KOA report highlights camping for mental wellbeing

KOA’s 2026 Camping & Outdoor Hospitality Report, released April 14, highlights wellbeing as a reason people camp. Its findings cover the US and Canadian market, rather than campers worldwide. KOA’s report announcement and methodology.

In the report, 77% of campers said nature alone was enough without structured programs or extra amenities. 49% intentionally booked trips to improve mental wellbeing, while 50% prioritized experiences that helped them recharge.

Walking near water, wildlife watching and viewing the night sky were prominent activities. KOA describes the preference for simple, unstructured outdoor experiences as part of an analog approach to camping.

Family travel also featured: 35% of adults called camping the easiest way to travel with children, and the same share called it the most affordable option.

Together, the responses point to an appetite for simple trips built around time outdoors. Read KOA’s findings.