I recently got into a conversation with a great friend in the industry, and sort of painted a not so colorful picture of the future of camping. What I meant to do was to say that the way we offer our camping experiences may change as the baby boomer’s exit our market. We not only have to fill our vacancies, but they likely need to be filled DIFFERENTLY!
Here is what I meant to paint!
The Baby Boomer generation is defined as those born between 1946 and 1964. With nearly 50% of them being born between the years 1960 and 1964! Let’s compare their size to the generations that came after them, based on U.S. Census Bureau data and demographic research.
Estimated U.S. Population by Generation
Generation | Birth Years | Peak U.S. Population |
|---|---|---|
Baby Boomers | 1946–1964 | ~76 million |
Generation X | 1965–1980 | ~65 million |
Millennials | 1981–1996 | ~72 million |
Gen Z | 1997–2012 | ~68 million |
Gen Alpha | 2013–~2025 | ~50+ million (ongoing) |
So while the Baby boomers were by far the largest sector of our population and let’s face it they are aging out of the camping space – we need to attract a few more from each of the generations after to fill those spaces left by Baby Boomers who no longer participate in camping. The question is not can we fill them, but HOW will the younger generations be drawn to the spaces we have being vacated.
The generations after the Baby Boomers—Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z—are looking for camping experiences that differ significantly from traditional roughing-it-style camping. Here’s a breakdown of what each generation generally seeks, with trends that have emerged over the last decade:
1. Generation X (born ~1965–1980)
Camping Style: Balanced comfort and adventure
Preferences:
- Enjoy both traditional tent camping and RVs
- Value quality family time and unplugging from work
- Appreciate access to basic amenities (flush toilets, showers, electric hookups)
- Often look for quiet, low-key campsites with scenic beauty
Experience Sought:
- Escaping daily stress
- Creating memories with children
- Less about tech, more about relaxation and outdoor recreation
2. Millennials (born ~1981–1996)
Camping Style: Experience-driven, tech-enhanced, and comfort-focused
Preferences:
- Popularized glamping (luxury camping with beds, yurts, tiny homes, etc.)
- Strong emphasis on Instagrammable nature spots and aesthetics
- Prefer unique, off-the-beaten-path destinations (national parks, remote cabins)
- Appreciate eco-friendly options, solar-powered gear, and sustainability
Experience Sought:
- A mix of nature and comfort (e.g., Wi-Fi, food delivery, cozy bedding)
- Adventures with social sharing in mind
- Wellness-focused (yoga in nature, meditation, digital detox)
- Often travel with pets and want pet-friendly options
3. Gen Z (born ~1997–2012)
Camping Style: Digitally native, adventurous, value-oriented
Preferences:
- Interested in minimalist and budget-friendly camping
- Gravitate toward van life, car camping, backpacking
- Use apps and social media to find and review campgrounds
- Like spontaneous, short trips with peers
Experience Sought:
- Authentic and immersive experiences
- High value on sustainability and ethical travel
- A strong community vibe (group camping, events, festivals)
- Might combine camping with events like concerts or content creation
Key Trends Across All Post-Boomer Generations:
- Hybrid camping: Combining tech and nature (solar-powered lights, portable espresso machines, Bluetooth speakers)
- Customizable experiences: Campgrounds offering multiple tiers (tent, RV, cabin, glamp)
- Eco-consciousness: Interest in Leave No Trace principles, composting toilets, and green building materials
- Digital tools: Booking through apps, using GPS maps, reading online reviews, sharing on social platforms
Here’s a comparison chart showing the camping preferences of Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z, followed by a strategy guide for targeting each generation – useful to all campgrounds.
Camping Preferences by Generation
Feature / Value | Gen X (1965–1980) | Millennials (1981–1996) | Gen Z (1997–2012) |
|---|---|---|---|
Style of Camping | Tent, RV, cabin | Glamping, cabins, unique stays | Van life, car camping, tents |
Comfort Level | Moderate | High | Flexible |
Tech Use | Light | Moderate to high | High (booking, navigation, socials) |
Motivation | Family time, relaxation | Adventure, social sharing | Discovery, authenticity |
Trip Duration | Weekend or longer trips | Short escapes, weekenders | Short, spontaneous trips |
Sustainability Focus | Low to medium | High | Very high |
Social Media Sharing | Rare | Frequent | Constant |
Amenities Desired | Bathrooms, water, hookups | Wi-Fi, showers, hot meals | Power banks, minimalist gear |
Group Type | Families | Couples, friends, pets | Friends, solo, community vibe |
Booking Behavior | Call or website | Website, apps | Apps, social media links |
Targeting Strategy by Generation
Gen X
- Ideal Offerings: Family-friendly RV sites, cabins, hiking trails, fire pits
- Messaging: “Reconnect with family. Relax in nature.”
- Channels: Email newsletters, Facebook, word of mouth
- Bonus: Highlight quiet zones, scenic views, and kid-friendly activities
Millennials
- Ideal Offerings: Instagrammable glamping tents, yurts, treehouses, hot tubs
- Messaging: “Unplug, unwind, and still stay cozy.” / “Adventure meets comfort.”
- Channels: Instagram, Pinterest, blogs, influencer marketing
- Bonus: Offer photo spots, Wi-Fi, yoga decks, and eco-friendly perks
Gen Z
- Ideal Offerings: Affordable tent sites, communal van camping areas, basic services
- Messaging: “Sleep under the stars. Share your story.” / “Real adventure, zero filter.”
- Channels: TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, booking apps
- Bonus: Enable contactless booking, gamify experiences (e.g., badges, trails), host community events or pop-ups
