RVers are chomping at the bit to go camping, but they also believe camping as they know it might not be the same, according to a recent survey by RVillage, an online social network for RV owners and campers with nearly 220,000 members.
As soon as restrictions are lifted, 77% of the survey’s respondents said they will head out with “informed caution,” and 63% said they expect to find some restrictions within the campground such as fewer services and more imitations. Only 6% said they plan to stay home and almost no one said their RV is up for sale.
“We asked our members the question that was on everyone’s mind: What’s Next?” said Curtis Coleman, RVillage founder. “The response was strong and immediate, and the answer was loud and clear. When given the green light, RVers will camp again. Perhaps a little differently, and with expectations of less services and amenities, but the majority of respondents predict RVing will be even more popular than before.”
Coleman pointed out that RVillage members are highly representative of the overall RVing population including a diverse mix of people both retired and still working, as well as a broad array of RV types, from motorhomes to towables to smaller self-contained vehicles. While many are full-timers, the majority of members are part-time or seasonal RVers.
Other notable survey results included 94% of respondents confidently declaring they feel safe in and around their RV in a campground setting, and 54% say they don’t plan to make any modifications, such as staying closer to home or choosing campgrounds closer to medical facilities.
Some said they will avoid popular destinations and consider boondocking/remote camping, but overwhelmingly the answer to how they intend to RV was “no change.”
Also, an encouraging number of members even said they are likely to go camping more often (36%) with 52% saying it was just too soon to know. Some were even thinking this was a great time to explore the purchase of a new RV because there might be good deals.
Often referred to as the “Facebook for RVers,” RVillage is a “location-aware” platform that allows members to connect with other RVers of similar interests while traveling. Since stay-at-home limitations have kept RVers stationary for the time being, RVillage expanded its popular Get-Together program to feature Virtual Get-Togethers, using the Zoom video conferencing platform, to bring members from all across North America together to discuss common interests.
