March 12, 2026
With major events like America’s 250th anniversary, the World Cup, and Route 66’s Centennial on the calendar, RVing continues to capture the imagination of travelers this spring. A 23% increase from last spring, more than 34 million Americans plan to take an RV trip according to the newly released Spring Travel Intention Survey from the RV Industry Association. For travelers seeking affordability, flexibility, and unforgettable experiences, RVing offers the perfect way to explore on their own terms.
“Spring is an ideal time to go RVing and over 34 million Americans know that,” said Monika Geraci, RV Industry Association spokesperson. “Whether it’s discovering national parks, hitting the coastline, or taking a nostalgic road trip along Route 66, RV travel gives people the freedom to create their own schedule and within their budget, choose their destinations, and enjoy the journey with family, friends, and even pets.”
Key Takeaways for Travel Media:
- National Parks and Coastal Destinations Are Top Choices: More than half of spring RV travelers plan to visit national parks, followed closely by beaches and coastal destinations. Private campgrounds and RV resorts remain popular accommodation options.
- Pets on the Road: Over half of leisure travelers plan to travel with pets this spring, and pet-friendly options are a major driver for those joining the RV lifestyle.
- Outdoor Adventure Awaits: Hiking, backpacking, and biking top the list of activities, with many travelers using their RVs as a basecamp for outdoor recreation.
- Flexibility and Timing Matter: Travelers are drawn to spring RV trips for better weather, fewer crowds, and the freedom to travel outside peak Spring Break periods.
- Affordable Nostalgia: Road trips remain a favorite way to explore affordably while enjoying comfort, adventure, and quality time with loved ones.
- Longer Drives Are Back: More travelers plan drives of 4–7 hours and 8–15 hours, signaling growing interest in regional and multi-destination RV trips.
- Year-Round Travel Intention Is Strong – 74 million Americans are planning to go RVing in the next year.
*Commissioned by the RV Industry Association and conducted by Cairn Consulting, 1,626 surveys were completed in February targeting anticipated travel plans this spring 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.
