2026 Travel Trend
In 2026, travel isn’t about retreat:
It’s About Reconnection
Born from a cultural craving for community, the Together‑Trip is the defining travel trend of the year, with campgrounds emerging as modern gathering grounds—spaces where strangers become neighbors, kindness flows freely, and real connection feels possible again.
These stats, based on Campspot survey* data, reveal what’s behind the shift and why more people are heading into nature not just to unplug, but to belong.
The (Dis)
Connection Crisis
of travelers agree that a desire for connection will significantly impact their 2026 travel plans.
More than half (52%)
of respondents say they feel regularly stressed Out in 2025.
The top reported reasons for lack of community:
Work/life imbalance
Lack of shared experiences with others
Too much screen time or digital distraction
Field notes
Loneliness is shaping how Americans plan to travel in 2026. Across generations, the need for connection is no longer a side benefit, it’s a deciding factor.
ISO (In Search Of) Real Bonds in the Great Outdoors
64% of travelers’ primary goal for 2026 is to create new memories with loved ones, followed by
Spending quality time with family
Resting and recovering
1 in 3 campers
(40%) also value spontaneous interactions with strangers while camping
of travelers say they plan to spend the same or more on camping in 2026 than they did in 2025
Field notes
Trips must meet emotional needs, not just logistical ones. More travelers are planning around people, not places, prioritizing memory-making, quality time, and spontaneous social moments over bucket lists.
Friendships Bloom In Nature
(83%) respondents say they feel like a better version of themselves while camping
report regularly meeting new people while camping
More than half (56%) say it’s easier to talk to new people while camping
Campers have made an average of 4 friends during their camping trips
Field notes
Campgrounds make connection easy. Whether it’s meeting strangers or reconnecting with loved ones, camping creates unique spaces for unfiltered, real-time interactions without the distractions and pressures of daily life.
Tell Stress To Take A Hike
(75%) of travelers feel calmer and more grounded while camping
feel less stress and pressure while camping than at home
of travelers feel more connected to their loved ones while camping than in their day-to-day life
Field notes
Camping provides more than a change of scenery. People feel calmer, less stressed, and more present with loved ones in nature, allowing for a much-needed mental reset.
Campgrounds As The New Connection Hubs
find fellow campers to be more polite and friendly compared to everyday interactions
RVers & Pet owners are considered the easiest to connect with
(73%) of respondents have received an act of kindness or aid while camping
(92%) have proactively offered aid to someone while camping
Field notes
America’s last great gathering places. In a world that often feels divided, spontaneous generosity and shared purpose make campgrounds one of the few places where community still comes naturally.
The Connection Sweet‑Spot
Campers look for locations that are:
- Central and easy for everyone to drive to
- Have lots of opportunities for adventure
- Have beautiful, scenic surroundings
Aside from basic sanitation, the most popular campground amenity categories in 2026 will be:
Water Recreation: beach, boat rentals/launch, kayaking, fishing
Pets: dog parks, pet-friendly lodging
Technology: wifi, cable TV
Swimming: hot tub/sauna, pool, waterpark
Campers look for campgrounds that offer:
- Plenty of space with accessible trails or bathrooms
- Affordable rates
- Lodging variety & activities for multiple ages
Field notes
Togetherness thrives in the right surroundings. The best Together-Trip settings offer physical and social accessibility via central locations, flexible lodging, and shared amenities that bring all ages together.
3 Types of Together‑Trips
1
The Family Fusion Trip: Multi-Generational Travel
of families are likely to plan a multi-generational trip in 2026.
Millennials are the generation most likely to plan this type of trip (73%).
Field notes
Cross-generational connection, made easy. Young families are driving demand for multigenerational trips that are affordable, flexible, and rich in shared experiences.
2
The Campfire Reunion: Rekindling Relationships
40% of Gen X and 41% of Millennial travelers are likely to plan a reunion-style trip in 2026.
Field notes
Reunions get more real. Smaller, more intentional gatherings are replacing big events, and campgrounds offer the perfect setting for reconnection without pressure.
3
The Social Solo Escape: Traveling Alone, But Never Lonely
of Gen Z travelers are likely to take a solo camping trip in 2026 where they plan to meet new people (compared to 24% of all travelers).
