KOA: More Than 8 Million Black Households Camped In 2021

Kampgrounds of America, Inc. (KOA) is celebrating Black History Month with the release of the 2022 Black Community Camping Snapshot, which highlights the continued growth of camping popularity among Black U.S. audiences. 

Black campers represent 8 million camping households in the U.S., with 27% who were new to camping in 2021, based on data collected by KOA as part of its monthly research reports. This increase is a stark contrast to the 3.1 million Black camping households in 2017. Increasing 158% over the last five years, demand for camping among the Black community shows impressive growth.

The Black Community Camping Snapshot reveals other data points that speak directly to the interests and behaviors of this group, including:

• 61% of Black campers prefer tent camping over other lodging options
• 46% take more than three camping trips a year
• One-third of Black campers plan to purchase an RV in 2022
• 60% camp with multi-generational groups
• 72% of Black campers are either Millennial or GenZ
• Biking (43%), fishing (31%) and canoeing/kayaking (31%) are among the top camping recreation activities

KOA celebrates and encourages Black camping through efforts that go beyond Black History Month. Recent efforts include, highlighting two KOA Get Out There Grant recipients who shared their unique outdoor experiences. Robin & Miko Wagstaff ventured out on a lighthouse tour and reflected on the challenges of COVID-19. Connecting to her family’s history of travel, Carla Joelle Brown followed her grandparents’ footsteps in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. These stories and more are available to watch on KOA’s YouTube channel.

Additionally, KOA has created ongoing partnerships with Black influencers and content producers. These activations help share the Black camping experience through authentic storytelling.

To view full report, as well as past editions of the annual North American Camping Report, visit the KOA Press Room.