best sky-watching of the year in many parts of North America thanks to drier air and reduced haze, making fall a prime window to promote after-dark programming and overnight stays built around the night sky (BBC Sky at Night Magazine, 2025).
Camping has never been more inclusive. Across North America, campgrounds, RV parks, and outdoor resorts are expanding offerings to meet real, diverse needs – physical, sensory, and neurodivergent. Some parks are going even further by pursuing autism-certified design and staff training so that guests who benefit from predictable routines, quieter spaces, and clearer wayfinding can relax and belong.
RV resorts are the upscale edge of outdoor hospitality. In 2025, RV resorts are counted within the estimated 16,419 U.S. commercial campgrounds and RV parks, up from 16,058 the previous year (IBISWorld, 2025). Major operators alone account for hundreds of resort-grade destinations. This market expansion is driven by a new wave of travelers who are seeking high-end, hotel-level amenities, making strategic upgrades an essential move to capture this premium demand.