Field notes
Solo travel gets social. A growing number of Gen Z and Millennial campers are heading out alone with the goal of meeting new people and finding real community in nature.
*Methodology:
A survey was distributed by Campspot to its users in June 2025, targeting Campspot customers across North America. A total of 1,633 respondents participated in the survey.
Where Connection Is Already Happening: The 2026 Top Together-Trip Index
To identify the top destinations for Together-Trips in 2026, Campspot used a two-part approach combining real-time search trends with past booking behaviors.
We started by identifying the most-searched destinations for 2026 travel across the Campspot platform—places already capturing traveler interest for the year ahead.
From there, we evaluated those destinations using three key behavioral filters based on 2025 bookings:
Group Travel Volume
Cities with a high percentage of bookings that included multiple campsites or 3+ campers, signaling trips designed around togetherness.
Length Of Stay
Destinations with the most bookings of 3 or more nights, offering campers the time and space to form deeper bonds and spontaneous connections.
Year-Over-Year Growth
Locations showing the largest increases in either booking volume or average group size, reflecting growing cultural momentum.
The result? A data-driven list of the top three standout destinations per U.S. region—places where connection isn't just possible, it's already happening.
West
#1 Yuma, AZ
Topping the western rankings, Yuma combines stellar demand metrics with a uniquely sunny desert setting. Campers flock here for warm winters on the Colorado River, off‑roading on miles of trails and group campfires under the stars.
See nearby campgrounds#2 Bend, OR
Consistently high in data for bookings and stay length, Bend is an outdoor lover’s paradise tucked between the Deschutes and Willamette National Forests. Visitors can hike, mountain‑bike, paddle the Deschutes River and sample the town’s vibrant craft‑beer scene together.
See nearby campgrounds#3 Lake Elsinore, CA
Ranking third in the West, Lake Elsinore brings Southern California sunshine without the crowds. This natural freshwater lake offers boating, fishing, hiking in the Ortega Mountains and even glider rides for an easy group escape just beyond the L.A. basin.
See nearby campgroundsMidwest
#1 Waterville, MN
This Cannon River town scored well thanks to its steady bookings and appeal to campers seeking water‑based fun. Sakatah Lake State Park provides paddling, fishing and bike trails along the Sakatah Singing Hills State Trail.
See nearby campgrounds#2 Eagle River, WI
A perennial favorite based on regional data, Eagle River sits on the famous Chain of Lakes and near multiple state parks, offering boating, fishing and classic Northwoods camping experiences.
See nearby campgrounds#3 Ludington, MI
High occupancy and long‑stay stats propelled Ludington into the rankings. Its expansive Lake Michigan beaches, iconic lighthouse and dune‑lined Ludington State Park make it perfect for multi‑family camping trips.
See nearby campgroundsSouth
#1 Jekyll Island, GA
Strong demand pushed this barrier‑island state park into the top regional spot. Visitors love its wide beaches, historic district and miles of bike paths that invite groups to slow down and reconnect.
See nearby campgrounds#2 Key West, FL
The data showed high interest for this iconic island year-round. Key West offers consistent warmth, quirky Conch Republic culture, snorkeling and sunset celebrations that make camping here unforgettable.
See nearby campgrounds#3 Port Aransas, TX
Ranking just behind other southern favorites, Port Aransas pairs laid‑back Gulf‑Coast beaches with renowned fishing, dolphin tours and birdwatching. Its RV parks and campgrounds cater well to groups.
See nearby campgroundsNortheast
#1 Lake George, NY
The top Northeast destination, Lake George blends Adirondack scenery with boating, hiking and family attractions. Campers book multi‑night stays to swim, paddle and explore charming village shops together.
See nearby campgrounds#2 Cape May, NJ
High booking‑rates and Victorian charm put Cape May on the list. Visitors enjoy whale‑watching cruises, historic inns, nearby Wildwood boardwalk fun and pristine beaches perfect for a seaside reunion.
See nearby campgrounds#3 Old Orchard Beach, ME
Ranking well in both demand and stay length, Old Orchard Beach offers a classic seven‑mile sandy strand, a nostalgic pier and an amusement park that make group camping trips feel like summer camp revisited.
See nearby campgrounds
