The caravanning and camping world may have been absolutely booming over the last few years but, according to a new report, ‘we ain’t seen nothin’ yet!’
A new study indicates that the global value of the camping and caravanning market – which grew from $US 67.86 billion in 2023 to $US 73.78 billion in 2024 – is expected to see a compound annual growth rate CAGR of 9.17%, reaching $US 125.43 billion by 2030.
The ‘Camping & Caravanning Market by Camping Type – Global Forecast 2025-2030’ report from ResearchAndMarkets.com showed the only way was up.
“The market’s growth is notably influenced by increasing disposable incomes, blended with a burgeoning trend for nature-based experiences post-COVID-19,” the company said.
“Technological advancements in camping gear, such as lightweight and durable equipment, coupled with innovations in caravan designs for enhanced comfort and connectivity, act as significant growth catalysts.”
The report – which looked at the trends in multiple countries, including Australia – said further opportunities existed by tapping into sustainable tourism practices, such as integrating renewable energy solutions in caravans and promoting eco-friendly camping sites.
“Additionally, there is scope in launching apps that offer comprehensive camping site information, safety updates, and connectivity features,” it said. “Businesses can benefit from partnerships with local tourism boards to create unique travel packages that combine both leisure and conservation efforts.”
However, it also saw challenges ahead.
“Market growth faces limitations from factors such as stringent regulations on campground operations, environmental concerns, and seasonality in camping and caravanning activities,” it said. “Challenges also persist due to fluctuating fuel prices impacting caravan travel expenses, and the potential environmental impact concerns from increasing footfall in natural habitats.”
The report identified that future innovation could be directed towards developing smart camping gear with high-tech functionalities, sustainable caravan designs using recycled materials, and digital platforms for community building among campers.
It also suggested that further research could explore consumer behavioural trends to personalise offerings and enhance customer engagement.
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With no doubt camping and caravanning will continue to grow in Australia the popularity since covid-19 is proof of that. The time is now that all state governments start to look at releasing more land for camping in their national park and state parks planning is required before the event happens. But as usual the Australian State governments will leave it till the last moment.
The primary reason National Parks are created is to protect wildlife, not as camping areas for humans.
Research has been done & these areas have high conservation values.
Many NP’s don’t even have a campground.
It’s about time shire councils started looking at low cost stop overs more than ever now as the article states there are more state of the art caravan/ motorhomes that are environmentally not a threat to the areas that they park up on BUT the big problem is educating the owners how to use their environmentally designed vans properly and leave no trace of being there at all Not the shit paper trail or rubbish which can also left by day trippers that dong give a sh.t about the environment
Plenty of campers don’t give a sh*t about the environment, its not just day trippers.
To those that are just coming to caravanning and camping, being crowded everywhere they go, will seem the norm, and probably won’t bother them….but to those that have been doing this for years, the crowding is ruining their travelling experience, and I reckon a lot of them will give it a miss. Spend their money elsewhere…..
Many people that have been travelling for years will be too old to travel some time in the future.
We’ve had 14 years, another 5 or 6 will see us out.
I don’t plan on towing a caravan past the age of 80 for the safety of myself & others.
Yes totally agree. Many caravan parks are now holiday parks with many children’s amenities and charge exorbitant rates for a bit of grass/concrete and a bit of power. Over time we have seen sites go from $8 a night in the 80s to over $75 a night today.
The size of the sites has also halved and we often get saddled with tents and canvass campers with babies and very young children amongst the vans. On sites that mean they are only 10ft away from your door! This means having to be very quiet after 7pm as to not wake them sleeping, and crying babies to listen to during the day. Pleasure gone then. That’s why we have just sold our caravan after 45 years of caravan holidays.
We enjoyed the early years as there were numerous free places to camp. Eighty Mile Beach, Cheynes Beach and loads more that now have caravan parks that are often very crowded and not very tidy.
Free camping sites have become health hazards due to toilet dumping in the bushes and paper all over. Often disposable nappies too.
I certainly can’t blame shires for closing down areas as many don’t hold any regard for the next to come along.
There just seem to be too many travelling around for the number of caravan parks/sites to be able to cater these days. Many places have lost caravan parks to developers and no new parks are opening to replace them! This leads to more people camping “illegally” and that is, to a great extent the fault of local governments not planning well.
So we have given it away.