RVing Continues To Offer Travelers Flexibility and Value This Summer

As Americans plan their summer vacations amid ongoing economic pressures, crowded airports, rising travel costs, and broader travel unpredictability, new research from the RV Industry Association’s Summer Travel Survey shows RV travel is resonating with travelers seeking flexibility, affordability, and outdoor experiences. 

The survey found that 37 million Americans plan to go RVing this summer, with travelers increasingly prioritizing road trips, closer-to-home destinations, and vacations that provide greater control over spending and schedules. National parks, scenic routes, beaches, and outdoor destinations rank among the most popular RV trip choices this summer. The data also reflects increased participation around both Memorial Day and Fourth of July travel periods compared to last summer. Affordability also remains a key driver for RV interest, with 58% of leisure travelers saying they want to take an RV trip because it is a more affordable way to travel. 

The findings also point to momentum for RV travel among younger travelers and pet owners. More than 55% of travelers plan to bring pets on vacation this summer, reinforcing RVing as one of the most convenient and cost-effective ways to travel with animals. Meanwhile, approximately 3 million Americans are expected to rent an RV this summer, while Millennials and Gen Z continue leading RV engagement through trip planning, online RV research activity, and future ownership consideration. Millennials (82%) and Gen Z (81%) also reported the highest intent to travel by RV this summer. 

“Travelers are looking for vs Americans plan their summer vacations amid sustained economic pressures and evolving travel preferences, new data from the RV Industry Association’s latest Summer Travel Intentions Survey shows travelers are prioritizing affordability, flexibility, and outdoor experiences — trends that continue to align closely with RV travel.

With major milestone travel moments approaching, including the Route 66 Centennial, the America250 celebration, and increased domestic travel surrounding the FIFA World Cup, RV travel is uniquely positioned to support travelers seeking flexible, road-based ways to explore the country while avoiding many of the costs and constraints associated with traditional travel. 

The survey aims to provide an understanding of how leisure travelers (those defined as U.S. residents having taken a leisure trip in the past 12 months) will travel this summer and if they intend to use an RV. 

Who is traveling this summer?
According to the survey, approximately 37 million Americans and 92% of current RV owners plan to take at least one RV trip this summer. While many travelers are adjusting plans to better manage costs, they are still making vacations a priority by taking road trips, traveling closer to home, and seeking travel options that provide greater control over spending and scheduling. 

When are they traveling?
Summer anchor holidays Memorial Day and Fourth of July will see increased travel from last year (73.6 million and 82 million, respectively). 

Who’s traveling?
Younger generations are driving RV interest, with Gen Z leading RV purchase intent and Millennials and Gen Z ranking highest in RV trip planning, online RV research, and engagement with the RV lifestyle. Millennials (82%) and Gen Z (81%) also reported the strongest intent to travel by RV this summer. 
Pets are also coming along this summer! Over 55% of all travelers plan to bring their pets with them on their travels this summer.

Where are they traveling?
Road trips remain one of the most popular travel styles this summer, with outdoor-focused destinations such as national parks, beaches, scenic routes, and campgrounds ranking among travelers’ top choices. Destinations within the 4-7-hour driving window ranked highest reinforcing RVing’s flexibility to go where and how you want, even if it’s closer to home. The findings showcase RVing’s appeal as travelers increasingly seek vacations that provide convenience, adaptability, and direct access to outdoor recreation and destinations across the country.

Other important highlights:

• Consumers recognize the vacation value RV ownership offers and plan to take more vacations. 69% of travelers surveyed who say they plan to purchase an RV by June indicate they also plan to take three or more RV trips this summer, indicating that they plan to get the most out of their purchase. 
• Road trips and comfort reign supreme in reasons to go RVing. 36% of all travelers said they want to go RVing because they enjoy road trips with prioritizing comfort coming in a close second.
• RV travel remains strong despite economic concerns. While cost pressures remain top-of-mind for travelers, many respondents said economic uncertainty actually makes them more likely to choose RV travel because it offers greater flexibility and control over vacation expenses.
• RV renters represent a major opportunity for the industry. Approximately 3 million households are expected to rent an RV this summer, reflecting significant interest from travelers exploring the RV lifestyle before ownership.
• Working remotely in an RV is still trending. 49% of travelers said they plan to work remotely by RV this summer, a slight growth from last summer (46%), and 41% said they are considering remote work this summer (growth from last summer’s 40% surveyed).

“Travelers are looking for vacations that give them greater control over both their budgets and experiences, and RVing delivers that flexibility,” said Monika Geraci, spokesperson for the RV Industry Association. “Whether families are exploring national parks, planning a Route 66 road trip ahead of the highway’s centennial, or looking ahead to major events like America’s 250th anniversary celebrations and the 2026 FIFA World Cup, RV travel gives people the freedom to travel comfortably, bring along pets and family members, and experience destinations on their own terms.”

*Commissioned by the RV Industry Association and conducted by Cairn Consulting, 1,602 surveys were completed in April targeting anticipated travel plans this summer by a statistically balanced cross section of U.S. leisure travelers. The survey results have an associated margin of error of +/- 2.74 percentage points. Leisure travelers are defined as any U.S. residents who have taken some type of leisure trip in the past 12 months.