The 2026 Camping Report Presented by Toyota Trucks has revealed some fascinating insights into the world of retirement camping. According to the report, four out of five campers aged 65 and over either camp more or plan to camp more when they retire. This trend is not limited to just one demographic group, as 16.4% of all campers are now aged 55 and over, with 6.2% being at least 65. With an estimated 82.4 million Americans going camping in 2025, this translates to a significant number of older campers taking to the roads in their RVs or trailers.
The report found that these retirees are not just casual campers, but are actively seeking out new experiences and adventures. The majority of them plan to enjoy their camping trips by staying in RVs and trailers, which is significantly more popular among older campers than glamping. In fact, only 21% of campers aged 34 and under took an adventure in an RV or trailer in 2025, but once they reach the age group of 55-64, that number increases to 55%. This suggests that as people get older, their priorities shift towards more traditional camping experiences.
One of the most interesting findings from the report is that at least 4 million campers increase their camping frequency in retirement. This is a significant trend that highlights the importance of outdoor recreation for older adults. As one camper noted,
As the demographics of campers continue to shift, it's clear that retirement is becoming a catalyst for increased camping frequency.
